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4633
April 17th, 2017 14:00
Need some help trouble shooting usb-c issue with 17-r4
So i'm having issues with my New Alienware 17 R4.
Un-boxed and loaded windows 10 pro, loaded all driver restart a few times like normal with any setup.
Plug in my Startech TB3Thunderbolt 3 docking station (Did not test it before the windows refresh) part # TB3DK2DPW, but the computer will not recognize it. I have done all the trouble shooting i could find online (update drivers, bios, thunderbolt software, changed power options in USB hub settings and almost everything else i could find). anyone have any other ideas because I'm stumped and feel that there may be an issue with the docking station.
Thanks for looking
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Kayanwang
28 Posts
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April 18th, 2017 10:00
Hi Priorbim,
Have you tried also Firmware updates (should be in Dell Driver's downloads)?
Does it work on another system with Thunderbolt support?
Does it show anything at all in device manager (unknown device/other device)?
Does the docking station show getting power? Any devices plugged to the Docking work?
Sounds like it may be a compatibility problem with the Pc, but you'd need to test it separately to confirm.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17.1K Posts
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April 18th, 2017 15:00
Best I can tell, "USB-C" only defines what kind of port it is (and I suppose what cable you need).
It doesn't define the protocols it carries (ie it's abilities). Or said another way ... even if you can connect two devices together with a USB-C_to_USB-C cable, will they actually fully work together? I think the answer is "maybe".
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2478121,00.asp
Do all USB-C ports support ThunderBolt-3 ? I don't think I've ever read such a bold statement.
I think I'll keep my MacMini (Late 2012) and MacBook Pro 15 Retina (Mid 2015) for now (both with discrete ports). Not to mention all my other iDevices and Win-Tel computers. Maybe it's "old school" and I need different kinds of cables for each port (oh, the travesty
) but at least when I manage to get something connected ... it works.
https://www.recode.net/2016/1/20/11588954/the-promise-and-confusion-of-usb-type-c
https://www.endpcnoise.com/articles/thunderbolt-and-usb
Edit: Added more links
speedstep
9 Legend
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47K Posts
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April 20th, 2017 07:00
Not all USBC is Thunderbolt just as Not all Motherboard Chipsets Support Thunderbolt Just as not all Mini Display port connectors are Thunderbolt. Aka Just cuz the socket and cable fit does not translate to a particular capability.
This is also why a HEADER is required with a cable for a Thunderbolt Expansion Card. Because its not really on the card its on the motherboard. The corollary of this is that you can have a PCI-E USB 3.1 usbC expansion card that IS NOT thunderbolt.
Amazon.com: Asus USB Adapter Components USB 3.1 TYPE-C CARD: Computers & Accessories
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17.1K Posts
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April 20th, 2017 08:00
Not sure if you are still around, but ...
I see the Alienware 17-R4 has been getting monthly BIOS updates lately. However, the names are strange so I would call Alienware Phone Support and ask them if they apply to your model. Also, to authorize and help with firmware updates in case of "bricking". One mentions USB-C.
http://downloads.dell.com/published/pages/alienware-17-laptop.html
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17.1K Posts
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April 20th, 2017 08:00
StarTech stuff is usually pretty good (basic reference designs but they work). Looks like main page is here:
https://www.startech.com/Cards-Adapters/Laptop-docking-stations/thunderbolt-3-laptop-dock~TB3DK2DPW
Lots of good docs and drivers on that page. I expect this is an intelligent device so it might be firmware upgradable at some point.
Of note, it says it's "Windows Only" ... so not sure I like the sound of that. Must be "tricky business" getting it to work if they are not supporting Apple.
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17.1K Posts
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April 20th, 2017 09:00
So, the Alienware 17 R4 does have ThunderBolt.
http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/drivers/DriversDetails?productCode=alienware-17-laptop&driverId=2VCC1
So, unless there is a native ThunderBolt port on it, it's likely ThunderBolt-3 over USB-C.
Back to original problem ... getting the StarTech hub to work ...
Sounds like a general compatibility problem. Might be able to resolve with firmware update to either the computer or hub, or possible an updated or missing driver.
speedstep
9 Legend
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47K Posts
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April 20th, 2017 09:00
This package provides the driver for Intel Thunderbolt(TM) Controller and is supported on Latitude, Precision, XPS and Alienware laptops running the following operating systems: Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.More details
Windows 7 64-bit
WT64A
WB32A
This package provides the driver for Intel HID Event Filter, and is supported on Latitude / XPS / Precision / Inspiron / Vostro / Alienware platforms running Windows 10.More details
This package provides the driver for Intel HECI (ME) - Driver and is supported on Alienware Notebook 13 R3/15 R3/17 R4 running the following Windows Operating Systems: Windows 10.More details
This package provides Intel Chipset Device Software Driver and is supported on Latitude, OptiPlex, Precision, Inspiron, Vostro, XPS, Alienware, and IoT platforms running the following Windows operating systems: Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.More details
Windows 7 32-bit
WB64A
Windows 7 64-bit
This package provides Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Driver and is supported on Alienware, Inspiron, Vostro, XPS, Precision, and Latitude series running the following Operating Systems: Windows 10More details
Tesla1856
8 Wizard
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17.1K Posts
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April 20th, 2017 09:00
Did some more research and this is confirmed at StarTech.com
https://www.startech.com/faq/usb-c-port-capabilites
Thunderbolt 3 uses the USB-C connector, but not all host connections, cables, and devices with a USB-C connector support Thunderbolt 3.
Also, looks like we don't have to only rely on icons next to ports to know what USB-C features our computers support:
How do I check which version of Thunderbolt 3 software, firmware, and drivers I am running in Windows?
To check which version of the Thunderbolt™ software, NVM firmware, and drivers you are running, do the following:
Review the versions of the software package, NVM firmware, PD firmware, and drivers. If you are not running the latest versions, navigate to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest versions.
Priorbim
2 Posts
2
April 21st, 2017 07:00
Thanks everyone for the comments. Most of the info above was part of my trouble shooting before I posted. It seems to be a compatibility issue with the startech dock and my system, since it will not detect it at all. I'm running the latest thunderbolt software, have the latest bios and other thunderbolt devices / cable work with the ports on the Laptop. Seems like ill be shipping the startech dock back and getting a usb 3.0 on instead.
Once again thanks to all the comments i appreciated it!!!!