Get Ready for Top-Tier Performance: Anker's TB5 Docking Station is a Game Changer, Geared for Professionals and Enthusiast Gamers
High-performance docking station catering to the needs of proficient workers and avid gamers
By Klaus Wedekind
Step up your game with the Anker Docking Station TB5 – it's built to deliver peak performance driven by Thunderbolt 5 and boasts a whopping 14 connection options, catering to the demands of power users and avid gamers. ntv.de put it to the test and found it not only up to the challenge but standing triumphantly unbeaten.
Pumped-Up Power Plant
Sitting neatly at 1.6 x 11.6 x 7.5 cm and weighing under 1.1 kg, the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station looks modest yet houses an integrated power supply capable of powering power-draining laptops with up to 140W. This means your charging bricks can remain tucked away in the drawer.
The high-quality build of the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station echoes numerous mini-PCs with aluminum-plastic casings, exuding an air of premium quality while securing itself on four rubber feet. Heat is expelled via large ventilation grilles at the back, and cool air is drawn in via finer ribs on the underside.
Illuminate Your Workspace
The top cover is encircled by an LED strip lighting up when the device is active. It adds a stylish touch but can be pesky. You can easily turn it off with a quick press of the power switch. A neat perk is that the LED strip glows twice when a compatible Thunderbolt 4 or 5 device hooks up.
On the front, you'll find the power switch, a headphone output, and weaker connections – two USB-C ports allowing data transfers of up to 10 Gbit/s and a USB-A input handling 10 Gbit/s but not providing any power.
Connectivity Galore
Things get intriguing on the left side, where there's a duo of SD and microSD card readers, delivering data transfers at up to 312 MB/s. You can gauge ideal conditions, like reading a 32GB memory card from a camera in roughly 2 minutes.
The backside truly shines, revealing two more USB-A ports handling up to 10 Gbit/s, the USB-C upstream connection with Thunderbolt 5, and a variety of connectivity solutions, including:
- Two Thunderbolt 5 ports
- Ethernet port with up to 2.5 Gbit/s
- HDMI 2.1 port
- DisplayPort connection
Unfortunately, the HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort connection can't be used together; only one can be chosen. Additionally, a monitor with a Thunderbolt output can be connected, offering additional display options.
Screen Quality Perfection
With the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station attached to a Thunderbolt 5 computer, professionals can leverage 8K monitors with 60Hz refresh rates or 4K displays with 240Hz refresh rates. Gamers stand to benefit the most, with identical combinations available for two connected screens. Mac users can link up to 6K/60Hz and 4K/240Hz with a single external display; for two screens, 6K/60Hz and 4K/144Hz can be achieved.
Please note that these specifications apply only when using the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station on a Thunderbolt 5 computer. In cases where a Thunderbolt 4 PC is utilized, data transfers are limited to a max of 40 Gbit/s, and no Bandwidth Boost is provided. Similarly, limitations occur when connecting monitors, such as reaching the maximum refresh rate on Macs only with 2K resolution.
The Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station is not compatible with Thunderbolt 3, rendering external displays black. The best performance is achieved only with compatible cables, one of which the manufacturer kindly includes. The cables should ideally bear their maximum speeds, like 80 Gbit/s and 240W, as advocated by the USB Implementor Forum (USB-IF).
Top Performance, Easy Breezy
During testing, the docking station effortlessly handled its tasks, with the fan barely audible or humming softly. Though many households lack Thunderbolt 5 ports, compatible notebooks will increasingly become available in the coming year.
In conclusion, the TB5 Anker Docking Station is an excellent addition, maximizing the capabilities of Thunderbolt 5 devices, particularly for professionals and enthusiast gamers. While its hefty price tag might be a deterrent for some, its future-proof design and impressive performance warrant it. If you're on the fence, it may be best to wait for price drops or consider purchasing it in anticipation of buying a new Thunderbolt 5-compatible laptop.
Source: ntv.de
More Details
Strengths:
- Versatile Connectivity: Includes a wide array of ports like Thunderbolt 5, USB-A, USB-C, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1, Ethernet, and memory card slots, catering to varying professional and gaming needs.
- Exceptional Power Delivery: Supports up to 140W power delivery to ensure fast charging for laptops, making it ideal for power-hungry devices.
- Future-Proof Technology: Utilizes Thunderbolt 5 for faster data transfer rates.
- Compact Design: Its compact build and sleek aluminum construction fit well into any workspace setup.
- Sturdy Cooling System: Incorporates cooling fans to prevent overheating and ensure continuous performance during extended periods of use.
Weaknesses:
- High Cost: The dock carries a hefty price tag of around $400, which might be too steep for some.
- Limited Number of Thunderbolt Ports: With only three Thunderbolt 5 ports available (one upstream and two downstream), some users might find it insufficient for advanced daisy-chain setups.
- Sparse Additional Features: Apart from its core functionalities, it lacks innovative features that could justify its premium price for some users.
- Weight and Size: Although compact, the dock boasts a substantial weight, which might be a concern for those who prioritize portability.
- To enhance productivity in a home office, consider pairing the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station with wearables, smartphones, and smart-home devices for seamless connectivity.
- For an immersive experience, connect your high-end gaming headset to the headphone output on the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station while playing demanding games on a 4K display.
- Unleash the potential of your smart home by integrating smart-home-devices with the dock's various connectivity options, such as the Ethernet port or the USB-C port, enabling automation and improved functionality.
