J5create JCD552 M.2 NVMe USB-C Docking Station

With Macbook Pro 2021 - M1 Pro Chipconnected this dock...Ethernet does not work at all. not even detected.Everything else works, including NVME.HDMI and DP are sketchy, may not turn back on after sleep.Both USBC cables must be plugged in even if you don't want to use HDMI/DP.which means you must use the DP or HDMI of this Dock which is not ideal.Power Delivery did not work initially, but then worked shortly afterwards.I believe these issues are partially related to MacBook challenges, but also related to J5Create implementation.They may not be an issue on a windows laptop, but every platform will be different.J5Create have a long way to go to support their customers.Size was perfect for MacBook16

DO NOT PURCHASE IF USING WITH M1 MACBOOK PRO

This dock has such potential. The layout of it is great and the port selection is awesome, but sadly it falls short when it comes to core functionality. I run the M1 Max MBP for audio production and needed something that could connect to two external monitors, my audio interface, and my midi controller. At first, the unit worked as intended, I was able to plug and play. Within 2 weeks the dock stopped displaying my second external monitor and the dock would intermittently not show my USB devices unless I was using one specific port. This is now going on month 3 and now the unit refuses to output anything more than 1 monitor and one USB-C device.I followed the recommendations on J5's support page to no avail and now I am stuck with a $149 paperweight for my uses. I ... MoreThis dock has such potential. The layout of it is great and the port selection is awesome, but sadly it falls short when it comes to core functionality. I run the M1 Max MBP for audio production and needed something that could connect to two external monitors, my audio interface, and my midi controller. At first, the unit worked as intended, I was able to plug and play. Within 2 weeks the dock stopped displaying my second external monitor and the dock would intermittently not show my USB devices unless I was using one specific port. This is now going on month 3 and now the unit refuses to output anything more than 1 monitor and one USB-C device.I followed the recommendations on J5's support page to no avail and now I am stuck with a $149 paperweight for my uses. I should have purchased the protection plan.If you are in the market for a dock, ESPECIALLY FOR THE M1 MACBOOK PRO please do yourself a favor and get a thunderbolt dock or something else entirely.

Does everything I need

Nice build quality, appears to be all aluminum, attached cables feel durable. Using with a 2019 16” Macbook Pro. HDMI display output works perfectly (using a 1440p monitor @120hz). The ethernet, 100W PD, and USB ports work as intended with full bandwidth. Have not tested the NVMe drive yet but their website states its given 10gbps of bandwidth so I would expect slightly under 1GB/sec speeds max. Overall extremely pleased with the quality and features.

Doesn't work for MacBook Pro 2020 (Intel CPU)

It doesn't work for my MacBook Pro 2020 (Intel) as claimed. The HDMI display doesn't work. The ethernet adapter cannot be detected. The power-in doesn't work (why? there is no signal, just charging).And j5create's website doesn't even have a driver for this model (why???). I tried the driver for another similar model(JCD543P). It doesn't work either.So far, the display function works for a Windows machine. It looks like I am a volunteer testing engineer.

Great Idea, Solid Build, but WEAK Elect. Design!

I had high hopes for this and have been generally pleased with numerous other J5create products. The dock worked fine & as described ....for a few weeks! Than as so many others have reported in the forums ..the video output to one or more of the ports fails ...temporarily and then completely. I SHOULD have listened more closely to those who have seemed to universally complained about this particular issue. I bought it because it was small enough to easily travel but the reliability makes that unlikely. Would recommend looking into "something else".

Great compact dock that gets the job done.

Great dock that works. Nice that you don't have to give it it's own power, but feel it is a little pricy for what it is. Do wish it had 2 HDMI's on the dock itself as well but still a great dock with lots of connections and does what I was looking for. I bought it for my 2019 model Macbook Pro with only USBC connections and 16" screen -- Bonus is that it works with the work laptop I was just issued as well that is also a Macbook Pro but with the new M1 series chip (2021 version). Nice not having to use a bunch of adapters when I'm at my desk trying to connect 2 external displays, keyboard/mouse, hardwired internet, and then still need to plug in a flash drive or something as well.

Not just for Macs!

Seems to work very well with my new ASUS Vivobook S laptop (Win 11). 4K HDMI and power pass-through are up and running, NVMe slot will be put to the test when my new SSD arrives and can be installed. Includes convenient rubber feet to install on "bottom" of docking station for laptops (like mine) that have the USB-C port(s) on the right side -- you just install the new rubber feet and turn it over! Not just for Macs! Smart engineering. Recommended.

The Best Buy Manager said it's Junk - Hard lesson.

What a nightmare, waste of money and time. I purchased this along with a 2019 MacBook Pro 16" Intel chip at the suggestion of the sales rep. I should have listened to my gut but went ahead and bought this. Even purchased a nvme drive for Time Machine (TM). Right out of the box I had problems with the Display ports. I chatted with J5Create Tech Support and did a few SMC resets and usb-c port plugin configurations. Finally my 2 external monitors showed up. I was able to do a TM backup then I had to work remotely so I put the device aside and only pulled it out to do a TM snapshots. This was all on the same purchase of a Brand New MBP. I started to notice My MBP wouldn't fully power down when this thing is plugged in. I went back to the store for a refund but was ... MoreWhat a nightmare, waste of money and time. I purchased this along with a 2019 MacBook Pro 16" Intel chip at the suggestion of the sales rep. I should have listened to my gut but went ahead and bought this. Even purchased a nvme drive for Time Machine (TM). Right out of the box I had problems with the Display ports. I chatted with J5Create Tech Support and did a few SMC resets and usb-c port plugin configurations. Finally my 2 external monitors showed up. I was able to do a TM backup then I had to work remotely so I put the device aside and only pulled it out to do a TM snapshots. This was all on the same purchase of a Brand New MBP. I started to notice My MBP wouldn't fully power down when this thing is plugged in. I went back to the store for a refund but was outside my window and was told to contact J5. The manager of best buy told me he agreed that the product was no good and apologized stating "I would never have sold you this as we have had allot of problems with it". So I contacted J5 Create and setup a RMA and finally got a replacement. However upon receiving the new item I spoke with the J5 Create staff and they advised me to make sure I was updated on my MacOs which I did before connecting. After the update I connected the device and again nothing worked. Occasionally the TM drive would show then disconnect.This is when things got really bad! I tried to do an SMC reset however my MBP started to boot loop. I want even able to boot into recovery. Needless to say I had to send the MBP into apple (thankfully I had 2 months left on my warranty) and they had to replace the logic board and finger print ID.I just received the MBP and upon plugging in the JCD552 same problems plus now I'm getting a message that the USB Accessory is disabled due to too much power draw. Connecting power directly to device I loose charging.Bottom line, don't waste your time. It clearly too much technology in one device and the J5 Create team seems to not have a fix. Aside from loosing my data I've loss work and time all because of this item. Last time I buy anything from J5Create. Now I'm stuck with this high priced paper weight.

Use Caution With This Dock

Had this dock for 2 weeks. 1st week it worked great on my 2019 MBP i7 and MBA M1. Had 2 monitors, one through HDMI and the other through USB-C on the side, along with external HD and music gear. No issues at all. I'm extra cautious with my gear. swapped power supplies when changing MacBooks, 61W/MBP and 30W MPA. Had everything plugged into a APC PSU (also have $20k worth gear) I have never had noise, power spikes, or electrical issues. My grounds are good at my home.All of a sudden the dock stopped working and gave a "USB Accessories Disabled" on both MB. Went through all trouble shooting steps including a SMC reset, still doesn't work. It also killed power to my external HD, killed my right air pod pro, and gave an error on a Akai MPC X. I have had all of these ... MoreHad this dock for 2 weeks. 1st week it worked great on my 2019 MBP i7 and MBA M1. Had 2 monitors, one through HDMI and the other through USB-C on the side, along with external HD and music gear. No issues at all. I'm extra cautious with my gear. swapped power supplies when changing MacBooks, 61W/MBP and 30W MPA. Had everything plugged into a APC PSU (also have $20k worth gear) I have never had noise, power spikes, or electrical issues. My grounds are good at my home.All of a sudden the dock stopped working and gave a "USB Accessories Disabled" on both MB. Went through all trouble shooting steps including a SMC reset, still doesn't work. It also killed power to my external HD, killed my right air pod pro, and gave an error on a Akai MPC X. I have had all of these thing minus the dock for at least 2 years besides the M1 and have never had these issues. Now my USBC #1 is working intermittently . It took 2 days to get everything back to normal.I would avoid this dock. I had high hopes for this dock with the M2 SSD drive.On J5's website they have drivers for most of their docks, but not this one. Seems rushed to market.

j4 docking station

I went and bought the docking station, went home a and tried to set up dual monitors. One of my monitors uses display port. It was not working, so I went to PC repair shop and asked to check the display port. They confirmed that it is not working and advised me to exchange the unit for another one. I went back to Best Buy store and bought a new unit. Before I left I decided to let Geek Squad person in the store to check if display port is working. They plugged one of their laptops thru docking station and connected display port to the monitor. The port didn't work again. They refunded my money. All other ports were working. This unit cost $150 and I expected ALL ports to be in the working order.