Need a TB3 or TB4 dock for a MBP16... a little overwhelmed

[jrm27]

Hi all,
I've got a new MBP16, two 27" BenQ monitors (PD2705U), and a host of peripherals (USBC hard drives, USBA hard drives, card readers, soon-to-arrive webcam, etc..). Unfortunately, the BenQ monitors don't daisy chain, so they are consuming my TB ports (for now). So, I think it's time for a dock, but, I'm pretty lost.

The monitors hook up with HDMI, USBC, or Display Port. I'd like to run in clamshell mode at dual monitor 4k 60hz as I don't need three screens at all times, and be able to plug in a USB-C hard drive, a USB-A hard drive, and a webcam at all times (with room to plug in another USB-C drive if needed). I've combed through the sticky above and I'm a little more confused than I was when I started. Initially, I had been looking at some Cal Digit and OWC. I haven't had the best luck with Cal Digit in the past, and since the new Ts4 wasn't available anyways, I started looking more at OWC. but those all seem slightly below the spec of what's ideal. Or I'm misunderstanding.

Anyways, with this setup in mind is there a direction you might point me? Thanks for any direction or patience you might be able to spare.

 

[xraydoc]

I would recommend either the OWC Thunderbolt 4 dock or the Caldigit TS4.

OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock for Mac & Thunderbolt PCs

Expand your workstation with the OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt 4 Dock. Connect all your peripherals, displays, & devices with ease. Simplify your setup now!

eshop.macsales.com

Thunderbolt 4 Dock | TS4 | CalDigit – CalDigit

www.caldigit.com

I personally have the OWC dock and it's working quite well. I have two displays, each connected to one of the dock's USB-C/TB4 ports, various other things connected to the USB-A ports and the 3rd remaining USB-C port, and speakers connected to the audio port. I connect my 14" MBP with a single cable, and everything just works.

If your monitors don't connect with (or you'd prefer they not connect with) USB-C, then simply attach a USB-C to DisplayPort (or HDMI) adapter to each of the USB-C ports on the dock. The only benefit of having a dock with a DisplayPort or HDMI port is it saves you from the $20 cost of adding an adapter, so don't let it stop you from buying a dock that otherwise has the features you want.

The Caldigit linked above has a DisplayPort adapter built in, has more USB-C ports (though one fewer Thunderbolt 4 ports) and has 2.5Gb ethernet versus the OWC's 1Gb ethernet. I might have bought this one instead but it wasn't out when I bought the OWC. The Caldigit TS4, at least here at MacRumors, seems to have a good reputation.

For you, ether one should have enough ports to manage two displays, a USB-C hard drive, a USB-A hard drive and a USB-A webcam. The Caldigit would have space for a second USB-C drive, though you could just as easily connect it to one of the OWC's USB-A 3.0 ports and get nearly the same performance.

Bottom line is either one will do what you need and then some.


Edit: just for fun I went to look up the price of the Caldigit TS4 and discovered that it seems to be out of stock everywhere. Not sure why, but I guess that leaves you with the OWC. Either way, the OWC should do what you need. I have a extra USB-C ports on the back of my monitors, so the presence of only three USB-C type ports on the OWC hasn't been an issue for me. Regardless, USB-A 3.0 is nearly the same for average uses.

 

[jrm27]

I would recommend either the OWC Thunderbolt 4 dock or the Caldigit TS4.

OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock for Mac & Thunderbolt PCs

Expand your workstation with the OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt 4 Dock. Connect all your peripherals, displays, & devices with ease. Simplify your setup now!

eshop.macsales.com

Thunderbolt 4 Dock | TS4 | CalDigit – CalDigit

www.caldigit.com

I personally have the OWC dock and it's working quite well. I have two displays, each connected to one of the dock's USB-C/TB4 ports, various other things connected to the USB-A ports and the 3rd remaining USB-C port, and speakers connected to the audio port. I connect my 14" MBP with a single cable, and everything just works.

If your monitors don't connect with (or you'd prefer they not connect with) USB-C, then simply attach a USB-C to DisplayPort (or HDMI) adapter to each of the USB-C ports on the dock. The only benefit of having a dock with a DisplayPort or HDMI port is it saves you from the $20 cost of adding an adapter, so don't let it stop you from buying a dock that otherwise has the features you want.

The Caldigit linked above has a DisplayPort adapter built in, has more USB-C ports (though one fewer Thunderbolt 4 ports) and has 2.5Gb ethernet versus the OWC's 1Gb ethernet. I might have bought this one instead but it wasn't out when I bought the OWC. The Caldigit TS4, at least here at MacRumors, seems to have a good reputation.

For you, ether one should have enough ports to manage two displays, a USB-C hard drive, a USB-A hard drive and a USB-A webcam. The Caldigit would have space for a second USB-C drive, though you could just as easily connect it to one of the OWC's USB-A 3.0 ports and get nearly the same performance.

Bottom line is either one will do what you need and then some.


Edit: just for fun I went to look up the price of the Caldigit TS4 and discovered that it seems to be out of stock everywhere. Not sure why, but I guess that leaves you with the OWC. Either way, the OWC should do what you need. I have a extra USB-C ports on the back of my monitors, so the presence of only three USB-C type ports on the OWC hasn't been an issue for me. Regardless, USB-A 3.0 is nearly the same for average uses.

Thanks so much for the response! I ended up picking up the OWC and it should be here in a day or so. Glad to hear that it is working well for you. Yes, the CalDigit could've been nice for the extra ports, but at that price point, I was glad to have the decision made for me I have a love/hate with CalDigit... sometimes they are awesome, and sometimes my CalDigit T4 is problematic. So, glad to give OWC a run on this one and this increases my confidence that it may be the right choice. Thanks!