Dell E-Series Port Replicator (PR02X) with Dual-link DVI?

I was considering getting a 2560x1440 monitor to hook into my E-series Port Replicator, the PR02X. The specs for the monitor warned that I would need to make sure I had dual-link DVI, so I did some Googling today and discovered many comments that seem to indicate that the Dell port replicator is only capable of resolutions greater than 1920x1200 when using the Display Port. But of course, the monitors I am considering only have DVI connections. And more importantly, I am planning to use my KVM (GCS1782) which is dual-link capable, but is only DVI.

The most authoritative description about the issue that I've been able to find is in an Amazon comment. And in that comment, there is a link to a device that costs nearly $100 to basically make up for what is lacking in the Port Replicator. Tacked on to the cost of the monitor, that suddenly makes the monitor 33% more expensive.

So I'm hoping somebody here has better news for me. Or can at least confirm the bad news. Optimistically, I'd love to know if there is a Dell port replicator that doesn't have this bizarre limitation that I could replace the one I have. (Yes, more money than the adapter, but the with the expectation that I could then sell the port replicator I have.) Or maybe even a firmware upgrade to the Port Replicator to remove that limitation. Realistically, I recognize that the problem is probably in port replicator hardware and that the only solution is to get the $100 adapter or get a KVM and monitor that can switch on Display Port, and then upgrade the other computer connected so it has a Display Port too...

I wonder if there is a KVM that could switch the DVI from one computer and the DP from the Port Replicator and output a DVI dual-link that is sufficient for 2560x1440. Probably well more money than the $100 adapter again, but again, maybe I can sell the KVM I have if I replace it. And definitely not the solution I am hoping for...

 

According to the specs at this dell accessory site Dell E-Port Replicator with USB 3.0 for Dell Latitude E5430/ E5530/ E6230/ E6330/ E6430/ E6530 Laptops : Computer Accessories | Dell it supports one dual link DVI connection.

 

Oh, very cool, thanks 'thenew3'. I will keep that in mind.

Also, for anyone else reading, there is a new version of the "Advanced Replicator" that you can see at this link:
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&sku=331-6304
(Once you know what to search for, suddenly finding the new version of the port replicator was easy!)

In the mean time, if anyone can confirm that the PR02X that I have is limited on the DVI and can't be "fixed" through any kind of upgrade that would be helpful so I know that I do have to get new hardware of some sort. Thanks.

 

The old version is indeed single link iirc.
You can either get a active dp to dual link adapter, around 60
or model of the korean monitor that come with displayport,

Never know the new dock actually have dual link. Trying to find success story atm.

Edit seem like the usb 3.0 dock can be find on ebay for much cheaper than dell, a year ago only the old version can be find on ebay.
It is even cheaper than a active dp adapter!


Edit2: can't seem to find people successfully use the dual link dvi on new dock. , can't even find more than like 2 people trying.

 

The first thing I did after finding that "new version" of the port replicator is head to eBay and I was pleasantly surprised the prices weren't that high - and yes, about the same price as the DisplayPort to dual-link DVI adapter. (The non-"advanced" port replicator may have been cheaper but I want the one with the serial port.) On the other hand, making sure that I get the new version from eBay instead of the old version will be a little challenging since Dell part numbers can overlap and eBay sellers try to get the most hits by listing a bunch of part numbers, not all of which apply to each port replicator.

The fact that no one seems to be able to confirm working high resolution from the DVI of new port replicator is a little concerning. But at least in the Dell spec for the old one, it just listed DVI and in the Dell spec for the new one, it specifically sites "dual-link" DVI. That's promising enough to make it worth trying.

 

Look for ones that says USB 3.0 and the two usb ports on the back are blue instead of black. The first gen only supported USB 2. the 2nd gen supports usb 3.0
Genuine Dell E Port Plus II PR02X USB 3 0 Replicator Docking Station CY640 YP021 | eBay
Only $45 without AC adapter

 

Right, I had started to look for ones with USB 3 but got turned off with the part numbers being the same and them not having pictures of the back to see the blue ports. So your eBay find is particularly good since it clearly shows the USB 3, clearly lists it as USB 3, and has a low price. And yet it still shows the old part number PR02X which is why I hadn't found it yet. So thanks again for the help, 'thenew3'.

 

You'll also notice it is called E Port Plus II the II means the 2nd gen. the original is just E Port Plus.

 

Hi,

can you tell us if you got results plugging 2560x1440 monitors in the Dvi of the Port Replicator II ?

I myself own a M6600 with a first gen P-R.

 

Really interesting. I never new about the limit was so low on what is physically a Dual Link DVI connector! Personally I run display port on a U3011. Glad I ran into this thread.