While docking stations have always used external power supplies (PSUs), recent developments have allowed certain docks the ability to offer internal PSUs to power their docks.
On first glance this idea seems beneficial, as you do not have a power supply connected to your dock, only a power cord. Other than this single benefit, the downsides of internal power supplies for docking stations become clear.
1. Keep heat away from the dock
Internal power supplies are encasing the PSU within the dock. This adds extra potential for heat. The PSU is also located close to the dock’s internal components. These docks try to compensate for this by using an internal fan to cool the dock. However, by utilizing an internal fan, this adds an extra point of failure for the dock. There is a reason laptops have external power supplies in order to keep their PSUs away from the laptop. It’s a similar concept with docks.
By keeping the power supplies external, any potential for extra heat is kept at a distance from the dock.
2. Replacing the PSU vs replacing the whole dock
If you are using a dock with an external PSU, and the PSU fails when it’s in warranty, you only need to replace the PSU.
Docks with internal PSUs require the whole dock to be sent back and replaced under warranty.
If the dock with the internal PSU is out of warranty users cannot replace the PSU since it’s not user replaceable. Customers would be left with a faulty dock.
If the dock with the external PSU fails, and is out of warranty, a low cost PSU can be purchased to keep the dock operating.
3. Low wattage vs high wattage PSUs
Docks with internal PSUs tend to have lower wattage PSUs, and the consequence of this is underpowered USB ports, or some USB ports having to share a total wattage between ports.
By utilising external PSUs, CalDigit’s Thunderbolt docks, offer exceptional power output consistently without dropping.
4. Bulkier docks vs slim docks
Docks with internal PSUs have a bulkier dock design that is more like the size of a Mac mini or the size of a small mini PC.
External PSUs allow docks to have a slimline design on your desk.
5. Internal fans generate noise
Docks that have internal PSUs and fans will generate extra noise. This is not ideal for professional users in video editing rooms or music studios.
At CalDigit professional users tell us that they need a quiet dock for these pro set-ups. By keeping the PSU external the dock is quieter.
6. More points of failure with an internal PSU
CalDigit’s Thunderbolt Station design has been around since 2013 for a reason. It’s simple and just works.
Docks with internal PSUs have multiple points of failure. This includes the fan, the internal PSU, and the power button.
CalDigit’s minimalist plug and play design cuts out these unnecessary extra points of potential failure which reduces customer returns.
7. Docks with internal PSUs still have a power cord
While the benefit of docks with internal PSUs is that you don’t have a bulky PSU connected, there is still a power cord that needs to go to a wall outlet from the dock. Therefore, there is not a huge difference between a power cord going to a wall outlet directly, or to a PSU first before it goes to the wall outlet. Either way there will be a cable under the user’s desk. Most users will only interact with their dock’s PSU when they initially set it up.
As you can see the only real single benefit of internal PSUs for docking stations is the ability not to have an external PSU connected to the dock.
However, at CalDigit we believe that the multiple benefits of external PSUs completely outweigh this one single benefit of internal PSUs.
