#Dockstation laptop full#
#Dockstation laptop Pc#

Read the full review: StarTech Thunderbolt 4 Dock (opens in new tab) The only catch to this flexible approach is that to connect displays over Thunderbolt technology, additional cables or adapters are needed, adding extra expense to what is already a very pricey option.Ī stylish and well-considered design, the StarTech Thunderbolt 4 dock is excessively priced, and other makers, like OWC, deliver much the same connectivity for a fraction of the price. The designer aimed to make it sufficient for the needs of every user, irrespective of if they need to connect displays, storage, or any other peripherals. With 96W of power available for the host system and 15W each for the three Thunderbolt downstream connections and more for triple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, this dock is hardly underprovisioned. Need storage with the video or instead of, then look at that path.StarTech already makes some handy equipment for those that use Thunderbolt and USB technology to its limits.īeing slightly late to the Thunderbolt 4 party, StarTech has created a dock that delivers maximum flexibility for users and enough charging power to handle the most demanding laptops. More than that and you likely need a higher end dock with a GPU or two. Can your computer do well on it's own then put it on an external screen, maybe two. Stepping up to video means asking what kind of video. A hub is just splitting off USB to get keyboard, mice, Ethernet and maybe some USB storage. It doesnot have to be a GPU but instead drive storage, networking and other interfaces, or what ever.ĭocking stations cost more because they do more. Higher end is a Thunderbolt PCIe chassis that allows any of a number of desktop sized GPUs in a case, the connections on the case will be for multiple displys, USB-C devices, or whatever PCIe cards are installed.

These will give access to some midrange eGPUs for gamining or whatever. Next in line are GPUs in a dedicated Thunderbolt box. A low grade video can be added with DisplayLink, a USB-to-video option. There's also the ability to add extra video. The advantages of a USB dock are having the ability to add additional peripheral interfaces. There's a potential to address this by bonding another Thunderbolt connection. There will be a potential for a bottleneck of data to and from the host machine from the Thunderbolt 2 or 3 cable used to coonect this all. Those wanting more storage can pack in interface cards for external storage or cards with storage of their own. People wanting more video can pack two GPU cards. The case will have as many PCIe slots that one can buy, usually one, two, or the.

These will offer the option to an an eGPU for those that want it, more interface ports, or more storage.

#Dockstation laptop Pc#

To void this means keeping a single PC at the core, then use USB-C where peer-to-peer communications is needed.Ī step up on this, or step to the side, is instead of using a eGPU dock there is the used of a PCIe chassis for a dock. The use of USB-A and USB-B enforce hierarchy. USB-C don't have the means to understand multiple USB-C devices at a time. It is this kind of dock that offered more USB-C port than any other because the system is running on Thunderbolt. While storage is not often included on the dock there will be option to connection them by eSATA, USB-C, Thunderbolt, or Network share. These eGPU docks will often have power available to charge the laptop, cellphone, and other accessories. They center around a high end GPU for powering a screen or three at high frame rates for gaming or getting the most out of stock information. Goin up in video capability is the eGPU dock. This means sound, video, keyboard, mouse, networking, and perhaps more all plugged-in at once. These kinds of docks typically use the USB-A port to connect to the PC. This is not gaming quality chip but many people in need of a simple added screen for office productivity and sound. These hosts require USB-C connection to the host.Ī different kind of USB dock can provide video using the DisplayLink video chip. If there is a DP port with the DP port the the dock may be able to suppoort two independent displays. My experience tells me this DisplyPort (or DP) will often be converted to HDMI or VGA. It can use USB-C that supports DisplayPort. There's two ways to handle video in a dock. If there are more than just USB ports, and often no video, then this might step beyond a hub and into a mimi-dock.Ī hub will be something that has no video. Some hubs will provide internal Ethernet and audio along with USB-A and one or two USB-C ports. A USB hub is a device that connects to the USB host, with either a USB-A or USB-C connector to allow connection to a handful oof other USB devices.