CalDigitThunderbolt 4 Element Hub - 4X USB4 Ports, USB 3.2 Gen2 10Gb/s, Single 8K or Dual 4K Displays, 60W Charging, 0.8m Cable

I'm writing this review of the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub after having used it for a few weeks, and I must say, it's an exceptional hub that has exceeded my expectations in almost every way.The hub comes with 4 Thunderbolt/USB-C ports and 4 USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, which is a great number of ports to have for all my devices. In addition, it supports external displays, but I haven't had the opportunity to test that feature out yet. The 60W PD (Power Delivery) is a big bonus, as it allows me to charge my devices while using them without having to worry about running out of juice mid-task.The only negative I've found with the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub is the short Thunderbolt cable that comes with it, which is only 0.8m. This length might not be sufficient for some users, especially those who require more distance between their devices and the hub. However, this is a minor issue that can be resolved by purchasing a longer cable separately.One of the standout features of this hub is its compatibility with both Mac and Windows operating systems. The CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub is a versatile hub that provides seamless connectivity and lightning-fast data transfer speeds. This is crucial for me as I often work with large files and need a hub that can handle my demands. I've also noticed that it doesn't overheat even with extended use, which is a testament to its build quality.In terms of design, the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub is sleek and modern, with a minimalist look that fits in perfectly with my workspace. It's also compact enough to be carried around in a bag, making it an ideal travel companion for those who need to work on the go.Overall, I highly recommend the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient hub that can handle multiple devices with ease. Its build quality, design, and compatibility with both Mac and Windows operating systems make it a standout choice that's well worth the investment.

I upgraded a USB 3.0 hub to this excellent unit. I love that full power is available on all ports for charging and that it supports my 4K display, plus another 4K display if I get one. Now I am able to plug a single cable into my Surface Pro 7 for power, video, and peripherals, and I can leave the surface charger in my backpack. Other hubs have ports with limited functionality -- slower speeds, less power, and overall power limits that can reduce power on individual ports when loaded. This hub has full power and speed on all ports. It isn't cheap, but it's a good example of "you get what you pay for." I expect it will serve another generation or three of laptops after my current one, providing lasting value. For those needing more ports, check out Caldigit's Thunderbolt Station 4.

I needed a four port SSD dock I could use for updating my external SSD backup drives. I had been using four TRIM compatible enclosures connected to the four USB ports on the left side of my laptop (see the last photo below) but it was a pain (guess where) to set up and tear down every time I updated my backups and ate up too much precious space on top of my desk.I could find only two SSD only docks but they were too bulky and would be too slow since all four or five ports ran off a single USB 3.0 connection (up to 5.0Gbps) so I built my own dock from four cut down 2.5" TRIM compatible enclosures and connected them to the four USB Type a ports on the Element hub. I run the hub off a Thunderbolt 3 port (20Gbps) on the laptop (that provides up to 5 or 6Gbps, the max for SATA, per drive, depending on how many drives are being written to at the time.The dock/hub stay setting on top of my desk. The enormous PSU is Velcroed to the side of my desk to keep it out of sight and out of the way but still easy to access if I need to.Redneck as it sounds, it works great and doesn't look too bad. Not only does it run faster than my old setup, it takes up less space, is less hassle to use, and I still have three USB ports available on the left side of my laptop. The hub itself gets a bit warm when in use, but nowhere hot enough I can't comfortably hold my hand on it. Curiously, the PSU stays cool. I have the PSU power cord plugged into a switched outlet cube located where I can easily reach it from my desk so I can turn off the dock/hub when not in use.TRIM works through the hub. I'm using Linux Mint 19.3 Cinnamon 64-bit.Since the four USB type A ports will max out Thunderbolt three, I do not plan on using the other three ports on the other side. They are too inconvenient to get to anyway.For some odd reason, the dock/hub will not work on the Thunderbolt ports on the other two laptops I have built on the same Clevo chassis as my daily driver. I suspect there may be a driver issue there. Those laptops are just backups and for travel so I'm not losing sleep over it.