After the time spent with Dell Support doing diagnostics and updating video drivers to those official Dell drivers on the support page, my new XPS 15 9550 with 4K touch display continues to struggle when using external monitors. I have two (2) Dell U2515H monitors.
I have updated ALL of the drivers and BIOS to the very latest files available on the Dell support page, including the newest Thunderbolt 3 driver.
When the laptop is NOT connected to any external monitors, I am NOT experiencing any trouble.
When the laptop is connected to ONE external monitor via the onboard HDMI port, I am NOT experiencing any trouble.
Trouble begins with the addition of ANY external monitor via the USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port.
I have experimented with the following three adapters, all producing the same result:
- Dell USB-C to HDMI (2.0), part number 047KD7
- Dell USB-C Port DA200, part number 5KMR3 REVA00
- Cable Matters USB-C to DisplayPort
First, regardless of which adapter. my laptop ramps up the fan for as long as the adapter is present.
Second, although the monitor works with any of the adapters at the proper resolution, all of the screens will go black about every 10-20 minutes and the displays will seem to resize and reset. In this process, about half of the time, the windows open on the monitor connected to the USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port will either minimize or relocate to the primary display (the laptop screen). However, the laptop itself doesn't freeze. I tried running a YouTube video through the screen freeze event. The sound continued without any trouble and the video advanced through the timeline and was synchronized to the sound when the displays reset.
If I disconnect the USB-C adapter (whichever one), the laptop fan will return to an idle state and the display freezes also stop.
I think that the USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 driver and/or the external display driver is/are to blame and I strongly urge that Dell get this resolved ASAP.
This experience is VERY frustrating, especially considering the premium cost of the XPS 15. I intentionally purchased a top-of-line laptop and fully expect it to be able to at least drive a second monitor with the super magical Thunderbolt 3 port. I am seriously considering returning the device and looking elsewhere.
skypara
15 Posts
1
December 4th, 2016 04:00
9350 with 4K external Samsung through TB Startech DVI. The external screen was behaving bad with random disconnections, no driver/BIOS updates helped too much. Following the recommendations I replaced the Broadcom WiFI in my 9350 with Intel 8265.
Yes, it is solid. I'm not experiencing anymore the random 4K external screen disconnections when working with the standard office apps, etc.
But, it is not 100%. Sadly the external screen started to disconnect when I put it under the "ultimate" stress - www windity com page running on full screen. Those wind maps are driving the screen crazy.
Anyway, I guess I can live with that. 99% stable. Now that my laptop is not the "latest" model anymore..
jpl102
1 Message
1
December 9th, 2016 09:00
I'm so glad I came across this post. flamesfan2635's solution worked for me!
bfregon
1 Message
0
December 26th, 2016 08:00
This helped me when I had USB overload "Power surge on the usb port" error. I forgot I had a siig usb 3 port on my desktop with nothing plugged into it, so used that to connect my xps 9550 to my DVI KVM switch to share mouse and keyboard. I'd use that kvm switch to share monitors but instead getting usb-c to displayport cable as I don't want to drop from 60 to 30 fps when at 4k.
Thx much!
droidus91
1 Rookie
1 Rookie
•
96 Posts
0
April 6th, 2017 18:00
I am having this same exact issue!
Muzzer
7 Posts
0
April 7th, 2017 04:00
Really? Well don't hold your breath waiting for a solution! I assume the % of machines affected is not enough for Dell to bother with. I guess we must be the unlucky ones. Mine is just about bearable - I'm just about used to it now.
I find I also also have Microsoft and Apple "updates" and "new features" to battle with, so this issue sort of pales into the background. I seem to be paying to do their testing for them.
jetshine
5 Posts
0
September 18th, 2017 20:00
Thanks flamesfan2635, this also worked for me on an XPS 9350. Installed an Intel 8260NGW wifi card, and I can now drive dual 4K monitors from a TB16 with the lid closed on the XPS13.