CalDigit Element Hub review: A cheaper way to add seven ports to your Thunderbolt 4 laptop

Caldigit Element Hub Review Source: Windows Central

The CalDigit Element Hub is one of the first of its kind with Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 support, taking advantage of the latest I/O standards to evangelize fantabulous operation through all of its ports. While this isn't a total-fledged dock with a wide variety of ports, it's compact, information technology's built well, and information technology has multiple inputs for what it does offer. I've been using information technology for a few weeks to see how well it works and if information technology's worth the price.

Caldigit Element Dock

CalDigit Element Hub

Bottom line: The CalDigit Element Hub is an splendid accessory for anyone looking to add extra USB-A and Thunderbolt four ports. It'due south not a full-size dock with more varied connectivity, just the price and size reflect its purpose.

Pros

Iv total TB4 ports (ane host)
Four USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) ports
Reversible with removable rubber feet
Durable aluminum construction
Removable host cable

Cons

Only USB-A and TB4 ports
Power delivery to host tops out at 60W
Massive AC adapter

CalDigit Element Hub: Price, availability, specs

Thunderbolt 4 vs. Thunderbolt 3 vs. USB4 vs. USB 3 Source: Windows Central

The CalDigit Element Hub is available from CalDigit for near $200. Information technology's expected that models will hit other retailers in the future — the CalDigit TS3 Plus and CalDigit USB-C Pro Dock are both now available elsewhere — but for now the official site is the only place to observe the hub.

This is 1 of the first hubs to utilize Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 engineering science. If you're wondering what the large differences are betwixt technologies, our guide on Thunderbolt 4 vs. Thunderbolt three vs. USB4 vs. USB3 can help. To put it just, Thunderbolt 4 uses the same 40Gbps bandwidth merely ensures a level of functioning not seen in Thunderbolt three.

Thunderbolt four boasts at least dual 4K@60Hz display support, or ane 8K display at 30Hz. Thunderbolt 4 also has twice as much PCIe bandwidth as a minimum requirement, bumping upwards to 32Gbps from 16Gbps. This is key for those who use high-operation accessories like the all-time external solid state drives, RAID storage setups, and eGPUs.

Dell Xps 13 9310 Ports Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central

And as for USB4, it's the next update to the USB standard based on Thunderbolt 3. It's capable of speeds up to 40Gbps, it uses exclusively the USB-C form factor, and it will be seen on plenty of laptops thanks to it being cheaper to use (TB4 requires licensing from Intel).

Many modern laptops are now shipping with Thunderbolt four ports. If you don't take a PC with the latest standard but want to gear up yourself up well for the hereafter, remainder assured the Element Hub will work with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C but at a lower spec. To get the about out of the dock, be sure to connect it to a Thunderbolt 4 port.

In the case of this review, I'thou connecting to a modern laptop with Thunderbolt iv port to ensure I'k getting the best experience possible. Here'southward a look at the raw specs found in the CalDigit Element Hub.

Category	Spec
Connectedness	Thunderbolt 4 Detachable 31.v inches (0.8 meters)
Ports	4 USB-A iii.2 (Gen 2) Three Thunderbolt 4 (downstream)
Power	Up to 60W host 7.5W USB-A 18W TB4
Max display res.	Dual 4K@60Hz Single 8K@30Hz
Dimensions	4.48 (D) ten 2.75 (W) x 0.70 (H) inches (114mm x 70mm 10 18mm)
Weight	0.39 pounds (0.18kg)
Color	Silver
Warranty	Two years

CalDigit Chemical element Hub: What I like

Caldigit Element Hub Review Source: Windows Cardinal

The CalDigit Element Hub looks a lot similar CalDigit's SOHO Dock, with solid aluminum crush and overall meaty design. The Element is reversible, with a CalDigit logo on both broad sides. Why reversible? The Thunderbolt 4 host port is located on the end of the hub, giving you the option as to which border faces frontwards. This alleviates the upshot of just having a Thunderbolt iv port on one side or the other of the host laptop. It as well means you can cull what ports are facing forward; merely flip the hub. Removable rubber feet are included to assist with slipping. Just popular them on once y'all've figured out a semi-permanent setup.

The Element adds seven total ports, forth with a single Thunderbolt 4 port to run back to the host with upwards to 60W charging ability. On one edge are four USB-A iii.2 (Gen ii) with up to 10Gbps speed and 7.5W power, and on the other edge are iii downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports with 40Gbps speed and 18W ability. On the same side as the Thunderbolt 4 ports is a butt charging port for the mesomorphic 150W Air-conditioning adapter. The included host cablevision measures 31.5 inches (0.viii meters), easily reaching around to either side of a laptop from the Element's desktop setup. It'due south also removable, helping forestall harm that affects the entire hub.

Caldigit Element Hub Review Source: Windows Primal

I tested speeds through the TB4 ports using a CalDigit Tuff nano, OWC Envoy Pro Elektron, and OWC Envoy Pro FX high-functioning SSDs. Running them simultaneously, I saw about 3,800 MB/due south combined throughput, which is right in line with the 32Gbps PCIe data charge per unit with Thunderbolt 4. Switching over to USB-A, I saw combined speeds of about 1,200 MB/due south when running all three SSDs together. Over again, that's correct in line with the 10Gbps performance of USB-A three.2 (Gen 2).

CalDigit's Chemical element is a well-fabricated aluminum hub that doesn't waste space while delivering Thunderbolt four performance.

For general employ, I had the Chemical element Hub continued to a 4K brandish at 60Hz, keyboard, mouse, external SSD, and an SD card reader hub. I as well occasionally connected my telephone but to keep it charged up. I had no problems with operation, and there'due south plenty of overhead remaining. The dock will handle dual 4K displays each at a 60Hz refresh rate if you so choose. It can also exist used to daisy-chain Thunderbolt devices.

An added do good of the Element Hub is its adequacy to act as a charging hub. Fifty-fifty when the host laptop is disconnected yous're still going to go charging ability to connected accessories. There might merely be 60W of charging power to the host laptop, but that'southward firm and non affected by the accessory charging. The 150W Air conditioning adapter allows for each USB-A port to evangelize 7.5W and each downstream Thunderbolt 4 port to deliver 18W.

The CalDigit Chemical element Hub will work with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 hosts. This makes it a versatile accompaniment, only keep in listen you won't see its total potential without true Thunderbolt 4. And if your host is using USB4, performance will depend on what version (USB4 20Gbps or USB4 40Gbps) it employs.

CalDigit Chemical element Hub: What I don't like

Caldigit Element Hub Review Source: Windows Fundamental

This is an accessory that's best viewed as an extension of the Thunderbolt iv port on your laptop rather than a full-fledged dock. Information technology lacks SD carte readers, DisplayPort, HDMI, and Ethernet, all common additions to the best laptop docking stations. As named, this is a hub. If y'all're someone who uses a wide diverseness of hardware and accessories, the Element isn't going to be the end-all of dongles and adapters. For case, if your display doesn't have a USB-C input (like my preferred ultrawide), you lot will need an adapter. And if you oft apply removable storage, yous volition have to add an extra SD menu reader into the mix.

Lack of Ethernet, SD card readers, HDMI, and DisplayPort might drive some to total-size docking stations.

The Element is certainly meaty and you lot might finish up using as much space as a full dock even with extra dongles and adapters in the mix. Merely don't purchase it expecting an easy travel companion. The 150W AC adapter is a necessity, adding more than twice once again as much weight and bulk to the hub's tiny frame. This isn't exactly a con, and it'south in line with other products on the market place. It's just expert to know what you're getting into. If you're looking for a host-powered hub that doesn't crave a split up AC adapter, have a look at our collection of the all-time USB-C hubs.

When CalDigit claims 60W power back to the host, it means 60W. In that location is a lot of overhead reserved for the downstream ports. However, 60W might still not be enough for larger laptops with powerful CPUs and dedicated graphics. The Chemical element Hub is all-time reserved for sparse and lite Ultrabooks with mobile fries that are trending toward cutting all I/O save one or two Thunderbolt 4 ports.

CalDigit Element Hub: Competition

Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Source: Windows Central Razer's Thunderbolt 4 Chroma RGB dock

Thunderbolt 4 hardware is still relatively new, only that doesn't hateful the Element Hub isn't without a number of quality competitors. Our drove of the best Thunderbolt 4 hubs and docking stations has a bunch of great hardware.

If y'all'd like more of a full-featured Thunderbolt 4 docking station, the Kensington SD5700T is a solid choice that matches about other hardware. Information technology adds 10 ports, including one USB-A ii.0, Ethernet, UHS-II SD card reader, 3.5mm sound jack, three USB-A three.ii (Gen 2), and three downstream Thunderbolt 4 along with the host port. It passes through up to 90W charging power to the host laptop, better for devices that need more power. Yous tin generally find the SD5700T for around $330.

Caldigit Soho Dock Review Source: Windows Key CalDigit's SOHO dock for USB-C

For those who want to express themselves, there is the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma with built-in RGB lighting. This is the best style to keep all your gaming peripherals matching. In that location's no USB-A 2.0 port, but information technology otherwise keeps the same port collection every bit the Kensington SD5700T. It as well handles up to 90W power passthrough. This dock also costs somewhere effectually $330.

Want a small hub that relies on USB-C instead of Thunderbolt? The CalDigit SOHO Dock might be just what you lot're looking for. Information technology has DisplayPort, HDMI, SD, and microSD card readers, USB-A, and USB-C ports.

If yous're still using a PC with Thunderbolt three and don't desire to upgrade quite nonetheless, be sure to have a look at our roundup of the best Thunderbolt 3 docks for more than great hardware.

CalDigit Element Hub: Should you purchase it?

Caldigit Element Hub Review Source: Windows Central

You should buy this if ...

Your laptop includes Thunderbolt 4 or USB4
You want a compact and well-built hub
Y'all're looking for a hub that but adds more USB-A and TB4
You don't want to spend more than $300 on a full docking station

Y'all shouldn't buy this if...

You hate adding extra dongles to a hub
Y'all want a host-powered hub (without Ac adapter)
You lot desire a total dock experience

The CalDigit Element Hub is an altogether powerful little accompaniment equally long equally you don't buy it expecting the convenience of a full docking station. The Element adds three downstream Thunderbolt iv ports and four USB-A 3.2 (Gen 2) ports, ideal for laptops that are continuously shedding I/O.

If you lot're looking for a high-performance hub to handle an eGPU, RAID storage, high-functioning SSDs, and high-res displays (with USB-C input), the Element will get the job washed. And there'south always the option of adding actress dongles and adapters to achieve a total dock setup if you need SD carte du jour readers, Ethernet, or more traditional video out.

The (comparatively) express diverseness of ports and the 60W capped host charging capabilities are reflected in the price. Whereas full-size Thunderbolt 4 docks are all going for somewhere around $330, the Chemical element Hub comes in at $200. That'south expensive compared to last-gen hubs, but it's a bargain otherwise when up against competing Thunderbolt 4 hardware. All models come with a standard 2-year warranty.

Caldigit Element Dock

CalDigit Chemical element Hub

CalDigit's Chemical element is a compact Thunderbolt four hub that adds three downstream Thunderbolt 4 and iii USB-A three.2 (Gen 2). As long as you don't need the port diversity offered by a full-size dock (or don't listen adding extra dongles and adapters), information technology should make a fine high-performance add-on to your setup.

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