Ugreen Maxidok 17-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station with SSD Slot Assessment

Greatest Costs In the present day: Maxidock 17-in-1 TB5 Docking Station

Trendy laptops have gotten slimmer, extra highly effective and with fewer ports. Anybody who makes use of a set workstation within the workplace or dwelling workplace on a everlasting foundation will discover a docking station nearly indispensable. Ugreen is launching its new flagship product, the Maxidok 17-in-1. At its coronary heart is Thunderbolt 5 (TB5), the newest era of the Thunderbolt interface. I’ve taken a take a look at what the station can do and who it’s finest fitted to.

Learn on to be taught extra, then see our roundup of one of the best Thunderbolt docks for comparability.

Maxidok 17-in-1 TB5 Docking Station: Design and construct

The Maxidok comes with an influence provide, energy cable, Thunderbolt 5 cable, and a small screwdriver for the M.2 slot on the underside of the case. Measuring 5.23 × 5.23 × 2.08 inches, the dock weighs round 1.91 kilos, stands securely on 4 giant rubber ft and, with its aluminum casing, exact tolerances, and quiet fan noise, provides a high-quality, premium impression.

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The quite a few air flow openings are hanging. They counsel that an energetic fan is at work inside. Throughout normal duties, the dock stays nearly inaudible. When giant quantities of information are being transferred or a number of shows are operating at full load, the fan revs up gently. It stays discreet, with no high-pitched whistling audible. The exterior temperature rises noticeably beneath load, however stays inside secure limits. The aluminum helps to dissipate a number of the warmth.

The structure of the ports is nicely thought out. The ports for fast entry are on the entrance, whereas the connections for fastened cabling are on the rear. The small, light-colored symbols generally is a little troublesome to make out relying on the lighting, however you shortly get the grasp of it in on a regular basis use.

Maxidok 17-in-1 TB5 Docking Station: Options

The quantity 17 within the product title denotes the entire variety of ports. In observe, 15 downstream ports are usable, plus the Thunderbolt 5 host and the M.2 slot inside. Positioned on the entrance are an influence button with LED, three USB-C ports (every at 10Gbps), an SD card reader (UHS-II), a TF MicroSD card reader, and a 3.5mm jack for headsets.

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On the rear, there are three USB-A ports with 10Gbps, two Thunderbolt 5 downstream ports, the Thunderbolt 5 host port for the laptop computer/PC, a DisplayPort 2.1, a 2.5 Gigabit LAN port, separate audio-in and audio-out jacks, and the DC enter for the ability provide. A Kensington lock protects towards theft.

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What’s lacking is a direct HDMI output. This may be resolved utilizing an adapter, however for a premium resolution it initially appears like a compromise. From a technical perspective, nonetheless, the give attention to DisplayPort 2.1 and Thunderbolt 5 is comprehensible. Each requirements are thought-about extra fashionable and future-proof for top resolutions, body charges, and multi-monitor setups, as they provide considerably extra bandwidth and supply higher help for upcoming show generations.

Thunderbolt 5 delivers as much as 80Gbps of bidirectional bandwidth. For video-intensive purposes, the so-called Bandwidth Enhance mode can improve the switch charge in a single course to as much as 120Gbps. Relying on the host system, this permits for 2 8K screens at 60Hz or as much as three 4K shows at 144Hz.

The 240-watt complete energy output is distributed intelligently. As much as 140 watts flows to the laptop computer through the Thunderbolt 5 host. Even power-hungry workstations thus obtain sufficient energy for steady operation. A second gadget will be fast-charged with as much as 60 watts, whereas further USB ports provide peripherals resembling a mouse, keyboard, or smartphone.

What has modified in comparison with TB4?

In comparison with TB4 docks, the Maxidok provides, above all, higher capability: larger bandwidth, stronger charging energy, two TB5 downstream ports, and the built-in M.2 slot. The benefit is much less evident in easy workplace setups, however turns into obvious with a number of shows, quick knowledge transfers, and parallel charging. It’s exactly on this phase that Ugreen positions the Maxidok, whereas traditional TB4 docks are typically considered all-round options for much less demanding setups.

The M.2 slot makes all of the distinction

The most important leap ahead in comparison with older fashions within the Maxidok sequence is the inner M.2 slot. It accommodates NVMe SSDs within the 2280 format with PCIe Gen4 x4, with capacities of as much as 8TB doable. This turns the station itself into a quick exterior storage medium — a function that clearly units the dock aside from traditional USB-C docking stations, which merely present further ports. The built-in heatsink retains the SSD at temperatures round 44 levels even beneath load; no throttling occurred throughout testing.

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That is exactly the place the actual added worth lies: the monitor, community, USB units, and quick mass storage all run through a central unit and, usually, through a single cable to the laptop computer. This reduces cable litter, saves house on the desk, and makes the workspace tidier total. As a substitute of inserting a further exterior SSD enclosure subsequent to the dock, the storage is plugged straight into the docking station.

This brings noticeable advantages in on a regular basis use, notably when coping with giant quantities of information. Anybody who frequently works on photograph or video initiatives, makes use of digital machines, strikes giant backup folders, or needs to maintain venture archives domestically has quick storage completely accessible at their workstation. This makes cellular workflows significantly simpler: Merely join the laptop computer, the screens, the community, enter units, and the whole working atmosphere — together with the SSD — are instantly prepared to be used.

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The M.2 slot is subsequently notably helpful for customers who use their dock in a stationary setup every day and steadily work with giant recordsdata. For traditional workplace duties involving a mouse, keyboard, monitor, and the occasional USB stick, nonetheless, the function is extra of a comfort than a real cause to purchase. Nevertheless, those that work as creators, frequently swap between cellular and glued workstations, or want to replicate NAS and backup-like eventualities domestically will profit way more. In these instances, the dock turns into not only a port extension, however the central hub of the whole setup.

Who can really use Thunderbolt 5?

The total velocity of Thunderbolt 5 requires appropriate {hardware}. For Home windows laptops, the usual should be factory-fitted. Presently, TB5 is primarily present in high-end notebooks with Intel’s second-generation Core Extremely processors (Sequence 2), which have been available on the market since late 2024. Producers resembling Razer, MSI, Lenovo, Dell, and HP provide corresponding fashions within the gaming and workstation classes.

Retrofitting just isn’t doable on laptops. You probably have an older pc with Thunderbolt 4 or USB4, you need to use the Maxidok, however with a lowered bandwidth of 40Gbps. Moreover, Home windows 11 model 23H2 or later is required; TB5 doesn’t run absolutely on Home windows 10.

The state of affairs is extra relaxed for desktop PCs. Some present motherboards with Intel’s Z890 chipset include Thunderbolt 5 built-in, resembling fashions from Asus, Gigabyte, or MSI. Anybody with an acceptable board that includes a Thunderbolt header may also retrofit the usual through a PCIe enlargement card.

Asus provides the ThunderboltEX 5 PCIe x4 enlargement card for round $140, whereas Gigabyte has introduced a comparable mannequin. Necessary: Compatibility should be checked with the cardboard producer, and TB5 should be enabled within the BIOS earlier than first use.

On the Apple facet, the MacBook Professional with M4 Professional and M4 Max have been already the primary units with Thunderbolt 5 by the tip of 2024. Older MacBooks with M1, M2, or M3 use Thunderbolt 4 and are thus reaching the bandwidth restrict.

AMD programs principally use USB4 as an alternative of licensed Thunderbolt 5. The Maxidok typically works there as nicely, although not at all times with full TB5 performance, as USB4 doesn’t specify a assured minimal bandwidth like Thunderbolt 5 does.

Maxidok 17-in-1 TB5 Docking Station: On a regular basis usability

Setup is easy: Plug within the energy provide, join the TB5 cable to the host port, and also you’re achieved. MacOS acknowledges the dock instantly; Home windows 11 downloads the suitable drivers on first connection. The included cable is an efficient 27.5 inches lengthy and licensed for optimum Thunderbolt 5 speeds. In the event you want extra cable size, you need to go for an energetic cable. Passive cables solely preserve the 120Gbps velocity as much as about 40 inches.

In on a regular basis use, the Maxidok shortly demonstrates its strengths. Screens, community, storage, and enter units run through the dock; the laptop computer requires solely a single Thunderbolt cable. The connection stays steady, and peripherals are reliably acknowledged even after the laptop computer has been in sleep mode.

The information charges dwell as much as what Thunderbolt 5 guarantees. A PCIe Gen 4 SSD (Lexar NM790 2TB) within the inside slot delivers sequential learn speeds of round 3,900 MB/s in CrystalDiskMark. The total Gen 4 velocity of theoretically 7,000MB/s is curbed in observe by bandwidth distribution. For an built-in docking state of affairs, that is nonetheless an exceptionally excessive determine, which leaves traditional USB 3.2 options far behind and provides greater than sufficient headroom even for video modifying or giant venture recordsdata.

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The two.5 Gigabit Ethernet interface meets the necessities of contemporary dwelling and workplace networks and operates reliably. Nevertheless, anybody utilizing a ten Gigabit community with a quick NAS such because the Ugreen NASync iDX6011 Professional would possibly want for extra bandwidth than 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet supplies.

The cardboard readers switch photograph and video recordsdata shortly from the storage medium to the laptop computer. With supported UHS-II playing cards, switch charges of as much as 312MB/s are doable. For photographers coping with giant volumes of RAW recordsdata, it is a noticeable aid. The extra USB-C ports on the entrance can shortly join a smartphone or a digicam.

The dock delivers reliably when charging the laptop computer. In our check, a MacBook Professional drew the total 140 watts. Excessive-performance Home windows laptops additionally profit from the excessive energy finances, although relying on the mannequin, they sometimes use between 100 and 140 watts through USB-C Energy Supply.

The fan stays largely inaudible throughout on a regular basis use and solely turns into faintly noticeable beneath sustained load. No throttling occurred throughout testing, and knowledge charges remained fixed. When idle and never charging a laptop computer, the dock consumes round 5 watts.

Must you purchase the Maxidok 17-in-1 TB5 Docking Station?

The Ugreen Maxidok 17-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 docking station is a well-designed premium dock. Anybody trying to run a contemporary workstation with a number of shows, quick storage media, and full laptop computer charging through a single cable will discover this one of the crucial compelling options presently accessible.

The interior M.2 slot is its strongest promoting level in comparison with rivals. Construct high quality, stability, and cooling are all as much as scratch, and the fan stays quiet in on a regular basis use. Weaknesses lie within the particulars: The shortage of an HDMI output is often annoying, and the two.5-gigabit LAN interface feels a bit old school within the 10-gigabit period.

With an inventory worth of $499.99 and a road worth of round $400, the station sits within the higher phase. Those that can make the most of its full potential will obtain a future-proof management heart for his or her desk. For customers of present Thunderbolt 5 laptops, the Maxidok 17-in-1 is presently one of the crucial technically versatile docking stations available on the market.

Technical specs

• Mannequin: Ugreen Maxidok 17-in-1 Thunderbolt 5 Docking Station (U716)
• Complete ports: 17 (15 downstream, 1 Thunderbolt 5 host, 1 inside M.2 slot)
• Host interface: 1 × Thunderbolt 5 (as much as 120Gbps, 140W PD)
• Thunderbolt 5 downstream: 2 × Thunderbolt 5 (as much as 80Gbps)
• USB-C: 3 × (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10Gbps)
• USB-A: 3 × (USB 3.2 Gen 2, 10Gbps)
• Video output: 1 × DisplayPort 2.1 (as much as 8K@60Hz)
• Show setup: As much as 2 × 8K@60 Hz or 3 × 4K@144 Hz (relying on host)
• Ethernet: 2.5 Gigabit LAN (RJ45)
• Card reader: SD UHS-II microSD/TF (as much as 312MB/s)
• Audio: 3.5mm jack on the entrance, separate audio in/out on the rear
• Inside storage slot: M.2 NVMe PCIe Gen4 x4 (2280, as much as 8TB)
• Complete energy: 240W
• Quick charging: 60W through downstream port
• Energy provide: Exterior 240W energy adapter
• Safety: Kensington lock
• Materials: Aluminium housing (zinc-aluminium alloy)
• Dimensions: 5.23 × 5.23 × 2.08 in
• Weight: approx. 1.9 lbs (excluding energy provide)
• Compatibility: macOS (backwards appropriate from M1; full TB5 help solely from M4 Professional/Max), Home windows 11 with Thunderbolt 5/4 or USB 4
• Contents: Dock, energy provide, energy cable, Thunderbolt 5 cable (0.7 m), screwdriver, directions
• Guarantee: 2 years