Hands-on with Thunderbolt 5: Is this bleeding-edge dock a sensible set of future-proof ports or just trivial tech?

As a tech-savvy individual who has been eagerly waiting for the next generation of Thunderbolt technology, I find myself intrigued by Kensington’s SD5000T5 docking station. With my multi-monitor setup and a penchant for keeping my workspace tidy, this dock seems like an ideal fit. However, as a budget-conscious consumer, I must admit that the price tag is a bit steep for someone who doesn’t regularly utilize all the ports.

Thunderbolt is a versatile tool for Intel notebooks, enabling users to link multiple devices using a single USB-C connector. For devices powered by AMD or Qualcomm, alternatives like USB 4 are available (it’s worth noting that some uncommon AMD laptops did utilize Thunderbolt technology in the past).

On the other hand, Thunderbolt 5 represents the cutting edge and top-tier standard, boasting the quickest data transfer rates and an extensive capability to connect multiple displays, external storage devices, and various accessories all via a solitary cable.

It’s a fantastic solution to some users’ frustrations with compact modern laptops shipping with only one or two USB-C ports, especially if they feature a high-spec Intel Core Ultra Meteor Lake or cutting-edge Lunar Lake processor that supports the latest standard, like Razer’s trendsetting Blade 18 (2024) gaming laptop.

If the available devices for this cutting-edge technology are already extremely minimal before Thunderbolt 5 brings its anticipated improvements, is it advisable to invest in Kensington’s latest docking station, or is it an example of excessive future-proofing?

I find myself in the ultra-fortunate position of having a sample of one of the world’s only Thunderbolt 5-compatible laptops and an all-new Kensington SD5000T5 EQ Thunderbolt 5 Triple 4K Docking Station, so here’s what I discovered when I got my hands on it.

Kensington SD5000T5: Specs and what’s included

The main attraction of the SD5000T5 Equalizer docking station lies in its Thunderbolt 5 compatibility, and Kensington provides a branded cable (around 101cm or 3.31 feet long) with a distinctive lightning bolt and ‘5’ symbol to showcase its capabilities. When positioning the dock, ensure that the cable can comfortably reach your laptop from the host port.

If not, you’ll discover an 180W AC adapter inside the package, complete with a cable that fits the outlets in your area. The adapter I’ve provided comes with a US-style plug and power brick extending approximately 2 feet, making it convenient for you to have a power source nearby.

The SD5000T5 Equalizer’s front and back openings share a resemblance. The rear side hosts more fixed connections such as a 2.5Gb Ethernet for hardwired networking and two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, which are ideal for linking dongles associated with a wireless mouse and keyboard, offering each 4.5W of power.

On the back, you’ll find two high-speed USB-C ports, which are known as downstream-facing ports (DFPs), that follow the latest Thunderbolt 5 standard. These ports can accommodate compatible monitors running up to an 8K resolution at a smooth 60Hz refresh rate. If your displays lack USB-C ports, you can purchase Kensington’s CV42000H USB-C 4K/8K adapter separately to facilitate HDMI connections.

At the dock’s forefront, you’ll discover a USB-C host port that’s compatible with Thunderbolt 5 (80Gb/s speed) and supports power delivery of up to 140W for charging your laptop. This versatile port also handles data transmission from all other ports and card readers, including full-size SD and microSD cards.

This device includes a fast USB-A 3.2 Gen2 port that can connect external hard drives, USB flash drives, or similar devices requiring up to 7.5 watts of power, along with an additional USB-C Thunderbolt 5 port that provides up to 60 watts for charging lighter devices such as mobile phones.

To summarize, the dock has a 3.5mm audio jack on its front for connecting headphones, headsets, or microphones using conventional cables. A LED light on the front side shows the power status in different colors. On the back, you’ll find a physical power button and an AC power input. In essence, it provides all essential ports that most users would require.

The docking station boasts a sturdy metal frame that weighs approximately 2.15 pounds (975 grams), excluding any connected devices. Beneath it, threaded openings are provided for attaching the Kensington K34050WW docking station mount, making it possible to affix the SD5000T5 EQ to a monitor stand, table, or any other surface that might be space-saving. Moreover, Kensington offers two methods to fasten their branded cable locks for additional security if required.

If not, the docking station has rubber feet fixed below and is built to be heavy, ensuring it stays put on most surfaces. In essence, this sturdy dock features a simple design, but its metallic covering has subtle ridges, adding visual interest without appearing too flashy for home use or seeming out of place in a professional setting.

Kensington SD5000T5: Setup and ports

Setting up the Kensington SD5000T5 EQ docking station is quite flexible. You can connect any compatible cable into its corresponding ports, but for optimal performance, a laptop or PC with a Thunderbolt 5 port is recommended to take advantage of the maximum 11-in-1 data transfer and 140W charging capacity. However, devices that conform to Thunderbolt 4, USB4, and standard USB-C standards are also compatible if you’re running Windows 11 version 23H2 or later, meaning you’re not limited to Thunderbolt 5 for all your accessories.

From my point of view, since the majority of my work is done on a desktop PC, not requiring a Thunderbolt dock wasn’t essential for me. However, what intrigues me about Kensington’s advanced product is its software-free functionality – no need for any software or firmware to operate it. This feature makes it an attractive addition to my roomy desk due to its unmatched convenience. Windows 11 recognizes all connected devices without hassle, and while I could utilize the DockWorks app from Kensington, as a casual user, it hasn’t been necessary for me yet.

On my workspace, I have two monitors, each offering various input choices. Unfortunately, neither of them comes with native USB-C support. However, the HDMI port on one can be utilized with Kensington’s CV42000H 4K/8K adapter and the SD5000T5 EQ to allow for USB-C connectivity with any compatible laptop I may have nearby. This setup offers a glimpse into the advantages of Thunderbolt-compatible monitors like Dell’s Curved Ultrasharp 34 (U3425WE), which enables users to connect numerous accessories and peripherals through a single cable, all managed by a small box positioned beneath the screens.

Instead of focusing on 8K panels operating at 60Hz that seem geared towards professional creators, I’m drawn to the idea of having three 4K monitors running at my preferred 144Hz refresh rate. This setup offers flexibility for my home office, and it’s all managed by a single Kensington Thunderbolt 5 docking station that’s fueled by a single 180W AC adapter, eliminating the need for an untidy web of power cables.

Kensington SD5000T5: Thunderbolt 5 compatibility

Let’s tackle the obvious issue head-on: Who exactly can take advantage of this SD5000T5 EQ Thunderbolt 5 Triple 4K Docking Station? Upon its launch, it was only designed to work optimally with just two laptops. To put it frankly, even that might be stretching the truth a bit. The first compatible device is the Razer Blade 18 (2024), which is a top-tier gaming laptop and the world’s first to support Thunderbolt 5. I had the chance to evaluate this model earlier this year.

In second place is the aptly named “X370SNW1-G,” a gaming laptop hailing from the Taiwanese manufacturer Clevo. To put it simply, these two gaming laptops, both equipped with Intel’s extremely potent HX-Series processors, are far from being budget-friendly or catering to creators. While Razer’s Blade 18 (2024) could arguably serve as a creative workstation machine, it’s not its main selling point. Gamers might be big spenders, but they aren’t the majority. The challenge lies in that Razer’s Blade 18 uses a 330W charger, making Kensington’s 140W power delivery seem somewhat inadequate, though it will eventually reach full charge.

It seems that as of now, there are no widely available Thunderbolt 5 laptops on the market. Even Intel’s latest Lunar Lake processors for laptops don’t support this new standard, instead continuing with Thunderbolt 4. For those eagerly anticipating Windows laptops with Thunderbolt 5 capabilities, it appears we’re left in a holding pattern. However, Kensington has an advantage when it comes to pricing.

As a tech enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for the timeless CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 docking station, which often goes for $379 on Amazon during sales. If Kensington manages to prepare your devices for what’s coming next, even slightly ahead of schedule, it doesn’t feel like they’re rushing things; instead, it appears as if they’re being forward-thinking.

Kensington SD5000T5: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if …

✅ You have enough compatible devices to truly benefit

Kensington is not excessively pricing its state-of-the-art docking station above the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). When Thunderbolt 5 devices become available in the future, this docking station will be compatible with them. At present, you can organize your desk and connect any device that is compatible with Thunderbolt 4 or USB4 technology.

✅ You have a multi-monitor setup with USB-C connectivity

Choosing Thunderbolt 5 docks offers a significant advantage: you can connect either two top-notch 8K displays running at 60 frames per second or three 4K screens operating at 144 frames per second. If your monitors use USB-C, they’ll function seamlessly with no complications.

You should not buy this if …

❌ You won’t regularly use all of the ports

As a tech enthusiast, I find the price of this device reasonable considering its feature set, but if your plan is to connect just one monitor and utilize only a couple of ports concurrently, you might be paying more than necessary. There are less expensive Thunderbolt 4 docks available on the market, with many options from Kensington themselves, that would be more suitable for simpler use cases.

Often, accessories are introduced before the technology they support becomes widely available, such as routers for WiFi 7 or 8K monitors. Thunderbolt 5 is an excellent option for connecting various devices to sleek laptops, and Kensington has a history of producing top-notch docking stations to facilitate this.

Although it might seem a bit odd to introduce a cutting-edge competitor for one of the top Thunderbolt docks given that currently, only a high-end gaming laptop costing around $4,000 is fully compatible worldwide, Kensington has opted not to inflate the price excessively. This cost balance keeps the SD5000T5 EQ in line with its aim to be Kensington’s best product, and if you frequently utilize all the ports and plan to upgrade when Thunderbolt 5 becomes mainstream, it would be a wise investment for you.

2024-09-17 15:09