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DELL-Brian B

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February 29th, 2016 00:00

back to the top Dell TB15 Desktop Dock - Step-by-step driver/firmware/BIOS installation instructions for XPS, Latitude and Precision notebooks [UPDATED 07-28-16]

Use Dell Command | Update to install Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) drivers for Latitude E5570 / 7275 / 7370 / Precision 3510 / 5510 / XPS 15-9550 / XPS 13-9350 & XPS 12-9250

Dell provides the Dell Command | Update Application on a business client supported platforms to simplify the BIOS, firmware & driver update experience. This application is located under the "Systems Management" section of the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Be sure to pick your system type from the list or enter your service tag to ensure you get the right version for your system.

  • Install the Dell Command | Update v2.2.0 available for the system in the "Systems Management" section to obtain the latest firmware and drivers.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03810413M/1/Systems-Management_Application_P52W9_WN32_2.2.0_A00.EXE

NOTE: The application allows users to download and install the latest firmware and drivers on their systems, including

  1. System BIOS
  2. Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver
  3. Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update
  4. ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller Driver
  5. Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver
  6. Realtek USB Audio Driver

Other than above automatic installation, it’s recommended that users download and install the Dell Dock Firmware Update utility (expected to be available to download by August 2016) and Intel HD Graphics Driver manually.

Back to the Top 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for Latitude E5570 / Precision 3510

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

  1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.
  2. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
  3. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03796988M/1/Latitude_E5x70_Precision_3510_1.7.3.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03788600M/1/Video_Driver_N8YN8_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A03.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

  1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03613504M/1/Audio_Driver_GG4M6_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

  1. Power off the system.
  2. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
  3. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
  4. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

Back to the Top

Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for Latitude 7275 / XPS 12-9250

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

  1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.
  2. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
  1. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03814070M/1/XPS_9250_Latitude_7275_01.01.17.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03730414M/1/Video_Driver_JM0JP_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A02.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

  1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03613504M/1/Audio_Driver_GG4M6_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

  1. Power off the system.
  1. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
  2. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
  3. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

Back to the Top 

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for Latitude 7370

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

  1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.
  1. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
  2. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03810970M/1/Latitude_7370_01.04.05.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03788600M/1/Video_Driver_N8YN8_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A03.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

  1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03585219M/1/Audio_Driver_0PP6T_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

  1. Power off the system.
  1. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
  2. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
  3. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

Back to the Top

Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for Precision 5510

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

  1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.
  1. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
  2. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03800318M/1/Precision_5510_1.2.10.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03761002M/2/Video_Driver_CK7GP_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A06.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

  1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03613504M/1/Audio_Driver_GG4M6_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

  1. Power off the system.
  2. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
  3. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
  4. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

Back to the Top

Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for XPS 15-9550

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

  1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.
  2. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
  3. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03800340M/1/XPS_9550_1.2.10.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03761002M/2/Video_Driver_CK7GP_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A06.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

  1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03613504M/1/Audio_Driver_GG4M6_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

  1. Power off the system.
  2. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
  3. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
  4. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

Back to the Top

Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for XPS 13-9350

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

  1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.
  2. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
  3. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03769593M/1/XPS_9350_1.4.4.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03743273M/1/9350_Video_Driver_4XM7X_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A05.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

  1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03613504M/1/Audio_Driver_GG4M6_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

  1. Power off the system.
  2. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
  3. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
  4. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

Back to the Top

 

 

 

Dan Switzer

30 Posts

April 16th, 2016 11:00

Reinstalling the drivers seemed to resolve this issue for me. Why they needed reinstalled, I do not know, but it hasn't happened to me again since I reinstalled the drivers which was the day 1.2.0 was released.

I too only had fan speed problem and while the new BIOS 1.2.0 fixed that, it broke my USB and Ethernet ports. After booting up it will work for very short period of time (every time it's different length of period that it works before it stops working) and my WiFi will kick in but my wireless keyboard and mouse that's connected to the USB port doesn't work at all until I reboot only to work for short period before getting disconnected.

I looked at the device manager after the issue occurs and I noticed that Realtek USB GbE Family Controller under Network adapters and ASMedia USB devices under USB controllers all disappear.

I tried to tell Dell's tech support via chat about this issue and he kept saying I have call the customer service! I hope someone will get this bug to the BIOS developers so they can look into this and get an update out! For now I reverted back to 1.1.19 and now everything but the fan noise is working again!

SonyHome

27 Posts

April 16th, 2016 16:00

I did try reinstalling the ASMedia USB drivers but for some reason that didn't work for me.

So today I decided to reinstall all the things listed at the begging of this thread and also when installing I did it while being disconnected (meaning not connected to TB15) and so far it seems to be working fine now. I'll have to see if it will disconnect but this has been the longest it has worked without getting disconnected.

I wasn't sure if I should uninstall all the things listed at the beginning of the thread before reinstalling but it seems I didn't need to uninstall before reinstalling.

Anyways thanks for the reply and hopefully this will keeping on working for me...

Anonymous

5 Practitioner

 • 

274.2K Posts

April 17th, 2016 13:00

I have had better luck with my precision 7710 compared to what I have read here.  I have had no external screen issues, but do get the loss of network and usb connection.  I have seen these issues maybe once a week.  One happened today.

A power off and reboot did not fix it.  What I noticed is that on the reboot, the Thunderbolt software was not running.  So I ran the Thunderbolt software and it showed no devices connected (although external screens are working).  I rebooted and the thunderbolt software was running and the network and usb worked.  This scenario happened last time I had an issue too.

I also notice that if I go into bios, on the reboot after being in bios, I have issues with the network and usb not working (just like a crash).  When this happened, I would try and reboot and no luck.  I believe manually starting the thunderbolt software and restarting worked.  

terminaljunkie

19 Posts

April 17th, 2016 16:00

After reading Thysanoptera's post above, I tried something...

I basically used a room fan (well it is a heater but in fan only mode) and placed it in front of the TB15 on full output

My best time for no monitor disconnects is 23 minutes, when the outer casing of the TB15 is very warm to the touch on the right side (opposite the USB C cable entry point)

With that fan blasting away at the unit I am currently at 2hrs 42mins and counting and the casing is pretty *** cool :emotion-2:

I think we still have driver issues, Bios issues and other problems to get the best out of the Dell Laptops using USB C, but this TB15 has a separate heat issue, and that is not going to be resolved by drivers alone without impacting performance.

Anyone else want to try the same test and see if the experience I have had can be replicated?

Do we have as some suspect  a serious overheating issue? If so the only way this can be fixed is recognition from Dell and a design change something along the lines of Thysanoptera's effort with ventilation and heatsinks and/or a fan and for me that is a product recall.

Great post BTW Thysanoptera - and good work on the ad-hoc build...not sure your warranty will be intact though :emotion-40:

tj

terminaljunkie

19 Posts

April 17th, 2016 17:00

Approx 18 minutes without cooling, Left monitor just went out on disconnect per the norm.

terminaljunkie

19 Posts

April 17th, 2016 17:00

OK I am now removing the fan to see how long I can keep things going without that cooling.

Wish me luck.

tj

RHC_automation

12 Posts

April 18th, 2016 00:00

There is definitely a heat issue with the TB15.

I'm using the dock with a Precision 5510 and two P2715Q 4k Displays, connected via DP und miniDP to the dock. Interestingly the TB15 has worked fine for about 3 weeks - I've never had troubles with disconnections and things like that. But after that, from time to time the display connected via DP started to go black.

After reading other comments, I was pretty sure that there is an heat issue. The warmer the surrounding temperature was, the faster the DP-Display stopped working. But in my case, it mostly worked at least for about 2 hours, before the problem occured.

I disassembled the dock an put heat sinks on the chips, but that did'nt do the trick for me - the problem continued.

But I saw, that there is a main problem of the dock's design. There is a thermal plate on the bottom of the box - so most of the heat is transferred to the bottom of the dock. This may work, if your dock stands on a metal table and the heat dissipates to the plate of the table. But I think, most of the users have tables made of wood (me too) - wood is a perfect insulator and so the heat on the bottom of the dock cannot be transferred anywhere.

So my solution was to take a 3mm (1/8") thick aluminium plate and put the dock on it. I additionally put some heat sinks on the side of the plate. Now, a lot of heat is transferred to the plate and with the bigger surface, the dock can cool down faster. This works for one week now, without disconnection problems of a display. But I think, this solution will only work, if the surrounding temperatures are not to high...

I've already posted the heat issue in the German Dell forum and one of Dell's employees confirmed, that this issue is already known in the company and he told me something about, that this issue maybe solved with a firmware/software update in future. I think this couldn't work, because there has to be done some changes of the dock's design or to be added a fan in the box...

Here is a pic of my workaround:

shatterator

1 Message

April 18th, 2016 08:00

Not a fix but a workaround for me was to connect one display directly to the HDMI-Port of the Laptop. Suddenly the other display connected to the normal DisplayPort although started working again.

gaudetmi

8 Posts

April 18th, 2016 13:00

Well all, I think I'm throwing in the towel on the TB15 after a month and a half of struggles.


Dell Customer Service was pretty darn responsive and sent me a replacement unit, but this one I just received today is somehow even worse than the one I originally received. Now I'm getting all kinds of display artifacts, sleep mode issues, etc.


This thing is definitely NOT ready for sale to even the most casual of users.

Best of luck to all of you.

dionjohnwallace

6 Posts

April 18th, 2016 13:00

New issue arose. During boot I get a warning saying that the power supply is below 60W and will not charge my laptop. Dock now will not even connect and disconnect USB/Ethernet/Audio.

After being on the phone for an hour and a half and being transferred back and forth between tech and customer care around 4 times... I opted for a refund. They refused to send me a new unit. I can easily say Dell has one of the worst customer support systems in the industry. A very good example of a non-integrated support system. Each division has no idea what the other one is doing. They also refused to acknowledge that there was even a new hardware revision (I have A00). 

Best bet is to wait for half a year until they solve the issues. Or buy a different thunderbolt 3 dock altogether. 

terminaljunkie

19 Posts

April 20th, 2016 14:00

UPDATE

I called Dell support and had to wait for around 35 mins but once through the guy was great. He listened whilst I explained all I had done including the v1.2 Bios upgrade and subsequent rollback, and the fact that I could work all day with that fan pointed at the box (even took a look at the photo)

He arranged for a replacement unit which I fitted today and after plugging in and authorizing the new dock to be added every time it worked a treat, all devices came up and no issues seen with drops on any of them so started very positively. It has the same revision number A00 but it does feel cooler in use, not cool you understand it is still warm but not 'very warm' per the last unit, and now after some 8 hours in use it is still warm and running well. He did mention the v1.2 Bios upgrade again but I am reluctant to do that at the moment as I have a working system which is for my business. I may try at some point after a few weeks if they resolve the issues reported with constant USB port freezes.

So at least a little success story for now. Fingers crossed.

Anonymous

5 Practitioner

 • 

274.2K Posts

April 22nd, 2016 06:00

Add me to the list of the screen going out.  On my precision 7710 I have not had this issue on either of my two TB15.  Now this morning, one of the three screens go out and stays out until a reboot.  After reboot, it goes out again after a few minutes.  This is on of my two TB15s.  Just started this morning about 30 minutes after I hooked it up.  I will check the other tonight when I get to the other location.

Anonymous

5 Practitioner

 • 

274.2K Posts

April 22nd, 2016 08:00

Dell is sending me a replacement.

I did try hooking the VGA up, but cannot get anything to come out of that.  I am not sure if that is a setting or related to the Display Port issue.

josefterriga

2 Posts

April 23rd, 2016 07:00

Hi!

I own a new XPS 13 9350 and recently bought the TB 15 dock. I dont use ethernet or usb ports, I only use the HDMI and the display port to connect two equal Acer full hd monitors to my xps.

I really had issues with sudden connectivity problems with my external monitors, I tried everything, but yesterday I decided to reset my system to factory state and installed all dirvers in the correct order again.

This actually did not solve the problem at all, after some minutes I had the first connectivity loss.
 But I am able to reproduce issues by command. 90% of the blackouts happen, when I start Chrome. Since I started using Firefox the issue only happend once (for a period of two days now) when I plugged in my audio headset into the line in/out of the XPS.

For me it does not seem to have anything to do with an heat issue, it has to do with certain actions I perform on my system. So, maybe someone of you can confirm this, maybe this information helps to get the dock stable soon....

best regards,

josef

Waltteri

10 Posts

April 24th, 2016 07:00

Just got my XPS 13 and TB15. Everything worked fine for 10 minutes and after that everything connected to TB15 started crashing. I did all the updates but there's no help. Now everything works for about 2 minutes and after that display blinks and mouse and keyboard are too laggy to use.

The biggest reason for getting the XPS 13 was TB15. Now everything is just useless because XPS is too small for working by itself! I ordered my XPS and TB15 from Germany and I live in Finland so if I have to return something this will cost me some money.

I just can't understand how Dell can sell something this useless. If the problems are this obvious they have had to know about them.

Just sent a message to the support service and wait what they have to say about.

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