Which Thunderbolt 4 dock is right for you? CalDigit TS4 vs Element Hub

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  • Опубліковано 26 вер 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 82

  • @abolit
    @abolit Місяць тому +1

    Thank you for the video. Here's one of the customer reviews I've found on some website: "Apple has informed me that CalDigit has permanently closed their offices in the United States and no longer provides technical support nor sales support in the US, effective April 2023."

  • @StreetsOfVancouverChannel
    @StreetsOfVancouverChannel Рік тому +2

    I've been using TS2 every day since 2014 and it still works perfectly!

  • @sfk1066
    @sfk1066 Рік тому +3

    Thank you for this thoughtful and very informative presentation. I was leaning toward the Element Hub for my iMac but I think the TS4 is my choice. However, I may still get the Element Hub later in the future (possibly when power supply is greater) to use for my new MacBook Pro...but TS4 goes well for my 2019 iMac and very likely for the next one I have, which which will likely be in 3-4 years if not longer. Thank you so much for your help and keep up the great work! Cheers! :)

    • @Fred_the_Head
      @Fred_the_Head 10 місяців тому +1

      If you can afford the TS4 go for it.

  • @jacksonj3082
    @jacksonj3082 3 місяці тому

    Have a TS4 and love it, using a DP splitter for dual monitors which saves me one TS4 port.

  • @IVANLEEespinosa
    @IVANLEEespinosa Рік тому +5

    Great content Karocodes! Thank you! I might go with the TS4 as it is more future-proof. 😎🎹🎶

    • @KaroCodes
      @KaroCodes  Рік тому

      Great choice 😁

    • @ChrisWaters
      @ChrisWaters Рік тому

      Agreed … until TB5 becomes the norm! 😮

  • @KaroCodes
    @KaroCodes  2 роки тому +1

    Order CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 docks from Try&Byte and get a FREE cable organiser!
    IMPORTANT: make sure to add the organiser to the cart before applying the code tryandbyte.com.au/collections/cablox/products/cablox-mini-white
    - Use code TS4KAROCODES at checkout for CalDigit TS4 tryandbyte.com.au/collections/caldigit/products/caldigit-ts4-thunderbolt-station-4
    - Use code EHKAROCODES at checkout for Caldigit Element Hub tryandbyte.com.au/collections/caldigit/products/caldigit-thunderbolt-4-element-hub

  • @yenjun0204
    @yenjun0204 Рік тому +2

    I have the same TB4 docks: TS4, and Element Hub(EH). In short, just get TS4. No huge price difference between them now. I was excited that getting a EH as a portable TB4 dock with multi-port connections. However, the power adapter brick is huge, and so that I don’t want to bring EH out anymore. I am still waiting for a portable power adapter build-in TB4 docks.

  • @JacobGagoOfficial
    @JacobGagoOfficial Рік тому +1

    When she mentioned the 16” issue the answer was clear for me lol

  • @AC-MAIN
    @AC-MAIN Рік тому +1

    Hey, great review and I’ve seen most of them.

  • @letvca
    @letvca Рік тому +5

    I don't fully get the idea about claiming the Element Hub to be a "travel-friendly" hub or "easy to carry on the go". It's useless without an external charger literally 2-3 times larger than the hub itself. You can't power the Element Hub from your laptop nor from your laptop charger (99% sure). If you really want to travel - just take your 30$ small USB-C hub that doesn't need to have an external power and weights less than the power cable of the charger of Element Hub.

    • @petercruz1993
      @petercruz1993 Рік тому +2

      Agreed, none of these docks are meant to be portable. They’re meant to be for long term workstations with loads of peripherals

  • @cornwat
    @cornwat 9 місяців тому

    Thank you so much for this informative video! I can’t believe you have so few subs. This was exactly what I needed.

  • @kaochao2356
    @kaochao2356 Рік тому

    I just used your Amazon link to purchase a TS4, so hopefully you get the commission... you’re welcome! :)

  • @realruggeddiy
    @realruggeddiy 2 роки тому +2

    Goodness - just ordered an element hub for use with a 2017 mbp. This mbp uses an 87 watt power supply. The element hub only provides 60 watts. No I did not see any instructions I said you cannot use both the standard power supply plus the element hub connected simultaneously. But I think this is where the power issue may have arisen from that leads to the element power dropping.

    • @realruggeddiy
      @realruggeddiy 2 роки тому +1

      I am seriously considering exchanging the element for the TS4. Here’s a question - Do you think you can connect an element hub to a TS4? Do you think that would create power supply issues?

    • @KaroCodes
      @KaroCodes  2 роки тому

      @@realruggeddiy ooo good thinking! That would really sound like a probable reason... if I actually used the additional power supply - but I didn't 🙈 I have the 2020 MacBook Pro 15" and it was fine with just the power from EH, I guess I didn't push my Mac to the max 🤔
      You can definitely connect EH to TS4 - it's even pictured on CalDigit's official product page under 'daisy-chaining' and listed as a fancy Thunderbolt 4 feature 😁

  • @MajorFrank10
    @MajorFrank10 Рік тому +1

    Thinking about getting base M2 Mac mini with 16gb of ram instead of Mac mini pro and using the money on getting one of these docks.

  • @Comanchedrive
    @Comanchedrive Рік тому

    I bought both.

  • @mvargasmoran
    @mvargasmoran Рік тому

    I have Thunderbolt 2 display, I still have the Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter (T2 looks like Display Port).
    I have the Caldigit Element Hub, and as I have that adapter still I haven't felt the need to get something else, except for the SD cards, but I don't use them that much.

  • @ActionJ322
    @ActionJ322 Рік тому +5

    @6:05 Regarding Power Bricks: Although both PSUs have identical dimension and weight, if you checked the output spec on the label, you will see the TS4's brick DC Output is rated @ 230W (19.5V x 11.8A = 230W), and Element Hub's PSU just @ 150W (19V x 7.89A = 150W). In order to supply a constant 98W host charging + every peripheral connected on the TS4, the power supply must be rated higher than the total power draw required and headroom to spare. That's power budget 101. 🙂 Quick simple math for your reference: 7.5wx7=52.5w + front USB-C 20W + 15W + 15W + 98W = 200.5W + LAN + Audio jacks + SD + mSD + internal chipsets = ~22x W min. Other docks that advertised 100W host charging with a 135W brick will never work right cause the math just didn't add up.

  • @chumbawumba1959
    @chumbawumba1959 Рік тому +1

    I think you are comparing Apples and Oranges. The TS4 Dock is just that, a multi-device dock - and, as you say, you give up one of the TB ports to provide bandwidth to all of the devices supported. The TS4 Hub, is just that, specifically to allow you to connect multiple TB devices/chains now supported by TB4 "hubbing" capabilities.

  • @adiquest
    @adiquest 8 місяців тому

    Nice details and breakdown...Now with all these ports, do they share bandwidth or are the all independent and each will get the full 10Gbit/s or 40Gbit/s. In other words, If I connect 2 TB4 cables will the ports share and now I am down to 20GBits/s? Thank you...

  • @Crysco.mp3
    @Crysco.mp3 Рік тому

    I adore your accent.

  • @kaffepojke
    @kaffepojke 11 місяців тому

    I think you've pretty much convinced me to go with the TS4; Thank you. I do have a question that has always bugged me. How can I eliminate the need to waste a USB socket for my mouse whether corded or cordless. Seems like I always have another device that wants to connect, but the mouse is using the last port. (I hate touchpads)

  • @naimulsayed1339
    @naimulsayed1339 Рік тому

    Great review, exactly what I was looking for as a developer.
    It's also look like you have a similar desk setup that I am going after with LG ultrawide monitor.
    Is it possible to make a full desk setup and connections review of your desk? Or if you already made one please give the link.
    The situation is While creating my new home work setup, got a M1 Pro 14 inch. I still haven't bought the monitor but considering the LG 40 inch 5k2k. As these are expensive I am buying these in steps, one at a time in every 1/2 months.
    I bought the same ugreen cheaper hub, just to connect my lgoibot dongle for keyboard/mouse and to connect my old SanDisk external ssd. But the speed was pretty bad. Even my MX Master 3S mouse is lagging annoyingly. So I got 2 usb c to a converter which are working better with no lag.
    But, after using cheaper hubs and watching this vdo, I understood, TS4 is the way to go rather than wasting money on cheaper hubs which are ultimately waste of money.
    By the way, how does the TS4 works with the monitor? As the spec says it supports only refresh rate of 60Hz. What if the monitor has more refresh rate? Even though LG40 5k2k only supports 72Hz, will I get full 72Hz with TS4?

  • @solar-e-bike-touring-europe
    @solar-e-bike-touring-europe Рік тому +1

    Subscribed 👍

  • @terrytysinger6022
    @terrytysinger6022 9 місяців тому

    Wow! I thought that my TS 4 ran hot.

  • @afternoontiger9319
    @afternoontiger9319 Рік тому +1

    Fantastic review. Can I use the TS4 with two external monitors with thunderbolt. 3/4 cables?

    • @KaroCodes
      @KaroCodes  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! 😊 Yes, as long as your device supports two monitors. For example my MacBook Pro M1 only supports 1 monitor so even with the dock two monitors wouldn't work, but Intel Macs, newer Apple processors and basically any Windows machines should support two monitors with TS4 😁

    • @AlexandruHasegan
      @AlexandruHasegan 5 місяців тому

      @@KaroCodes Any MacBook Pro M supports more than 1 monitor, for example my M1 16 pro: "Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display at 1 billion colors and:
      Up to two external displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz at over a billion colors (M1 Pro)"
      M1 pro max supports more than 3 monitors ✌

  • @rickv5004
    @rickv5004 Рік тому

    which eastern european country are you from? Seems to best coders come from the east (Bulgaria)

  • @DanielMartinez-hc1nw
    @DanielMartinez-hc1nw Рік тому +1

    Does it works on windows and also would you need to install software to get the hardware to work? I have a company computer and they don't like it when we install 3rd party software so that is very important.

    • @KaroCodes
      @KaroCodes  Рік тому +1

      Yes it works on Windows but you might have a problem with keyboards failing to be detected, in that case you'd need to install drivers. IIRC it didn't work with any wired keyboard for me.

  • @igordasunddas3377
    @igordasunddas3377 Рік тому +1

    I'm sorry, but how can the direct connection be slower than e.g. TS4 or element hub? Shouldn't a direct connection be the fastest, because of no overhead?
    Also: on MacOS 13.0* it seems, that Thunderbolt / USB-C is simply not recognized. It works on my M1 Max with MacOS 12.* flawlessly though. It seems to be a bug, not sure we'll get a fix with 13.1 though. I tried the Dell WD19S and I can say this much: a USB-C hub definitely sucks. In my case though I only need it for LAN and charging, both features work on my MacOS 12.* device.
    Interesting video and comparison. I guess the only thing that could've been better, was, if you could provide a short summary on what system(s) you have checked the docks out on.

    • @KaroCodes
      @KaroCodes  Рік тому

      Ikr I was so surprised with those results too! I talk more about it in the first video in the series (Element Hub review, speed test section, here's a link to that specific timestamp ua-cam.com/video/0KJ5Q2pmr0I/v-deo.html).
      Interesting problem, I'm still on MacOS 12.x so haven't run into it, altho Windows was struggling with properly identifying it until I installed drivers and some additional software from CalDigit's official website. Have you tried that?

    • @igordasunddas3377
      @igordasunddas3377 Рік тому

      @@KaroCodes I haven't yet bought the CalDigit docking station, but I think my company or I will soon.
      Also yeah: I shouldn't have updated to Ventura on my own MacBook, because that WD19S Dell docking station works flawlessly on MacOS 12, though the display (5120*2160@60hz) doesn't work via that USB-C dock.
      Thanks for the hint to look at your other video - will check it out.

  • @djjammindave
    @djjammindave Рік тому

    LOOKING FOR AN ANSWER, WHY INSIGNIA 42" 1080P HDMI PORTS ARE NOT RECOGNIZED BY THE MACBOOK PRO 2011 OS CATALINA 10.15.1 - TRY DIFFERENT HDMI CONNECTORS AND ADAPTERS AND STILL NO PICTURE.

  • @BobbyG3.14
    @BobbyG3.14 Рік тому +1

    Literly every content or UA-cam reviews recommended the TS4🤪, are they buying y’all all off 😮

  • @EJH-jn6mo
    @EJH-jn6mo Рік тому

    hope they comped you well for this ad

  • @PatrickDAllen1
    @PatrickDAllen1 10 місяців тому +1

    One downside to a dock is that is constantly charges your laptop and you can't turn off this charging if you need to use your devices. This is a MAJOR pitfall because it will keep your battery always charging when plugged in and cause overvolting/overcharging which will lower your battery's lifespan significantly. This is why I typically prefer hubs to docks, because I can use my devices and disconnect my charger from the laptop for a bit so as to let it discharge and not cause battery damage by having it constantly charging all the time.

    • @zukdizzle
      @zukdizzle 10 місяців тому

      Smart plug will alleviate this

    • @PatrickDAllen1
      @PatrickDAllen1 10 місяців тому +1

      @zukdizzle ah, so yet another device I need to buy to make the set-up work without overvolting my laptop. See, this is getting expensive!
      This is why I just use unpowered hubs for the most part... Some even have pass-through charging so I can run my computer charger through it but it's not constantly charging my device all the time.

  • @arksurvivalevolved9190
    @arksurvivalevolved9190 Рік тому

    Very nice, but confusing, mentioned will work with even type-c like windows I guess, but when I read in amazon, it requires type-c with thunderbolt support, so means wont work like on a windows with type-c 3.2 gen 2x2 for example? Im waiting for thunderbolt 4 asus card for this...

    • @KaroCodes
      @KaroCodes  Рік тому +1

      I tried both on Windows and they worked perfectly fine 👌

    • @arksurvivalevolved9190
      @arksurvivalevolved9190 Рік тому

      @@KaroCodes OMG, sounds good, i am new to thunderbolt technology and very complex for me, but thank you for the info...

    • @arksurvivalevolved9190
      @arksurvivalevolved9190 Рік тому

      @@KaroCodes But your windows have thunderbolt port?

    • @KaroCodes
      @KaroCodes  Рік тому +1

      @@arksurvivalevolved9190 no worries! All of those USB-C/TB standards can get quite confusing. The laptop I tested on has just a regular USB-C port. If you wanna be 100% sure check the exact compatibility on Caldigits website instead of Amazon :)

  • @willianbell3464
    @willianbell3464 Рік тому +1

    Hi KaroCodes, I also had to return the Caldigit Element Hub to the store after a month of use, because as you indicate, neither resetting the MACBOOK M1 MAX, nor changing the port, nor changing the cable, nor updating the firmware, the disconnection problem was solved, It was very frustrating, try after try failed... the first time I experienced it was when opening Blender (Thunderbolt video connection went away, all peripherals disconnected and seemed to want to reconnect several times without success), the second time just opening the Photos app (MacOS)... anyway, I think it's not well designed or that there's an incompatibility problem that they can't solve.
    I wanted to ask you if the TS4 currently still works well for you? has it given you any problems? ...I'm thinking of buying one, but previous experience with the Caldigit Element HUB makes me leery and wondered if the OWC Thunderbolt 4 Dock wouldn't be better.

    • @KaroCodes
      @KaroCodes  Рік тому

      Sorry to hear that you also ran into an issue with EH! Regarding TS4 it's still holding strong and working well 💪
      It gets extremely hot too (uncomfortable to touch) but it doesn't seem to affect it.

    • @ae35unit
      @ae35unit Рік тому

      I'm having a similar issue. The hub disconnects drives randomly. Seems the connection to the port labelled "computer" on the Element Hub is the issue. CalDigit are sending a replacement. I hope this works.

    • @Killertuga2
      @Killertuga2 Рік тому

      Hi Willian, what did you end up buying? I'm also on the fence about OWC TB4 Dock and Caldigit. Also own a M1 Max and looking for a good dock.

    • @willianbell3464
      @willianbell3464 Рік тому

      @@Killertuga2 Hello, yes, I ended up buying the OWC TB4 and everything has gone well (At the moment 🙂🤞🤞🤞), I do not have to report any problems.

    • @Killertuga2
      @Killertuga2 Рік тому

      @@willianbell3464 That's great. Good that you do not have any issues as I've seen on some reviews. Does it eject your external drives while the machine is sleep? And when it comes back on, does the monitor come back as normal or do you need to reboot? Thanks :)

  • @Fred_the_Head
    @Fred_the_Head 10 місяців тому

    Caldigit TS4 has ports for microphone and headphone, and SD cards. These ports are irrelevant to my needs. I would rather have two Element hubs than both one Element hub and TS4 dock. I only wish the Element has 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports and 3 USB 4 ports rather than 3 Thunderbolt 4 and 4 USB 4 ports.

  • @dangauci
    @dangauci Рік тому

    Thankyou. please note that hubs and docks are not the same.

  • @pqsk
    @pqsk Рік тому +1

    Could you share what you use to keep the power under the table?

    • @KaroCodes
      @KaroCodes  Рік тому +1

      Sure! I have a desk from ZenSpaceDesks and they had this optional accessory: www.zenspacedesks.com.au/product/integrated-cable-management-channel/
      I got the version with 8 power plugs included. You can see how it all looks like in my previous video (8:05) ua-cam.com/video/FGbgJkevwXs/v-deo.html
      Before that, I just used a double sided tape to attach all my power bricks, boards etc to the bottom of the desk. Another budget option that works for all desks is this IKEA cable organiser www.ikea.com/au/en/p/signum-cable-trunking-horizontal-silver-colour-10200254/

    • @pqsk
      @pqsk Рік тому +1

      @@KaroCodes wow cool. Thanks for the detailed response. Great videos by the way. You're very energetic!

    • @KaroCodes
      @KaroCodes  Рік тому +1

      @@pqsk no worries! I hope it helps 🤞 And thank you!! 😊

    • @pqsk
      @pqsk Рік тому +1

      @@KaroCodes definitely! I came interested in the element hub. I just got the ts4 and I have 5 monitors. Was thinking of daisy chaining the 2 and yet I was intrigued by your cords 😆

    • @KaroCodes
      @KaroCodes  Рік тому +1

      @pqsk 5 monitors wow! 😲 I think it's a great idea! Please let me know how it goes 🙏

  • @catalincatalin4101
    @catalincatalin4101 Рік тому

    What monitor do you have and how does it handle the many hours in front of it?

    • @KaroCodes
      @KaroCodes  Рік тому

      LG 38WN95C-W - only had it for a year now but it's doing fine. I noticed some image retention started happening recently but nothing permanent.

  • @marks4553
    @marks4553 8 місяців тому

    You sound nordic vs scandinavian

  • @zeller999
    @zeller999 Рік тому

    What mic is this

    • @KaroCodes
      @KaroCodes  Рік тому

      HyperX Quadcast S: amzn.to/3Hw8ZVQ

  • @olehfilipchuk8257
    @olehfilipchuk8257 Рік тому

    cos one of them is hub and other is dock... totally dufferent devices... so i take dock)

  • @thinkofparis
    @thinkofparis Рік тому

    i love your hair

  • @daveygee434
    @daveygee434 Рік тому

    It took you 2:45 to actually get to the point and start the video. That’s a lot of time for the viewer to lose interest. Jus saying… but thanks for sharing 👍

  • @Leinsterbaby
    @Leinsterbaby Рік тому

    Oh jaysus, :( anything for a payday? Right?

  • @ygjt76v0-----
    @ygjt76v0----- Рік тому

    bro u are v beauty

  • @recreationalplutonium
    @recreationalplutonium Рік тому

    the directly connected drive is slower? what? as a """""software engineer""""" you should know margin of error lol.

    • @KaroCodes
      @KaroCodes  Рік тому +1

      I talk more about it in the first video in the series (EH review)

  • @akschu1
    @akschu1 Рік тому +1

    Here is what I want to know. Can I attach 2 or more monitors. Allow the mac to go to sleep then wake up without completely rearranging every window. I have the OWC dock and have completely disabled sleeping on my m2 ultra and run screen savers because EVERY SINGLE TIME it wakes from sleep my windows are in completely new places.

  • @MicroVAX
    @MicroVAX Рік тому +2

    Criminally undersubscribed channel. Thanks for making my life easier choosing a docking Solution ! :)

  • @GlennUpgraded
    @GlennUpgraded Рік тому +1

    Is it okay to use two element hubs in one computer or a combination of both?

    • @KaroCodes
      @KaroCodes  Рік тому

      Yes! I tested TS4 + Element Hub and it worked great, two hubs should work as well 👌 You can connect both directly to your computer or connect one to the other with a single connection to the computer.