Buzzing Noise from Dell Docks When Connected to Dell 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.

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

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.

Note: Dell Technologies recommends using one of the new generation docks (for example, all WD25 docks) which features design changes (and thus is less likely to have this buzzing issue).

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.

Affected Products

Dell Dock WD19, Dell Dock – WD19S, Dell Thunderbolt Dock - WD19TB, Dell Thunderbolt Dock – WD19TBS, Latitude 5521, Latitude 5531, Precision 3480, Precision 3490, 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 5520, Precision 5530, Precision 5540, Precision 5550, Precision 5560, Precision 5570, Precision 5680, Mobile Precision 5690, Precision 5510, Dell Thunderbolt Dock – WD22TB4, XPS 14 9440, XPS 15 9500, XPS 15 9510, XPS 15 9520, XPS 15 9530, XPS 16 9640, XPS 17 9710, XPS 17 9720, XPS 17 9730 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000219595
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 05 May 2025
Version:  9
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