I tested Razer’s new Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma — I can no longer live without this extremely convenient feature

by

For four years now, Razer hasn’t introduced a new version of its top-tier Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma that uses the older technology. But, they have recently upgraded it to accommodate the stronger and modernized Thunderbolt 5 standard.

The newly introduced Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma joins the list of laptop docking stations being released by various manufacturers. However, Razer has some unique features that distinguish its hardware from others in the market.

If you’re seeking the best choice for maximum connectivity, it wouldn’t be this dock; instead, opt for CalDigit’s TS5 Plus, which I recently reviewed. However, for PC gamers constantly running out of ports, this model is a strong contender. Let me explain why.

What sets the Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma apart from other docks I’ve tested?

The Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma is more than just a premium docking station – it doubles as an external solid-state drive (SSD) case, supporting M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe drives.

The revised dock sports a detachable compartment at its base, easily pulled out to uncover a spacious cavity accommodating a conventional M.2 2280-sized drive. Cooling mechanisms, in the form of heatsinks, are situated both above and beneath the drive slot, ensuring optimal temperature maintenance.

I recently put an SK hynix Platinum P41 SSD through its paces in a dock, then connected it to the ASUS ROG Strix SCAR 18 – one of the rare Thunderbolt 5 laptops currently available. Impressively, it managed to reach read speeds of 5,833MB/s and write speeds of 5,414MB/s.

The speed you’re experiencing is slower compared to the 7149MB/s and 6789MB/s speeds during tests when connected to a desktop PC’s M.2 motherboard slot, but it’s remarkably quick for running games efficiently.

If you find it convenient to plug your drive directly into any computer without having to undock it first, then the latest Razer dock might catch the eye of gamers who own more than one PC or frequently encounter storage shortages.

For me, who frequently moves between laptops and computers for testing, the Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma will consistently stay on my desk, offering convenient storage regardless of the device I’m currently working with.

When linked to a Thunderbolt 4 computer, speeds decrease to approximately 3998MB/s reading and 2902MB/s writing, which is still impressive. By purchasing the Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma right now, you’ll experience excellent performance with your existing laptop and be ready for an upgrade to a Thunderbolt 5 PC whenever you’re ready.

It’s noteworthy that Razer effectively incorporated an SSD enclosure into the dock, without significantly increasing its size relative to the previous version. To be precise, the latest model expands merely by half an inch in width and depth.

It remains compact and is designed to function solely horizontally. The rubberized base ensures stability when placed on a desk.

Besides the streamlined vents at both ends, an additional change is the relocation of the UHS-II SD card reader on top of one vent. Additionally, the front host port and 3.5mm audio jack have been shifted to the rear side of the dock.

On the front of the Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma, there are no input/output ports, which ensures that its distinctive feature – the RGB underglow lighting – remains undisturbed. This lighting can be customized using Razer’s software and looks fantastic on a desk. If you find yourself in a more formal environment, you can turn off this lighting entirely.

No native video out, but the dock handles triple 4K@144Hz displays

On the updated Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma, while the port arrangement remains similar, the individual ports have undergone significant improvements.

Three remaining downstream Thunderbolt ports are now upgraded to Thunderbolt 5, boasting at least double the bandwidth compared to Thunderbolt 4. The Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma offers no compromise in performance whatsoever.

The latest Thunderbolt 5 port is capable of charging at an impressive 140 watts, surpassing the previous 90-watt limit. This enhanced power capacity makes it more suitable for laptops equipped with dedicated graphics cards, even though high-end gaming laptops may still necessitate a separate AC adapter.

As an analyst, I’m excited to announce an upgrade in my workspace setup. Previously, one of my dock’s USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) ports was part of the mix, but now it has been swapped out for a USB-C 3.2 (Gen 2) port, maintaining the same impressive 10Gbps performance. Additionally, my 3.5mm audio jack has been enhanced to support immersive 7.1 Surround sound. This upgrade promises a more efficient and enveloping audio experience!

This all makes sense to me; you still want some USB-A, but USB-C is becoming ever more prevalent.

It would be preferable if Razer had chosen a 2.5Gb Ethernet port over 1Gb via an RJ45 connection, especially given the high price of $400 for this dock. Since many gamers tend to invest in faster internet connections, and other similar docks have upgraded to cater better to power users, it seems like a missed opportunity.

One aspect that hinders my work efficiency is the absence of built-in outlets for connecting downstream videos directly. Unfortunately, this issue is shared by the Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma as well. It would be great if at least one DisplayPort or HDMI output were included.

The Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma doesn’t skimp at all on performance.

This dock allows connecting up to three 4K monitors running at 144Hz each, which is quite impressive for many gamers. However, compared to other docks, it only supports a single 8K display at 60Hz, which falls behind some competitors that can handle dual 8K displays at the same refresh rate.

Each of the three Thunderbolt 5 ports located downstream has a charging capacity of up to 15W, while the USB ports provide approximately half that amount (around 7.5W) for smaller devices.

Thunderbolt Share is a technology developed by Intel, debuting in the Razer Blade 18 (2024). It allows for quick and direct data transfers and sharing between two computers using a single cable. However, it’s important to note that both computers must have the specific Thunderbolt Share certification for this feature to work effectively.

As a researcher exploring various docking stations, I must admit that not all of them possess Thunderbolt Share certification. However, I’m delighted to find that Razer’s Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma does indeed come with this feature, making it an attractive choice for those seeking such functionality.

This service is particularly useful for people who use multiple devices and work in collaboration, but it also offers advantages to everyone, such as the ability to move files around using drag-and-drop, synchronize files, perform complete data transfers, and manage individual PCs independently.

Razer’s Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma is the best docking station for PC gamers

Although Razer’s Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma may not boast a high number of ports or exceptional external display support, it compensates with its valuable extra features that outweigh these limitations.

I’ve yet to utilize a docking station equipped with an integrated SSD enclosure, but from now on, I intend to maximize its potential – not just for gaming purposes, but also for my professional tasks as well.

It’s incredibly handy to have a drive loaded with numerous files and applications running swiftly, prepared for use on any Thunderbolt 4 or 5 compatible computer.

Additionally, the RGB underglow adds a stylish touch to the product, blending well with a gamer’s existing hardware. If you’re not a fan of this feature, you can easily disable it. Razer also provides a Mercury White variant that doesn’t include any RGB lighting.

Distinct characteristics such as Thunderbolt Share certification, a robust braided host cable, and a strong aluminum construction make this dock uniquely appealing.

It’s incredibly handy to have a drive brimming with numerous files and applications running swiftly, all geared up for seamless compatibility with PCs equipped with Thunderbolt 4 or 5 technology.

As a tech enthusiast, I’ve recently come across the Razer Thunderbolt 5 Dock Chroma priced at $400. Initially, it might seem steep, but upon comparison with similar hardware, it falls within the expected range. For instance, Sonnet’s Echo 13, which boasts a built-in SSD (non-hot swappable), starts at $440 for a 1TB model, making it slightly more expensive.

From my perspective, the CalDigit TS5 Plus, a peak representation of Thunderbolt 5 docking stations, omits an SSD enclosure, yet offers additional ports and impressive performance – all for a starting price of $500.

Following a fortnight of trials, I wholeheartedly endorse the Razer Thunderbolt 5 Chroma Dock for avid PC gamers seeking increased connectivity options, or indeed any individual who might appreciate additional ports and a convenient external Solid State Drive (SSD), all bundled in one package.

Read More

2025-07-16 00:10