Introduction
The Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Docking Station is designed to enhance your computing experience by providing extensive connectivity and power delivery. This dock is compatible with Thunderbolt 4-enabled Windows 10 laptops and Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4 MacBooks running macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later. It supports USB-C and USB 4.0 accessories, offering full power delivery to your connected devices.
Key features include 11 ports, support for single 8K 30 Hz or up to dual 4K 60Hz video output, 40Gbps data transfer speeds, and a UHS-II SD 4.0 card reader.
What's in the Box
- Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station
- 0.8 meter Intel Certified Thunderbolt 4 Cable
- 180 Watt Power Supply
Product Features and Ports
The SD5700T offers a comprehensive array of ports to expand your workstation's capabilities:
Image: Front and rear view of the Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station, highlighting all available ports and their functions.
Image: The Kensington SD5700T Docking Station shown with its power adapter and Thunderbolt 4 cable, illustrating the compact size and essential accessories.
Front Ports:
- SD Card Reader: UHS-II SD 4.0 for high-speed data transfer.
- USB-A Port: One 5V/1.5A charging port for mobile devices.
- Audio Combo Jack: For connecting headsets with microphone functionality.
- Thunderbolt 4 Host Port: Connects to your laptop, providing up to 90W power delivery.
- Power Button: To power the docking station on or off.
Rear Ports:
- DC 20V Power Input: Connects to the included 180W power supply.
- Three Thunderbolt 4 Downstream Ports: Each capable of data, video, audio, and 15W power delivery. These ports support daisy-chaining up to five additional Thunderbolt devices (maximum 2 per port).
- Gigabit Ethernet Port: Provides a stable wired network connection (up to 1Gbps).
- Three USB-A 3.2 Gen2 Ports: For connecting peripherals, offering data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps.
Setup Instructions
- Connect Power: Plug the 180W power supply into the DC 20V input port on the rear of the docking station, then connect the power supply to a wall outlet.
- Connect to Laptop: Use the included 0.8 meter Intel Certified Thunderbolt 4 cable to connect your laptop's Thunderbolt 4 port to the Thunderbolt 4 Host Port on the front of the docking station.
- Connect Displays: Connect your external monitors to the Thunderbolt 4 downstream ports on the rear of the dock. You may need USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to DisplayPort adapters/cables (not included) depending on your monitor's input.
- Connect Peripherals: Plug in your USB devices (keyboard, mouse, external drives), Ethernet cable, and audio devices to the corresponding ports on the dock.
- Power On: Press the power button on the front of the docking station.
Image: The Kensington SD5700T Docking Station in a typical desktop setup, connected to a laptop and two external monitors, demonstrating universal compatibility.
Video: An official overview of the Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Dual 4K Docking Station, showcasing its features and connectivity options.
Operating Instructions
Display Configuration:
The SD5700T supports various display configurations depending on your host device:
- Thunderbolt 4 Devices (Windows): Supports single 8K @ 30 Hz, or up to dual 4K @ 60 Hz, single 4K @ 120Hz, or dual 1080P @ 120Hz video output.
- Thunderbolt 3/4 MacBooks (macOS 11 or later):
- Macs with M1, M2, or M3 base chipsets will only display to a single external monitor due to Apple’s chipset limitations.
- Macs with M1/M2/M3/M4 Pro or Max, and M4 base CPUs will work with dual displays.
- USB-C Alt-Mode Windows Laptops: Supports only a single 4K @ 60Hz external display. For optimal performance, it is recommended to use a Thunderbolt laptop with a Thunderbolt dock.
Image: Illustration showing a 14" or 16" MacBook Pro (M3 Max/Pro or M1/M2 Pro/Max chipsets) connected to the dock, supporting up to dual 4K/6K @ 60Hz displays.
Image: Illustration showing an Apple M1, M2, or M3 base chipset Mac connected to the dock, supporting only a single 4K @ 60Hz external display.
Power Delivery:
The 180 Watt Power Supply delivers 90W power to charge your laptop. Additionally, static charging technology provides 15W to each of the downstream Thunderbolt 4 ports without diverting power from the laptop, ensuring your laptop receives its full 90W even with other devices connected.
Data Transfer:
Enjoy ultra-fast data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps through the Thunderbolt 4 ports. The USB-A 3.2 Gen2 ports provide up to 10Gbps, and the Gigabit Ethernet port ensures reliable network connectivity at up to 1Gbps.
Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your Kensington SD5700T Docking Station, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the dock. Avoid liquid cleaners or abrasive materials.
- Ventilation: Ensure the dock is placed in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating. Do not block the ventilation grilles.
- Cable Management: Keep cables organized and free from kinks or excessive bends to prevent damage.
- Firmware Updates: Periodically check the Kensington website for any available firmware updates for your docking station to ensure compatibility and performance improvements.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your docking station, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:
- No Power:
- Ensure the power supply is securely connected to both the dock and a working wall outlet.
- Verify the power button on the front of the dock is pressed.
- No Display Output:
- Check all display cables (USB-C to HDMI/DisplayPort) are securely connected to both the dock and the monitors.
- Confirm your laptop's display settings are configured to extend or duplicate to the external monitors.
- Ensure your laptop's chipset supports the desired number and resolution of displays (refer to "Display Configuration" section).
- Try restarting your laptop and the docking station.
- Peripherals Not Working:
- Ensure USB devices are properly connected to the dock's USB-A or Thunderbolt 4 ports.
- Try connecting the peripheral directly to your laptop to rule out device issues.
- Restart the docking station and your laptop.
- Network Connectivity Issues:
- Verify the Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the dock and your network router/switch.
- Check your network settings on your laptop.
- Ensure your internet bandwidth, Ethernet cables, and network switches are functioning correctly.
Video: A user review demonstrating the setup and functionality of the Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station, including port overview and connectivity.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Kensington |
| Model | SD5700T (K35175NA) |
| Connectivity Technology | Thunderbolt 4 |
| Compatible Devices | Thunderbolt 4 Windows 10 Laptops, Thunderbolt 3/4 MacBooks (macOS 11 or later), USB-C/USB 4.0 accessories |
| Video Output | Single 8K @ 30 Hz, Dual 4K @ 60 Hz, Single 4K @ 120Hz, Dual 1080P @ 120Hz |
| Data Transfer Speed | Up to 40Gbps (Thunderbolt 4), Up to 10Gbps (USB-A Gen2) |
| Power Delivery | 90W to host laptop, 15W to each downstream Thunderbolt 4 port |
| Total Ports | 11 (3x TB4 downstream, 1x TB4 host, 4x USB-A, 1x SD, 1x Ethernet, 1x Audio) |
| Ethernet | Gigabit Ethernet (1Gbps) |
| SD Card Reader | UHS-II SD 4.0 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 9"L x 6"W x 4"H |
| Item Weight | 16 ounces |
Software Features (DockWorks)
The Kensington SD5700T Docking Station is enhanced by Kensington's proprietary software features:
- DockWorks WiFi Auto-Switch: Guarantees the fastest, most reliable internet connection by automatically switching between wired and wireless networks.
- MAC Address ID Pass-Through and Reset: Provides IT managers with maximum network monitoring and visibility.
- Device Connection Monitoring: Allows for oversight of connected devices.
- Intel VT-d DMA Protection: Blocks peripheral devices from unauthorized access to system memory, enhancing security.
Image: Visual representation of Kensington DockWorks software features, including WiFi Auto-Switch and device monitoring.
Warranty and Support
The Kensington SD5700T Thunderbolt 4 Docking Station comes with a three-year warranty and lifetime Kensington technical support. For any assistance, please refer to the contact information provided on the official Kensington website.
