Framework 13 with ThinkPad USB-C Dock

Framework Laptop 13
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1

Hello,

I’m using a Framework Laptop 13 (AMD 7840U) running Windows 11 Pro, connected to a ThinkPad USB-C Dock (at least this one).

I have two external monitors connected:

  • One is 4K @ 60Hz (it supports HDR10, disabled in windows’s settings)
  • The other is WQHD (2560 × 1440) @ 60Hz

Also some USB peripherals like receiver for mouse, keyboard, …, nothing using a lot of bandwidth.

In theory, this setup should be well within the dock’s and the laptop’s capabilities. Both monitors are connected via DisplayPort cables (version 1.2 or higher), and both are set to DP 1.2 mode.

I’m using port #1 (top-left) on the FW to connect it to the dock with a USB-C cable (shipped with the dock, so should be “good enough”), though I’ve also tried ports #3 and #4 with the same result.

I also tried swapping the DisplayPort cables for HDMI (2.0 or higher), but that didn’t change anything.

The issue:
I can either run one monitor at 4K and the other at Full HD, or both monitors at WQHD, but I cannot get one at 4K and the other at WQHD simultaneously.

If you have any ideas or suggestions, I’d really appreciate your help!

Thanks!

2

There are many Thinkpad USB-C docks from different generations. Your monitors would require DSC decompression in the dock.

So if you are being limited that is most likely where its failing. The question is just on which side is that failing. Because the older docks may not support it. For most newer ones there is a debug utility with VmmDpTool64, which can tell you what the main chip in the dock is doing and why it might be bandwidth limited.

3

Okaayyyy, thanks for the infos !

After installing the Lenovo Dock Manager, and updating the docker FW with it, it’s working fine (at full resolution) :slight_smile: