u/username-issue

I have a CalDigit TS5 Plus on the way and wanted to run my planned connection map by this community before it arrives. I have read multiple threads about early hardware snags, firmware quirks, and display handshake issues with the TS5 Plus, so I would rather get a sanity check now than troubleshoot blind later.

My machine;

MacBook Pro 16-inch, Apple M4 Pro, 48 GB RAM, macOS (latest stable). The machine has Thunderbolt 5 ports. M4 Pro supports exactly two external displays natively. No DisplayLink in this setup. The MacBook will run in clamshell mode at all times.

My two monitors;

- The main work screen is a 32-inch curved, VA panel, QHD (2560x1440), up to 180Hz, with both DisplayPort and HDMI inputs. This sits landscape, centered on the desk.

- The side/reference screen is an 27-inch, IPS, FHD (1920x1080), up to 100Hz, HDMI input only (no DisplayPort). This will be mounted vertically/portrait to the left of the main one.

Planned connection map through the TS5 Plus;

- MacBook to dock: using the included 1m Thunderbolt 5 cable, from a MacBook TB5 port to the dock’s host TB5 port.

- Dock to 32” monitor: using a UGREEN 16K DisplayPort 2.1 cable (2m), from the dock’s DisplayPort output to the LG’s DisplayPort input.

- Dock to 27” monitor: using an existing Honeywell USB-C to HDMI cable, from a downstream USB-C/Thunderbolt port on the dock to the ASUS HDMI input.

- Ethernet: Cat6A cable from the dock’s 10Gb Ethernet port to the router/wall jack.

- Webcam (OBSBOT Meet 2): existing USB-C cable into a USB-C or USB-A port on the dock.

- Audio: Portronics 3.5mm male-to-male AUX cable (2m) from the dock’s 3.5mm audio out to the LG soundbar’s AUX input.

- Charging: Apple 140W MagSafe plugged directly into the MacBook. Charging does not go through the dock. I know the MacBook will pick one charging source and will not draw from both simultaneously.

What I have read that concerns me;

Some users are reporting display handshake failures or black screens after sleep/wake with the TS5 Plus, especially with dual monitors. Firmware updates seem to be necessary to fix early bugs. There are potential issues with USB-C to HDMI on downstream ports for the second display. And some reports of Ethernet not being recognized until a specific firmware version.

I am not looking for general dock recommendations. I have already bought the TS5 Plus and I am committed to this setup. Just want to make sure my connection plan is sound and hear from anyone running a similar config.

Thank you so much.

I have a CalDigit TS5 Plus on the way and wanted to run my planned connection map by this community before it arrives. I have read multiple threads about early hardware snags, firmware quirks, and display handshake issues with the TS5 Plus, so I would rather get a sanity check now than troubleshoot blind later.

My machine;

MacBook Pro 16-inch, Apple M4 Pro, 48 GB RAM, macOS (latest stable). The machine has Thunderbolt 5 ports. M4 Pro supports exactly two external displays natively. No DisplayLink in this setup. The MacBook will run in clamshell mode at all times.

My two monitors;

- The main work screen is a 32-inch curved, VA panel, QHD (2560x1440), up to 180Hz, with both DisplayPort and HDMI inputs. This sits landscape, centered on the desk.

- The side/reference screen is an 27-inch, IPS, FHD (1920x1080), up to 100Hz, HDMI input only (no DisplayPort). This will be mounted vertically/portrait to the left of the main one.

Planned connection map through the TS5 Plus;

- MacBook to dock: using the included 1m Thunderbolt 5 cable, from a MacBook TB5 port to the dock’s host TB5 port.

- Dock to 32” monitor: using a UGREEN 16K DisplayPort 2.1 cable (2m), from the dock’s DisplayPort output to the LG’s DisplayPort input.

- Dock to 27” monitor: using an existing Honeywell USB-C to HDMI cable, from a downstream USB-C/Thunderbolt port on the dock to the ASUS HDMI input.

- Ethernet: Cat6A cable from the dock’s 10Gb Ethernet port to the router/wall jack.

- Webcam (OBSBOT Meet 2): existing USB-C cable into a USB-C or USB-A port on the dock.

- Audio: Portronics 3.5mm male-to-male AUX cable (2m) from the dock’s 3.5mm audio out to the LG soundbar’s AUX input.

- Charging: Apple 140W MagSafe plugged directly into the MacBook. Charging does not go through the dock. I know the MacBook will pick one charging source and will not draw from both simultaneously.

What I have read that concerns me;

Some users are reporting display handshake failures or black screens after sleep/wake with the TS5 Plus, especially with dual monitors. Firmware updates seem to be necessary to fix early bugs. There are potential issues with USB-C to HDMI on downstream ports for the second display. And some reports of Ethernet not being recognized until a specific firmware version.

I am not looking for general dock recommendations. I have already bought the TS5 Plus and I am committed to this setup. Just want to make sure my connection plan is sound and hear from anyone running a similar config.

Thank you so much.