In contrast to options akin to CalDigit’s not too long ago introduced $370 TS5 dock that solely helps a trio of 4K shows when related to a pc that helps Thunderbolt 5, the Plugable UD-7400PD works with machines that includes at the least a video-capable USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. That normal, supporting switch charges of 10Gbps, debuted again in 2017, that means Plugable’s new dock ought to work throughout numerous current PCs.
Utilizing its two HDMI connections and three USB-C ports, the dock can drive as much as 5 4K 60Hz shows, three 8K 30Hz shows, or a mix of the 2 with 4 4K screens plus an extra 8K one. It’s all made doable by means of Synaptics’ new DisplayLink DL-7400 chipset and the DisplayLink expertise that compresses video feeds on the host laptop to allow them to be transmitted by means of slower USB-C ports that are then decompressed utilizing devoted {hardware} within the dock.
You’ll want to put in DisplayLink’s software program in your laptop to make all of it work, and the strategy might end in decreased efficiency for purposes like video games that produce a considerable amount of information. Apps like spreadsheets, by comparability, compress properly as a result of they’re comparatively static. DisplayLink additionally doesn’t help Excessive-bandwidth Digital Content material Safety (HDCP) which might stop you from watching content material from streaming platforms like Netflix on the exterior shows.
The UD-7400PD dock additionally features a front-facing 10Gbps USB-C port with 30W of energy supply and two 10Gbps USB-A ports. There’s additionally a 2.5Gbps ethernet port, a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack, and a number USB-C port that may cost laptops with as much as 140W of energy supply. Given most productiveness apps don’t require the newest and best processors and graphics playing cards, regardless of the few downsides of the expertise, Plugable’s new dock supplies an alternate path to an elaborate multi-screen setup with out the added prices of upgrading all of your gear to be Thunderbolt 5 suitable.