CalDigit launches new Element 5 Hub with Thunderbolt 5 support
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Today CalDigit took the wraps off its first Thunderbolt 5-enabled device, the nine port, and aptly-titled Element 5 Hub. The follow up to the companys original eight-port Element hub, the $249 Element 5 features four Thunderbolt 5 ports supporting 80Gb/s, plus a whole host of additional features and tidbits to consider. Lets take a closer look.Ports and chargingThe Element 5 hub has nine ports total, while the original sported eight ports.4 x TB5 (80Gb/s) ports2 x USB-C (10Gb/s) ports3 x USB-A (10Gb/s) portsHost power delivery of 90WDisplaysThe max resolution for Macs that support 8K is 8K 60HzThe max resolution on macOS for dual displays is 6K 60Hz. The M4 Max supports Dual 8K 60HzThe max high-refresh rate on macOS for dual displays is Dual 4K 240HzThe Element 5 Hub supports the new Bandwidth Boost feature of Thunderbolt 5, which allocates up to 120Gb/s to displays when needed, such as when connecting multiple high refresh rate displays.On compatible Windows machines with Thunderbolt 5, the Element 5 supports up to Triple 4K 60Hz displays via a single port. Its worth noting that the Mac, including the latest M4s, do not support triple displays via a single Thunderbolt 5 connection. This is a limitation of macOS computers, and no dock or hub at this time can natively support triple displays on macOS via a single TB5 connection.Other tidbitsCalDigit notes that host charging consistently delivers up to 90W and never drops regardless of how many devices are connected. Included with the Element 5 is a new 180W power supply that is 42% smaller than its predecessor while offering 30W of additional power.The Element 5 Hub features 64Gb/s PCIe, double the bandwidth of its predecessor, to accommodate fast storage devices. 9to5Macs TakeSlowly but surely, the Thunderbolt 5 landscape is beginning to take shape, and the Element 5 has the makings of a solid hub for those who need the expansion. In terms of compatibility, of course the Element 5 is best paired with new M4 Pro and M4 Max Macs featuring Thunderbolt 5 ports, but its also compatible with TB4, TB3, and USB-C Macs and iPads as well.What do you think? Sound off in the comments with your thoughts.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
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