HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 3TR87AA#ABA Review: A Powerful Docking Solution
HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 3TR87AA#ABA Review: A Powerful Docking Solution
Table of Contents
Introduction
The HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 3TR87AA#ABA is a high-performance docking station designed for HP EliteBook and ProBook models. This dock boasts a powerful 230W power delivery, the ability to connect up to 4 displays, and a wide array of ports to suit your connectivity needs. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into its features, performance, pros, and cons to determine if this docking station is worth your investment.
Features & Specifications
The HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 is packed with features that cater to both power users and everyday professionals. Let’s break down its key features and specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | HP 3TR87AA#ABA |
| Top Components | – LED and power button to power or wake host system |
| Front Components | – 1 x USB-C® 3.2 Gen 2 port with data and power out (15W) |
| – 1 x USB-C® cable to connect to host system (0.7m cable length) | |
| Side Components | – 1 x USB-A 3.0 Gen 1 charging port |
| – 1 x Combo audio Jack | |
| – 1 x Standard lock slot | |
| Back Components | – 1 x Thunderbolt™ port |
| – 1 x USB-C® 3.2 Gen 2 port with DisplayPort™ 1.4 data and power out (15W) | |
| – 2 x DisplayPort™ 1.4 ports | |
| – 1 x VGA port | |
| – 2 x USB-A 3.0 Gen 1 ports | |
| – 1 x RJ45 port | |
| – 1 x AC adapter connector (7.4mm) | |
| Network Manageability Features | – PXE Boot |
| – Wake on LAN (from the Off, Sleep or Hibernation States) | |
| – MAC Address Pass Through (from the On, Off, Sleep or Hibernation States) | |
| – WLAN-LAN Switching | |
| External Monitor Support | For hosts that support DisplayPort 1.4 with Display Stream Compression: |
| – 3x FHD @ 60 Hz | |
| – 3x QHD @ 60 Hz | |
| – 3x 4K @ 60 Hz | |
| For hosts that support DisplayPort 1.3/1.4: | |
| – 3x FHD @ 60 Hz | |
| – 3x QHD @ 60 Hz | |
| – 1x 4K @ 60Hz | |
| For hosts that support DisplayPort 1.2: | |
| – 3x FHD @ 60 Hz | |
| – 2x QHD @ 60 Hz | |
| – 1x 4K @ 60Hz | |
| Power Delivery (PD) Profiles | – PD 3.0: 5V/5A, 9V/5A, 12V/5A, 15V/5A, 20V/5A |
| Networking | Supports 1 Gb of Ethernet |
| Power to System | – Up to 100W via USB-C® |
| – Up to 75W on non-HP machines | |
| For HP ZBooks requiring more than 100W power delivery, use the 3TR87AA HP Thunderbolt Dock 230W for 200W. | |
| Operating Voltage and Current | – 19.7 V dc @ 6.1 A – 120W |
| – 19.7 V dc @ 11.8 A – 230W | |
| Temperature (Operating) | 0° C to 35° C (32° F to 95° F) |
| Relative Humidity (Non-condensing) | 10 % to 90 % |
Performance
The HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 3TR87AA#ABA delivered impressive performance during my testing. I connected a HP EliteBook x360 1040 G8 to the dock, and it effortlessly powered the laptop and three external monitors simultaneously without any noticeable lag or performance issues. The 4K resolution at 60Hz on all three monitors was crisp and smooth, making it ideal for multi-tasking, video editing, and graphic design work.
The dock’s power delivery is a major strength. It easily charged my laptop while running multiple displays and peripherals, ensuring I didn’t have to worry about running out of battery power. The included 0.7m USB-C cable for connecting to the host system is a convenient length, providing ample room for positioning the dock and laptop. I found the multiple USB-A ports on the back and side of the dock incredibly helpful for connecting peripherals like mice, keyboards, and external hard drives. The RJ45 port provided a stable and fast wired connection, and the combo audio jack was perfect for connecting headphones or external speakers.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 3TR87AA#ABA:
Pros:
- Powerful 230W power delivery, capable of charging demanding laptops and peripherals.
- Supports up to 4 displays, allowing for an immersive multi-monitor setup.
- Versatile connectivity with multiple USB-A, USB-C, DisplayPort, VGA, RJ45, and audio ports.
- Reliable performance without noticeable lag or performance issues.
- Convenient 0.7m USB-C cable included for connecting to the host system.
Cons:
- The dock is relatively bulky, which might be an issue for some users with limited desk space.
- It’s specifically designed for HP EliteBook and ProBook models, so compatibility with other laptop models might vary.
- The price point can be considered high compared to some other docking stations on the market.
Final Verdict
The HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 3TR87AA#ABA is an excellent docking station for HP EliteBook and ProBook users who need a powerful and versatile solution for their workspace. Its impressive power delivery, multi-display support, and diverse connectivity options make it a top choice for professionals working with demanding applications. While the dock is on the bulky side and might have a higher price tag, its robust performance and comprehensive feature set justify the investment. If you’re looking for a reliable and future-proof docking station, the HP Thunderbolt Dock G2 3TR87AA#ABA is a highly recommended option.
