Hi everybody, I have a Dell XPS 13 9350, i7, 8GB Ram, it has the build in “high res” display which is WQHD+ for the 9350 which is 3200 x 1800.
I’m now trying to get external monitors for this machine and I am aware of the various issues which have been reported when the model was introduced. I understand that one theoretical issue that the Thunderbolt 3 is only “2 pci lane” while newer XPS 13 models, I think from the 9370 onwards (the 9360 appears to be the same in this regard as the 9350), are “4 pci” lane.
Nevertheless, multiple sources state that the pluggable Thunderbolt 3 to DisplayPort adapter (TBT3-DP2X-83; NOT the HDMI version, I understand) is the way to go for the XPS 13 9350. Coincidently, I see the TBT3-DP2X-83 on Amazon at a price which I consider a very good deal.
Now my questions:
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Am I able to do dual 4k at 60hz with 2 external 4k monitors (e.g. 2 x DELL UP2718Q Ultrasharp) with the TBT3-DP2X-83 using the “extend desktop” option (I am using windows by the way)? It’s important that I, of course, want to use “extend desktop”. I would not mind (let’s say: I could live with this) if I had to disable the internal monitor of the XPS 13 in order to achieve this. The evidence on the web whether this works or not does not appear to be conclusive. Some reviews on amazon seem to indicate that dual 4k @60hz on a Dell XPS13 with the TBT3-DP2X-83 works like a charm (I assume the internal display has been disabled in order to achieve this). Then, there are other sources which seem to point in the direction that it only works with mirroring the same desktop on both 4ks which of course would not help (particularly this source: https://gtrusted.com/how-to-get-4k60hz-resolutions-using-the-plugable-thunderbolt-3-dual-displayport-adapter-on-the-dell-xps-13-9350-laptop-and-lg-4k-27ud88-w-and-asus-pq321-4k-monitors appears to indicate that it works only if the two 4k monitors display the same desktop and do not extend). So, does it work? Do I have to disable the internal display for this?
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As I have not bought the 2 x 4k displays yet (I was looking at refurbished Dells), would it be the safer option to go for 2 x QHD (2560×1440) instead? If going 2 QHD, could I possibly even use the internal display at the native 3200 x 1800 and have 2 x 2560×1440 at 60hz (using “extend desktop”)? If going 2 x 2560x1440 is the option which works better and has the added benefit of being able to use the internal display on top, I would seriously consider this route instead.
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Further, is there a docking station from pluggable which does the same as the TBT3-DP2X83? If so, I would consider given the added comfort.
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Lastly: As indicated, I understand there have been issues with the XPS 13 9350 and multi monitor setups. Would a better route be to either (i) use an ultrawide monitor instead or (ii) to sell the XPS 13 9350 and get a, say, XPS 13 9370 or some other notebook with 4 “pci” lanes from the Thunderbolt 3 port? I think a dual monitor set-up works better for me. Further, the ultra wide DELL U3818DW which provides pixel density comparable to QHD, is substantially more expensive than 2 x 27" WQHD (and, in my view, as said, less flexible). Selling the XPS 13 9350 and getting a XPS 13 9370 would be an option too, but I guess I loose around 200 to 300 bucks in doing so (and I might have the usual eBay trouble with the buyer and the seller).
Any help is extremely greatly appreciated!!!
Many thanks!!!