Category: Computers

October 15, 2025

Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro Review: Is €1699 Too High for Specs?

Key Takeaways

1. High Starting Price: The Galaxy Book5 Pro 14 starts at €1,699, which is €250 more than a similarly equipped MacBook Air M4.

2. Performance Comparison: The MacBook Air offers better performance with a faster processor, longer battery life, and passive cooling compared to the Galaxy Book5 Pro.

3. Display and Connectivity: The Galaxy Book5 Pro features a 120 Hz OLED display and superior connectivity options like Wi-Fi 7.

4. Price vs. Upgrades: Upgrading to a more powerful variant with Core Ultra 7 258V, 32 GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD costs an additional €600, which seems unjustifiable.

5. Market Pricing Trends: Prices for the Galaxy Book5 Pro have started to drop, with some units available for under €1,500, indicating a need for Samsung to improve the product or lower prices to increase sales.

Samsung’s Galaxy Book5 Pro 14 is a sleek ultrabook designed for daily use. With a starting price of €1,699, the entry-level model is rather pricey, especially given its hardware specs that include the compact Intel Core Ultra 5 226V (Lunar Lake), 16 GB of RAM, and a 512 GB SSD. This price tag is €250 higher than a similarly equipped Apple MacBook Air M4. In a head-to-head comparison, the MacBook Air offers a superior overall package, featuring a faster processor, passive cooling, and a longer battery life. Nevertheless, the Galaxy Book5 Pro does have some perks like a 120 Hz OLED display and superior connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 7.

Pricing Concerns

For those looking for more power, there’s a variant with the Core Ultra 7 258V that comes with 32 GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD, but this bumps the price up to €2,299. Paying an extra €600 for just 16 GB more RAM and an additional 512 GB of SSD storage seems unreasonable and is hard to justify.

Performance and Competition

While the Galaxy Book5 Pro 14 isn’t a poor device, it still falls short compared to its competitors. We’ve previously reported on some drawbacks of the OLED screen, such as its relatively low brightness and low-frequency PWM flickering. Competing models, like the more affordable Yoga series from Lenovo, perform better in this area. Additionally, the Galaxy Book5 Pro lags behind in battery life. Although the Lunar Lake processor has enhanced performance, many rivals can last several hours longer, particularly when brightness is optimized.

The market has already begun to lower prices somewhat, and our review unit is currently available for under €1,500. While this is still a significant amount of money, Samsung needs to either improve their laptop or lower the price to boost sales. For more details, check out our full review of the Galaxy Book5 Pro 14.

Tags: Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 14
October 15, 2025

Mini PC with 128GB RAM, AMD Ryzen AI Max+, and 2TB SSD

Key Takeaways

1. The Morefine H1 mini PC is priced at $2,099 and is available for pre-order directly from the company.
2. It features an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 395 processor, Radeon 8060S GPU, and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with 50 TOPS.
3. The device includes 128GB of LPDDR5x RAM, 2TB built-in SSD, and Windows 11 Pro pre-installed.
4. It supports connectivity for up to four 4K monitors and includes WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port.
5. Additional storage can be added via a second M.2 2280 SSD, but traditional 2.5 and 3.5-inch drives are not supported.

Morefine has released a new mini PC called the H1, which is now available for pre-order directly from the company at a price of $2,099. Buyers are advised to verify the shipping terms before making a purchase. We’ve also reviewed similar devices that utilize the same processor, which can be found on Amazon.

Specifications of the Morefine H1

The Morefine H1 features an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 395 processor, along with a Radeon 8060S integrated GPU and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) capable of 50 TOPS. This compact device has dimensions of approximately 9.8 x 7.4 x 3.8 inches and includes a 350W power supply. It comes with 128GB of LPDDR5x RAM that operates at 8,000MHz. Furthermore, it has a built-in SSD with a storage capacity of 2TB, and Windows 11 Pro is already installed. Users can add a second M.2 2280 SSD later, but traditional 2.5 and 3.5-inch drives are not supported, which is common in many modern mini PCs.

Connectivity Options Available

The H1 supports connection to up to four 4K monitors, thanks to one HDMI 2.1 port, one DisplayPort 1.4, and two USB 4 ports. It also includes support for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, while the Ethernet port delivers speeds of 2.5Gbps. Additionally, there are three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports and an SD card slot located at the front of this quite powerful mini PC.

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Tags: Mini-PC
October 15, 2025

Ugreen 2-Bay NAS: Affordable 60TB Storage with AI Features

Key Takeaways

1. Ugreen’s new NASsync DH2300 is an entry-level NAS with two bays, supporting a maximum storage of 60TB.
2. The device is priced at $189 during an early bird discount, ending November 9, down from $209.
3. It features an RK3576 SoC with 8 cores and 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM, running on the Ugos Pro operating system.
4. Connectivity options include two USB Type-A ports, one USB Type-C port, and an HDMI port for 4K displays.
5. The DH2300 offers AI photo recognition capabilities and customizable privacy settings, such as private folders.

Ugreen is expanding its range of network-attached storage devices with the introduction of the NASsync DH2300. This new model has hit the market, and those interested can take advantage of a special early bird discount until November 9. The NAS is priced at $189 instead of its regular price of $209.

Specifications Overview

The DH2300 is designed as an entry-level NAS featuring two bays. By using two 3.5-inch hard drives, users can achieve a maximum storage capacity of 60TB, which should be more than enough for most people. However, it’s worth noting that it does not support M.2 SSDs for faster caching, which some may find disappointing.

Performance Insights

Ugreen has chosen the RK3576 SoC with 8 cores, complemented by 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM. The device runs on the Ugos Pro operating system, which is stored on 32GB of eMMC memory. The maximum data transfer rate is likely constrained by both the SoC and the network interface. The Ethernet port offers Gigabit speeds, which translates to roughly 125 MB/s. This could be a drawback for users looking to edit 4K videos.

Connectivity Features

In addition, the DH2300 comes equipped with two USB Type-A ports and one USB Type-C port, each offering a bandwidth of 5Gbps. An HDMI port is also included, enabling users to connect monitors or displays supporting 4K resolution at 60Hz. Ugreen promotes a variety of features that go beyond simple data storage. For instance, it includes AI photo recognition powered by an NPU capable of 6 TOPS. As is typical, users have the ability to modify many privacy settings, enabling the creation of private folders, among other options.

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Tags: network attached storage, UGREEN
October 15, 2025

Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro: M5 Chip, 24-Hour Battery, $1,599.99

Key Takeaways

1. Powerful Performance: The new 14-inch MacBook Pro features the Apple M5 chip, offering 3.5 times faster AI performance and 1.6 times quicker graphics performance than the M4 chip.

2. Improved Battery Life: The MacBook Pro boasts a maximum battery life of up to 24 hours and features an SSD that is twice as fast, enhancing efficiency for demanding tasks.

3. Familiar Design with Upgraded Features: The device includes a Liquid Retina XDR display, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and multiple connectivity options, while maintaining a traditional design.

4. Focus on Sustainability: The MacBook Pro incorporates 45% recycled materials, including 100% recycled aluminum, and is packaged in fully recyclable materials, emphasizing Apple’s commitment to sustainability.

5. Pricing and Availability: The starting price is $1,599, with pre-orders available now and a release date set for October 22.

Apple has officially unveiled its latest 14-inch MacBook Pro, which is powered by the new Apple M5 chip. This model brings faster performance, better power efficiency, and enhanced AI processing capabilities. It maintains the same starting price of $1,599, or $1,499 for those eligible for education discounts. Customers can start pre-ordering today on the Apple Store, with the product set to be available on October 22 in both space black and silver colors.

Enhanced AI and Graphics Performance

The M5 chip integrates a Neural Accelerator in each GPU core. According to Apple, this results in AI performance that is up to 3.5 times faster and graphics performance that is 1.6 times quicker than the previous M4 chip. With an upgraded CPU and higher unified memory bandwidth exceeding 150GB/s, users can expect better efficiency when handling demanding tasks such as 3D rendering, deep learning, and on-device large language models (LLMs). The new 16-core Neural Engine is said to enhance AI-driven applications and Apple Intelligence features within macOS Tahoe.

Improved Battery Life and SSD Speed

Battery longevity has also been improved, boasting a maximum of 24 hours, as per Apple’s claims. The SSD now offers performance that is twice as fast, making it easier to import RAW images or export large video files. The M5 chip is particularly optimized for creators, developers, and analysts, with Apple highlighting a 1.6 times increase in gaming frame rates and a 20% boost in multithreaded performance compared to the M4.

Traditional Features and Sustainability

The overall design remains familiar, featuring a Liquid Retina XDR display with a peak brightness of up to 1,600 nits, along with an optional nano-texture finish. The device also comes with a 12MP Center Stage camera and a robust six-speaker system. Connectivity options include three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, an SDXC card slot, a headphone jack, and a MagSafe 3 port. Additionally, macOS Tahoe introduces Apple Intelligence, Live Translation in apps like FaceTime and Messages, and wider capabilities for Shortcuts automation.

Apple is also placing a focus on sustainability with this new MacBook Pro, which includes 45% recycled materials by weight. This encompasses 100% recycled aluminum and rare earth elements. The laptop is packaged in fully recyclable fiber-based materials and is assembled using 55% renewable energy, according to the company’s statements. A 70W USB-C power adapter is included in the package, although a recent report indicates that this charger won’t be part of shipments to the EU.

As previously mentioned, the pricing for the 16GB/512GB variant is $1,599.99, while the 16GB/1TB variant costs $1,799.99. For those looking for the top-tier option, the 24GB/1TB version is available for $1,999.99.

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Tags: Apple MacBook Pro, M5 Chip, macOS Tahoe
October 15, 2025

Radxa Orion O6N: High-Performance SBC with 64GB RAM and Multiple Ports

Key Takeaways

1. Soldered RAM Limitation: The Orion O6N has soldered LPDDR5 RAM options of 8 to 64GB, preventing users from upgrading the memory.

2. High-Performance SoC: It features a CIX P1 SoC with eight L720 cores, four A520 cores, an ARM Immortalis G720-MC10 GPU, and a neural processing unit (NPU) for 30 TOPS of AI performance.

3. Multiple Storage Options: The board supports internal storage via UFS modules and allows for two additional M.2 SSDs through PCIe slots.

4. Versatile Connectivity: Equipped with HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C, USB 3.2, USB 2.0 ports, and dual 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports, it also supports camera connections for AI applications.

5. Compact Design with Cooling: Measuring 4.7 x 4.7 inches, the Orion O6N allows for active cooling with a fan and includes a 40-pin header for connecting sensors and actuators.

The Radxa Orion O6N is a small Nano-ITX board that can also be used like a standard single-board computer. One limitation is that users can’t add more RAM since it is soldered directly to the board. The Orion O6N comes with LPDDR5 memory options of 8, 16, 24, 32, 48, or 64GB.

Powerful Performance

No matter what configuration you choose, the device runs on the CIX P1 SoC, which has eight L720 cores and four A520 cores, along with an ARM Immortalis G720-MC10 GPU and a neural processing unit (NPU) that delivers 30 TOPS of AI performance. The internal storage can use UFS modules, and users can also add two M.2 SSDs through PCIe slots.

Versatile Connectivity

This Radxa single-board computer is equipped with HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB-C for video outputs. MIPI CSI is included for connecting one or more cameras, enabling users to apply AI for analyzing video footage, for instance. Additionally, it has several USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 Type A ports, plus two Ethernet ports that offer a bandwidth of 2.5Gbps each. For those who enjoy tinkering, there’s an option to enhance connectivity with a WiFi and cellular M.2 card.

Compact Size with Cooling Options

The Radxa Orion O6N has dimensions of 4.7 x 4.7 inches and supports active cooling through a fan. It also features a 40-pin header to connect various sensors and actuators. The board is already available at select retailers, including Arace, where the 32GB version is priced at $199.

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Tags: Single-board Computer
October 15, 2025

Blue MacBook Pro M5 Launch Coming Soon: Teaser Video Released

Key Takeaways

1. Apple is teasing the upcoming MacBook Pro, expected to be announced soon, possibly later this week.
2. The new MacBook Pro may come in a light blue color, differing from the typical silver, gray, or black options.
3. The design of the MacBook Pro is expected to remain largely unchanged, with the main update being the new Apple M5 processor.
4. The first model to be released will likely be the most affordable version featuring the Apple M5, with more powerful variants (M5 Pro and M5 Max) coming in early 2026.
5. Preliminary benchmarks show the Apple M5 offers around 13% improved single-core and 16% enhanced multi-core performance compared to the M4, with a GPU that is over 33% stronger.

Apple’s marketing chief, Greg Joswiak, has shared a teaser video that might be showcasing the upcoming MacBook Pro for the very first time. In this video, it’s mentioned that the new MacBook Pro is “coming soon,” with hints suggesting that an announcement could happen later this week. The device shown in the video appears to have a light blue hue, indicating that Apple might offer its most powerful laptop in a color other than the usual silver, gray, or black.

Color Speculations

Nonetheless, it’s possible that the blue shade is just a trick of lighting. Aside from that, the design is expected to remain largely unchanged. The teaser contains two clues regarding the Apple M5 SoC. Firstly, the half-open MacBook Pro resembles the letter “V,” symbolizing the Roman numeral for five. Additionally, Greg Joswiak begins the tweet with “Mmmmm…,” which has the letter M repeated five times. Speculation is that the MacBook Pro will not feature many new enhancements apart from the introduction of the M5 processor.

Upcoming Models

Reports indicate that Apple is likely to release the most affordable model featuring the Apple M5 first. Variants that incorporate the more powerful Apple M5 Pro and Apple M5 Max aren’t expected to be available until early 2026. A significant leak concerning the iPad Pro from late September included preliminary benchmark results for the Apple M5. As per these results, even the less powerful version of the Apple M5, which has nine CPU cores instead of ten, delivers around 13% improved single-core and 16% enhanced multi-core performance compared to the Apple M4, while its GPU is over 33% stronger.

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Tags: Apple M5, MacBook Pro
October 15, 2025

HP Revives RJ45 Ethernet Port in New Business Models

Key Takeaways

1. The shift from wired internet connections to wireless connectivity has become prevalent with advancements like Wi-Fi 7.
2. Wired connections, such as Ethernet, are still considered more stable, reliable, and secure despite the rise of wireless options.
3. HP has removed RJ45-Ethernet ports from many of its recent business laptops, including the EliteBook and ZBook series.
4. HP is reintroducing RJ45-Ethernet ports in some of their 2025 laptop models, indicating a change in strategy.
5. Buyers should check specifications for Ethernet port availability when purchasing HP laptops, as it varies by model.

With the rise of Wi-Fi 7 and constant mobile connectivity, usually through smartphones, it’s hard to believe that we once relied on cables for internet access. Back in the early 2000s, having a modem or RJ45-Ethernet port was essential for every PC and laptop to get online.

The Shift from Wired to Wireless

Nowadays, the modem port has become a thing of the past. While Wi-Fi has become the standard way to connect to the internet, wired connections are still regarded as the most stable, reliable, and secure option. However, many laptops today no longer include Ethernet ports, and even some business-focused laptops are following suit.

HP’s Changing Approach

HP, a major player in the business laptop market, has removed the RJ45-Ethernet port from many of its EliteBooks and some entry-level HP ZBook workstations. For instance, the HP EliteBook 845 G11 and HP ZBook Firefly G11 (which can be found on Amazon) from last year do not feature RJ45 connectivity.

A Return to RJ45

It looks like HP is reconsidering this decision, as RJ45 is making a comeback in their 2025 models, at least in some cases. Our recent evaluation of the HP ZBook 8 G1i 14, which succeeds the HP ZBook Firefly G11, shows that it now includes an RJ45-Ethernet port once again. However, when we reviewed the HP EliteBook 8 G1a 14, which shares a similar design, the space for the RJ45 Ethernet on the right side of the chassis was just left vacant.

In conclusion, RJ45 is reappearing on HP’s business laptops, but only in certain models. If this feature is crucial for you, it’s wise to verify the specifications before making a purchase.

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Tags: HP
October 14, 2025

InfinityBook Pro 15: Intel APU, Thunderbolt, 240Hz, 128GB RAM

Key Takeaways

1. New model variant: Tuxedo’s InfinityBook Pro 15 offers a tailored Linux version, with options for Windows installation.
2. Powerful hardware: Features Intel Core Ultra 7 255H, supports up to 128 GB DDR5 RAM, and dual M.2 SSDs.
3. High-resolution display: 15.3-inch IPS display with 2560 x 1600 resolution, 240 Hz refresh rate, and 500 cd/m² brightness.
4. Robust design: Aluminum chassis, weighs 1.75 kg, and includes a 99 Wh battery with USB-C charging.
5. Connectivity options: Supports WiFi 6E, Gigabit Ethernet, multiple USB ports, Thunderbolt 4, and can connect up to three external monitors.

Tuxedo is broadening its selection of laptops with a new model variant. As is customary, this laptop comes with a tailored version of Linux, but buyers can also easily order Windows or install it later. The InfinityBook Pro 15 is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H and does not include a dedicated graphics card. Users can connect up to three external monitors in addition to the built-in display. For high-resolution displays, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4a, and DisplayPort 2.1 are available.

Memory and Storage Options

This model features two slots for DDR5 RAM, allowing for a maximum of either 128 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM or 96 GB of DDR5-6400 RAM. Additionally, it can accommodate two M.2 2280 SSDs, including double-sided variants, each linked via four PCIe 4.0 lanes. The laptop’s display is an IPS panel measuring 15.3 inches diagonally with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600. It supports a peak refresh rate of 240 Hz and Adaptive Sync and is reported to cover the sRGB color space completely. The specified brightness stands at 500 cd/m².

Design and Features

The laptop has a thickness of about 20 millimeters and weighs 1.75 kilograms with the battery that is securely installed inside. The display cover, along with the upper and lower chassis, is constructed from aluminum, while the frame around the display is made of plastic. The battery features a capacity of 99 Wh and can be charged through USB-C. A 150-watt power adapter is included in the package. For connectivity, WiFi 6E and Gigabit Ethernet are offered. The device is equipped with a webcam compatible with Windows Hello, along with speakers and a microphone. Also included are a memory card reader, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C, and Thunderbolt 4. The base model is expected to retail for roughly $1,175 and should be available starting mid-November.

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Tags: Linux
October 14, 2025

Cooler Master MasterFrame 360 Cases to Feature Figurine Space

Key Takeaways

1. Cooler Master plans to release three new MasterFrame 360 cases designed for PC builders and collectible figurine displays: Panorama, Stage Mirror, and Stage LCD.

2. The MasterFrame 360 Panorama is already available in a limited edition prebuilt PC for $3,099 and features a front display platform with ARGB spotlights.

3. The Stage Mirror variant offers an open display space for figurines with a mirror behind it, allowing for multiple viewing angles.

4. The Stage LCD version features an open front display space with a 15.6-inch Full HD screen that can show custom content, including videos and system stats.

5. Pricing is expected to start at $199 for the Panorama and Stage Mirror models, and $299 for the Stage LCD, with a potential release in late 2025 or early 2026.

If you’re into building PCs and enjoy collecting figurines, then Cooler Master might have some thrilling news for you. A recent leak from Hardware&Co suggests that the company is set to introduce three new MasterFrame 360 cases, which will include special display space for your collectibles.

Exciting New Designs

The MasterFrame 360 design is not new, as it’s only currently offered through the MasterFrame 360 Panorama S Limited Edition prebuilt PC, which is priced at $3,099 and available for pre-order. However, Cooler Master is allegedly preparing to release three distinct models: Panorama, Stage Mirror, and Stage LCD.

Features and Specifications

The MasterFrame 360 Panorama is the version that many people are already familiar with. It has a sizable case measuring 55 cm deep, 29 cm wide, and 58 cm tall, equipped with a front display platform and two ARGB spotlights. The front features a mirror panel, but Cooler Master has incorporated side openings to let you view the components from various perspectives.

You can fit up to 12 120 mm fans in this case—six at the bottom and six at the top. Even with the display space, there’s ample room for large GPUs measuring up to 43 cm, and it’s supplied with a PCIe 5.0 riser cable to allow for vertical GPU mounting.

Variants with Unique Features

The MasterFrame 360 Stage Mirror version maintains the same dimensions, shape, and hardware support as the Panorama model, but it alters the front area. Instead of a closed panel, this version offers an open display space that allows users to easily change or adjust their figurines. It also has a mirror positioned behind the platform, providing a full view of displayed items from multiple angles.

Finally, the MasterFrame 360 Stage LCD features an open front area for figurines as well. However, instead of a mirror, it boasts a 15.6-inch LCD screen located behind the display space. This screen supports Full HD (1080 x 1920) resolution and is capable of displaying custom videos, images, system stats, or animations.

Pricing and Availability

For those interested, the Panorama and Stage Mirror models are expected to retail starting at $199, while the Stage LCD model is anticipated to be priced at $299. Although the exact release date remains undisclosed, they are likely to launch in late 2025 or early 2026, according to reports from Hardware&Co.

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Tags: Cooler Master
October 14, 2025

Humbird 3 Thunderbolt 5 Dock with eGPU Slot Now Available for Preorder

Key Takeaways

1. Port Variety: The Humbird 3 features three Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, Ethernet, DisplayPort 2.1, an SD/microSD card reader, and an M.2 slot for SSDs.

2. Wireless Charging: It includes hidden charging coils for wireless charging of smartphones and Apple Watches.

3. Laptop Charging Capability: The dock can charge connected laptops with a maximum output of 100 watts.

4. Unique PCIe Slot: It has a concealed PCIe slot on the top for connecting a desktop GPU with a 500-watt PSU.

5. Crowdfunding Availability: The dock is available on Kickstarter with a price of around $322, with expected delivery in November 2025.

At first look, the Humbird 3 appears to be just another docking station with a good range of ports, yet it has features that many similar products lack. It all starts with its port options, which include three USB-C ports that support Thunderbolt 5, allowing for a massive bandwidth of up to 120Gbps.

Port Variety and Functionality

In addition to the three USB-C ports, the dock has two USB-A ports (10Gbps), Ethernet (5Gbps), and DisplayPort 2.1, which can handle an 8K monitor at 60Hz. It also comes with an SD and microSD card reader, plus an M.2 slot for adding an SSD. The dock is designed with hidden charging coils under its wooden-style surface, capable of wirelessly charging smartphones and even an Apple Watch, starting at $229 on Amazon.

Power and Unique Features

Laptops that are connected can be charged at a maximum of 100 watts, and there’s a small display that shows the dock’s status. One of its most unique features is a concealed PCIe slot on the top cover, which lets users plug in a standard desktop GPU using a 500-watt power supply unit (PSU). The graphics card connects through PCIe 4.0 x4.

The Humbird 3 TB5 docking station was successfully funded through crowdfunding, but it’s still up for grabs on the Kickstarter platform. The eGPU dock is priced around $322, not including shipping, import duties, and taxes. Expected delivery is set for November 2025. It might be wise to wait for reviews from independent sources since crowdfunding can sometimes lead to receiving poor-quality products or no product at all.

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Tags: eGPU dock, Thunderbolt 5