Buzzing Noise from Dell Docks When Connected to Dell Laptops
This article provides information about loud static or buzzing noise coming from Dell docks, when connected to Latitudes, mobile workstations and XPS laptops.
Summary:This article provides information about loud static or buzzing noise coming from Dell docks, when connected to Latitudes, mobile workstations and XPS laptops.
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Article Content
Symptoms
Affected Platforms:
Latitude 5521
Latitude 5531
XPS 9500
XPS 9510
XPS 9520
XPS 9530
XPS 9700
XPS 9710
XPS 9720
XPS 9730
XPS 9440
XPS 9640
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 3480
Precision 3490
Precision 5510
Precision 5520
Precision 5530
Precision 5540
Precision 5550
Precision 5560
Precision 5570
Precision 5490
Precision 5680
Precision 5690
Affected Products:
Dell Dock - WD19
Dell Dock - WD19S
Dell Thunderbolt Dock - WD19TB
Dell Thunderbolt Dock - WD19TBS
Dell Thunderbolt Dock - WD22TB4
At high dynamic performance levels or high CPU loads, an audible sound such that may be reported. The noise may be a static, or an electric sound may be heard during these events due to a limitation of available voltage.
Note: This affects all versions of the WD19 and WD22.
Customers may report what is best described as coil whine, static or buzzing coming from the docking station.
Cause
The noise occurs due to the unique power demands of these laptops. The power demand can cause slightly more noise from the docking stations compared to other models as it draws more current from the dock charging circuit.
The WD19TB and WD22TB4 docking stations are operating within power and acoustic specifications. During usage with these docks, high dynamic performance levels require a higher power consumption.
Resolution
The docking station is working as designed within its limitations. Larger wattage AC adapters do not change the outcome during these peak CPU events.
Workaround:
Turn off C-states in the BIOS.
Warning: The above workaround might impact the computers performance.
Connecting the computer AC adapter into the computer before docking may reduce the sound output.
Note: This may not eliminate noise entirely during these events.