CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub

About: CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub

The CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub is the first of its kind, offering 4x the performance of traditional USB-C hubs, whilst harnessing the power of Thunderbolt 4 in order to create a device without compromises.

Every Element Hub workflow will be different from the next, bringing with it the potential for incredibly unique set-ups, only limited by your imagination. Connect what you need, when you need.

• 8 Ports
• 4x Thunderbolt 4 | USB4
• 4x USB-A 10Gb/s
• 8K Display
• Dual 4K 60Hz Displays

A Hub Like No Other

Up until this point, hubs have been restricted by their interface’s performance, limiting their potential. The Element Hub, in combination with the power of Thunderbolt 4, has allowed us to create the most ambitious hub on the market.

The use of Thunderbolt 4 is the perfect interface for a device like this, as it brings with it a level of versatility not previously available through a hub.

Ultimate Compatibility

Of course the Element Hub is not only for Thunderbolt 4 users. This versatile device is backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, and USB 4.

This means that the Element Hub will adapt to the connected host computer in order to provide the features available to you, making the Element Hub an ideal solution for multi-workflow environments.

In addition, the included Thunderbolt 4 cable is compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C and USB 4 Type-C computers.

Made for You

The beauty of the Element Hub’s four Thunderbolt 4 ports allows you to create the device you want.

Need to connect multiple SSDs, SD card readers, RAID storage, dual 4K monitors? No problem. The Element Hub is a blank canvas ready to be populated with the devices you need.

Thunderbolt 4

The merging of Thunderbolt and USB brings with it the ability for devices, such as the Element Hub, to feature up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports. One Thunderbolt 4 port is used for the host computer connection, and the remaining three ports for connecting additional devices, such as another Element Hub. The workflow possibilities are endless.

• *Thunderbolt devices and monitors connecting to the Element Hub are only compatible with Thunderbolt or USB4 host computers.

Don’t Compromise on Speed

The Thunderbolt 4 ports are capable of speeds up to 3,000MB/s in order to take advantage of your ultra-fast storage devices. That is 8.5x the performance of a typical 5Gb/s USB-C hub, which offers speeds around 350MB/s from its USB-A ports.

• *Thunderbolt SSDs are only compatible with Thunderbolt & USB4 host computers. The actual performance may be slightly slower due to the latency and protocol overhead.

Built-In USB Ports

Whilst the Element Hub’s Thunderbolt 4 ports add a wealth of connectivity potential, the built-in USB-A 10Gb/s ports (USB 3.2 Gen.2) allow you to easily connect up to four high-performance USB-A devices such as ultra-fast NVMe SSDs.

Desktop Users

Thunderbolt docks for years have mostly catered to the laptop user. The Element Hub however is also a great option for desktop users, including iMac and MacPro users. Use the Element Hub with a longer 2M cable and easily access your ports from your desk instead of crouching behind a desk or monitor to plug in devices.

Monitors

The fact that the Element Hub has multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports means that you can connect to any type of monitor you require.

You can directly connect a USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, or Thunderbolt 4 monitor for simple plug and play simplicity. Alternatively you can use a USB-C Video Adapter to connect an HDMI or DisplayPort monitor.

• Thunderbolt*
• Thunderbolt 3
• Thunderbolt 4
• USB-C
• HDMI**
• DisplayPort**
• mDP**
• VGA**
• DVI**
  • *With use of the Apple Thunderbolt 3 to 2 Adapter.
  • **With use of a USB-C Video Adapter. Current Mac computers, including Apple Silicons M1 / M2, can only support up to HDMI 2.0b over its Thunderbolt ports. As such, resolution will be limited to 4K 60Hz when using USB-C to HDMI adapter.

Monitor Resolutions

When connected to a Thunderbolt 4 host computer the Element Hub is capable of adding a monitor up to 8K resolution, or dual 4K 60Hz monitors in either extended or mirrored modes.

• *Some Windows PC manufacturers have decided to restrict functionality on their Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C ports such as charging and monitor compatibility. Check to see if your PC supports a monitor.
• **Intel Based Macs are required to update to macOS 11(Big Sur) or above.
• ***8K 60Hz refresh rate requires DP 1.4, HBR3 and DSC 1.2 support from host, GPU and monitor.

Reversible Design

Anyone that has used cheap USB-C hubs knows that they lack the build quality to match that of your Thunderbolt Mac or PC.

The Element Hub is not only built from high quality aluminium, it also features a reversible design that allows you to utilise it on either the left or right hand side of your laptop. A quick glance at the built-in LED light allows you to instantly see if the Element Hub is in operation.

Daisy-Chain

Thunderbolt and USB4 laptop users can daisy-chain Thunderbolt, USB4, and USB-C devices to the Element Hub.

Users on non-Thunderbolt and USB4 hosts, such as USB-C computers (USB 3.2, USB 3.1), are able to daisy-chain USB-C devices only. In order to daisy-chain Thunderbolt devices a Thunderbolt or USB4 connection is required.

iPad Pro & Windows Tablets

As the Element Hub is a Thunderbolt 4/USB4 device, it is compatible with USB-C tablets such as the iPad Pro or Windows tablets. Simply connect the Element Hub to your tablet and take advantage of the connectivity options. 

Tablet & Ultrabook Charging

The Element Hub not only offers versatile connectivity options, it will also charge a Tablet or Ultrabook at up to 60W through the [Computer] port.

Unlike other Thunderbolt 4 hubs on the market, the Element Hub has a fixed 60W laptop charging function. Whilst other Thunderbolt 4 hubs reduce their laptop charging capabilities down to 30W charging or lower when the hub is fully loaded, the Element Hub will consistently provide 60W of charging if connecting to the laptop such as MacBook Pro 13″.

Docking Station Utility

Adding multiple devices to your hub is great but it can be a nuisance having to manually eject every storage device safely. To solve this problem we have created a macOS Utility Software that allows users to quickly and safely eject all of their storage devices with one click.

A Powerful Offline Charging Station

The Element Hub can even work for you when it’s not connected to your computer. Keep your USB-A or USB-C devices connected to the Element Hub and it will continue to charge them. All 8 ports on the Element Hub can be used at the same time for offline charging.

Apple SuperDrive

Many docks and hubs are not compatible with the Apple SuperDrive since it requires a lot of power from the connected USB port. In fact Apple recommends to connect it directly to a computer. CalDigit has solved this problem by creating a driver that will allow the SuperDrive to work through the Element Hub. 

Specifications

• Interface  
  • 4x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s) 
  • 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen.2 (10Gb/s)
  • 1x AC Power
• Minimum System Requirements
  • macOS 11 (Big Sur) or above
  • Windows 10 or above
  • iPadOS
  • Chrome OS
  • Thunderbolt 5 / 4 / 3 Computer
  • USB-C (USB 4) Computer
  • USB-C (USB 3.1) Computer
  • iPad Pro
  • iPad Air (4th Gen)
  • Windows Tablet
  • USB-C ChromeBook
• Power Delivery
  • Up to 60W  Host Charging (5V/3A, 9V/3A, 15V/3A and 20V/3A)
  • Each Downstream Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 Port: 15W (5V/3A)
  • Each USB-A Port: 7.5W (5V/1.5A)
• Warranty: 2 Years
• NDAA Compliant: ​Yes
• ​Dimensions (HxWxL): 0.7 x 2.75 x 4.48 in (18 x 70 x 114mm)
• Weight: 0.39lbs (0.18kg)

What's in the Box

• 1x Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub
• 1x Thunderbolt 4 Cable 0.8m (Passive)
• 2x Rubber Feet Strips
• 1x Power Supply (150W)
• 1x Power Cord

*Full hub functionality depends on the host computer’s capabilities.

**Apple M1-based computer can only support 1x external monitor through Thunderbolt / USB4 port.