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Anker has introduced its latest flagship accessory, the Prime TB5 Docking Station, marking its entry into the Thunderbolt 5 ecosystem. This new docking station is designed to meet the demands of creative professionals, gamers, and advanced users who require high-speed data transfer, robust power delivery, and versatile display options. The launch also includes a high-speed Thunderbolt 5 cable, positioning Anker at the forefront of next-generation connectivity solutions.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station, 14 Ports Thunderbolt 5... |
£399.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Key Features of the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station
Unprecedented Bandwidth and Display Support
The Prime TB5 Docking Station delivers up to 120 Gbps of bandwidth-three times the throughput of Thunderbolt 4-making it suitable for data-intensive workflows and high-resolution multi-display setups. This bandwidth allows for the support of dual 8K displays, a feature that caters to professionals working with large visual assets or those seeking immersive gaming experiences.
The dock includes both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 outputs as standard, enabling users to connect a wide variety of high-resolution monitors without the need for adapters or manual configuration. The video ports are managed through a multiplexed architecture, which automatically activates the first connected output, simplifying the user experience.
Integrated GaN Power Supply
A standout feature of the Prime TB5 Docking Station is its integration of Gallium Nitride (GaN) power supply technology. This approach eliminates the need for bulky external power adapters, reducing desktop clutter. The dock is capable of providing up to 232 watts of total power output and can accept up to 250 watts of input, ensuring that connected laptops, peripherals, and high-demand devices receive adequate power through a single, compact unit.
Advanced Cooling System
To maintain performance under sustained loads, the dock employs a precision-engineered U-shaped air duct, a built-in turbo fan, and smart temperature control algorithms. This system is designed to keep surface temperatures stable and the device operating quietly, even during intensive data transfers or when powering multiple high-draw devices.
Smart Firmware Management
Anker includes its Dock Manager software, which supports remote and model-specific firmware updates. This targeted approach helps prevent unnecessary system-wide updates that could introduce instability or compatibility issues, especially in environments where multiple docking stations are deployed.
Premium Design and User Experience
The Prime TB5 Docking Station features a modern aluminium alloy housing and adjustable ambient lighting, aiming to complement high-end desktop setups. The design reflects Anker’s focus on both functionality and aesthetics, with the ambient lighting providing a subtle, customisable accent.
Comprehensive Port Selection
In addition to Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, the dock offers a broad range of ports to accommodate various devices and accessories:
- Two Thunderbolt 5 downstream ports (supporting daisy-chaining and high-speed peripherals)
- One Thunderbolt 5 upstream port (for host connection and charging)
- HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 outputs
- Two 10Gbps USB Type-C ports
- Three 10Gbps USB Type-A ports
- SD and microSD card readers
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet port
- 3.5mm audio jack
This extensive port selection ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, from external storage and displays to network connections and audio peripherals.
Availability and Pricing
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station, 14 Ports Thunderbolt 5... |
£399.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station and Thunderbolt 5 cable are available from 30 April 2025, priced at $399.99 / £399.99. They can be purchased via Anker’s official website, Amazon, and selected global retail partners.
Thunderbolt 5 vs Thunderbolt 4 vs USB4: Technical Comparison and Context
As Thunderbolt 5 enters the mainstream, it is important to understand how it compares to its predecessors and the closely related USB4 standard. All three technologies use the USB-C connector, but there are notable differences in speed, power delivery, display support, and mandatory features.
Bandwidth and Data Transfer
- Thunderbolt 4: Offers a maximum bidirectional bandwidth of 40Gbps. This is sufficient for most external storage, displays, and docking applications, supporting up to two 4K displays or one 8K display.
- Thunderbolt 5: Doubles the baseline bandwidth to 80Gbps and, with Bandwidth Boost, can reach up to 120Gbps in one direction. This is particularly beneficial for high-resolution displays and data-intensive tasks, enabling support for up to three 4K displays at 144Hz or two 8K displays at 60Hz.
- USB4: Shares much of its underlying technology with Thunderbolt 4, supporting up to 40Gbps. However, not all USB4 devices are required to support the maximum speed; some may only offer 20Gbps. This variability means users must check device specifications carefully.
Power Delivery
- Thunderbolt 4: Supports up to 100W of power delivery, suitable for most laptops and peripherals.
- Thunderbolt 5: Increases the maximum power delivery to 240W, accommodating more demanding devices, including high-performance laptops and workstations.
- USB4: Can also support up to 240W of power delivery, but, as with bandwidth, this is not mandatory for all devices.
Display Support
- Thunderbolt 4: Supports up to two 4K displays at 60Hz or one 8K display.
- Thunderbolt 5: Expands this to three 4K displays at 144Hz or two 8K displays at 60Hz, thanks to the higher available bandwidth and support for DisplayPort 2.1.
- USB4: Display support varies by device implementation, with some supporting dual 4K displays, but not all devices meet the same minimum requirements as Thunderbolt.
PCIe Throughput
- Thunderbolt 4: Provides 32Gbps PCIe throughput (equivalent to PCIe Gen 3).
- Thunderbolt 5: Doubles this to 64Gbps (PCIe Gen 4), which benefits external GPUs and high-speed storage devices.
- USB4: PCIe tunnelling is supported, but not all devices implement it at the same level as Thunderbolt.
Mandatory Features and Certification
- Thunderbolt 4 and 5: Intel mandates strict certification, ensuring all devices meet the published specifications for speed, power, and compatibility.
- USB4: Certification is less stringent, leading to variability in performance and feature support across devices.
Backward Compatibility
All three standards are backward compatible with earlier versions and with each other to varying degrees, provided the devices and cables support the required features.
Comparison Table: Thunderbolt 5 vs Thunderbolt 4 vs USB4
| Feature | Thunderbolt 5 | Thunderbolt 4 | USB4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Bandwidth | 120 Gbps (asymmetric) | 40 Gbps | 20-40 Gbps (implementation dependent) |
| Display Support | Multiple 8K displays | Two 4K displays or one 8K@60Hz | Typically one 4K@60Hz (varies) |
| Maximum Power Delivery | Up to 240W | Up to 100W (min 15W required) | Up to 100W |
| PCIe Bandwidth | 64 Gbps (PCIe Gen4 x4) | 32 Gbps (PCIe Gen3 x4) | Up to 32 Gbps (implementation dependent) |
| Daisy Chaining | Supported (multiple TB devices) | Supported (up to 6 devices) | Limited/Variable support |
| Minimum Speed Requirements | 120 Gbps (upstream) | 40 Gbps | Can be implemented at 20 Gbps |
| Backward Compatibility | Yes, with TB4, TB3, USB4, USB-C | Yes, with TB3, USB-C | Yes, with USB-C |
| External GPU Support | Yes (enhanced) | Yes (required) | Optional |
| Wake from Sleep | Yes | Yes | Optional |
| Certification Requirements | Strict (Intel) | Strict (Intel) | Less strict (USB-IF) |
| Market Adoption | Beginning (2025) | Widespread (since 2020) | Growing (since 2019) |
Conclusion
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station, 14 Ports Thunderbolt 5... |
£399.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Anker’s Prime TB5 Docking Station represents a concrete step into the Thunderbolt 5 era, bringing theoretical bandwidth improvements into practical application for professional and enthusiast users. By combining the raw speed of Thunderbolt 5 with thoughtful design elements like integrated GaN power, comprehensive cooling, and versatile display support, Anker has created a connectivity hub that addresses both current needs and future expansion possibilities.
As the first market entry in what will likely become a competitive product category, the Prime TB5 sets high standards for performance, design, and functionality that other manufacturers will need to measure against. For users ready to embrace the benefits of Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, the Prime TB5 offers a comprehensive solution that eliminates several common pain points in docking station design while delivering on the promise of next-generation speed and versatility.
The Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station and Thunderbolt 5 cable are available now through Anker.com, Amazon.co.uk, and select retail partners worldwide for £399.99.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2025-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
