1 Rookie

 • 

28 Posts

April 14th, 2020 07:00

The driver I am inquiring about is the DCH architecture driver that Intel is now supporting and releasing.  The DCH architecture is the architecture that Microsoft implemented in Windows 10 1903 and Dell is releasing the Intel video DCH drivers.

So no, I am not just wanting something "new or different".  I would like to be able to see if the added benefits of the DCH architecture that Intel is implementing in their Thunderbolt 3 driver is beneficial to my environment.  (Maybe no more BSDs from the ASMedia drivers used with the Dell docking stations?)  Because it is the driver architecture Microsoft and Intel are supporting going forward, it would nice to not be using a legacy driver that depends on a 32 bit service and a 32 bit application.

9 Legend

 • 

14K Posts

April 14th, 2020 07:00

@PeteSL  I'm quite familiar with DCH overall.  I was just asking if you were currently having any issues.  But no, I personally would not hang my hopes on a newer Thunderbolt driver using a newer architecture fixing BSoDs related to the ASMedia PCIe USB xHCI controller and its driver.  I noticed that when Dell replaced the TB16 dock with the newer WD19TB, they switched away from the ASMedia USB controller in favor of an Intel USB controller, obviating the need for a separate driver install and (judging by the difference in problem reports on this forum between those two dock models) improving reliability.

9 Legend

 • 

14K Posts

April 14th, 2020 07:00

@PeteSL  I wouldn't count on getting an official answer from Dell here on a question like this.  Are you actually having any issues with Thunderbolt peripherals right now, or are you just asking about getting something newer and different purely because it's newer and different?

April 16th, 2020 11:00

You can download the driver from intel and just install the inf files manually should work just fine. The thunderbolt chip is made from intel so it should work out the box. I just did this on my Dell Latitude 7285 and I had no problems (yet) I am using an EGPU for my thunderbolt 3 connection and it will automatically install the modern thunderbolt app form the Microsoft app store.

1 Rookie

 • 

28 Posts

April 22nd, 2020 06:00

I did that and it is working well.  The process to migrate to Intel's driver is to disconnect the docking station, uninstall/remove Dell's TB software, plug in TB docking station, and update the software (make sure you have removed the Dell TB software installer so it doesn't try to reinstall).  Finally, install the Intel TB app from the Microsoft Store.

So what was gained?  Dell's TB software and service are 32 bit.  Intel's current driver (and app) are 64 bit (read "better performance, stability").  Intel's app only runs when you ask it, Dell's TB software and service run at startup/login (read "reduced overhead").  Finally, Intel's driver is DCH which is the current Windows 10 standard; Dell's driver is listed as "legacy" on Intel's site which means it will no longer be improved upon.

Thanks to all for your responses (including Dell's via PM).  It appears the Intel driver is stable and seems to be providing better performance with the WD19TB (2 HD, not 4k, displays, USB 3.1 SSD, etc.) than the legacy driver provided by Dell.

No Events found!

Top