The First Thunderbolt 5 Dock is Here: Kensington SD5000T5 EQ

Thunderbolt 5 technology is officially entering the market, and leading the charge is Kensington with its SD5000T5 EQ, the world’s first Intel-certified Thunderbolt 5 dock. With an incredible 120Gbps single-cable docking speed and advanced multi-monitor support, this dock aims to deliver a seamless high-performance experience for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Priced at $400 (₹33,200), the SD5000T5 EQ is packed with impressive features that make it stand out in the world of Thunderbolt docks.

Blazing Fast Speeds and Impressive Multi-Monitor Support

The Kensington SD5000T5 EQ offers a massive 120Gbps data transfer speed — making it perfect for handling demanding peripherals and large data transfers. Additionally, this dock supports:

• Three 4K monitors or two 8K monitors on Windows devices

• Dual 6K monitors on MacBook Pros powered by M1 Pro chips or newer

This robust multi-monitor support, along with the high data speeds, makes the SD5000T5 a powerful companion for creative professionals, gamers, and anyone needing seamless display management.

140W USB-C Power Delivery: A Unique Feature

One of the dock’s standout features is its 140W USB-C Power Delivery (PD) charging capability. While most Thunderbolt docks top out at 100W, the SD5000T5 is designed to support high-powered devices, especially laptops that require greater power.

For reference, the latest 16-inch MacBook Pro models can benefit from this feature. However, these models only support 140W when using MagSafe for charging, not via USB-C. Nonetheless, users of more recent MacBooks (since 2021) will still get up to 100W of charging power via USB-C.

Future-Proofing with Thunderbolt 5

While Thunderbolt 5 promises unprecedented speeds and performance, we are still in the early stages of the technology’s rollout. As of now, no Thunderbolt 5 storage drives are available for purchase, limiting the ability to utilize the full potential of this technology. However, the industry is moving fast, and new devices, such as OWC’s Envoy Ultra, are on the horizon.

The OWC Envoy Ultra is expected to be one of the first storage devices compatible with Thunderbolt 5, boasting transfer speeds of YourNextGig. The device is set to hit the market in October – at $400 (₹33,200) for 2TB and $600 (₹49,800) for 4TB.

Thunderbolt 5 Devices: Still Limited for Now

As of now, Thunderbolt 5 ports are rare. Only a few high-end devices, like the Razer Blade 18 priced at $4,500 (₹3,73,500), and the Maingear ML-17 at $3,899 (₹3,23,100), support the technology. However, as more devices integrate Thunderbolt 5, docks like the Kensington SD5000T5 will become indispensable for users needing high-speed performance.

Final Thoughts: A Glimpse into the Future

The Kensington SD5000T5 EQ sets a high bar as the first Thunderbolt 5 dock in the market. With its incredible 120Gbps speeds, support for multiple 8K displays, and 140W USB-C Power Delivery, it is paving the way for a new era of productivity and connectivity. While we await more widespread Thunderbolt 5 adoption, Kensington’s offering provides a glimpse into the future of high-speed data transfer and device compatibility.

For those looking to future-proof their setups, this dock is certainly a compelling choice, even with its premium price tag of ₹33,200.

Stay tuned for more updates on Thunderbolt 5 devices and innovations as this groundbreaking technology continues to evolve!