Other World Computing Launches OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub

[btarunr]

Other World Computing (OWC), a trusted leader in delivering high-performance, secure, and sustainable technology solutions that enhance and extend the life of Macs and PCs, today announced the general availability launch of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub - opening a new world of workflow possibilities and performance. By turning a single cable connection into three Thunderbolt 5 ports and one USB-A port, the new OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub breaks the connectivity handcuffs of host machines not offering enough Thunderbolt 5 ports. With up to 80 Gb/s of bidirectional data speed - up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 - and up to 120 Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs, the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub redefines productivity. Connect portable SSDs exceeding 6000 MB/s, up to three 8K displays @60 Hz with DSC, today's USB-C connector compatible devices, and yesterday's USB-A desktop accessories - all while keeping modern notebooks and tablets powered and charged up for mobile use with 140 watts.

"The bidirectional bandwidth design of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub enables users to send and receive data simultaneously - making it ideal for connecting high-res displays, SSDs, and more without compromising speed," said Larry O'Connor, Founder and CEO, Other World Computing (OWC). "With three additional Thunderbolt 5 ports, users gain the flexibility to power multiple displays or create complex daisy chains with ease. The hub's 140 W power delivery guarantees notebooks and tablets remain charged, no matter how demanding the workload."



Key Features of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub:

• Easy Port Expansion - Adds more universally compatible Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports to a Mac, PC, iPad Pro, or tablet to greatly expand device connectivity possibilities and productivity
• Incomparable Speed - Work and play faster with up to 80 Gb/s of bidirectional data speed and up to 120 Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs
• Works with Millions - No worries or confusion…connect to Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C, or USB4 machine or device with 100% compatibility
• Best Today, Best Tomorrow - Delivers the best performance of devices with today's computers and best speed possible in the future with a Thunderbolt 5 Mac or PC
• Multiple Daisy Chains - Create three separate daisy chains of devices - even bus-powered - and remove devices from one chain without affecting the other chains
• Powerful - Safely delivers up to 140 watts to charge the most power-hungry notebook computer
• Stunning Visuals - Connect to the latest and future Thunderbolt, USB-C, and DisplayPort displays for incredible 4K, 5K, 6K, and up to three 8K displays
• Thunderbolt Certified - Built-in OWC reliability and dependability for Mac and Windows
• Silently Cool - Fanless aluminium enclosure for quiet and cool operation

The OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub is available now for pre-order for $189.99 and begins shipping in December. For further information and specs or to place an order, please visit this page.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[csendesmark]

Pretty sure these are amazing but this new fast hubs got really expensive ...$190 hub
Latest tech stuff were costing the half price when they been released, and seemingly those "kept" their price..

 

[Assimilator]

Pretty sure these are amazing but this new fast hubs got really expensive ...$190 hub
Latest tech stuff were costing the half price when they been released, and seemingly those "kept" their price..

TB5 is very new and very niche and almost nothing uses or requires it yet, so this is very much a product for technology enthusiasts.

 

[csendesmark]

TB5 is very new and very niche and almost nothing uses or requires it yet, so this is very much a product for technology enthusiasts.

I see,
Honestly I never understand why TB being kept alive against USB.
Modern computing is basically PCIe, where the external connectors using some version of USB anyway
Even the TB using the USB-C connector form factor.

 

[Assimilator]

I see,
Honestly I never understand why TB being kept alive against USB.
Modern computing is basically PCIe, where the external connectors using some version of USB anyway
Even the TB using the USB-C connector form factor.

With Thunderbolt 4 being essentially part of USB4 now there really isn't any reason or need for Thunderbolt to exist as a discrete technology, I agree. Hopefully TB5 will be the last version of Thunderbolt and Intel will just roll everything into USB from now on, but we will see.

 

[TumbleGeorge]

With Thunderbolt 4 being essentially part of USB4 now there really isn't any reason or need for Thunderbolt to exist as a discrete technology, I agree. Hopefully TB5 will be the last version of Thunderbolt and Intel will just roll everything into USB from now on, but we will see.

Next interface possible will be optical. Is too hard and expensive to send faster data with electricity via long copper cable.

 

[ZeDestructor]

Pretty sure these are amazing but this new fast hubs got really expensive ...$190 hub
Latest tech stuff were costing the half price when they been released, and seemingly those "kept" their price..

When it comes to TB docks/hubs, 190USD is pleasantly cheap. Typically they're around the 300USD mark like Kensington's TB5 one. Admittedly, the Kensington has a bunch more ports, but let's be honest here, more ports for TB is well under 10 dollars of extra PCB and connectors and chassis.

TB5 is very new and very niche and almost nothing uses or requires it yet, so this is very much a product for technology enthusiasts.

Newest M4 mac is already using it, and personally I could use TB5 to drive my 2 5K cables using a single cable to my laptop (right now I have to use 2 TB4/USB4 cables, one per monitor).

I see,
Honestly I never understand why TB being kept alive against USB.
Modern computing is basically PCIe, where the external connectors using some version of USB anyway
Even the TB using the USB-C connector form factor.

With Thunderbolt 4 being essentially part of USB4 now there really isn't any reason or need for Thunderbolt to exist as a discrete technology, I agree. Hopefully TB5 will be the last version of Thunderbolt and Intel will just roll everything into USB from now on, but we will see.

Ever since USB4/TB4, TB is largely just a bunch of extra compliance testing and logo licensing fees (in fact, a number of "USB4" ports on mobos and laptops are using Intel TB controllers, but the manufacturer skipped the paying Intel part). In exchange for paying a bit extra, you get a better baseline (higher minimum speed, higher minimum power) and in theory less compatibility issues.

Next interface possible will be optical. Is too hard and expensive to send faster data with electricity via long copper cable.

Nah, over short-distances (<=3m/10ft), copper twin-axial cabling manages 100G per lane (not uncommon in datacentres and WAN links), which would translate to 200G/200G or 100G/300G on a USB4/TB4 link since that uses 4 lanes in either a 2/2 or 1/3 allocation. Work is being done to get 200G per lane, and presumably once that's done 400G per lane.

There is life left in copper for short distances still, but at the 5+m lengths needed for ethernet, 10G is the end of the line, more or less.