Corsair TBT200 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
The Corsair TBT200 Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a versatile and high-performance docking station designed for users who require extensive connectivity options. With four Thunderbolt 4 ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and an SD card reader, the dock can accommodate a wide range of devices. The TBT200 also offers a sturdy build quality, fast data transfer speeds, and the ability to charge laptops and other devices, making it an excellent choice for professionals and power users.
- DESIGN
- PRICE
- EASE OF USE
Dock provides many connections through only one cable.
Ever since I made the switch to a MacBook Pro that only had USB-C/Thunderbolt ports (2016) I’ve used a large variety of docking stations to be able to connect to various external peripherals. For many years, I’ve utilized a Thunderbolt 3 dock but I decided with Corsair’s release of the TBT200 Thunderbolt 4 Dock, that it was time for an upgrade so that I would be prepared for future computer upgrades.
About TBT200 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
The CORSAIR TBT200 Thunderbolt™ 4 dock provides users with the option of connecting a huge array of devices to compatible laptops, Macs, PCs, and Chromebooks over a single cable. The TBT200 is equipped with four Thunderbolt 4 ports (including one host connection), as well as an HDMI 2.0 port, DisplayPort 1.4, 2.5Gb ethernet, 3.5mm audio, USB Type- C, and USB-A ports. The exterior case of the docking station is made from durable, stylish aluminum.
Why Thunderbolt 4?
If you are upgrading from a Thunderbolt 3 dock like I am, you might wonder, “Why move to Thunderbolt 4?” Here is some information from Corsair about making the switch.
While Thunderbolt 4 shares the same bandwidth as its predecessor at 40Gbps, it unlocks an array of new connection options, including up to 3 simultaneous connected Thunderbolt devices. Users can choose to connect their displays via any combination HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort, or via the included USB Type-C to DisplayPort and USB Type-C to HDMI adapters, supporting a huge range of hardware from 4K TVs to professional production-level displays.
The Difference between TB3 and TB4
According to Anker, here are the main differences between the two connection types.
- Screen Expansion: Thunderbolt 4 supports 4K to dual monitors or 8K to a single monitor, while Thunderbolt 3 supports 4K to dual monitors or 5K to a single monitor.
- Charging: Thunderbolt 4 can provide charging power up to 100W from a single port.
- Data Transfer: Thunderbolt 3 has a PCIe data transfer speed of 16 Gbps, while Thunderbolt 4 supports a PCIe data transfer speed of 32 Gbps.
- Sleep Mode: Thunderbolt 4 lets users wake up their laptops using an external keyboard or mouse that’s connected via the Thunderbolt 4 port.
- Security: Thunderbolt 4 provides Direct Memory Access (DMA) protection. It is based on Intel VT-d’s DMA protection, which can physically prevent DMA attacks. Although this level of protection is probably overkill for ordinary users, it can prevent malicious devices from using DMA to steal information from enterprises and users with extremely high data confidentiality requirements.*
With the TBT200 dock, you can connect multiple devices, including external hard drives, monitors, keyboards, and mice. Additionally, the dock is equipped with a built-in power supply that can deliver up to 96 watts of power to charge your laptop or other devices while they are connected to the dock.
Overall, the Corsair TBT200 Thunderbolt 4 Dock is an impressive docking station that offers a broad range of connectivity options, high-speed data transfer, and sturdy build quality, making it an excellent choice for professionals and power users who require versatile and reliable docking solutions.
Main Features
- Warranty → 2 year
- Operating System Requirements → Mac OS 10.14 Moajve or later, Windows 10 or later
- Thunderbolt Ports → Thunderbolt 4 (1 -host facing, 3 – downstream facing)
- Power Delivery → Up to 96W for host laptop, Up to 15W for USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, Up to 7.5W for USB-A ports
- Video Output → up to 2x 4K60 via included or separately available cables (USB-C, Displayport or HDMI, in any combination)
- USB Ports → USB-A SuperSpeed 10Gbps (3), USB-C SuperSpeed 10Gbps (1); Thunderbolt 4 downward facing ports also support USB-C connections
- Ethernet → 2.5G Ethernet Port (1)
- Audio → 3.5mm combo port, 24-bit 192kHz (1)
- Lock Management → Kensington Security Slot (1)
- Media Reader → SD Card Reader, UHS-II (1)
- Package Contents → Docking Station, Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C to USB-C) cable 0.8m / 2.6ft, USB-C to HDMI cable 1m / 3.3ft, USB-C to DisplayPort cable 1m / 3.3ft, Power supply 150W (20V 7.5A)
Pricing & Availability
The TBT200 Thunderbolt 4 Dock is listed for $299.99 at corsair.com. It’s also available on Amazon, but the prices are higher.
User Experience
The TBT200 Thunderbolt 4 Dock came in a lovely Corsair retail box. The exterior of the box features gorgeous, colorful imagery of the dock and some of its features. When you open the box, you will find the dock wrapped in protective plastic. Once you remove the dock, you will find a layer of cardboard and then all in all the other items that come with the dock are stored below the dock. I really love that Corsair includes two connection cables because it means you don’t have to go searching before you start using the dock.
Setting up the dock is very easy. There is no software that must be downloaded before use. You simply plug in devices and start using it. I use this dock for my home office workstation that I use for both my day job and personal work. The devices I have connected to my computers are listed below. In order to use all these devices, I plugged them into the dock, then plugged the dock into power. The host connection was the last cable I plugged in.
- Monitor: ViewSonic VP3481a
- Mouse: Logitech MX Anywhere 2S Wireless Mouse
- Speakers: Monoprice DT3BT Powered Bluetooth Speakers
- Webcam: Kensington W1050 Full HD Fixed Focus Webcam
- Various other USB-powered devices (i.e. desk lamp, etc.)
I have not had any issues with connection to any of the devices since I started using the TBT200. I even end up hot-swapping my laptops. I have two MacBooks (one 11-inch MacBook Air from 2020 and one 16-inch MacBook Pro from 2020) that I use daily. One is for my day job and the other is used for personal tasks in the evening. I don’t have any issues with swapping them in and out whenever I want to use the connected devices.
In addition to the two laptops, I’ve added a Mini PC to my workstation for when I need to work in a Windows environment. The PC has a USB-C port on the front and I’ve been able to plug it into the dock when I’ve needed to use it. It’s been an easy transition between computers and connections.
Conclusion
The Corsair TBT200 Thunderbolt 4 Dock is an excellent choice for those who need a reliable and high-performance docking station. The dock provides an impressive range of connectivity options and supports Thunderbolt 4, making it ideal for users who require fast data transfer speeds and multiple displays. The build quality of the TBT200 is also top-notch, with a sturdy aluminum chassis that looks and feels premium. Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile and reliable Thunderbolt 4 dock, the Corsair TBT200 is definitely worth considering.
For more information, visit corsair.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
2 Comments
You should test this on a Windows PC. Docking stations designed for Macs have been very iffy on PCs in my experience.
Hi there – Even though my main setup included Apple laptops, I did also test it with a Mini PC — ACE Magician AMR5 Mini PC. I didn’t have any issues with that particular PC.