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XPS 15 9500 with 4 x External Displays
I've spent a bit of this afternoon skimming through various threads, and hoping someone can just verify my findings. We recently got an XPS 15 9500, along with a WD19TB and 4 x P2419H monitors. According to research we did before making the purchase, the dock itself could handle this setup. After the fact it seems as though the Intel graphics cannot support this setup, and the GeForce GPU won't drive any external displays...is this all correct?
If that's the case, my understanding is we could purchase a DisplayLink adapter to use in conjunction with WD19TB to get all 4 monitors up and running. Does anyone see any issues with this setup?
Thanks in advance.
jphughan
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June 30th, 2020 16:00
@ptrboucher Sounds like you may have come across a few posts of mine. The Intel GPU drives all display outputs in the XPS 15 9500, including the built-in display. The Intel GPU only supports 3 simultaneous independent displays, counting the built-in display if you want to keep that active. To exceed that, your only option would be DisplayLink adapters for any displays beyond 3. And yes you would be able to plug them into the WD19TB's USB ports.
Or there's the XPS 17, which has a BIOS option allowing the NVIDIA GPU to take control of all display outputs (including the built-in display), and it can drive 4 simultaneous independent displays.
DELL-Cares
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June 30th, 2020 15:00
Thank you! We have received the required details. We will work towards a resolution via private messages to ensure the security of your information. In the meanwhile, you may receive assistance or suggestions from the community members as well.
jphughan
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June 30th, 2020 16:00
@ptrboucher Couple of additional notes:
If you're running Linux on this system, the built-in display cannot be completely disabled, so it will always count as an active display toward your 3 display max even if you're not using it. Plan DisplayLink adapters accordingly.
If you need DisplayLink adapters, Plugable has some good options. One has an HDMI output good for QHD 60 Hz or 4K 60 Hz, another has HDMI for up to 4K 60 Hz, and a third has DisplayPort for up to 4K 60 Hz.
Be aware that DisplayLink technology introduces some drawbacks, which I wrote about in the post marked as the answer in this thread. On the other hand, it and equivalent technologies are also your only option if you want more displays, so you may want to go this route even if you might encounter those drawbacks. But just be aware of what to possibly expect.
ptrboucher
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July 1st, 2020 06:00
@jphughan Your assumption was correct, I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything while reading through those posts. And you even answered my next question (about plugging the DisplayLink adapter into the WD19TB). Thanks so much for the quick response!