Miscelleneous by stefan @ 2018-10-02
The new Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock is very easy to operate and requires no drivers on the Windows 10 platform, while on Macs we do have the software solution supplied on the web. Thanks to the 40Gb/s interface, the devices we connect to it will be not slowed down and is great for using it along large displays at presentations or for viewing multimedia content, while on-the-go.
At first we would like to thank CORSAIR for offering us their Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock for testing and reviewing.
"Founded in 1994, Corsair has grown from pioneering the high-performance DRAM market to one of the world’s leading providers of enthusiast-grade PC components and peripherals. Our groundbreaking technology and innovation can be found in our high-performance memory, ultra-efficient power supplies, PC cases, PC and CPU cooling solutions, and solid-state storage devices. Under the Corsair Gaming brand, launched in 2014, we provide gaming keyboards, mice, headsets and mouse mats to eSports professionals and anybody who is passionate about competitive PC gaming.
Corsair hardware is regularly featured in showcase “dream systems,” and we have earned the adulation and respect of the press, professional gamers and overclockers, high-end system integrators, and PC enthusiasts worldwide by delivering leading-edge technology backed by renowned service and support.
Corsair has developed a global operations infrastructure with extensive marketing and distribution channel relationships, and our products are available through leading distributors and retailers in over sixty countries worldwide."
"Elgato combines software with elegant hardware to create app-powered lifestyle technology defined by comfort, convenience, and control.
Since the launch of the award-winning EyeTV collection in 2002, the brand has evolved to embody Eve, an ecosystem of accessories for the connected home – and Elgato Gaming, a series of content creation tools for the connected generation.
Designed in Germany and California, Elgato products are distributed by major retailers in over eighty countries around the world."
High-performance displays
Dual displays? Televisions? Conference projectors? Don't worry about which connection awaits you: HDMI and DisplayPort interfaces equip you to drive any display up to 4K resolution at 60 Hz. Or hook up two 4K screens simultaneously for double the visual real estate. Prefer smoother motion over image detail? No problem. Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock handles refresh rates up to 144 Hz just as easily.
High-performance access
The cloud serves you well but you still require access to physical devices. That’s why Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock features a SuperSpeed USB 3.1 Gen 1 port. Not only to connect everyday essentials like a client’s flash drive, but also to demanding devices such as an SSD or Apple SuperDrive. Which makes packing adapters a thing of the past. Because now, you’re prepped to plug and play wherever the road takes you.
High-performance networking
Your super-slim notebook need not restrict you to Wi-Fi. Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock features a Gigabit Ethernet port, so you can always capitalize on the unbeatable speed and reliability of a wired connection. Stream high-bandwidth media without interference. Transfer critical files without interruption. And get the job done quickly, so you can tackle the next.
High-performance workflow
Docks of such high caliber are primarily deskbound, forcing you to part with performance the moment you get a move on. Not Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock. With its pocket-size footprint and built-in Thunderbolt 3 cable, you disconnect safely in a snap, slip it into your bag, and take your pro-grade connectivity with you.
High-performance standards
Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock puts all the first-class ports you need in a sleek, space gray enclosure that fits in the palm of your hand. Ultimately converting your ultra-portable notebook into an ultra-portable workstation. So you can cut loose, keep productive, and be ready for anything.
MAC
macOS High Sierra 1013 or later, Thunderbolt 3 port
PC
Windows 10 or later, Thunderbolt 3 port
Comes with: Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock, Quick Start Guide
Dimensions & Weight
Dimensions: 10,5 x 5,7 x 2,5 cm / 4.1 x 2.2 x 1 in
Weight: 125 g / 4.4 oz
Ports
Thunderbolt 3 (built-in 12cm / 4.7 in USB-C cable, 40Gb/s)
DisplayPort (up to 4K at 60Hz)
HDMI (up to 4K at 60Hz, HDCP compliant)
USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gb/s, 1.1A, UASP compliant)
Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45 10/100/1000BASE-T)
In this article we will concentrate our attention upon an interesting, compact Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock from Elgato, that that is now owned by CORSAIR. This particular accessory does provide quite a bit of connectivity options while on-the-go, but also for home, high-performance laptops that do not feature enough ports.
The product did arrive inside a small cardboard enclosure, with a photo of the main product on the top cover:
Some details regarding the brand can be seen on the side, together with the product serial number:
Moving on, we will observe the Thunderbolt logo, along with the cable routing options schematic:
On the bottom area of the box, the manufacturer has included an explanation of the provided ports and compatible operating systems:
After unsealing the box, we will find a leaflet that explains where to get the resources from, if we do intend on connecting the unit to MAC devices, but also some Important Safety Instructions:
The dock does feature a metallic grey plastic housing, with the Elgato logo on the top cover; during operation, the cover will become a bit warm to the touch:
The Elgato dock can drive not one but two 4K60 displays at once, via the included DisplayPort and HDMI outputs. We can also connect high-speed USB 3.1 storage devices to it and connect to a Gigabit LAN network via cable (many compact ultrabooks no longer have a LAN port included nowadays, having you to rely on the performance of the included WiFi card):
The sides of the unit do not feature additional interfaces, but a cut-out is provided in order to have easy access to the underneath cable:
A cable routing channel is also available:
The underneath cable is routed in such a way so it won’t take extra space in our bag; the dock does also feature four small rubber screws, so it will stay fixed on the surface we will use it on:
Let’s get the dock installed on our DELL Gaming Inspiron 7577 laptop and see how it performs:
We have connected to the dock our 300/150 Up/Dl cable connection from our provider, the Silicon Power Bolt B80 USB 3.1 portable SSD but also our Sony 4K TV via HDMI:
The dock has performed exactly as advertised, no extra drivers or applications were needed on Windows 10 built 1803 and all was practically plug-and-play:
Sony TV connected as a secondary display
Speed test via cable, no extra latency was observed:
By testing the Bolt B80 SSD, we have obtained great speeds in the CrystalDiskMark benchmark utility:
The new Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock is very easy to operate and requires no drivers on the Windows 10 platform, while on Macs we do have the software solution supplied on the web. Thanks to the 40Gb/s interface, the devices we connect to it will be not slowed down and is great for using it along large displays at presentations or for viewing multimedia content, while on-the-go.
The product can be purchased online for about 149,95 Euros, including taxes.
Pros:
-plug-and-play, simply works
-we can connect high-speed storage devices and supply LAN wired interface to compact devices
-4K60 display compatibility, can operate two at once via DisplayLink and HDMI interfaces
Cons:
-price (for home users)
We would like to thank again to Corsair for making this review possible!