Updated: April 25, 2025 by Michael Kahn. Published: April 25, 2025.
The Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station represents a significant advancement in desktop connectivity solutions, offering unprecedented speed, power, and versatility for modern workspaces. Released April 2025, this 14-port Thunderbolt 5 hub combines cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design elements to address the growing demands of professionals who require high-performance peripheral connections. As one of these high performance professionals, this dock immediately caught my interest.
With its integrated power supply, intelligent cooling system, and support for multiple high-resolution displays, the Anker Prime TB5 positions itself as a formidable contender in the quickly emerging Thunderbolt 5 docking station market.
Table of Contents
Product Overview and Key Features
The Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station stands out with its comprehensive connectivity options and advanced technological features. At its core, the device leverages Thunderbolt 5 technology to deliver data transfer speeds of up to 120Gbps, a substantial improvement over previous-generation docks. This level of performance enables seamless handling of data-intensive tasks, from video editing to large file transfers, without the bottlenecks commonly experienced with older technologies.
The docking station features a sleek vertical design with an aluminum alloy construction that not only provides durability but also contributes to effective heat dissipation. What truly distinguishes the Anker Prime TB5 from competitors is its built-in Gallium Nitride (GaN) power supply, which eliminates the need for a bulky external power brick typically associated with high-performance docking stations.
I don’t know about you, but trying to figure out how to organize those power bricks is constantly frustrating and is always messing with my organization vibe.
This integrated approach results in a cleaner desk setup while still delivering impressive power capabilities—up to 140W to host devices and a total power output of 232W across all ports.
Display support is another area where the Anker Prime TB5 excels. The dock can drive dual 8K displays at 60Hz when connected to a compatible Windows laptop with Thunderbolt 5. For users with MacBooks featuring M4 Pro/Max chips, the dock supports dual 6K displays at 60Hz, ensuring that creative professionals can enjoy expansive screen real estate for their workflows. The docking station includes both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 outputs, though users should note that only one of these can be active at a time.
Anker has also incorporated a thoughtful ambient lighting system into the Prime TB5, with a customizable ring of LED lights around the top of the device that provides visual feedback about the dock’s status.
The dock features a unique U-shaped air duct and cooling fan that employs an ‘intelligent temperature algorithm’ to prevent overheating during intensive use. This design creates a controlled convection current, allowing cool air to enter through intake vents at the base and exit through exhaust ports near the top.
The curved geometry maximizes surface area for heat dissipation while maintaining the dock’s compact vertical form facto
A 4,200 RPM axial fan operates in tandem with the air duct, dynamically adjusting its speed based on real-time thermal sensors.
Unlike traditional docking stations that use constant fan speeds, this system scales from near-silent 800 RPM operation during light loads to full-speed cooling during sustained 120Gbps data transfers.
Anker’s internal testing shows the fan maintains component temperatures 15°C below thermal throttling thresholds even during simultaneous 8K video streaming and large file transfers
The built-in GaN power supply reduces heat generation by 23% compared to traditional silicon-based adapters. By eliminating external power bricks and their associated heat, the system prevents localized hot spots around the power delivery components.
This system combines physical engineering innovations with intelligent software controls to address the thermal challenges inherent in high-speed Thunderbolt 5 operations.
The cooling system employs a three-stage adaptive algorithm:
- Passive Cooling Mode
Below 45°C internal temperature, the fan remains off, relying solely on the aluminum chassis’ natural convection. The dock’s 6063 aluminum alloy housing acts as a heat sink, dissipating up to 12W of thermal energy through its surface. - Active Cooling Mode
When sensors detect temperatures between 45-65°C, the fan activates in pulse-width modulation (PWM) intervals. This stage prioritizes noise reduction while preventing thermal accumulation during moderate workloads like 4K video conferencing or SSD backups. - Turbo Cooling Mode
Above 65°C (typically during 8K video rendering or multi-drive RAID operations), the system engages asymmetric fan profiling. The fan accelerates to 80% capacity within 2 seconds, maintaining sustained cooling until temperatures stabilize below 60°C. Users can monitor this activity through the ambient light strip, which displays pulsating blue waves during high thermal load.
The Anker Dock Manager software provides firmware-level thermal controls:
- Dynamic Frequency Scaling: Automatically reduces Thunderbolt controller clock speeds by 15% during prolonged heat exposure, maintaining data integrity without disconnections.
- Predictive Cooling: Uses machine learning to anticipate thermal spikes based on connected device profiles such as activating preemptive cooling when an 8K monitor is detected.
- User-Configurable Profiles: Allows manual fan curve adjustments for specific workflows, from gaming to office use.
Real-World Performance Metrics
| Workload Scenario | Internal Temp (°C) | Fan Speed (RPM) | Noise Level (dBA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idle | 38 | 0 | 0 |
| Dual 4K@60Hz | 52 | 1,200 | 22 |
| 120Gbps File Transfer | 68 | 4,200 | 41 |
| Gaming (eGPU via TB5) | 63 | 3,800 | 38 |
Data sourced from Anker’s thermal validation testing.
This multi-layered approach enables the Prime TB5 to sustain 140W laptop charging + dual 8K output simultaneously without performance degradation – a common limitation in competing Thunderbolt 5 docks.
Complete Specifications
These are the full specifications of the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station, Model Number: A83B5:
| Category | Specification | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Ports | 14 ports total |
| Interface | Thunderbolt 5 Ports | 3 (1 upstream, 2 downstream) |
| Interface | USB-A Ports | 3 x 10Gbps |
| Interface | USB-C Ports | 2 x 10Gbps (front) |
| Interface | DisplayPort/HDMI | HDMI or DisplayPort (selectable) |
| Interface | Ethernet | 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Interface | Audio | 3.5mm combo audio jack |
| Display Support | Maximum Resolution | 8K@60Hz |
| Display Support | Dual Display | Dual 8K@60Hz |
| Display Support | Triple Display | Limited support (device dependent) |
| Power Delivery | Host Charging | Up to 140W to host device |
| Power Delivery | Front USB-C Total Output | 45W shared |
| Power Delivery | Total Power Output | 232W total output |
| Power Delivery | Power Supply | Built-in GaN power supply |
| Physical | Dimensions | 4.6 × 4.6 × 3.0 in / 116 × 116 × 75 mm |
| Physical | Weight | 38 oz / 1,086 g |
| Physical | Material | Aluminum alloy construction |
| Physical | Cooling System | Built-in fan with intelligent temperature algorithm |
| Compatibility | Operating Systems | Windows 10/11, macOS 15+ |
| Compatibility | Thunderbolt Versions | Thunderbolt 5, 4, USB4 |
| Compatibility | MacOS Version | macOS 15 or later required |
The specifications reveal a thoughtfully designed product that balances connectivity, performance, and power delivery. With its three Thunderbolt ports, five USB ports (split between USB-A and USB-C), and additional specialized connections like 2.5Gbps Ethernet and audio, the Prime TB5 provides sufficient connectivity for even the most demanding setups.
The high-speed data transfer capabilities, coupled with substantial power delivery options, make it suitable for professionals who rely on external drives, multiple displays, and various peripherals in their daily workflow.
Comparison with Other Thunderbolt 5 Docking Stations
When evaluating the Anker Prime TB5 against other Thunderbolt 5 docking stations currently on the market, several key differences become apparent. The following table provides a detailed comparison:
| Feature | Anker Prime TB5 | CalDigit TS5 Plus | Cable Matters TB5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.99 | $499.99 | $349.99 |
| Number of Ports | 14 | 20 | 11 |
| Thunderbolt Ports | 3 (1 up, 2 down) | 3 | 3 |
| USB-A Ports | 3 x 10Gbps | 5 | 3 |
| USB-C Ports | 2 x 10Gbps | 5 | 2 |
| Max Host Charging | 140W | 140W | 140W |
| Built-in Power Supply | Yes (GaN) | No | No |
| Ethernet Speed | 2.5Gbps | 10Gbps | 2.5Gbps |
| Card Reader | SD + microSD | SD + microSD | SD |
| Display Support | Dual 8K@60Hz | Dual 8K@60Hz | Triple 4K@144Hz |
| Form Factor | Vertical | Vertical/Horizontal | Horizontal |
| Special Features | Ambient lighting, Cooling system | Higher port count | Budget-friendly |
The comparison reveals significant differences in port configuration, power delivery capabilities, and special features across these Thunderbolt 5 docking stations. While the CalDigit TS5 Plus offers the highest port count at 20 and features 10Gbps Ethernet connectivity, it is also the most expensive option at $499.99.
The Anker Prime TB5, priced at $399.99, occupies a middle ground in terms of pricing while offering several unique advantages.
It is the only dock in the comparison with a built-in power supply, eliminating the need for an external power brick and potentially freeing up desk space. Additionally, the Anker Prime TB5 features specialized cooling and ambient lighting that are not found in the competing models.
Cable Matters offers the most budget-friendly option at $349.99.
Display support varies across the models, with the Cable Matters dock supporting triple 4K displays at 144Hz, which might be preferable for certain workflows compared to the dual 8K@60Hz support offered by Anker and CalDigit.
Thunderbolt 5 vs. Previous Generations
Thunderbolt 5 represents a significant advancement over previous generations of the technology, offering substantial improvements in bandwidth, power delivery, and display capabilities. The following table illustrates the key differences:
| Specification | Thunderbolt 5 | Thunderbolt 4 | Thunderbolt 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 80Gbps (standard), 120Gbps (boost mode) | 40Gbps | 40Gbps |
| PCIe Throughput | 64Gbps | 32Gbps | 22Gbps |
| DisplayPort Version | DisplayPort 2.1 | DisplayPort 1.4 | DisplayPort 1.2 |
| Max Displays | Multiple 8K or Three 4K@144Hz | Two 4K@60Hz or One 8K@30Hz | Two 4K@60Hz |
| Maximum Resolution | 8K@60Hz | 8K@30Hz | 5K@60Hz |
| USB Speed | USB4 V2 | USB4 | USB 3.2 |
| Power Delivery | Up to 240W | Up to 100W | Up to 100W |
| Daisy Chaining | Yes (multiple) | Yes | Yes (limited) |
| Cable Length | Up to 1m full speed | Up to 2m full speed | Up to 0.5m full speed |
The most notable improvement in Thunderbolt 5 is the substantial increase in bandwidth—doubling from 40Gbps in Thunderbolt 4 to 80Gbps in standard mode, with the ability to reach 120Gbps in boost mode. This enhanced bandwidth translates to significantly faster data transfer speeds, which is particularly beneficial for data-intensive applications such as video editing, 3D rendering, and working with large datasets.
The PCIe throughput has also seen a remarkable improvement, increasing from 32Gbps in Thunderbolt 4 to 64Gbps in Thunderbolt 5. This enhancement is especially valuable for external GPUs (eGPUs) and high-performance storage arrays, as it reduces bottlenecks and allows these devices to operate closer to their full potential. For eGPU users, Thunderbolt 5’s ability to adjust data channels asymmetrically (providing 120Gbps in one direction) can significantly improve performance for graphics-intensive applications.
Display capabilities have been significantly enhanced with Thunderbolt 5 as well. While Thunderbolt 4 supports two 4K displays at 60Hz or a single 8K display at 30Hz, Thunderbolt 5 can drive multiple 8K displays or three 4K displays at 144Hz refresh rates[8]. This improvement is made possible by the inclusion of DisplayPort 2.1 in the Thunderbolt 5 specification, compared to DisplayPort 1.4 in Thunderbolt 4.
Power delivery has also seen an upgrade, with Thunderbolt 5 supporting up to 240W of power delivery compared to the 100W limit of previous generations. This increased power capacity enables the charging of more power-hungry devices like gaming laptops and workstations that typically require more than 100W of power.
Social Media Commentary
The Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station, being a recently released product, has generated discussion across various online communities. On Reddit, users have been comparing it to other Thunderbolt 5 docking stations, particularly the CalDigit TS5 Plus, which was announced earlier in 2025.
Many users express appreciation for the Anker Prime TB5’s integrated power supply. One Reddit user commented on a different dock, “They cost a fortune and its never as clean as a USB C monitor. I’ve tried a few different setups over the last 2 years with my macbook, work pc…”, highlighting the common frustration with cable management that the Anker Prime TB5’s built-in power supply helps address.
The pricing strategy has also been a point of discussion, with the Anker Prime TB5’s $399.99 price tag positioning it $100 below the CalDigit TS5 Plus. This has made it an attractive option for users who want Thunderbolt 5 capabilities without spending $500 on a docking station.
There has been particular interest in the dock’s performance with eGPUs. In discussions about Thunderbolt 5 technology more broadly, users highlight the significant bandwidth improvements: “Thunderbolt 5 doubles this speed to 80Gbps, which significantly alleviates that bottleneck… allowing it to adjust its data channels to achieve 120Gbps for sending and 40Gbps for receiving”. This has created excitement among users who plan to use the dock with external graphics solutions.
The cooling system has also attracted attention, with the Anker Prime TB5’s built-in fan and thermal management system seen as a necessary feature for maintaining performance during intensive tasks. As The Verge reported, the dock “features U-shaped duct with cooling fan employs an ‘intelligent temperature algorithm’ to avoid overheating and maintain performance”, which has been positively received by users concerned about thermal throttling.
Some Reddit users have expressed interest in waiting for more real-world performance data before making a purchase decision, particularly those who already own Thunderbolt 4 docks and are weighing the benefits of upgrading to Thunderbolt 5.
Other Anker TB5 Products
While the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station is the company’s flagship Thunderbolt 5 product, Anker has also released a high-speed Thunderbolt 5 cable to complement the dock. As mentioned in their press release, “Anker, a global leader in power and charging solutions, today announced the launch of its next-generation Thunderbolt™ 5 Docking Station and high-speed Thunderbolt 5 cable”. This cable is designed to provide the full 120Gbps bandwidth that Thunderbolt 5 can achieve in boost mode.
The high-speed Thunderbolt 5 cable is included with the Prime TB5 Docking Station, but it is also available separately for users who need additional cables or replacements.
Anker emphasizes that using certified Thunderbolt 5 cables is essential for achieving the advertised performance, as stated in the user manual: “No, please use the included Thunderbolt 5 cable or certified Thunderbolt 5 cables only. Using uncertified or incompatible cables may cause functionality issues”.
As of April 2025, Anker has not yet announced other Thunderbolt 5 products beyond the Prime TB5 Docking Station and the Thunderbolt 5 cable. Given Anker’s history of expanding product lines once new technologies become established, it’s reasonable to expect that the company may introduce additional Thunderbolt 5 products in the future, potentially including smaller hubs, specialized docks for specific use cases, or integrated power solutions leveraging their GaN technology.
Anker’s approach to Thunderbolt 5 appears to be focused on delivering high-quality, premium products via their Prime lineup that leverage their expertise in power delivery and charging solutions in the Thunderbolt 5 space.
Integrating the Anker Prime TB5 into Your Home Office
The Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station can transform a home office setup by centralizing connectivity and simplifying cable management. When designing a work-from-home desk around this docking station, there are several considerations and best practices to ensure optimal functionality and aesthetics.
Optimal Placement and Workspace Organization
Positioning your Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station effectively is crucial for both performance and convenience. The dock features a vertical standing design, which helps minimize its footprint on your desk. For optimal cooling, place the dock in a well-ventilated area, ensuring that the built-in fan can operate efficiently. The ambient light strip on the dock can serve as both functional feedback and subtle desk illumination, particularly useful during evening work sessions.
“Positioning your monitor at or slightly below eye level prevents neck strain,” notes a workspace optimization guide. The Anker Prime TB5 facilitates this by supporting dual high-resolution displays, allowing you to create an ergonomic multi-monitor setup. When arranging your workspace, “keep frequently used items like your mouse, notepad, and drink on the side of your dominant hand” while positioning the dock where its ports are easily accessible for connecting temporary devices.
Multi-Device Switching
One of the significant advantages of the Anker Prime TB5 is its ability to support different devices, making it ideal for individuals who switch between multiple computers. “I’m in the process of setting up my desk, seeking advice on essential items to optimize my productivity,” wrote one Reddit user looking for a solution to share a workspace between a MacBook and a Windows laptop. The Anker Prime TB5 addresses this need by supporting both Windows (10/11) and macOS (15+) operating systems.
For users who regularly switch between devices, the Thunderbolt 5 upstream port provides a single-cable solution.
As one user described their similar setup: “I plug my monitor, speakers, mouse, keyboard, and charger all into the hub. The hub is hidden under my desk and I have a USB-C extension cable that comes out and plugs into the laptop I’m using. Makes it super easy to have just one cable to plug in and out”.
This approach minimizes connection hassle and maintains a clean desk environment.
Peripheral Selection and Organization
When selecting peripherals to connect to your Anker Prime TB5, consider the dock’s port configuration and power distribution. The dock provides 45W shared power through its front USB-C ports, which is ideal for charging smartphones and tablets. For higher-power devices, the Thunderbolt downstream ports offer up to 15W each.
For external storage, the dock’s high-speed ports are particularly valuable. With Thunderbolt 5’s 120Gbps bandwidth, external SSDs can operate at significantly higher speeds than with previous-generation docks. The dock supports up to seven external hard drives simultaneously, though the actual performance will depend on your host computer’s capabilities.
Cable management becomes simpler with the Anker Prime TB5’s built-in power supply. Unlike competing docks that require external power bricks, the Prime TB5’s integrated GaN power supply eliminates one of the bulkiest components typically associated with docking stations. This advantage allows for cleaner cable routing and a more organized workspace.
For an optimal home office setup, consider complementing the Anker Prime TB5 with wireless peripherals to further reduce cable clutter. However, as one Reddit user advised: “I would try to avoid Bluetooth as it can get annoying switching between devices”. Instead, they suggested using “Logitech keyboard and mouse with the USB dongle” for smoother transitions between different computers[12].
Final Thoughts
Compared to competitors, the Anker Prime TB5 strikes a balance between port count, features, and pricing. While it doesn’t offer as many ports as the CalDigit TS5 Plus, its built-in power supply and cooling system provide unique advantages that many users will appreciate. The $399.99 price point positions it competitively in the emerging Thunderbolt 5 docking station market.
The advantages of Thunderbolt 5 technology are fully leveraged in this product, with doubled bandwidth, improved display capabilities, and enhanced power delivery compared to previous generations.
These improvements translate to tangible benefits for data-intensive workflows, multi-display setups, and high-performance peripheral connections.
For home office users, the Anker Prime TB5 offers an elegant solution to the challenges of modern workspace connectivity, enabling clean, efficient setups that support productivity without sacrificing performance.
As Thunderbolt 5 adoption continues to grow throughout 2025 and beyond, the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station stands as a compelling option for users ready to embrace the next generation of connectivity technology.
Buy the Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station on Amazon.
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