CalDigit Element Hub with 8 Ports is the Best Thunderbolt 4 USB4 Hub for Mac and PC

[@nicholasjohnson3542]

If you know somebody from Caldigit, please ask them to make the same thing but 100W PD and turn all four of the USB-A ports into USB-C. Thanks!

[@DocFUNKist]

or at least 2 USB-A to 2 USB-C

[@rutsoluo]

those thunderbolt 4 ports can also work as usb-c ports

[@nicholasjohnson3542]

@@rutsoluo we know. We want more USB-C ports as USB-A ports are a waste of space.

[@DocFUNKist]

@@rutsoluo Yeah if you manage to get a unit (if it ever exists... pre-order it almost 2 month ago)

[@aidanwright4330]

If this thing had 1 usb-a, a usb-c, sd card readers and a headphone jack on the front instead it’d be my dream. I’d even take one less thunderbolt 4 port for compromise if i had to. - make it into a mini ts4

[@raphaelleo517]

This dock is exactly what I have been looking for!

[@JerrySchulze]

Me too!

[@stephenusery652]

I know that there might be physical constraints dictating the placement of the ports, but, for my use case, I wish that they would have put the host connection and power connector on the same side. Also, I wish that we had a mix of A and Thunderbolt ports on each side, instead all of each on one side or the other.

[@ilkoallexandroff]

CalDigit are making really nice stuff! I am using couple of their hubs! This one looks quite on point too! Cheers from Japan!

[@JerrySchulze]

I agree. Thanks for watching and the comment!

[@smeado3533]

In the middle of a project where I'm moving my PCs into a dedicated computer storage closet, ducted through the attic. I'm thinking about running an optical Thuderbolt 3 cable to my computer for peripherals. This looks like a great solution to have all of the bandwidth I'll ever need.

[@JerrySchulze]

Wow very cool!

[@adiands850]

Looks like a great product. I just wish this had two upstream inputs so you can have 2 laptops/PCs connected, and share the same monitors.

[@MeinDeutschkurs]

Now, I'm not more intelligent then before: What devices do not work? With OWC's Blackmagic UltraStudio Mini Recorder/Monitor 3G does not work. Is this with CalDigit too?

[@JerrySchulze]

Hmm. I don't have any experience with that. I would reach out to CalDigit.

[@MeinDeutschkurs]

@@JerrySchulze , yes. Sure, will be the best. Please don't get me wrong. That day I saw too many "look my individual setup works"-videos. I miss "the huge variety"-videos.

[@RokeJulianLockhart.s13ouq]

Why'd they put USB-A on there...? They could have used USB-C for the 4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports.

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Anyone know why this has increased by $70 in price since its original $179 introduction? Anker and OWC don’t have all the type A ports but still under $200.

[@JerrySchulze]

Yikes...I would assume supply chain issues.

[@starvinglawstudent]

Very powerful for those that need to connect multiple bandwidth demanding devices.

[@JerrySchulze]

Yep!

[@peterpayne2219]

Solid review, thanks! So basically it’s all we need, as long as we don’t need a certain kind of video other than Thunderbolt.

[@JerrySchulze]

Well you can use adapters no problem.

[@MattHalpain]

wow ! This hub is great ! I like the 4 10gbps USB type-a ports and the 3 Thunderbolt 3 ports. And being able to charge from any port and not loose the 60 watts of charging power to a laptop is great ! I like this hub better than the OWC thunderbolt hub.

[@JerrySchulze]

I havnt tried the OWC but I think This wins spec wise.

[@RokeJulianLockhart.s13ouq]

If only a rackmount version existed, or it could slot into a standard 2/3.5" drive bay (to rack or case mount it that way).

[@JudgeFredd]

Looks to be the perfect companion for M1 Macs with TB4

[@JerrySchulze]

If you need to connect more TB ports it is perfect.

[@justinewert2166]

After this excellent review, I'm planning to buy the hub. Thanks for your work Jerry in producing this video.

[@JerrySchulze]

Glad it helped!

[@sifumech]

Anyone know the make model of the black keyboard shown at @1:57?

[@JerrySchulze]

It’s the Logitech K380 Keyboard: geni.us/KAKmP. I talk about it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqLLnoOnls9lm68

[@Everything2A]

Holy crap and you imagine this on the newly dubbed 2021 Thunderbolt iPad Pro!

[@JerrySchulze]

I can!

[@michaelstarmer3497]

Super cool but I ordered it over 2 months ago and it's still not here......

[@JerrySchulze]

Sorry to hear that. Everything from microchips to toilet paper is getting delayed and more expensive as raw materials are scarce.

[@sterlingdavis2933]

Nice! This seems like the perfect hub. So many of them only have one additional Thunderbolt port. I put in my order already. I don't even have a Macbook Pro..........yet.

[@JerrySchulze]

Lol

[@sterlingdavis2933]

@@JerrySchulze but I have the MacBook Pro M1 now! Had it for the past couple weeks. I dig it. Seems just as capable for the most part as my late 2015 iMac. Anyway, thanks for your vids!

[@timmallett4698]

Caldigit currently (July 21)have no stock and forecast next delivery in late August/September. :-(

[@JerrySchulze]

Yikes

[@mikaelbiilmann6826]

Can it connect ethernet via Thunderbolt, because the base model iMac doesn't come with ethernet connection on the power brick.

[@JerrySchulze]

with this hub you would need a USB or Thunderbolt to ethernet dongle. The TS3 Plus has ethernet built in and more types of ports.

[@AnthonyCox]

Hi Jerry, A. If I plug this into a Mac M1 mini-mac with the computer port thunderbolt 4 (which is also the charger link), it won't damage it will it? (Because obviously the mini-mac has its own power unlike a MacBook) B. Will it act as hub if I use another thunderbolt port, and keep the 60w port for charging my iPad Pro instead? Thanks!

[@JerrySchulze]

That is correct.

[@hellodavem]

Can I connect a thunderbolt to headphone jack adapter to use my headphones?

[@JerrySchulze]

Usbc to 3.5 yea

[@Marvin-tf9wc]

That's the dock I need, way more useful than 5-in-1s that only have 1 usba and 3 downstream ports. Well suited for connecting multiple external drives, except the price is as high as some full size desktop docks

[@oshamma]

I’ve owned this hub since August. It was working great, connecting my Wacom pen tablet, external SSDs, card reader and monitor to my MacBook Air (M2). The monitor is connected via a display port to USB-C cable. The trouble started when I upgraded to OS Ventura. That is when my monitor stopped connecting via the hub. Works fine if connected directly to the computer, but does not pick-up the connection via the hub. The computer registers the connection to the monitor in the System Settings of the computer and mirrors the resolution. However, the monitor (Eizo CG2730) fails to pick-up the connection. Now, I know that perhaps firmware updates are needed when there are upgrades… that’s not troubling me. What is troubling me is the total lack of response from CalDigit support!! I’m in the UK and CalDigit in the UK don’t respond to emails and don’t answer the phone!! if they are busy they could at least acknowledge the email or call, but I got nothing. The same applies to emails sent to ALL CalDigit support offices around the globe. What is the point of a great product with lousy service! On the basis of service I would not recommend CalDigit to anyone.

[@JerrySchulze]

Yikes! You may want to try the caldigit twitter account, they seem pretty responsive.

[@oshamma]

@@JerrySchulze Many thanks Jerry for your prompt response. 🙏

[@tonydesousa5652]

i think it would be a good idea on having a youtube video or on CalDigit webpage explaining how the Element hub works for thoes people who don,t want to update to os Big Sur as many of us stay on High Sierra or Mojave because of 32bit plugins that is not suported in version of OS after Mojave

[@JerrySchulze]

I don't work for CalDigit but good idea.

[@tonydesousa5652]

@@JerrySchulze i don't work for CalDIgit also , but I do give out ideas , i suppose in the sales Buisness there are all sorts of customers and thats why I just commented on the system requirements knowing loads of people that won't update because of 32bit 3 party plugins . something to keep in mind for those who do reviews on new products .

[@willianbell3464]

My experience has been very different from the one you describe, connecting only two devices to thunderbolt, on the one hand a thunderbolt 3 monitor and a USBC-Ethernet adapter, and using two of its USB3.2 ports, on the one hand with a USB HUB X7 ports (to which keyboard, numpad, mouse, bluetooth 5.3 music dongle, SD Card Reader, WebCam are connected) and another USB3.2 port with an SSD hard drive. Connecting it to the MacBook M1 Max, and configuring the external monitor as primary, the connection of all the peripherals was lost, just by opening Blender or Photos (MacOs), I think it has to do with the GPU connection. This forced you to disconnect everything and reboot to make it work again, even sometimes it would not reconnect, as if there was something that remembered the previous bad link. --- Mi experiencia ha sido muy distinta a la que narras, conectando al thunderbolt tan sólo dos dispositivos, por un lado un monitor thunderbolt 3 y un adaptador USBC-Ethernet, y usando dos de sus puerto USB3.2, por un lado con un HUB USB X7 puertos (al cual va conectado teclado, numpad, ratón, bluetooth 5.3 music dongle, SD Card Reader, WebCam) y otro puerto USB3.2 con un disco duro SSD. Conectandolo al MacBook M1 Max , y configurando el monitor externo como primario, se perdia la conexión de todos los periféricos, con tan solo abrir Blender o Photos (MacOs), creo que tiene que ver con la conexión GPU. Esto te obligaba a desconectar todo y reiniciar para que volviese a funcionar, incluso a veces no volvía a reconectar, como si hubiese algo que recordase el mal enlace anterior.

[@edowens9481]

I have a 13" Macbook Pro M1 and need to connect an old Firewire external drive. I bought a Apple Firewire to mini-display port adapter, and an Apple mini-display port to thunderbolt adapter, but to support this drive I have to connect directly to the MacBook. Any idea whether the CalDigit Element Hub would support the drive through one of the Thunderbolt ports?

[@JerrySchulze]

Probably best to reach out to CalDigit. I dont have a way to test that.

[@johndonabie5150]

Jerry, Can I connect my New MacBook Pro to the Element or the So Ho to charge the MacBook. Is it the port as the side of the hug with the word Computer, the port used for charging. Thank you. I'm new to USB C

[@3dlab334]

what if I need to plug this hub on a thunderbold 2 ports?

[@JerrySchulze]

Not going to work well.

[@boonping70]

I checked and noticed that the provided power adaptor is 150W. Since it is constantly supplying 60W, this means the hub is drawing 90W. Is that right?

[@JerrySchulze]

I cant answer the specifics about the power adapter but CalDigit says that it will output a max of 60w to laptop and provide 15w for thunderbolt and 7.5w for USB.

[@blanked3]

Question, can I plugin USB 3.0 flash drives in all 4 USBs and run at max 5gbs speed on each individual USB port???

[@JerrySchulze]

When I plug in some caldigit ssds they all run consistently, maybe a little slower than max. I would ask CalDigit.

[@blanked3]

@@JerrySchulzeok, thank you for your input 😊

[@mvargasmoran]

Why I cannot find a place that sells this dock?

[@JerrySchulze]

I think CPU shortages are affecting all of these now.

[@prspktvmusic]

The fact that all of these peripherals can now be connected to a computer via a single cable is crazy...

[@Markus_Strinning]

Is it possible to connect the Soho host cable to Mac M1 USB 3.1 gen 2 port? It will free up the two thunderbolt ports.😊

[@JerrySchulze]

You know, that is a great question. I will try and test this weekend.

[@JerrySchulze]

Yes, It works for USB for sure and connecting the SOHO to a computer using usb-c to usb-a. I was not able to test video out but it would work.

[@Markus_Strinning]

@@JerrySchulze That’s good news. Waiting for delivery of my SOHO today by DHL.👍🏻😊

[@a9udn9u]

Just pre-ordered one.

[@JerrySchulze]

Very cool!

[@TIM123451ERR]

it doesn't support two monitors for m1/m2 MacBook?

[@PendelSteven]

The ports on the front are USB Type A plugs with USB 3.2 Gen 2x1 protocol, previously known as USB 3.1 Gen 2. Short hand: USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 1 Type A ports. Think of it how the USB type C plugs with Thunderbolt 4 protocol are named Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports. Think of the plug as the transport verhicle and the protocol as the load: 4 adults (in a car) or 20 containers full of coal (on a train)? While you can't put 20 containers of coal in a car, you can put 4 adults in a train. Easily. It's a good analogy for how fast a port can transfer loads. Erm. Data speeds.

[@PendelSteven]

Also, I like to call USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 1 Type A ports simply 10 Gb/s USB ports. See also 40 Gb/s USB, 20 Gb/s USB, 5 Gb/s, 480 Mb/s and the classic 1.5 Mb/s USB port. The latter rarely seen anymore.

[@bjh8560]

My Macbook Pro 14 M1 has a megnetic charging port. Not the Thunderbolt charge port. Will it work with my Macbook?

[@JerrySchulze]

No data will transfer through the MagSafe port. You need to use thunderbolt so you lose the MacBook port but gain all the ports on the hub.

[@bjh8560]

@@JerrySchulze Thanks. Will this also charge the macbook from the hub, or will I connect the MagSafe as well?

[@JerrySchulze]

@@bjh8560 you would need to connect a usb c charger to the hub and the hub will pass it through.

[@bjh8560]

@@JerrySchulze so the hub charger itself won't charge my laptop? And I can still use my mag safe while using the hub charger in the hub?

[@JerrySchulze]

@@bjh8560 I’m so sorry, the Thunderbolt hub comes with a power supply. I was confusing with the soho for a second. Yes it will charge your laptop when connected.

[@Ilja1986]

Hi. Can, connect an external cards? Aourus 3080, 3 graphics card (thunderbolt 3), will work? Many thanks for answer

[@brucesyvertsen2147]

This looks like just what I need for my M1 16" MBP. Just trying to confirm the input voltage. My old Dell dock supports 110v-220v. Just hoping this one does too. The lack of an ethernet port is a bit of a downer but not a deal breaker. Just another dongle to carry in the laptop bag. Thanks for the great review.

[@JerrySchulze]

It supports 110-220

[@brucesyvertsen2147]

@@JerrySchulze Outstanding! Thanks so much. Now to abuse my credit card and order! :-)

[@micksmithson6724]

The read speed is good but the write speed? Just try something, connect the SSD to one M1 Port and an external display to the other port and then check drive speeds. They usually increase by around 50% write and 10-25% read. It seems the M1 detects when a display is connected and then releases PCI-E data lines to the other slot.

[@1d9d5k6]

Thank you for the great video. Could you add 4 ethernet to usbc connectors to have SMB to a NAS? I got spoiled using 2 of them and would like to add two more.

[@useForwardMax]

Can I connect 1gig ethernet cable > USB-C hub > element hub > Macbook Air M1 and get full ethernet speed?

[@JerrySchulze]

I don’t see why not. If you have a high quality usb-c hub/dock that works correctly by its self it should work fine.

[@DevTVorg]

Please help! Thank you for the video, I bought the caldigit TB 4 element hub but for some reason, it gets really hot when I connect devices to 6 of the available port, is this normal

[@JerrySchulze]

I would contact CalDigit support but getting warm is normal.

[@DevTVorg]

@@JerrySchulze thank you very much. I suspect my unit is faulty, it gets pretty hot. I will send it back

[@JerrySchulze]

@@DevTVorg I would reach out first to support. Warm and hot mean different things to different people.

[@caseyd6602]

Wish you would have plugged it in. There are reports that it’s too loud. Would like hear what they mean.

[@JerrySchulze]

Hi I have one right next to me. No issues with noise from mine. Have you sent a message to caldigit asking them?

[@giolagala8118]

What’s wrong with your Samsung X5 , my write speed is much higher with TS3+ , I reach 2400 Write and 2900 write . Is it a format issue ?

[@JerrySchulze]

What computer are you using it with?

[@giolagala8118]

@@JerrySchulze MacBook Pro 16 i9 64GB Ram / 5600 M and MacBook Air M1 512 (APFS)

[@JerrySchulze]

I just tested on my iMac, 16", and M1 Pro and all of them get around 1900-2100 MBps. Cant remember when making the video if there was an issue. I am formatted with APFS.

[@leew9641]

So with this hub, can I plug it into my USB C Thunderbolt port on my Dell laptop, and then connect two portable monitors to it that use only USB C? I'd like to have only one cable going to each monitor, rather than a data cable (such as HDMI) and a power cable.

[@JerrySchulze]

This will not power your monitors but will power your computer.

[@hailstorm7868]

Depends on how your laptop outputs display, usb4 support tunneled display port as well as alt mode display port, hubs must support tunneled signal, dunno about alt mode

[@leew9641]

Well, I talked to CalDigit, and they said the hub WOULD power the monitors, as long as they didn't draw too much power. They said the Thunderport ports provide 15 watts of power. I have no idea how much each monitor pulls, but the wall warts that came with them are rated at 2 amps, 5 volts, so power of 10 watts. The monitors will run on SOME 1 amp wall warts (5 watts), although they do get warm, about 125 degrees F after one hour of use on high brightness. So I'm thinking the Element Hub should do what I want it to, and I've pre-ordered mine! Thanks for the review, it really helped me decide.

[@JerrySchulze]

@@leew9641 interesting. Thanks for the info!

[@ShoresOfHelll]

Will I have any scaling issues If I am outputting video from thunderbolt 4 laptop to an ultrawide monitor using UBS C to display port 1.2 cable?

[@JerrySchulze]

I don’t think so, but I can’t test that. Maybe contact Cal digit support just to be sure.

[@ShoresOfHelll]

@@JerrySchulze thanks I'll email them.

[@sohrubjoshi5189]

Can it charge MacBook Air M1 ? If yes, what port I should be connecting my MacBook Air M1 ? Thanks.

[@JerrySchulze]

Yes

[@tri-unetrl3966]

Do you need to update the firmware on this Caldigit thunderbolt 4 Element Hub?? 🤷🏽

[@makeva100]

Could you explain the difference between a hub and port? It would be a good idea to make a video that explains all different names or connections. I have bought macbok Air M1 and want to find the right hubs or ports. I have a La Cie 1TB harddesk with many different holes. Can I use that on MBA?

[@JerrySchulze]

Ports can be USB, or and SD card slot, or a video connection. Hubs expand a single port type like this extends Thunderbolt (and this one is a little different with the thunderbolt 4/USB4 stuff). A dock usually adds many different types of ports like the CalDigit TS3+ which adds thunderbolt, usb, sd, video, audio.

[@InSaiyan-Shinobi]

So can I plug 3 usb c portable monitors to this and it’ll give me video?

[@JerrySchulze]

They support 2 displays through the hub.

[@KangoV]

I wonder if this would work withe the Gigabyte Tintan Ridge TB3 card in my PC. I'm driving two LG 4K displays throught it at the moment. In Linux too :)

[@JerrySchulze]

interesting.

[@Fred_the_Head]

The only hub I need and want!

[@billycrowe4501]

Could you connect 2 of these to 1 M1 MacBook Pro?

[@JerrySchulze]

Yep!

[@peterting73]

Can we use it without connecting to a power outlet?

[@JerrySchulze]

No this is a powered hub

[@2424rocket]

Can I use this hub with my Mac Studio ultra computer?

[@JerrySchulze]

Yep!

[@jjhi2760]

If I have both a HDMI 1.4 and a DisplayPort 1.2 on my monitor, which adapter is recommended attached to a Macbook Air M1?

[@JerrySchulze]

Both can do 4k 60 but I had better luck with DisplayPort.

[@jjhi2760]

@@JerrySchulze They don't seem to be available on Amazon Any idea when I will be able to get one?

[@JerrySchulze]

Not on amazon yet I guess but you can pre order on the caldigit website.

[@jjhi2760]

@@JerrySchulze Based on your excellent review, I decided to place a pre-order. Thanks

[@JerrySchulze]

@@jjhi2760 Very cool.

[@razvand21]

Does anyone thought of using it as a storage thunderbolt port expander? I mean if you connect one fast external nvme ssd and 3 macbooks, will it provide thunderbolt speed to all 3 macbooks from that nvme? Or the at least will it work this way?

[@salvadordali6835]

Can anyone confirm I want to connect 4 external display with laptop on HD setting can I connect 4 monitors with this hub ???

[@bonafrato]

Have an ICY BOX dock that suddenly started crashing my Macbook Pro M3 on every first boot. It worked for a few months then this issue occured. After restart everything was running smoothely but yeah, loosing a minute every time and its bad for the system. Had a call with Apple, had a call with the ICY company, tried a firmware update on the ICY. Nothing helped. Installed the Element Hub today. Plug and play, no more crashing, everything connected immediately. For the price its absolutely amazing. It gets a bit hot as I‘m realy using all the ports in my studio. Some cooling ribs may have been nice. Other than that its perfect.

[@MrNzk99]

excellent review. I like your videos. A quick question: Which Samsung monitor is displayed in this video at 1:56 second?

[@JerrySchulze]

Thanks! Samsung UR55 28” display: geni.us/kHh03fX

[@dhavalbhanu]

Jerry can you comment on whether this hub works with the new iPad mini? charge it and use for say connecting to a display parallely?

[@CarlLoop]

Thank you for the review and the conversations/comments. Is it possible to find just a great Thunderbolt Hub with MicroSD/SD/CF and 1 or 2 Thunderbolt USB-C ports, and 1 or 2 USB-A 3.0 (or faster) ports and maybe a headphone jack, and maybe a pass through power option for an M1iPad Pro? There are so many choices but have not found one with those features... Thank you again

[@JerrySchulze]

I am not aware of one with those ports.

[@SoftwareManiacLSM]

CAN YOU SHOW 2 EXTERNAL MONITORS ON AN M1 (Mac mini, MacBook Pro 13, or MacBook Air)!!! That may be a limitation on the GPUs but with upcoming M1X/M2 systems this summer, some of us want to replace our iMac Pros. My setup has two 5K monitors (iMac Pro being one of them) and a Cintiq Pro 32. Not uncommon for creative pros (or semi-pros).

[@JerrySchulze]

The M1 only support a single display through thunderbolt.

[@bowieknife]

Are there any alternative to this hub in 2023?

[@MrEchyballs]

my samsung T5 only get like 360mb/s on M1 mac, really wonder what speed u get through the hub but u never did show ~~~

[@JerrySchulze]

Here are the speeds I see direct to my M1 Pro and through the Element using a T7, CalDigit Tuff Nano, and an X5. The Samsung X5 is thunderbolt the others are USB-C 10gbps. Drive element direct T7 490r/480w 640r/695w TN 485r/405w 745r/610w X5 2542r/1212w 2526r/1900w

[@JerrySchulze]

Yep and M1 Pro. There seemed to be a lot of variation in my tests through the last few months.

[@JerrySchulze]

@TONG TONG Its possible.

[@MrEchyballs]

@@JerrySchulze too much trouble this TB4 drive me crazy !my lacie 6 big my DIY sata ssd raid .... ffs

[@JerrySchulze]

you mean connected directly to an M1?

[@ingopriebe]

Hi Jerry, yesterday "Jeff" delivered CalDigit ts3, but now I ´d like to give it back and wait for this like helper here in Europe.

[@JerrySchulze]

The CalDigit has many things the Element does not like Ethernet, DisplayPort built in. If you don't have a USB-C display you will need additional adapters. I think they are both great but it depends on if everything you want to connect is USB or Thunderbolt.

[@KevinMorris3]

Does the caldigit have anything to do with docking MacBook to monitor ?

[@luisrosas3012]

Hello Jerry,! I need to connect 8 hdmi monitors to my laptop, and want to use thunderbolt to take advantage of its super fast speed, what extender/duplicator should I use? Thanks a lot, Luis

[@stephendolphin8156]

Will this work with the Mac-Mini on a KVM dual monitor switch like the TESmart 2-System Dual monitor device?

[@JerrySchulze]

I imagine if you have Mac>element>kvm it should work just fine.

[@JerrySchulze]

Except for dual monitor. You can only use 2 on the mini. One through thunderbolt and one through hdmi.

[@stephendolphin8156]

Correct, but when I introduced a KVM TESmart switcher into the mix the secondary monitor that’s off the thunderbolt port flickers... this is why I was asking about using this type of hub that has an actual HDMI out connection to the KVM switcher. This hub is quite expensive and I don’t want to waste the time to purchase, and test for it not to work in my setup.

[@JerrySchulze]

@@stephendolphin8156 I don't have one to test, maybe someone here can answer.

[@ODH3]

It's a great hub (I have it)--but note: it's not very portable. The power brick is bigger than the hub, and the whole assembly is so inconvenient to carry that I just leave it at home when I'm working outside of my office.

[@JerrySchulze]

The SOHO is a much better travel buddy.

[@ykyingbox]

Does it work without external power? like a portable hub to everywhere

[@JerrySchulze]

No, this is A powered hub. The soho is a great portable dock.

[@riccardomirarchi4136]

Nice Review! I have a question though. Does it support HDR when connected to dual 4K displays?

[@ejshin82]

Do u think is it possible to use 3 egpu at once?? My laptop support thunderbolt 4.

[@JerrySchulze]

I dont think so. They alsy recommend that you connect the egpu first, then the hub.

[@michaelhermano]

does it get warm and hot after few minutes of use? i have a belkin one and it gets hot. :\

[@JerrySchulze]

It does heat up but not to a concerning degree.

[@airesearch2024]

Can i use my macbook charger to power this dock just like the soho dock?

[@airesearch2024]

The ac adapter seems so large so if i can use apple charger to charge it that will be the best

[@JerrySchulze]

No this needs its own adapter.

[@Fragment38]

Thinking about getting a hub, but I have an odd setup. Dual Dell monitor stand, Mac Mini M1 on one monitor, XPS 15 laptop on the other. I have a dongle to make the PC dual monitor if I want, but rather have a hub because I'm not excited about the dongle. (which I plug in via USB C port on the laptop) Was eying the Bridge Stone Lite...

[@JerrySchulze]

So you want to switch the hub back and forth between them?

[@Fragment38]

@@JerrySchulze Ideally yes, but initially it was just to have the PC use 2 screens. The funny thing is, when I got the dual set up I had a 2014 (cheapest configuration) Mac mini that was so slow it took a full minute to open windows etc. With this M1 Mac with 16 gigs of ram and 1TB HD, I *love* it and use it way more than I'd have thought. So really, just a better hub for the PC to make use of 2 screens. I don't think I need 2 screens for the Mac. Yet. :)

[@Fragment38]

@@JerrySchulze Just noticed your point below re: hubs and docks. I think I want a dock for the PC.

[@JerrySchulze]

You also need to make sure your PC hardware can do multiple displays through thunderbolt. First you need to verify if it has thunderbolt or just USB-C.

[@Fragment38]

@@JerrySchulze Pretty sure it's just USB-C but though the dongle I have, I'm able to do 2 displays. Haven't done it in a while because I'm so enjoying using the Mac Mini!

[@lukedmoss]

Hmm... I was just about to order the TS3 Plus but now that this is in my awareness I might get this Element Hub instead. Choices!

[@JerrySchulze]

Choices are good! Obviously the TS3+ has built in DisplayPort and ethernet which are important to me in a desktop setup, along with an SD card reader. You could always go with the Element and SOHO or Mini.

[@lukedmoss]

@@JerrySchulze Do I understand correctly that the hub needs to be plugged in to work?

[@JerrySchulze]

Yes, It is a powered hub. The SOHO is not.

[@JerrySchulze]

Well, let me rephrase, the SOHO can be used with your apple charger or other USB charger but it is not needed.

[@lukedmoss]

@@JerrySchulze thank you so much for replying! I think I've made a decision but I'll sit on it for a day or two. I can get the Element Hub and the Soho Hub for all my port needs and still pay less than just getting the TS3+ alone. That will also allow me a nice balance between portability and multiple external HD performance. Your videos have really helped in this process! Thank you!

[@brochg]

Good morning Jerry! I hope you can answer a quick question for me. At long last, I was finally able to get an Element hub. I'm going to be using it in conjunction with the excellent Caldigit SOHO dock, with my M1 MBP. I'm confused as to the order in which I connect them. Should the faster Element hub be placed in between the SOHO and the MBP?

[@JerrySchulze]

Awesome! Yep, MacBook>Element>SOHO. Element will power your MacBook and give you more thunderbolt ports.

[@brochg]

@@JerrySchulze Thank you, Jerry!

[@eliseoperez05]

can this run a 49" at full resolution? 5120 x 1440?

[@JerrySchulze]

Can run a 6k display so it should. I would ask CalDigit just to be sure.

[@Capt-Cran]

Thank you ... great review ... enjoy your channel!!

[@JerrySchulze]

Thank you!

[@cathychats]

My MacBook charges 140W and this hub is only 60W…will this work? can you please advice…Thanks! :)

[@sohnicholas]

where can I get this online. From Asia.

[@JerrySchulze]

Try contacting CalDigit On Twitter or through their website.

[@sohnicholas]

@@JerrySchulze thanks!

[@scottsolomon7579]

SO if you have the TS3 already, would you plug the Element into the TS3 and keep the TS3 connected to the Mac or the other way around?

[@JerrySchulze]

I don't think it matters which one you go to first. I personally am going from Mac>ts3>element.

[@the_benjamin_effect]

@@JerrySchulze Above you recommended MacBook>Element>SOHO (which results in one less TB port being available) but here you say "I don't think" order matters. Can you clarify?

[@tcalzuolo]

great video. I tried buying one but everyone seems to be out of stock. Do you have any suggestions as to where I can get one? Thank you in advance.

[@JerrySchulze]

Check them out on Twitter, they post updates sometimes.

[@walruzperil]

when will be available?

[@JerrySchulze]

Check with them in Twitter.

[@WhittyPics]

Any annoying disconnect issues when having several drives hooked up?

[@JerrySchulze]

I have had 5 drives connected along with a thumb drive, mouse dongle, and display adapter. No issue.

[@WhittyPics]

@@JerrySchulze Thank You. I may have to bite the bullet and get one

[@rtacher]

Where can I find this? Nothing on amazona o cal digit

[@JerrySchulze]

That stinks. Stupid chip shortages. I would reach out to CalDigit on twitter.

[@rtacher]

@@JerrySchulze Ok will try that. Thanks Jerry. I couldn't find it anywhere:).

[@vasilikivaitsi1310]

Hey Jerry great video! I think it’s the most detailed review I’ve seen for this product so far! I’m still having one question though. Would it be possible to charge a MacBook air M1 using Caldigit Element hub’s thunderbolt 4 ports? If so, would that be possible while I’m working with MacBook?

[@JerrySchulze]

I don't believe there will be enough power through the regular thunderbolt ports. It may charge extremely slowly.

[@vasilikivaitsi1310]

@@JerrySchulze Thank you so much for answering my question!

[@steveladow9430]

It would be nice if you could actually get one... They are currently not shipping until mid-May which doesn't help anyone buying Macbooks today...

[@JerrySchulze]

I think some other brands are seeing a similar delay too, unfortunately.

[@uttamkumar097]

hey, jerry i want to preorder this hub but it seems they are not shipping it internationally. i want it in india what can i do? and are you still using your benq pd3220u or you returned it.

[@JerrySchulze]

I think it will be available but it may take a little while. I returned the BenQ pending fixes from Apple.

[@angelusbrick917]

Will this work with iPad Pro & Apple SuperDrive?

[@hazriq9615]

Hi Jerry, I have a couple of questions. 1. When it comes to cable performance, what's the difference between Thunderbolt 3 and Thunderbolt 4? Is it true that unlike Thunderbolt 3 cables, 2 meter Thunderbolt 4 cables won't affect the bandwith? 2. If I daisy chain the Element Hub with the TS3+ (or HDMI Dock), will I get the benefit of 87w ( or 94w) charging to my laptop? Also, does both hubs need to be plugged in at the same time with their AC adapters? 3. Is it safe to leave the Element Hub plugged in to power when my laptop is disconnected from it?

[@JerrySchulze]

1- I can't speak to the length but Thunderbolt 4 really just encompass all current thunderbolt and USB-C standards. 2- Daisy chain works fine either way and yes they both need to be powered. 3- yes it is safe from what I understand and you can charge devices this way.

[@dodori-frr7m]

Hi, Thank you for good information. Can I connect two Egpu?(win10)

[@JerrySchulze]

yes although CalDigit recommends that you connect to EGPU first then to hub I believe. There is a top 10 question video on the cal digit KZbin page.

[@normandyeuropa]

Sadly mine got pushed back for 1 full month. What was the firmware issue?

[@JerrySchulze]

I don’t have any information on that.

[@musicbyhiran]

Hi, is the power adapter 110-230v?

[@JerrySchulze]

Yes!

[@ekphotography]

I really wnat to get this, but there are a lot of complaints on Amazon about it...? Any long time opions from anybody who has had it for a while? I plan on using it on an M1 Air, Thanks RE: Some complaints are that the HDMI does work properly after a while and some of the ports in general..?

[@eliasgottschlich]

Great review! How about overheating? A lot of docks are getting really hot.

[@JerrySchulze]

It gets warm but not over heating.