CalDigit Element 5 Hub

A hub can be the right kind of dock

Three downstream Thunderbolt 5 ports can serve displays, storage, or other compatible devices. There are also three USB-A and two USB-C 10Gbps accessory ports. If you already own a good card reader and network adapter, this layout may be more useful than buying those functions again inside a larger dock.

Include adapters in both cost and space calculations

There is no full-size HDMI or DisplayPort connector. A monitor with those inputs needs an appropriate cable or adapter. Several dangling adapters can erase the compactness advantage, so sketch the finished setup before choosing the smallest enclosure.

Check the exceptions to backward compatibility

CalDigit does not support Windows Thunderbolt 3 PCs with the Element 5. Older supported host connections also operate with reduced functions. The current product documentation describes host-specific multi-display configurations and 90W laptop charging; neither a high screen count nor full Thunderbolt 5 speed follows automatically from the cable fitting. For a laptop that needs more power, keep its own charger or select a higher-power dock.

Connections & compatibility

Connection to laptop

Thunderbolt 5/4, Thunderbolt 3 Mac, USB4/v2 or reduced-function USB-C

Display technology

thunderbolt

Maximum displays (conditions apply)

4

Power to laptop (W)

90

HDMI sockets

0

DisplayPort sockets

0

Wired network

Not built in

USB peripherals

3 USB-A and 2 USB-C 10Gbps; 3 downstream Thunderbolt 5

Display requirements

Up to three on supported Windows TB5; four only on specifically documented M5 Max setups; older hosts lower

Mac notes

macOS 15+; native chip limits and exact display matrix apply

Windows notes

Windows 11+ with supported TB4/TB5/USB4 host; consult exact-host display matrix

These are published specifications, not results from hands-on testing. Maximum screen counts depend on the laptop, operating system, connection and chosen resolution.