Nice video! Love seeing the detailed breakdown of both docks. You nailed a lot of the details that tend to trip our users up with the TS4. Just one thing I wanted to point out regarding power. There's a reason that our power adapter pushes almost twice as much power as the OWC dock and many other docks on the market. It's so that each of our ports can always supply the advertised amount of power. I'm not sure if this is the case for the OWC dock in particular, but most Thunderbolt docks have a dynamic power system, where the power draw shifts depending on what's in use. This allows the dock to require less power, but it also means it's possible to draw so much USB power from one of these docks that you aren't able to get the full advertised host charging power. Our docks employ a consistent power system, where every single port's full power capabilities are provisioned for at all times, so you never have to worry about getting less than expected charging.
BTW: I've been using my TS2 every day for around eight years and it's still working like a dream (*it's plugged into my Apple Thunderbolt Display which is plugged into my M1 Mac Mini currently)... whenever it eventually dies I'll simply pick up a TS4 with zero hesitation!
@@StreetsOfVancouverChannel Glad to hear it! Thunderbolt 1 and 2 support on Apple Silicon has been hit or miss in our experience, so I'm very pleased to hear it's working well for your setup! The TS2 still rules!
@caldigithq ive used the caldigit 2/3 docks for years. Now thinking of upgrading to the 4 as I want to get a second studio display for my M1 Max. The mark of a superb product is that it disappears and you forget about it. In this regard I forget about my ts3 because it just works!
in all of the reviews and comparisons of the Caldigit, none of the reviewers indicate how many Thunderbolt controllers are contained in the Caldigit. The OWC has 3 controllers, one for each of the out-ports. It allows each port to connect to the maximum number of daisy chained TB devices. It has been one of the things I've liked about the OWC over most competitors. Additionally, I'm not finding any literature from Caldigit on the number of controllers. They may also have one per out-port but the information isn't readily available. When daisy chaining TB devices, this becomes important.
Not only that but the OWC has no audio connection on the back for plugging in speakers. I would subtract 4 points from OWC for the front host connection and another 4 points for only having audio on the front. And give CalDigit an extra 8 points for getting it right.
I have an OWC dock that I’ve had for about 3 years now and it’s starting to have issues. My monitor will not stop flickering on and off when plugged in and making little pop noises when connected to my M1 which is not good at all. I’ve tried troubleshooting by buying a new usb-c direct connect cable and that didn’t work, I’m gonna try a new HDMI cable and if that doesn’t work I will be buying the TS4 because I’m tired of having problems. It’s def not the computer because it works fine when it’s not connected. Only happens once plugged into OWC dock. Sucks that the OWC only lasted a couple years. For $300 I feel like I got screwed.
I'm going with the OWC miniStack STX, because it'll fit under my Mac Studio. Also, the STX has a cooling fan in it, and can accept a 3.5/2.5 SATA drive at the same time. I'm running a Samsung 980 Pro NVMe SSD, which runs hot.
This is good but, while you had both it would have been nice to test actual speeds you get from each, like when you have nvme2 SSDs connected, and when using all the ports does it get bogged down, that kind of thing, the more ports you have going through one TB4 connection, the more likely there may be slow down. …the OWC states it has 5000GB/s at the host port, so maximum from everything connected to the dock. …in any case the OWC would suit my needs fine, and is on sale for $200 at the moment.
My old dock starting playing silly buggers last Friday just as I was working through a big project. I needed to have various devices plugged in at the same time to maximise productivity to ensure I hit the deadline. Went online and luckily found a secondhand TS4 at £300 unopened. I've been using nearly every port since I got it on Saturday, it's amazing. There are many docks on the market, all of which to do a job but not necessarily as hassle free and consistently as the TS4. It's expensive but you'll not need to upgrade for some time to come.
Nice details and breakdown...Now with all these ports, do they share bandwidth or are the all independent and each will get the full 10Gbit/s or 40Gbit/s. In other words, If I connect 2 TB4 cables will the ports share and now I am down to 20GBits/s? Thank you...
Hey Man, I am trying to decide which brand to go for! However, I am looking at the OWC Thunderbolt 3 dock, which I noticed you previously used. Was you happy with it? Did you encounter any issues, which you think would be worthwhile knowing beforehand? Thanks
Had OWC for two years, not a power user. Used for music studio, USB 2 audio interface, monitor. MIDI peripherals etc. The USB 3.2 used as main audio connection has just packed in. OWC support say it's hardware. No repair service in the UK and just out of warranty. Really disappointing at this price. Customer support were great but can't do a thing or advise where to take it to have what I'm guessing will be an expensive fix. Avoid.
your timeline does NOT match your index. I'm looking for information, and it'd have saved me (and others) time if you not used an index so we start scrubbing through your video, instead of wasting time on a useless index. Not trying to be a jerk... Just being objectively critical regarding my experience (in case you care to make any strategic adjustments regarding your productions going forward).
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. This was obviously a mistake. I had the right one but I accidentally replaced it with a prior video. This should be fixed momentarily.
@@JacobGagoOfficial Subbing just because I think you handled the comment he dropped amazingly. It’s good to see two people having an objective conversation without having to tippy toe around someone’s feelings. Big ups to both of you !
Nice video! Love seeing the detailed breakdown of both docks. You nailed a lot of the details that tend to trip our users up with the TS4.
Just one thing I wanted to point out regarding power. There's a reason that our power adapter pushes almost twice as much power as the OWC dock and many other docks on the market. It's so that each of our ports can always supply the advertised amount of power. I'm not sure if this is the case for the OWC dock in particular, but most Thunderbolt docks have a dynamic power system, where the power draw shifts depending on what's in use. This allows the dock to require less power, but it also means it's possible to draw so much USB power from one of these docks that you aren't able to get the full advertised host charging power. Our docks employ a consistent power system, where every single port's full power capabilities are provisioned for at all times, so you never have to worry about getting less than expected charging.
Thanks @caldigit from the additional comment and great product. Would love to have your company as a sponsor to review your other products.
BTW: I've been using my TS2 every day for around eight years and it's still working like a dream (*it's plugged into my Apple Thunderbolt Display which is plugged into my M1 Mac Mini currently)... whenever it eventually dies I'll simply pick up a TS4 with zero hesitation!
@@StreetsOfVancouverChannel Glad to hear it! Thunderbolt 1 and 2 support on Apple Silicon has been hit or miss in our experience, so I'm very pleased to hear it's working well for your setup! The TS2 still rules!
Following up my comment above
@caldigithq ive used the caldigit 2/3 docks for years. Now thinking of upgrading to the 4 as I want to get a second studio display for my M1 Max. The mark of a superb product is that it disappears and you forget about it. In this regard I forget about my ts3 because it just works!
I bought both to try out, and I sent the OWC back. The TS4 blew it out of the water, no comparison.
Nice! If you bought it through my link thanks. either way glad you picked the TS4 as well.
in all of the reviews and comparisons of the Caldigit, none of the reviewers indicate how many Thunderbolt controllers are contained in the Caldigit. The OWC has 3 controllers, one for each of the out-ports. It allows each port to connect to the maximum number of daisy chained TB devices. It has been one of the things I've liked about the OWC over most competitors. Additionally, I'm not finding any literature from Caldigit on the number of controllers. They may also have one per out-port but the information isn't readily available. When daisy chaining TB devices, this becomes important.
I purchased the TS4 based on this comprehensive review. Many thanks 🙏🙏🙏😊
I cannot believe the host connection on the OWC is on the front. That's a complete dealbreaker by itself.
Super Super Super deal breaker
Not only that but the OWC has no audio connection on the back for plugging in speakers. I would subtract 4 points from OWC for the front host connection and another 4 points for only having audio on the front. And give CalDigit an extra 8 points for getting it right.
I have an OWC dock that I’ve had for about 3 years now and it’s starting to have issues. My monitor will not stop flickering on and off when plugged in and making little pop noises when connected to my M1 which is not good at all. I’ve tried troubleshooting by buying a new usb-c direct connect cable and that didn’t work, I’m gonna try a new HDMI cable and if that doesn’t work I will be buying the TS4 because I’m tired of having problems. It’s def not the computer because it works fine when it’s not connected. Only happens once plugged into OWC dock. Sucks that the OWC only lasted a couple years. For $300 I feel like I got screwed.
Dang sorry to hear that. I still have my old one haven’t had that issue but since making this video I’ve made the switch to the TS4 and it’s great
Really appreciate this superior review. Many thanks! 🙏👍👍😊😊
Thank you for the watching. Glad to help!
I'm going with the OWC miniStack STX, because it'll fit under my Mac Studio. Also, the STX has a cooling fan in it, and can accept a 3.5/2.5 SATA drive at the same time. I'm running a Samsung 980 Pro NVMe SSD, which runs hot.
This is good but, while you had both it would have been nice to test actual speeds you get from each, like when you have nvme2 SSDs connected, and when using all the ports does it get bogged down, that kind of thing, the more ports you have going through one TB4 connection, the more likely there may be slow down. …the OWC states it has 5000GB/s at the host port, so maximum from everything connected to the dock. …in any case the OWC would suit my needs fine, and is on sale for $200 at the moment.
My old dock starting playing silly buggers last Friday just as I was working through a big project. I needed to have various devices plugged in at the same time to maximise productivity to ensure I hit the deadline. Went online and luckily found a secondhand TS4 at £300 unopened. I've been using nearly every port since I got it on Saturday, it's amazing. There are many docks on the market, all of which to do a job but not necessarily as hassle free and consistently as the TS4. It's expensive but you'll not need to upgrade for some time to come.
True that. Thanks for the input.
Sonnet tech came out with much better thunderbolt 4 dock. Checkout Echo 20 Thunderbolt 4 SuperDock.
Nice details and breakdown...Now with all these ports, do they share bandwidth or are the all independent and each will get the full 10Gbit/s or 40Gbit/s. In other words, If I connect 2 TB4 cables will the ports share and now I am down to 20GBits/s? Thank you...
There is a similar dock from OWC now with higher network speed. A portable Thunderbolt one… maybe that stacks up a bit better against the Caldigit?
Did they put the host connection on the back where it belongs?
this channel is lit
Haha appreciate you Rick
Great review. Both good docks, but the TS4 is the one for me. Already looking forward to buying it with my new M1 Mac :-)
Be careful, M1 Mac doesn't support Multiple display
How does your UAD Apollo work with the TS4?
Works mighty great no issues
@@JacobGagoOfficialhow does the Apollo work with OWC? Thanks
Great vid!
Thanks for watching
Any suggestions on getting my windows 11 ready my owc thunderbolt adapter ? Not showing up at all. Thanks beforehand.
Hey Man, I am trying to decide which brand to go for! However, I am looking at the OWC Thunderbolt 3 dock, which I noticed you previously used. Was you happy with it? Did you encounter any issues, which you think would be worthwhile knowing beforehand? Thanks
Cool video!
Thanks for the visit
Great review ..
Had OWC for two years, not a power user. Used for music studio, USB 2 audio interface, monitor. MIDI peripherals etc. The USB 3.2 used as main audio connection has just packed in. OWC support say it's hardware. No repair service in the UK and just out of warranty. Really disappointing at this price. Customer support were great but can't do a thing or advise where to take it to have what I'm guessing will be an expensive fix. Avoid.
Yeah I’ve met the CEO super nice people but it kinda still acts like a startup even thought they’ve been around for many years
Thank you for the review. Also - red sweater - nerd. :D
had a question what about windows users that want it for gaming that want the faster refresh rate?
I don't see why it wouldn't work. I don't use it for gaming sorry.
Does the TS4 run hot?
Super hot 🥵 but so far no overheating
Well, 2 CalTigit TS4, 2x pulsating coil whine -> Conclusion overpriced influencer toy with poor quality
Caldigit is out of business.
lol where'd you here that from?
OWC is a mess
,
your timeline does NOT match your index. I'm looking for information, and it'd have saved me (and others) time if you not used an index so we start scrubbing through your video, instead of wasting time on a useless index.
Not trying to be a jerk... Just being objectively critical regarding my experience (in case you care to make any strategic adjustments regarding your productions going forward).
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. This was obviously a mistake. I had the right one but I accidentally replaced it with a prior video. This should be fixed momentarily.
@@JacobGagoOfficial Certainly. And best wishes on the growing success of your channel.
@@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios Thank you it should be up now
@@JacobGagoOfficial Subbing just because I think you handled the comment he dropped amazingly. It’s good to see two people having an objective conversation without having to tippy toe around someone’s feelings. Big ups to both of you !
@@TheReal_FJB Much respect 🙏🏾. Thanks for the sub.