You may not be aware or maybe you are but 5k resolution monitors are here and the Quantum Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station Pro 85 from IOGear provides 5k video support or dual 4k resolution with 85W of power delivery for your MacBook Pro or Thunderbolt-enabled Windows system.
The new Thunderbolt 3 Docking station features 85W of pass-through power delivery for better peripheral performance and stability whether you are planted at home or work remotely on-the-go.
A functional portable dock can be a blessing for both consumer and professional. Never rely 100% with hardware on-site as it may not be reliable. IOGear’s TB3 Docking Station Pro 85 makes it easy to take all the convenience with you or use it at home.
Features & Specs
The new TB3 Dock station GTD735 supports DisplayPort 1.2 for single 5k output or dual 4k video connection @60Hz. A single Type-C USB 3.1 Gen1 allows you to expand your world with convenience and quickness.
IOGear has provided the GTD735 Thunderbolt 3 Dock Station Pro 85 as a courtesy so that we could provide first hand review coverage of the device and our experience with it to our readers.
Front & Rear ports include: Gigabit Ethernet port, 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A port with BC1.2 fast charging, 3.5mm audio input/output, 1x Thunderbolt 3/USB-C expansion port, DisplayPort 1.2 and Power port.
IOGear’s TB3 Dock measures 0.98″ H x 3.19″ D x 8.66″ L and weighs less than 1lb, 0.85lbs. The dock is relatively small, lightweight and easy to deal with. What isn’t small is the power brick. Wow the power adapter is huuuuge. The added wattage at 85W is however welcome and provides enough pass-through power to handle 4k video and your laptop with peripherals over a single USB-Type C 3.1 Gen1.
The IOGear TB3 dock can handle resolution up to 4096 x 2160 resolution @ 60Hz. It does not offer KVM capabilities like IOGear’s GTD732 TB2 Dock Station but provides instead 85W of pass-through power and raises the potential transfer speeds from 20Gbps/TB2 to 40Gbps/TB3.
What’s in the Box
The GTD735 Dock, a Thunderbolt 3 Cable 1.5 ft. (0.5m), AC Power Brick, Quick Start Guide & Warranty Card.
What you need
As with most any new computer peripheral, double check that you are meeting or exceeding the hardware requirements to take full advantage of its capabilities.
Mac Users will need: Mac OSX Sierra 10.12 or later, Thunderbolt™ 3 port.
PC Users will need: Windows 10 or later, Thunderbolt™ 3 port; TB3 (USB-C) enabled computers that are equipped with DisplayPort Alt Mode Support. The included TB3 cable is just long enough to present you with some frustrating moments at just 1.5ft long; a 3ft USB Type-C cable would have been much appreciated here.
Our Experience
So far so good. As is the case with many peripherals, they can sometimes underperform when pushed and/or overheat. Our primary concern is the ability to run dual 4k monitors with stability/reliability and the GTD735 does just that, so far so good.
If your intention is to run a 5k display, the device supports 5K video @60Hz on DP Alt mode. Double check that your setup supports DP Alt mode.
Connections are quick and easy as they should be and although we are not benchmarking, transfer speeds seem snappy and noticeably faster over TB2 connection transfers.
Another feature we are enjoying is the two USB-A BC1.2 enabled ports, 1x on rear, 1x on front that allows you to fast charge your phone or external devices. Using the traditional charging speed is unbearable at this point after getting used to quick charge technology.
The power brick and we do mean brick, is large but it’s easy enough to tuck away towards the back of your workstation or table.
That’s a Wrap
IOGear’s Quantum Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station Pro 85 GTD735, we’re digging the speed and stability that comes with ample power. Our experience has been a positive one and if you’re a 15-inch MacBook Pro user or have officially retired your workstation tower for a laptop, the TB3 Dock Station Pro 85 is a nice little dock that supports dual 4k monitor or 5k monitor setup.
IOGear GTD735 Quantum Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station Pro 85 MSRP $299.95
www.iogear.com
