1 Rookie
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September 1st, 2022 23:00
x14 R1, WD19DCS Docking Station compatibility?
Alienware x14
Hi Folks,
So, we bought a x14 and a x15 for some project work but needed a docking solution. Without one listed we went and bought x3 WD19DCS docks (there was more than a 3 month waiting time for one so it didn't seem wise to just get one and then wait another 3 to 6 months if it worked).
Does anyone know if they're working on dock firmware / laptop bios to make these compatible as they currently do not work together?
If you update the firmware and drivers on the dock then it doesn't really work at all (DisplayPort and power works but the Ethernet port and USB do not). If you update the bios of the Alienware then it kind of works but only if you don't update the firmware on the dock. The displays work sometimes for two of the three display outlets (sometimes the second DisplayPort and sometimes the HDMI don't work), the USB work and one of the two lights on the USB-C power chord is lit. Ethernet does work mostly (sometimes need to reboot).
Thought I'd warn others and put in a question as to whether the top Alienware laptop Dell makes will work with the top dock that Dell makes.
Thanks.
DELL-Chris M
Community Manager
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September 3rd, 2022 05:00
None of the Dell Docks (TB16/TB18DC/D6000/WD15/WD19/WD19S/WD19TB/WD19TBS/WD19DC/WD19DCS) were validated/tested with Alienware Laptops. Check the online Dell Commercial Docking Compatibility. Notice some Consumer XPS Laptops are listed, but not Alienware Laptops.
crimsom
9 Technologist
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6.1K Posts
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September 3rd, 2022 07:00
Hi @DELL-Chris M thank you for clarification and providing link to Dell Commercial Docking Compatibility list. Technology has moved on and users of the new Alienware laptops are getting many external monitors. Do not understand why Dell are reluctant to support Dell Consumers and pay more attention to their potential purchase of Dell Docking Stations for Dell PCs and external monitors.
crimsom
9 Technologist
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6.1K Posts
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September 2nd, 2022 04:00
Hi @Dumpty welcome to this free user to user Alienware laptop discussion forum.
Agree, it is strange that Dell docking stations are not recommended to be used on any Dell Alienware PC. Dell Alienware users have to visit third party reviews to try and get a recommended and compatible Dell docking station for their PC.
Dell Docking Station WD19DCS Dual Cable User Guide | Dell US
How to Daisy Chain Multiple Monitors Using DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) | Dell US
Support for Dell Performance Dock – WD19DCS | Documentation | Dell US
Dell Performance Dock – WD19DCS | Dell USA
Dumpty
1 Rookie
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2 Posts
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September 30th, 2022 07:00
Thank you both, I'm sorry for the late reply but lost this thread!
I was recently in Singapore and spoke with an Alienware Dealer who was very helpful. He had his x14 and x15 computers connected to screens via the WD19DS dock and it seemed to work. Looking it up the WD19DS seems only different from the WD19DCS by missing a 3.5mm jack. Otherwise they're meant to be the same. ? go figure?
He did give me the number of the Dell alienware tech helpline in Singapore and I'll try that when I pass through again in about 8 weeks.
Does seem very strange that one would make such a good laptop but provide no docking solutions. Not really looking after one's customers is it?
Before I bought the docks I did talk with Dell support (first by chat and then email) but they said they'd get back to me and never replied after 3 emails by me - there's a fine line with being persistent and being stalky. So I tried due diligence but to no effect.
Best,
crimsom
9 Technologist
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6.1K Posts
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September 30th, 2022 07:00
Hi @Dumpty thank you for sharing update.
First tier Dell Support read from the Dell prepared script and are not allowed to be helpful. Please visit your online Dell account and create Service Request to be escalated to senior Dell tier that is authorised to enable Dell Technical Support help for you.