4K Graphics Issues Seen with Precision Xeon Mobile Workstations Connected Through the WD19TB and WD19TBS Dock

Summary: The following article provides information about resolving a 4K video issue on Dell Precision Mobile laptops. This only occurs on laptops that shipped with the Intel Xeon CPU and are connected through a Dell Thunderbolt docking station. ...

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.
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Symptoms

Using 4K graphics through a Thunderbolt dock is a problem on Precision Mobile computers with Intel Xeon CPUs

 

Dell Precision Mobile Workstation owners may see video issues when configuring their computer for an attached 4K screen.

Precision laptops that use the Intel Xeon Processor may experience limitations with the total display output available using our thunderbolt docking stations. This only occurs when trying to drive high display resolutions. (Such as 4K.)

Computers affected by this issue:

  • Any Precision Mobile Workstation that ships with an Intel Xeon Processor.

Dell peripheral devices affected by this issue:

  • Dell Performance Dock - WD19DC and WD19TBS
  • Dell Precision Dual USB-C Thunderbolt Dock - TB18DC
  • Any Dell 4K Monitor


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Cause

 

As the Intel® Xeon® Processor does not include integrated graphics. You can experience issues when raising the display resolution to 4K, without specifying discrete graphics support.


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Resolution

Note: The Intel Xeon CPU is working as designed and expected.
 

You can change from using Switchable Graphics to the Discrete Graphics Controller Output Mode under the video settings in the system BIOS:

  1. Restart the computer and tap rapidly on the F2 or F12 key when the Dell Splash Screen appears:

    • F2 should take you straight to the BIOS setup screens.

    • F12 should take you to a boot once menu where you can select BIOS Setup from the on-screen menu.

  2. Navigate down to Video.

  3. Select Switchable Graphics.

  4. Change the tick mark from Switchable Graphics to Discrete Graphics Controller Output Mode.

  5. Click Apply and Save Changes and Exit.

  6. The computer starts booting to the operating system.

Note: If you have a Precision Mobile with an Intel Xeon CPU, but you do not see this option in the BIOS. You can try a similar change using the graphics controller in the Operating system on the following article:

If you are experiencing a different Graphics issue, use the following link to troubleshoot your problem further:


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Affected Products

Dell Precision Dual USB-C Thunderbolt Dock - TB18DC, Dell Performance Dock - WD19DC, Dell Thunderbolt Dock - WD19TB, Dell Thunderbolt Dock – WD19TBS, Precision 3470, Precision 3480, Precision 3490, Precision 5470, Precision 5480, Precision 5490 , Precision 3520, Precision 3530, Precision 3540, Precision 3541, Precision 3550, Precision 3551, Precision 3560, Precision 3561, Precision 3570, Precision 3571, Precision 3580, Precision 3581, Precision 3590, Mobile Precision 3591, Precision 5520, Precision 5530 2 in 1, Precision 5530, Precision 5540, Precision 5550, Precision 5560, Precision 5570, Precision 7520, Precision 7530, Precision 7540, Precision 7550, Precision 7560, Precision 5680, Mobile Precision 5690, Precision 7670, Precision 7680, Precision 5750, Precision 5760, Precision 5770, Precision 7720, Precision 7730, Precision 7740, Precision 7750, Precision 7760, Precision 7770, Precision 7780, Precision 3510, Precision 5510, Precision 7510, Precision 7710 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000181388
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 24 Apr 2025
Version:  7
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