the "Latitude with Dock/Port Replicator" feedback thread:

Im starting a thread b/c many people seem to be experiencing some issues with their Latitude while docked.

Some of my problems (keep in mind I use TWO external displays):

1) Most prevalent is my fan issue. This might only apply to nVidia GPU users. It appears that two things are happening: a) the dock simply does not allow for proper heat dissipation. This for me is a fact as my laptop runs both cooler and, utlizes much lower fan speeds while undocked. b) DELL may have set the fans to kick in at lower temps particularly with the nvidia gpu, in an attempt to push off having to replace it. My fan CONSISTENTLY runs at the maximum speed.

2) I seem to be having CPU allocation issues while docked. For some reason my laptop uses nearly 100% of its cpu only when docked (although the usage is not immediate; It happens after a couple hrs of use). John Ratsey brought up an interesting point; maybe the computer is constantly looking for hardware that isnt there (considering the dock is a substantial source of extra hardware i.e., usb ports, connections, monitors, etc.) *I have already tried reinstalling Vista numerous times and , running the machine on bare bones programs; nothing seems to work.

3) Lastly, there are times when I will dock while in sleep or hibernate mode and the computer will not awake. I will have to shut the power down and restart.

--> Interested in hearing your feedback and/or solutions:

 

My issue is a little strange. I have a new E6500 with the EPORT docking station and am using win xp pro.

I cannot seem to get into the BIOS or one time boot list, apparently, because the Dell Logo screen and associated F12 selection option is not presented on my monitor (Dell FP1901). I believe this is because the screen goes by too fast and the monitor has to come out of power save mode and thus does not capture the event.

In fact, even when I boot undocked, the relevant screen goes by in less than a second and is still difficult to catch - although I can do it.

FWIW, I have the "ultra performance" SSD which may be contributing to the problem by way of its speed.

Thanks,
Harvey

 

When accessing that screen I do so undocked and just pound away at the f12 key right after powering up. That usually does the trick.
So youre not having any of the problems that I mention above?

Im beginning to think the issues I experience are prevalent only whne dual external displays are used.

 

No. I only have a single display and opted for the Intel 4500 Integrated video. I have not noticed any fan issues either (I'm running win xp pro). Also, I don't seem to have any high cpu load problems. I don't use hibernation or sleep mode when docked so I can't comment on that issue.

On the other subject, have you ever seen the Dell logo and F12 option screen show up on your monitor when booting while docked?

Thanks,
Harvey

 

Not that I recall-and I have the same monitor as you. IN the middle of some work now; when I reboot ill let you know.
As for your Intel card-I think its the nvidia card thats pushing the fan and theres no doubt XP uses a heck of alot less of ones system resources.

 

There really isn't a solution to this. Using a dock will stress your GPU for some reason, especially if you have an external monitor connected. This is the same for the both the E6400 and M2400 I have (had). If you use EVEREST to monitor your temps, you'll notice that the GPU temp will idle at a much higher temp while it's connected to the dock.

 

I have an M2400 on the standard E-dock 99.99% of the time, using internal LCD with an external 1080p display. The fan almost never comes on. The idle (idle as in playing music on itunes and web surfing) temps are 41 deg C for my CPU (P8600) and 60 deg C for the GPU (nVidia Quadro FX370M).

akwit - It looks like driving two external displays puts your GPU over the edge ? Or maybe you have a T-series CPU makes everything hotter inside ?

 

@akwit
I also have the nVidia GPU, but only use one external display while docked. For your reference, I have the E-Port Plus docking station.

1. My fan runs constantly and the air exiting the vent is quite warm most of the time. It seems to be on high speed all the time, but I have not noticed a difference in docked vs undocked mode.

2. I have not noticed a difference in CPU usage when docked. I just checked it this evening after being docked for about 3 hours and the CPU usage was about the same as when it is undocked. It averages about 5% with intermittent spikes of 10 - 15%.

3. When I close the lid on my laptop, it goes into sleep mode. If I then dock it while it is in sleep mode (which is usually how I do it), the power button on the docking station fades on and off. When I push the docking power button, the laptop wakes without issue. One time, I undocked in hibernate mode and I got the BSOD upon opening the laptop lid. I cannot remember where I've seen this (maybe on the Dell Support site), but I read that you shouldn't undock when in hibernate mode. Sleep mode yes, but not hibernate. I'll try to find that reference.

 

Thanks to all for your feedback.

The fact that "this is just the way it is while the Latitude is docked" is not a sufficient answer for me and neither should be for any other Latitude owner.
They need to figure out a way to deal with this because not only is it incredibly annoying with the fan running at full speed all day, I wonder if it is getting to hot inside and that is having a longer-negative affect on my hardware.

I wonder if that could be what causing my CPU spikes.

Lastly, its irresponsible for DELL to advertise the dock as being able to handle dual monitors if its going push their top GPU over the edge.

I have had mine for nearly 6 months now...

 

I use the Standard E-Port with my E6400 (specs below). Idle temps are slightly higher than when undocked, but the fan is always at low speed (barely audible) or off. Hibernation works perfectly, but I never tried sleep.

I have no complaints about the dock (or about anything on the E6400 for that matter).