Tag: Thunderbolt 5

August 7, 2025
RayCue Launches Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station for Mac Studio
Key Takeaways
1. Product Overview: The RayCue 10-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock is designed for the Mac Studio, providing a compact and powerful docking solution.
2. High-Speed Connections: The dock features Thunderbolt 5 for data transfers up to 80 Gbps and supports two SSD installations for up to 16TB of additional storage.
3. Storage Options: It allows for RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations and supports CFexpress cards with speeds up to 10 Gbps.
4. Multi-Monitor Setup: The dock includes two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 2.1 for connecting multiple external displays.
5. Pricing and Availability: The dock is priced at $269 and ships starting September 10, including a Thunderbolt 5 cable but not an SSD.
We’ve covered RayCue products multiple times in the past, as the brand provides a diverse range of docking options and has now launched another item in this category. The RayCue 10-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock for Mac Studio is tailored specifically for Apple’s desktop system. This mini PC is compact yet powerful, allowing it to sit directly on top of the docking station. Buyers should ensure they refer to the official compatibility list before making a purchase since it works with different configurations.
High-Speed Connections
This dock connects to the Mac Studio through Thunderbolt 5, enabling data transfers of up to 80 Gbps. Users can install two SSDs, which allows for an additional storage capacity of up to 16TB for the Mac Studio. It supports both RAID 0 and RAID 1 setups, as well as CFexpress cards that can reach speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Additionally, there are a couple of USB 3.2 Type A ports and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack available.
Multi-Monitor Setup
For connecting monitors and external displays, there are two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 2.1 available. The TB5 dock delivers up to 45 watts of power through USB PD. You can order the new RayCue docking station directly from the manufacturer for $269, with shipments expected to start on September 10. This cost is for the dock itself along with a Thunderbolt 5 cable, but it does not come with an SSD. Alternatively, you can find other RayCue products on Amazon.
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Tags: Mac Studio, RayCue 10-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock, Thunderbolt 5
August 3, 2025
Peladn Link S-3: Global Launch of Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Dock
Key Takeaways
1. Peladn has launched the Link S-3 eGPU graphics dock globally, following its debut in China.
2. The Link S-3 features Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, offering up to 80 Gbps bandwidth, while still being compatible with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 devices.
3. Despite the higher bandwidth of Thunderbolt 5, performance may not exceed that of its predecessor or competitors due to existing limitations.
4. The Link S-3 includes additional features like 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, a USB Type-A port, an SD card reader, and an M.2 slot for SSDs.
5. The pricing for the Link S-3 is approximately $337 on AliExpress, but due to US tariffs, it is priced at $460.52 for US customers.
Peladn has just launched its new eGPU graphics dock worldwide, coming after the device’s debut in China nearly a month ago. To summarize, the Link S-3 is the successor to the Link S-2, which was introduced late last year. At that time, Peladn aimed to market the Link S-2 as a budget-friendly option compared to the Minisforum DEG1 (currently priced at $99 on Amazon) since it utilized OCuLink connectivity to connect a desktop graphics card with laptops, mini-PCs, or gaming handhelds.
New Connectivity Features
In a significant change, Peladn has opted for Thunderbolt 5 for the Link S-3, which is intended for devices that can support this newer standard. The Link S-3 should also work well with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 devices, but they’ll be limited to a maximum bandwidth of 40 Gbps. On the other hand, Thunderbolt 5 offers up to 80 Gbps bandwidth, though it still provides the same 64 Gbps to graphics cards through PCIe 4.0 x4.
Performance Expectations
This means that you shouldn’t expect the Link S-3 to outperform its predecessor or the Minisforum DEG1 just because Thunderbolt 5 boasts a higher theoretical peak bandwidth compared to OCuLink. Nonetheless, Thunderbolt 5 does come with various advantages over OCuLink, such as the ability to hotswap connections and transmit more than just video signals.
Additional Features and Pricing
Furthermore, the Link S-3 is equipped with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet (Realtek RTL8156B), a USB Type-A port (10 Gbps), an SD card reader, and an M.2 2280 slot that can support up to PCIe 3.0 x1 bandwidth for SSDs. Additionally, the Link S-3 can charge a connected device at a power of up to 140 W, surpassing the capabilities of OCuLink graphics docks. Presently, the Link S-3 is available on AliExpress for £253.79/€291.99 (~$337) or CAD$384.38 (~$279). Unfortunately, due to US tariffs on Chinese imports, the price for US customers is set at $460.52.
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Tags: eGPU dock, Peladn Link S-3, Thunderbolt 5
July 18, 2025
Peladn Launches First Thunderbolt 5 eGPU Dock with Expansion Ports
Key Takeaways
1. Peladn launched the Link S-3 eGPU dock shortly after the Y01 mini-PC with AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU.
2. The Link S-3 utilizes Thunderbolt 5 technology, offering two ports for connectivity, unlike previous docks that used OCuLink ports.
3. Thunderbolt 5 theoretically provides 80 Gbps bandwidth, but is limited to 64 Gbps due to PCIe 4.0 x4 pass-through.
4. The Link S-3 features additional ports including a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, an SD card reader, an M.2 2280 SSD slot, and a 10 Gbps USB Type-A port.
5. The Link S-3 is available for pre-order in China for CNY 1,599 (about $223) and will start shipping on July 26, with no global release date announced yet.
Peladn has launched a new device, just a few weeks after introducing the Y01 mini-PC equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU. To give some context, the Y01 competes with the GMKtec EVO-X2 and similar products. On the other hand, the Link S-3 has a design similar to the Minisforum DEG1 eGPU dock, which is currently priced at $99 on Amazon.
A Different Approach
Unlike the DEG1 or the previous Link S-2, Peladn has chosen a unique strategy with the Link S-3. In comparison, the earlier eGPU docks had OCuLink ports that could offer up to 64 Gbps bandwidth, suitable for desktop-grade graphics cards. On the contrary, the Link S-3 uses Thunderbolt 5 technology through two ports.
Bandwidth Considerations
In theory, Thunderbolt 5 could deliver a superior bandwidth connection, boasting 80 Gbps compared to OCuLink’s 64 Gbps. Nevertheless, it is important to note that Thunderbolt 5 is limited to a PCIe 4.0 x4 pass-through, which caps the connection at a maximum of 64 Gbps bandwidth. Consequently, latency may still hinder performance when compared to an OCuLink setup.
The Link S-3 offers additional features that are not present in OCuLink eGPU docks, including a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port that uses Realtek’s RTL8156B chip. Furthermore, Peladn has added an SD card reader, an M.2 2280 (PCIe 3.0 x1) SSD slot, and a 10 Gbps USB Type-A port. The Peladn Link S-3 is available for pre-order in China at CNY 1,599 (approximately $223) and is set to start shipping on July 26. However, there has been no announcement regarding when it will be available globally.
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Tags: Peladn Link S-3, Thunderbolt 5, Y01 mini-PC
June 5, 2025
LG Launches UltraFine 40WT95UF: New 5K2K Thunderbolt 5 Monitor
Key Takeaways
1. LG is launching the UltraFine 40WT95UF monitor globally later this year, focusing on new OLED monitors.
2. The UltraFine 40WT95UF features ‘IPS Black’ technology for improved contrast, though specifics are not provided.
3. The monitor has a resolution of 5,120 x 2,160 (5K2K) and a large 40-inch display with a 21:9 aspect ratio.
4. It offers a refresh rate of 120 Hz and supports AMD FreeSync Premium technologies.
5. The UltraFine 40WT95UF is the first 5K2K monitor with Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, distinguishing it from the previous model.
LG has broadened its UltraFine monitor range with the introduction of the 40WT95UF, which is likely to launch globally later this year. Recently, the company has been putting more emphasis on releasing new OLED monitors, such as the UltraGear OLED 45GX950A, which currently retails for $1,999.99 on Amazon. Sadly, the UltraFine 40WT95UF does not come equipped with OLED panel technology.
IPS Black Technology
Instead of OLED, LG has opted for an IPS panel that it refers to as ‘IPS Black’ technology. Usually, an IPS Black panel should deliver much darker blacks compared to a standard IPS panel, resulting in a better contrast ratio. However, LG has not yet provided specifics regarding these improvements. What they have confirmed is that the UltraFine 40WT95UF operates natively at a resolution of 5,120 x 2,160, also known as 5K2K.
Large Display and High Refresh Rate
As indicated by its name, this new monitor measures 40 inches diagonally and has an aspect ratio of 21:9. Additionally, the UltraFine 40WT95UF boasts a refresh rate of 120 Hz, supported by AMD FreeSync Premium technologies. LG proudly states that this monitor includes Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, making it the first 5K2K monitor to feature this high-bandwidth port. It seems that Thunderbolt 5 is the key distinction between this model and the previous UltraFine 40WP95XP. Pricing and release information have not yet been disclosed by LG. For additional details, you can check the company’s official website.
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Tags: IPS Black, LG UltraFine 40WT95UF, Thunderbolt 5
May 30, 2025
OWC ThunderBlade X12: 96TB Thunderbolt 5 SSD for Filmmakers
Key Takeaways
1. Designed for Creators: The ThunderBlade X12 external RAID drive is tailored for filmmakers and creators working with 8K films, 3D, and VR projects.
2. High Storage Capacity: Available in configurations of 12, 24, 48, and 96 TB, the X12 uses up to 12 NVMe M.2 SSDs to accommodate large data volumes.
3. Fast Data Transfer Speeds: With peak speeds of 6600MB/s and sustained write speeds of 5990MB/s, it allows for quick transfers and simultaneous backups from multiple sources.
4. RAID Options for Data Protection: The internal SSDs can be configured using the OWC SoftRaid app to create various RAID volumes, enhancing data security.
5. Pricing and Availability: The ThunderBlade X12 is priced from $2,749.99 to $15,499.99 depending on storage size, with most models currently shipping.
Other World Computing has launched the ThunderBlade X12 external RAID drive, specifically designed for creators who are working on 8K films as well as 3D and VR projects.
High-End Capability
Filmmaking tools like the ARRI Alexa 35 can produce as much as half a terabyte of data per hour. The X12 caters to these professionals with options available in 12, 24, 48, and 96 TB configurations, utilizing up to 12 NVMe M.2 SSDs.
Speed and Performance
According to OWC, the ThunderBlade boasts peak speeds of up to 6600MB/s and sustained write speeds of 5990MB/s, which facilitates quick transfers for camera footage. This speed allows for the simultaneous backup of files from two ARRI CODEX compact drives, four CFexpress Type B 2.0 cards, or 20 SD UHS-II V90 cards without any issues.
RAID Configuration
The internal SSDs can be set up using the OWC SoftRaid app to create RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, and 1+0 (10) volumes, helping to protect files in case an SSD fails. On the back of the X12, you’ll find two Thunderbolt 5 ports, an on/off switch, a security lock slot, and a 12V power port. The ThunderBlade comes with a sturdy, padded carry case as well as a Thunderbolt 5 cable.
Pricing Details
The OWC ThunderBlade X12 is available at prices of $2,749.99 for the 12 TB model, $4,279.99 for the 24 TB version, $6,999.99 for the 48 TB option, and $15,499.99 for the 96 TB variant. All models are currently shipping, except for the 96 TB one, which is anticipated to ship in June.
For those who are curious about Thunderbolt 5 devices, check out the selections available at the OWC store on Amazon.
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Tags: OWC SoftRaid, ThunderBlade X12, Thunderbolt 5
May 27, 2025
FEVM Unveils New eGPU with Thunderbolt 5 and RTX 4090 Laptop Support
Key Takeaways
1. FEVM has launched the FNGT5 Pro eGPU in China, supporting Nvidia RTX 4090, 4080, and 4060 Laptop GPUs with performance levels ranging from 115 W to 150 W.
2. The eGPU features a Thunderbolt 5 port, which offers improved performance over the OCuLink port, and includes additional connectivity options like a Thunderbolt downlink port and a USB Type-A port.
3. It has a compact 0.8-liter design with effective airflow and a quiet internal cooling system for heavy workloads.
4. Pricing for the eGPU starts at CNY 3,998 (about $555) for the entry-level model, with higher configurations priced up to CNY 9,989 (approximately $1,386).
5. While primarily available in China, FEVM products may eventually be found on platforms like AliExpress.
FEVM has introduced a new eGPU in China, named the FNGT5 Pro. This external graphics card can be outfitted with up to the Nvidia RTX 4090 Laptop, and the company claims that its integrated cooler allows the top configuration to achieve performance levels of up to 150 W.
More Models to Choose From
There are also two other versions available. One of these includes the Nvidia RTX 4060 Laptop, while the other is equipped with the RTX 4080 Laptop. They are reported to provide performance levels of up to 115 W and 150 W, respectively. Notably, this FEVM dock features a Thunderbolt 5 port, which is quite intriguing.
Advanced Connectivity Features
According to the company, this port is supported by the JHL9480 controller, which delivers better performance compared to the OCuLink port. Besides the Thunderbolt 5 port, the eGPU includes an OCuLink port and is said to be compatible with Lenovo’s ThinkPad TGX interface.
Moreover, the FEVM eGPU comes with an additional Thunderbolt downlink port, likely intended to supply extra power to connected devices (the 3.3-feet Cable Matters Thunderbolt 5 cable is currently priced at $27.99 on Amazon). It also features a 10 Gbps USB Type-A port, and for display purposes, this external GPU comprises one HDMI 2.1 and one DisplayPort 1.4 port.
Compact Design with Effective Cooling
In terms of design, the FEVM FNGT5 Pro boasts a compact 0.8-liter chassis with airflow vents strategically placed throughout. The company emphasizes that the internal cooler can operate quietly even under heavy workloads. Regarding pricing, the entry-level model of the eGPU is priced at CNY 3,998, roughly $555, while the mid-range configuration with the RTX 4080 Laptop retails for CNY 7,589, about $1,053. The variant featuring the RTX 4090 Laptop is priced at CNY 9,989, approximately $1,386.
As for international availability, FEVM generally does not export most of its products outside of China; however, many of the company’s offerings eventually find their way to AliExpress.
Source:
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Tags: FEVM FNGT5 Pro, Nvidia RTX 4090 Laptop, Thunderbolt 5
May 27, 2025
Beelink Announces Pricing for New Thunderbolt 5 Mac Mini Dock
Key Takeaways
1. Beelink’s Mate mini dock for Mac mini features Thunderbolt 5 and offers up to 16 TB of additional storage.
2. The pricing for the Mate mini dock is CNY 985 in China, approximately $137, with potential global price variations.
3. The dock comes in two versions: one focused on storage (16 TB with two M.2 PCIe x2 slots) and one focused on speed (8 TB with one M.2 PCIe x4 slot).
4. Connectivity options include two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one 2.5G LAN port, one SD 4.0 card slot, and a USB-C port with Power Delivery.
5. The Mate mini dock features a built-in fan and radiator, designed to match the Mac mini’s aesthetics.
Beelink has recently introduced the Mate mini, a new dock designed for the Mac mini that features Thunderbolt 5 and allows for up to 16 TB of additional storage. While the company shared many important details about this accessory earlier, it had not mentioned the price until now.
Pricing Information
The new Apple Mac mini docking station is priced at CNY 985 in China, which is approximately $137. It’s important to note that prices may differ globally compared to the Chinese market. However, Beelink is well-known for making most of its products available internationally, so the Mate mini is likely to be launched in other countries soon.
Storage Options
The Mate mini dock comes in two versions. One is designed for users who need more storage, while the other focuses on speed. Specifically, the storage-oriented version includes two M.2 PCIe x2 slots, allowing for a total of 16 TB, while the speed-focused option has one M.2 PCIe x4 slot that can hold up to an 8 TB SSD (currently priced at $619.99 on Amazon for the 8 TB WD_BLACK SN850X).
Connectivity Features
Beyond just extra storage, the Mate mini dock enhances connectivity for the Mac mini. It includes two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one 2.5G LAN port, and one SD 4.0 card slot. The Thunderbolt 5 port is mainly for connecting to the mini PC, while an additional USB-C port with Power Delivery (PD) provides extra power for connected devices.
Another noteworthy feature is the built-in fan along with a radiator, which shares design traits with the Mac mini itself. For more insights about this Mac mini dock, refer to our earlier articles.
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Tags: Beelink Mate mini, Mac Mini Dock, Thunderbolt 5
May 19, 2025
Gigabyte Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box eGPU: Water-Cooled & Thunderbolt 5
Key Takeaways
1. Thunderbolt 5 is expected to become mainstream in 2025, with products like the Gigabyte Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box enhancing laptop performance.
2. The Aorus RTX 5090 offers a bandwidth of 80Gbit/s, delivering gaming performance that is three times greater than its predecessor with Thunderbolt 3.
3. The graphics card features water cooling for improved performance, but this makes GPU swaps more complicated.
4. The eGPU enclosure includes an extra Thunderbolt 5 port, allowing connections to monitors, docking stations, and other peripherals, as well as charging capabilities via USB-C Power Delivery 3.0.
5. Gigabyte has not announced the pricing or release date for the Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box.
2025 is looking like the year when Thunderbolt 5 will finally hit the mainstream market. Following laptops such as the Alienware Area-51 and a range of docking stations, Gigabyte has stepped up with an external graphics card that connects to laptops using Thunderbolt 5. This connection offers a bandwidth of 80Gbit/s, allowing the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 to perform at just 14% lower than what you’d expect with PCIe 5.0 x16.
Boosted Gaming Performance
When we compare it to its predecessor, which was based on the GeForce RTX 4090 and utilized Thunderbolt 3, the gaming performance is anticipated to be three times greater under optimal conditions. It’s worth noting that Gigabyte likely implemented DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation to achieve such an impressive performance enhancement. The graphics card housed in the Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box features water cooling to optimize performance, but this also complicates the process of swapping out the GPU once it’s been purchased.
Connectivity and Features
Gigabyte’s latest eGPU enclosure is equipped with an additional Thunderbolt 5 port, which can be utilized to connect a monitor, docking station, high-speed Thunderbolt SSD, or other peripherals. The laptops connected through this enclosure can be charged using USB-C Power Delivery 3.0. Additionally, the RTX 5090 eGPU contains two USB-A ports, another USB-C port, an Ethernet connection, and a total of four monitor ports, which includes three DisplayPort 2.1b and one HDMI 2.1b.
Gigabyte has not yet revealed any information regarding the pricing or the official release date for the Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box.
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Tags: Aorus RTX 5090 AI Box, GIGABYTE, Thunderbolt 5
May 19, 2025
OWC Launches Thunderbolt 5 Dock with Triple 8K 60Hz Support
Key Takeaways
1. OWC’s Thunderbolt 5 dock will be available for purchase in July at a price of $329.99.
2. The front features include a Thunderbolt port, USB-A 3.2 port, audio input/output jack, and microSD/SD card slots.
3. The rear offers three Thunderbolt 5 ports, multiple USB-A ports, and a 2.5GbE Ethernet port, allowing for extensive connectivity.
4. The dock can deliver up to 140 watts of power and supports three 8K external monitors at 60 Hz.
5. Compatibility with the Apple SuperDrive is confirmed, and an alternative OWC Thunderbolt 4 dock is available for non-Thunderbolt 5 users.
Other World Computing (OWC) has introduced its new Thunderbolt 5 dock at the Computex 2025 event. This dock is set to be available for purchase in July, with a retail price of $329.99.
Front Features of the Dock
On the front side of the aluminum dock, you will find a Thunderbolt (USB-C; speed not specified) port along with a USB-A 3.2 10Gb/s port. There’s also a power button, a 3.5 mm audio input/output jack meant for headphones and microphones, and slots for microSD and SD 4.0 UHS-II readers.
Rear Connectivity Options
The back of the dock is equipped with three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports, two USB-A 3.2 10Gb/s ports, one USB-A 3.2 5Gb/s port, and a 2.5GbE Ethernet port located next to the security lock slot and DC IN port. You can connect three chains of external devices to the dock, and each of these peripheral chains can be unplugged without affecting the other chains.
Power and Performance
This dock is capable of delivering up to 140 watts of power to laptops, monitors, and various accessories. Power users will appreciate the dock’s ability to natively support three 8K external monitors running at 60 Hz, making it ideal for remote work or gaming. Additionally, Apple users will find that the dock has been tested for compatibility with the Apple SuperDrive, allowing them to burn CDs and DVDs using Macs. The dock comes bundled with OWC Dock Ejector software, although OWC has not disclosed the complete range of its features.
For readers in need of a Thunderbolt 5 dock without the card slots and headphone jack, they can opt for this OWC Thunderbolt 5 dock along with Thunderbolt-5 compatible cables. If you happen not to have a computer that supports Thunderbolt 5, you can consider the OWC 11-port Thunderbolt 4 dock as an alternative.
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Tags: Computex 2025, OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock, Thunderbolt 5
April 24, 2025
Anker Prime 14-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Dock with 8K Support Available
Key Takeaways
1. Ports and Connectivity: The docking station features various ports, including a 3.5 mm audio jack, multiple USB-C and USB-A ports, and Thunderbolt 5 ports for high-speed connections.
2. Display Support: It supports 8K@60Hz resolution for Windows and 6K@60Hz for Mac, with HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 connections, though only one display can be used at a time.
3. Cooling Features: Designed for creators and gamers, it includes a cooling fan and vents to maintain optimal performance.
4. Compatibility: Compatible with Windows 10/11 and macOS 15 and newer, but not with ChromeOS or Linux.
5. Pricing and Availability: Priced at $399.99 in the US and €419.00 in Europe, with immediate shipping in the US and varied availability in Europe.
The Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station (14-in-1, 8K, Thunderbolt 5) is now available in North America and Europe. This fresh desktop gadget has been crafted for creators and gamers, featuring a cooling fan and vents to keep things running smoothly.
Front and Back Ports
On the front side of the Prime TB5 Docking Station, you’ll find a 3.5 mm audio jack, two USB-C ports that provide a combined output of 45 W, and a USB-A port for additional connectivity. The back boasts an upstream Thunderbolt 5 port that connects to the host device with a generous 140W pass-through charging capability, along with two downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports that allow for connections to peripherals with an impressive data transfer rate of up to 120 Gbps. Additionally, there are two more USB-A ports, each offering a 10 Gbps data transfer speed.
Display Connections and More
The docking station includes HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 to connect to displays, supporting resolutions of up to 8K@60Hz for Windows users, or up to 6K@60Hz for MacBook users. Keep in mind that both cannot be used at the same time, but a second monitor can be linked through one of the Thunderbolt 5 ports. The rear also features a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port and an AC input. Other nice touches include ambient lighting that offers various dynamic effects and the ability to perform firmware updates through its companion app.
Compatibility and Pricing
The Anker docking station works with devices running Windows 10 / 11 or macOS 15 and newer, but it is not compatible with ChromeOS or Linux systems. You can purchase the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station (14-in-1, 8K, Thunderbolt 5) for $399.99 or €419.00. While it ships right away in the US, customers in some EU nations might have to wait until early or mid-May for their new accessory. The launch date in the UK is still uncertain.
Anker’s new product is shaping up to be a useful addition for many users.
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Tags: 8K Resolution, Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station, Thunderbolt 5