CalDigit TS5 Thunderbolt™ Station 5
The CalDigit TS5 Thunderbolt™ Station 5 is a high-performance docking solution designed to expand connectivity for modern computers, offering robust data transfer, display support, and power delivery.
Comprehensive Port Selection
The TS5 features a wide array of ports for maximum versatility:
Front Ports:
- Audio Combo Jack
- SD UHS-II / microSD UHS-II Card Reader
- USB-C (10Gb/s) [7.5W]
- USB-C (10Gb/s) [20W]
- USB-C DATA [20W]
Rear Ports:
- Audio In/Out
- USB-C (10Gb/s) [7.5W]
- USB-A (10Gb/s) [7.5W]
- USB-A (480Mb/s) [7.5W]
- 2.5 Gb Ethernet
- Security Slot
Power and Host Connectivity:
- DC In: 20V 12A
- Host Port: Thunderbolt 5 / USB4 v2 (80Gb/s) [Up to 140W]
- Downstream Thunderbolt 5/USB4 Ports: 15W
- Front 20W USB-C Port: 20W
- Remaining USB-C Ports: 7.5W
- USB-A Ports: 7.5W
Connecting Your TS5
Follow these steps to connect your CalDigit TS5 to your computer:
- Connect the AC power cord to a wall outlet and the other end (IEC320-C5) to the TS5 power adapter.
- Connect the round plug from the power adapter to the TS5's [DC in:] port.
- Connect the included Thunderbolt 5 cable to the port labeled [Computer] on the TS5.
- Connect the other end of the Thunderbolt 5 cable to your computer's Thunderbolt 5/4/3 or USB4 port.
- When connecting Thunderbolt or USB devices for the first time on macOS or Windows, you may need to approve the device in a pop-up window or system settings. The TS5 LED indicator will display a white light when powered on and successfully connected.
Important Notes:
- Always use the provided Thunderbolt 5 cable or a certified Thunderbolt 5 cable with full 80Gb/s performance.
- Windows laptops with proprietary charging mechanisms or lacking Power Delivery may not charge via the dock.
- For applications with high CPU or GPU load, it is recommended to connect the laptop's charger directly to the computer to ensure sufficient power.
Compatibility and Performance
Host Device Compatibility:
The TS5 is compatible with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 host devices. It also supports Thunderbolt 3 Macs but does not support Thunderbolt 3 PCs. Users with Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s) or lower may experience limited functionality. Thunderbolt 3 Windows PCs are not supported.
Note: Ethernet connectivity is supported for Thunderbolt host devices and USB4 host devices that support PCIe. Please consult your USB4 host manufacturer to confirm PCIe support information.
Host | Compatibility |
---|---|
Thunderbolt 5 Mac | ✔️ |
Thunderbolt 5 PC | ✔️ |
Thunderbolt 4 Mac | ✔️ |
Thunderbolt 4 PC | ✔️ |
Thunderbolt 3 Mac | ✔️ |
USB4 v2 PC | ✔️ |
USB4 PC | ✔️ |
USB-C PC | ✔️ |
iPad (Thunderbolt or USB-C) | ✔️ |
iPhone (USB-C) | ✔️ |
Windows Tablet (Thunderbolt or USB-C) | ✔️ |
Bandwidth Boost™
The TS5 features Bandwidth Boost™ technology, enabling it to allocate up to 120Gb/s of performance when connecting high-bandwidth displays. This supports higher resolutions and faster refresh rates. When Bandwidth Boost is active, the TS5 still provides up to 40Gb/s for other connected devices.
Bandwidth Boost | Bandwidth Left for Data |
---|---|
Active | 40Gb/s |
Not Active | 80Gb/s |
Display Connectivity
Connect up to 3 external displays on Windows Thunderbolt 5 PCs, or up to 2 displays on Macs and PCs with dual display output. You can connect displays directly using Thunderbolt or USB-C cables to the remaining Thunderbolt 5 ports, or use USB-C to HDMI or DisplayPort adapters (sold separately) for the remaining Thunderbolt 5 ports.
Notes on Display Support:
- * 5K displays require Thunderbolt 4 or Apple Studio Display. Dual LG UltraFine 5K displays are not supported. 6K displays can utilize Thunderbolt 4 displays or Apple Pro Display XDR.
- ** When refresh rates exceed 60Hz, Display Stream Compression (DSC) support from the monitor and host GPU may be required. Bit depth and color depth may vary to support higher refresh rates.
- *** Some M3 MacBooks (e.g., MacBook Air) in clamshell mode support up to dual external displays with resolutions up to 5K or 6K.
- **** Current M1/2/3/4 Macs' Thunderbolt ports only support HDMI 2.0b. When using HDMI adapters, resolution is limited to 4K 60Hz. For higher refresh rates, use USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to DisplayPort, or DisplayPort to DisplayPort connection methods. For more information on Mac external display support, refer to Apple's support page ([https://support.apple.com/en-us/101571](https://support.apple.com/en-us/101571)) and CalDigit's guide ([https://www.caldigit.com/macbook-multiple-monitor-support-with-caldigit-thunderbolt-docks/](https://www.caldigit.com/macbook-multiple-monitor-support-with-caldigit-thunderbolt-docks/)).
- ***** Results may vary due to OS updates. For single Thunderbolt port external display compatibility on different Windows PCs, refer to the manufacturer's website.
General Display Compatibility Table (Illustrative - Refer to specific device documentation for exact support):
Resolution/Refresh Rate | M4 Max MacBook | M4 Pro MacBook | M4 base, M2/M3 Pro / Max MacBook | M1 Pro / Max MacBook | M1/M2/M3 MacBook | Thunderbolt iPad Pro | iPhone 15/16 | TBT4 Windows PC | TBT5 Windows PC |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4K 60Hz | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
5K 60Hz | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
6K 60Hz | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
8K 60Hz | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Dual 4K 60Hz | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Dual 5K 60Hz * | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Dual 6K 60Hz * | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Dual 8K 60Hz * | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Higher Refresh Rates - Single Monitor ** | |||||||||
4K Up to 144Hz | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
4K Up to 240Hz | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||
3440x1440 Up to 240Hz | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||
2K Up to 240Hz | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
2K Up to 480Hz | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||
1080p Up to 500Hz | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Higher Refresh Rates - Multiple Monitors ** | |||||||||
Dual 4K 144Hz | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||
Dual 4K 240Hz | ✔️ | ||||||||
Dual 2K 240Hz | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||
Dual 2K 480Hz | ✔️ | ||||||||
Dual 1080p 500Hz | ✔️ | ||||||||
Triple 4K 144Hz | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Technical Specifications
Interfaces:
- 1 x Thunderbolt 5 Host (Up to 120Gb/s)
- 3 x Thunderbolt 5 (80Gb/s)
- 3 x USB-C (10Gb/s)
- 1 x USB-A (10Gb/s)
- 1 x USB-A (480Mb/s)
- 1 x SD 4.0 (UHS-II)
- 1 x microSD 4.0 (UHS-II)
- 1 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet
- 1 x Front Combo Audio In/Out (3.5mm)
- 1 x Rear Audio Out (3.5mm)
- 1 x Rear Audio In (3.5mm)
- 1 x DC In (20V 12A)
Power Delivery:
- Thunderbolt 5/USB4 Host Port: Up to 140W
- Each Downstream Thunderbolt 5/USB4 Port: 15W
- Front 20W USB-C Port: 20W
- Remaining USB-C Ports: 7.5W
- USB-A Ports: 7.5W
Dimensions & Weight:
- Height: 5.55" (141.0mm)
- Width: 1.65" (42.0mm)
- Length: 4.46" (113.4mm)
- Weight: 1.41lbs (0.64kg)
Minimum System Requirements:
- macOS 15 or above
- Windows 11 or above
- iPadOS
- Thunderbolt 5 Computer, Thunderbolt 4 Computer, Thunderbolt 3 Mac
- USB-C (USB4 or USB4 v2) Computer, USB-C Mac, PC, Tablet, Phone, Thunderbolt/USB4 iPad
Package Contents:
- 1 x CalDigit TS5
- 1 x Thunderbolt 5 Braided Cable (1.0m)
- 2 x Rubber Feet Strips
- 1 x Power Cord
- 1 x Power Supply (240W)
Warranty:
2 Years
Usage and Safety Warnings
General Usage Warnings:
- Please read the TS5 user manual thoroughly before use.
- Avoid using the TS5 in extreme high or low temperature environments. The safe operating temperature range is 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C). Avoid use in humid environments.
- Moisture and condensation can build up inside the device, potentially damaging electronic components. Always use the included TS5 power adapter.
- An unstable power supply (excessive or insufficient) may lead to inconsistent performance or device failure.
Safety Warnings:
- Keep the TS5 away from liquids and humid environments to prevent damage. Contact with liquids can cause device damage, electric shock, or fire hazards. If the TS5 becomes wet while not powered on, do not attempt to turn it on.
- If any issues arise with the device, do not attempt to repair or disassemble it yourself. Doing so may result in personal injury, device damage, and will void the warranty.
Support and Contact
For any questions or assistance, please contact CalDigit Technical Support:
- Email (US): ? support@caldigit.com
- Email (UK/EU): ? eusupport@caldigit.com
- Email (Asia): ? asia@caldigit.com
- Website: ? https://www.caldigit.com/support