TB4 hub/dock for M1 Max

[antst]

I bet I am not alone in this.
So, what I need is solution for mbp 16 M1 max which will allow
1) 3 x displays (2x 2K + 1x 4-5k)
2) 10gbe
3) charging at 90+W
4) at least one free USB-c port (more - better)
5) at least 4x USB-A ports

So, as I rulled out akito/owc dock with 10gbe port, I already got 10gbe TB3 adapter. So, 1) can be replaced with “extra TB3/4 port.”

The only thing I see is a Razer/Sonnet/OWC hub, which I believe is the same hub but with different price (1:1 layout suggests).
But then I am short on one TB4 port (or DisplayPort) and have zero usb-c.

Then, of course, I can get tb3-> 2xDP adapter, which covers my 2x2K displays. But then I still have zero TB3-4/USB-c ports at disposal.

Do we known, is it possible daisy chain TB4 hubs? If in addition to dock, I also get TB4 hub (there few, also the same model in different cases/labels), I get extra 2xTB4. But then it is crazy construction one don’t want to have (TB4 dock + TB4 hub+ 10gbe adapter+TB3/2xDP adapter + 2x PSU).
Which is, by size, getting close to mini-pc itself (definitely bigger than Mac mini) and then kinda begging to take all hardware out of cases and print special case…

But, in that case I have it all with expansion options with 2x unused TB4 ports and all connected. But it is crazy

Any other suggestions?

 

[antst]

After digging into it, I have even more dramatic question: is there any way one can have 3 displays connected to something which is connected to single TB4 port on Mac? Without using displaylink adapters.
Looks like limit is two.

 

[tmoerel]

After digging into it, I have even more dramatic question: is there any way one can have 3 displays connected to something which is connected to single TB4 port on Mac? Without using displaylink adapters.
Looks like limit is two.

Yep, three displays on one TB4 port will not work.

 

[antst]

Yep, three displays on one TB4 port will not work.

pffff
Apparently, MST is not supported by macOS.

But what with pure TB monitors? Them you can daisy-chain more than 2?

 

[carestudio]

I bet I am not alone in this.


Do we known, is it possible daisy chain TB4 hubs? If in addition to dock, I also get TB4 hub (there few, also the same model in different cases/labels), I get extra 2xTB4. But then it is crazy construction one don’t want to have (TB4 dock + TB4 hub+ 10gbe adapter+TB3/2xDP adapter + 2x PSU).

Any other suggestions?

yes, you can chain TB4 hubs and 10Gbe adapters with M1 Max. That's exactly what I am using now. M1 Max - First Caldigit TB4 element hub - Second Caldigit TB4 element hub - Caldigit TB3 connect 10Gbe adapter. Working great.
since you need at least 4x USBA ports, so far only Caldigit's can support up to 4x USBA ports on each element hub. The rest of TB4 hubs on the market only provide 1x USBA port or none, so are not that useful for me.

 

[antst]

yes, you can chain TB4 hubs and 10Gbe adapters with M1 Max. That's exactly what I am using now. M1 Max - First Caldigit TB4 element hub - Second Caldigit TB4 element hub - Caldigit TB3 connect 10Gbe adapter. Working great.
since you need at least 4x USBA ports, so far only Caldigit's can support up to 4x USBA ports on each element hub. The rest of TB4 hubs on the market only provide 1x USBA port or none, so are not that useful for me.

TB4 element hub is nice, but it has one minus, it has only 60W power delivery to the laptop.

 

[tmoerel]

pffff
Apparently, MST is not supported by macOS.

But what with pure TB monitors? Them you can daisy-chain more than 2?

It all depends on the resolution and refresh rates of your screens. You can connect two 60Hz 4k screens to one TB4 port for example, but not more.

 

[antst]

It all depends on the resolution and refresh rates of your screens. You can connect two 60Hz 4k screens to one TB4 port for example, but not more.

Resolution wise (bandwidth wise) it all works for me. 2x2K + 4K will work.
Problem is how to get 3 streams.

Anybody knows how it will work if 2xDP displays and 1xTB3 display?
Limitation of 2xDP streams has nothing to do with TB displays, doesn’t it?

 

[Jonas Danielsson]

I agree with your ideas but 4/5 could be replaced by only usb-c ports. I have only usb-c items in my daily use and I replaced the cables with some devices usb 2.0 to usb-c. And some item I’m early use and then there is not problem to use a adapter. But yea maybe a option.

I don’t know the problem why manufacturers are so slow or don’t know anything


Even a a hub with 3 TB4 ports and 3 usb-c ports and also charge with 100w would be enough for me.

Maybe Apple need to release a hub before they understand what users need and what specifications a MacBook Pro M1 max has.

Owc, caldig is close but they miss on number of ports or / and only 60 w charging.

 

[tmoerel]

I agree with your ideas but 4/5 could be replaced by only usb-c ports. I have only usb-c items in my daily use and I replaced the cables with some devices usb 2.0 to usb-c. And some item I’m early use and then there is not problem to use a adapter. But yea maybe a option.

I don’t know the problem why manufacturers are so slow or don’t know anything


Even a a hub with 3 TB4 ports and 3 usb-c ports and also charge with 100w would be enough for me.

Maybe Apple need to release a hub before they understand what users need and what specifications a MacBook Pro M1 max has.

Owc, caldig is close but they miss on number of ports or / and only 60 w charging.

The OWC Thunderbolt Dock is 96W (power my 16" M1 Max without a problem) and it has 3 TB4 ports, 3 USB3 10Gbit ports, Gigabit Ethernet, SD card reader, extra USB power port and a headphone port. That seems to cover your needs!

 

[Jonas Danielsson]

The OWC Thunderbolt Dock is 96W (power my 16" M1 Max without a problem) and it has 3 TB4 ports, 3 USB3 10Gbit ports, Gigabit Ethernet, SD card reader, extra USB power port and a headphone port. That seems to cover your needs!

No, if they replaced the USB3 with type-C then yes!

OWC Docks, Hubs, Docking Stations, and More

Find the perfect dock for any Thunderbolt or USB-C workflow. We also offer video display adapters, drive docks, laptop docking stations and video adapters.

www.owcdigital.com

If you talking about his