StarTech.com TB3DK2DPPD Thunderbolt 3 Dock-Dual Monitor

Introduction

This Thunderbolt3 dock is one of the first Thunderbolt docking stations to support power delivery. This means that it can deliver up to 85W of power to your Thunderbolt 3 equipped MacBook or laptop. Plus, the dock supports dual monitors, so you can easily connect two 4K Ultra HD displays (one Display Port and one Thunderbolt 3 USB-Câ„¢ port), or a single Thunderbolt 3 display.

This dock features a range of input and output ports, such as Display Port, Gigabit Ethernet, USB fast-charge, USB 3.0, USB- headphone, microphone, and Thunderbolt 3. Now you can use a single cable to power and charge your laptop, and connect your peripherals at the same time.

Product diagram

Front view

Rear view

Package contents

• 1 x Thunderbolt 3 docking station
• 1 x Thunderbolt 3 cable
• 1 x universal power adapter
• 2 x power cords (NA/JP and ANZ for TB3DK2DPPD) (EU and UK for TB3DK2DPPDUE)
• 1 x instruction manual

Requirements

• Host laptop with an available Thunderbolt 3 port (your laptop’s Thunderbolt 3 port must support USB Power Delivery in order to power and charge your laptop).
• Available AC electrical outlet.
• DisplayPort equipped display(s) with cable(s) as needed (for additional external display).
• Thunderbolt 3 equipped display(s) with cable(s) as needed (for additional external display).
• For dual-display configurations: You must use one of the docking station’s Thunderbolt 3 ports. You may need to purchase a separate adapter to connect an HDMI, a DVI, or VGA display. See the “Configure a display device” section for more details.
  • For 4K x 2K (4096 x 2160p) resolution, a 4K-capable display is required.
  • Any of the following operating systems:
  • Windows 10® (32-bit or 64-bit)
  • Windows 8 / 8.1 (32-bit or 64-bit)
  • Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)
  • macOS 10.12 (Sierra)

About Thunderbolt 3

Thunderbolt 3 technology uses the USB-C connector, and offers bandwidth up to 40Gbps. It supports USB 3.1, Display Port 1.2, PCI Express 3.0, and USB Power Delivery.
Thunderbolt 3 products must be used with Thunderbolt 3 cables.
Your computer’s Thunderbolt 3 ports might not function properly until you update one or more of the following on your computer:

• BIOS
• Thunderbolt firmware
• Thunderbolt 3 controller drivers
• Thunderbolt 3 software
• The required updates will vary depending on your computer.

For an up-to-date list of affected computers and instructions, visit http://thunderbolttechnology.net/updates. If your computer’s manufacturer isn’t listed on the Thunderbolt website, contact the manufacturer for more information.

DP alt mode (Display Port alternative mode)

This docking station supports DP alt mode, which means a DisplayPort video signal can be transferred over a USB-C cable. Thunderbolt 3 supports the full USB-C standard, including support for DP alt mode. Because the docking station supports DP alt mode, you can connect Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C based video devices, cables, or adapters to the secondary Thunderbolt 3 port on the rear of the docking station.

USB Power Delivery

This docking station supports USB Power Delivery, which means it delivers up to 85 watts of power to your connected host laptop (your laptop’s Thunderbolt 3 port must support power delivery). USB Power Delivery is a specification that allows power to be sent over a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 cable that supports the specification.

Thunderbolt temperature

Due to the high performance of Thunderbolt technology, Thunderbolt products sometimes generate more heat than traditional hardware. Therefore, it’s normal for the docking station to warm up when in use. It’s recommended that you don’t place your laptop on the docking station’s surface, as doing so will result in even higher temperatures.

These higher temperatures do not represent a safety hazard to users or to hardware.

About USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 1

USB 3.0 is also known as USB 3.1 Gen 1. This connectivity standard offers speeds up to 5Gbps. Any mention of USB 3.0 in this manual or on the StarTech.com website for TB3DK2DPPD or TB3DK2DPPDUE refers to the 5Gbps USB 3.1 Gen 1 standard. Any mention of USB 3.1 Gen 2 refers to the 10Gbps Gen 2 standard.

USB-C ports

Not all USB-C ports support the full functionality of the USB Type-C™ standard. Some ports might only provide data transfer, and might not support video (DP alt mode) or USB Power Delivery. The docking station includes two USB-C ports:

• The USB-C port on the front panel is not a Thunderbolt 3 port. You can use this port to connect peripherals using USB 3.0 (5Gbps) technology. This port supports data throughput only. The port does not support DP alt mode or USB Power Delivery.
• The USB-C ports on the rear panel are Thunderbolt 3 ports with a USB-C connector. One port is for connecting to a host laptop, while the second can be used as a Thunderbolt 3 port or a USB-C port. When used as a USB-C port, it lets you connect peripherals using USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps) technology. These ports support DP alt mode and USB Power Delivery.

About the docking station ports

The USB-A (USB 3.0) port on the rear panel of the docking station is a standard USB 3.0 throughput port. When the dock is connected to a host laptop, this port provides a trickle charge to a selection of USB-charged devices.
The USB 3.0 fast-charge and sync port on the front panel of the docking station is compliant with USB Battery Charging Specification Revision 1.2 (BC1.2), which means that you can use the port to connect and charge a device faster than you can using a traditional standard USB 3.0 port.
This front USB 3.0 port can fast-charge a connected device even when the dock connected to a host laptop. When the docking station is connected to a host laptop, the front USB 3.0 port functions as a Charging Downstream Port (CDP), which has simultaneous charge and sync capabilities.
The provided power adapter must always be connected to the docking station in order to charge a device using the USB 3.0 fast-charge and sync port.

Install the docking station

The docking station is natively supported when connected to a Windows 10, Windows 8 / 8.1, or macOS 10.12 (Sierra). In these operating systems, the docking station will automatically detect and install the required drivers when connected to a Thunderbolt 3 port on your host laptop. However, if the computer is running Windows 7 users will need to download and install the required drivers. Follow the instructions below to install the docking station.

Power the docking station

1. Select the appropriate power cord for your region and connect it to the power adapter.
2. Connect the power adapter to an AC electrical outlet and then to the docking station’s DC IN (power-input) port.

Connect the docking station

1. Connect your external display(s) to the docking station (for example, DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 3 displays).
   Note
   See the “Configure a display device” section for dual-display configuration requirements.
2. Connect your peripherals to the docking station (for example, USB devices, RJ 45 network).
3. Connect the provided Thunderbolt 3 cable to a Thunderbolt 3 port on your host laptop and to the Thunderbolt 3 host port on the docking station.
   Note
   You must connect your laptop to the docking station’s Thunderbolt 3 host  port.

Driver installation

Install drivers in Windows 10 or Windows 8 / 8.1, or macOS 10.12 (Sierra)

When the docking station is powered and you connect it to your laptop, the required drivers will install automatically.

You may see a pop-up message requesting permission to allow the docking station to connect to your computer. If a pop-up message appears, do the following:

1. Click on the pop-up message.
2. Click Always Connect.
3. Click OK.
4. Follow any other on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Install drivers in Windows 7

Install natively supported drivers

When the docking station is powered and connected to your host laptop, some of the device drivers will install automatically.

You may see a pop-up message requesting permission to allow the docking station to connect to your computer. If a pop-up message appears, do the following:

1. Click on the pop-up message.
2. Click Always Connect, in the Approve Thunderbolt™ Device Attached to Port drop-down list.
3. Click OK.
4. Follow any other on-screen instructions.

Install Ethernet drivers

1. Download the latest driver. Use a web browser and navigate to StarTech.com/TB3DK2DPPD or www.StarTech.com/TB3DK2DPPDUE.
2. Click the Support tab.
3. Download the Intel_I21x.zip driver.
4. When the download is complete, extract the contents of the compressed file that you downloaded.
5. Navigate to the location where you extracted the driver contents, and open the Windows folder.
6. Double-click the Setup.exe file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Ethernet driver installation process.

Install USB video drivers

1. Download the latest driver. Use a web browser and navigate to www.StarTech.com/ TB3DK2DPPD or www.StarTech.com/ TB3DK2DPPDUE.
2. Click the Support tab.
3. Download the Intel_I21x.zip driver.
4. When the download is complete, extract the contents of the compressed file that you downloaded.
5. Navigate to the location where you extracted the driver contents, and open the Windows folder.
6. Double-click the Setup.exe file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Ethernet driver installation process.

Charge a device

If you’re only using the front USB 3.0 port to charge a device, a connection to a host laptop isn’t required.

• To charge a device, connect it to the USB 3.0 fast-charge and sync port.

Note
This front USB 3.0 port can only fast-charge connected devices that comply with USB Battery Charging Specification Revision 1.2.

Connect and configure your displays

Connect a display to the DisplayPort port

The docking station’s DisplayPort connection supports DisplayPort 1.2, as well as DP++. Because the port supports DP++, you can use passive adapters or cables to connect different types of monitors to the DisplayPort port.

Connect a display to the Thunderbolt 3 port

You can also connect a display (or a display adapter) to one of the docking station’s Thunderbolt 3 ports. Visit www.StarTech.com/AV/usb-c-video-adapters/ for a range of USB-C video adapters and cables.

Notes

• The docking station lets you connect two 4K displays.
• The maximum available resolution may be limited if your monitor is connected through a video adapter. Check the documentation of the video adapter to determine its maximum supported resolution.

Connect multiple Thunderbolt 3 displays in a daisy chain

You can also set up dual displays using multiple Thunderbolt 3 displays in a daisy-chain configuration. For example, you can connect a Thunderbolt 3 display to  The Thunderbolt 3 port on the docking station. You can then connect another Thunderbolt 3 device, such as a second Thunderbolt 3 display, through the first Thunderbolt 3 display.

Configure your displays

Use your Windows operating system to adjust display settings for multiple monitors. Your laptop hardware must support dual external displays through its Thunderbolt 3 port.

Supported video resolutions

Thunderbolt technology supports both video and data throughput. However, it prioritizes video bandwidth to help ensure seamless display performance. The performance of the remaining dock functions depends entirely on the display configuration you used.

The docking station supports the follow maximum resolutions:

• Depending on the configuration and the supported resolutions of your connected monitor(s), the docking station can support video resolutions lower than specified above.
• In a multi-display configuration, set the refresh rates on each of your connected monitors to the same values, otherwise your monitors might not properly display.
• Video output capabilities are dependent on the video card and hardware specifications of your connected host laptop.

Video resolution bandwidth allocation

Thunderbolt technology carries video and data bandwidth, and it prioritizes video bandwidth to help ensure seamless display performance. The performance of the remaining dock ports (for example, the USB 3.0 ports) depends entirely on the display and I/O (input and output) configuration that you have used.

When multiple high-resolution displays are connected, the docking station needs to allocate additional bandwidth to the displays, and the extra bandwidth is reallocated from the other I/O ports on the docking station. In this situation there is less bandwidth available for the remaining ports (for example, the USB 3.0 ports).

The bandwidth allocation table outlines the approximate download bandwidth allocation values. The allocation amount depends on the number and the resolution of your connected displays.

• The bandwidth values are approximate and depend on several variables including the number, type, resolution, and refresh rate of your connected display(s).
• When connecting a display to one of the Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports, a USB-C video adapter may be required, depending on the input of your display.

Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing device detection issues, there are some quick tests that you can complete to narrow down the source of the issue.

Update your computer to use Thunderbolt 3

Visit http://thunderbolttechnology.net/updates and look for your computer in the list of affected computers. If your computer is listed, then you must update your computer for its Thunderbolt 3 ports to function properly. To update your computer, follow the instructions on the website or contact your computer manufacturer.

Verify that your components are Thunderbolt compliant

1. Make sure that you are using Thunderbolt 3 certified cables.
2. Make sure that the port on your computer is Thunderbolt 3 compliant. Thunderbolt 3 uses the USB-C connector type, but not all USB-C connectors are compatible with Thunderbolt 3. If you are using a USB-C port that is not Thunderbolt 3 compliant, switch to a port that is Thunderbolt 3 compliant.
3. Make sure that your peripheral is Thunderbolt compliant. If you’re not sure, check with the manufacturer.

Replace the Thunderbolt cable

Use the Thunderbolt peripheral with a different cable that is Thunderbolt compliant. Test the

Thunderbolt peripheral

1. Use a second Thunderbolt peripheral, and see if it works. Ideally, the second peripheral is one that you know works in other setups. If the second peripheral works in the current setup, then there is probably an issue with the first Thunderbolt peripheral.
2. Use the Thunderbolt peripheral with a second setup. If it works in the second setup, then there is probably an issue with the first setup.

Verify USB Power Delivery support

• Your laptop’s Thunderbolt 3 port must support USB Power Delivery 2.0 in order to power and charge your laptop.
• Your laptop’s USB Power Delivery draw must be equal to or less than 85 watts of power.

Technical support

StarTech.com’s lifetime technical support is an integral part of our commitment to providing industry-leading solutions.  If you ever need help with your product, visit www.startech.com/support and access our comprehensive selection of online tools, documentation, and downloads.

For the latest drivers/software, please visit www.startech.com/downloads

Warranty information

This product is backed by a three-year warranty.

StarTech.com warrants its products against defects in materials and workmanship for the periods noted, following the initial date of purchase. During this period, the products may be returned for repair, or replacement with equivalent products at our discretion. The warranty covers parts and labor costs only.  StarTech.com does not warrant its products from defects or damages arising from misuse, abuse, alteration, or normal wear and tear.

Limitation of Liability

In no event shall the liability of StarTech.com Ltd. and StarTech.com USA LLP (or their officers, directors, employees or agents) for any damages (whether direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental, consequential, or otherwise), loss of profits, loss of business, or any pecuniary loss, arising out of or related to the use of the product exceed the actual price paid for the product.  Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. If such laws apply, the limitations or exclusions contained in this statement may not apply to you.

FCC Compliance Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
   Changes or modifications not expressly approved by StarTech.com could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Industry Canada Statement

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)

Use of Trademarks, Registered Trademarks, and other Protected Names and Symbols

This manual may make reference to trademarks, registered trademarks, and other protected names and/or symbols of third-party companies not related in any way to  StarTech.com.  Where they occur these references are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent an endorsement of a product or service by StarTech.com, or an endorsement of the product(s) to which this manual applies by the third-party company in question.  Regardless of any direct acknowledgment elsewhere in the body of this document, StarTech.com hereby acknowledges that all trademarks, registered trademarks, service marks, and other protected names and/or symbols contained in this manual and related documents are the property of their respective holders.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Will this dock will work with the new 2018 15 in MacBook Pro i9, since it needs 87 watt power charge?

Yes, the TB3DOCK2DPPD will work with a 2018 15″ MacBook Pro i9. However, when using the TB3DOCK2DPPD it may charge the laptop slightly slower since the dock is capable of only 85w of power delivery.

Does the thunderbolt 3 dual-4k docking station come with the cable to connect to the laptop? this cable does appear to be included in your parts list

It does come with a Thunderbolt 3 cable to connect to the laptop. It is only 1 foot long though, so personally I bought a 3 foot Thunderbolt 3 cable to replace it. If you purchase another cable, be sure to get one that specifies it is Thunderbolt 3 and not just USB-C

Does this support mac os 10.14.x which was released?

Works on the latest greatest Macbook Pro with a startech dock.

Will this provide 85w at the 15” MacBook pro during full load or will provide less as an user said in his review?

Yes, the TB3DOCK2DPPD supports power Delivery 2.0 (up to 85W)

Can you use the thunderbolt 3 port and the display port to feed video to two separate monitors simultaneously?

Yes, TB3DK2DPPD supports dual monitors over Thunderbolt 3 and Display Port.

Is this compatible with envoy x360 laptop?

The TB3CDK2DP is compatible with both Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C computers so as long as your Envy x360 has USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 it should be compatible with this dock.

Will this work with an hp elitebook 745 g5 laptop?

The TB3CDK2DP will work on any computer that supports dual displays over ThunderBolt 3 / USB-C, and 60W of power delivery for charging functionality. As long as the computer supports these specifications, the TB3CDK2DP will work.

Can this handle two 2k displays at 144hz?
Yes, the TB3DOCK2DPPD will support two 2560 x 1440 144hz displays.

This dock does not run two monitors simultaneously with my 2020 macbook pro m1. only displays on firdst one connected. why?

Apple products that use the M1 chipset only support a single external display when using a Thunderbolt 3 docking station or adapter. You will need to use a docking station that has a DisplayLink chipset that requires drivers/software to be installed to support more than a single display.

What is the amp output of front charging port?

The maximum current on the front charging port for the TB3DK2DPPD is 1.5 Amps, but will also depend heavily on the attached device.

Does this support the Dell Latitude 5580 Laptop?

Thunderbolt 3 is optional on the Dell Latitude 5580. If your model has Thunderbolt 3 ports, our TB3DOCK2DPPD docking station can be used with the laptop.

Does the isight camera works in facetime, photobooth etc, on an apple led cinema display when it’s plugged to this dock (It doesn’t with usb c docks)?

The TB3DK2DPPD has not been tested with Cinema displays that have built-in iSight cameras. Looking into the cinema display it should only need a USB connection for the camera to function, however, we recommend contacting Apple in order to confirm the display supports iSight when connecting through a dock or hub.

Will this support 2k Dual Displays at 144hz?
Yes, the TB3DK2DPPD will support dual 2560×1440 @ 144Hz, as long as the host also supports it.

Does this work with 220v?
Yes

Can this charge a MacBook pro-16-inch while not in sleep mode? my battery seems to be draining despite being plugged in.

This dock supports 85W of power delivery over thunderbolt. The new 16” MBP requires 96W of power delivery. I haven’t personally tested this but according to similar posts this is normal behavior and you either need to plug in the Apple power adapter directly to the MBP while using it or upgrade to a dock with 100+ watts of power delivery.

Can you connect two of these docking stations to a 13″ 2017 MacBook pro and support 4 1080P monitors?

Yes, this will work if the MacBook Pro supports up to 4 external displays over 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports. We suggest reaching out to Apple to confirm this.

Do i have to have my laptop open to start this?

The TB3CDK2DP should run regardless of whether your laptop is open or close. But if your laptop is powered off, you do need to open it to turn the laptop on. The dock is not able to turn the laptop on or off.

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References

• User Manual