[RESPONDED] Framework 16 Docking Station for Linux

Framework Laptop 16 Linux
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Hi there, I’ve read through the USB-C/Thunderbolt Dock Megathread and I have now tried two docks, neither of which have worked properly:

  • Satechi - Thunderbolt 4 Slim Hub 5-in-1 - USB-C 60W, Single 8k or Dual 4K Display, 4 Thunderbolt 4 Ports, USB 3.2 Gen2 - Space Gray

The above didn’t work as it’s only TB4 as opposed to USB4, so I returned it and purchased one of these:

  • Plugable Thunderbolt 4 Dock for 4K Dual Monitors or Single 8K, 100W Laptop Charging

Thinking this one would work with USB4 as the box literally says “Thunderbolt 4 & USB4 Dual HDMI Display Docking Station with 96W charging”

Does anyone have a suggestion of a good USB4 dock which supports 2x1080 monitors via HDMI or USB-C, along with Ethernet?

I’m running the latest KDE Neon with the integrated GPU and a 7840HS.

Thanks!

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I have this docking station for my Framework 13 and plan to use it on my Framework 16. It’s not Thunderbolt, but it is a very good single cable solution for charging (85w), 4K monitor, and SD card reader.

https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Docking-PowerExpand-Charging-Ethernet/dp/B088F7SY6S/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=J4R0SNJHLWFZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5yhcDEZKxfubgYe0TvubBl9gL5cQk9admA7wvqV35oWeQbi7JbZkpx86MdK0dpsi0hzjQEJSWc-zdAorT_i4TGickPlEa92nocPpa0JCMBH1irjyqYtSf5FSrxyJasHD0ClMTFqOhafY35cT4dzMWfoY_KoFVLIGC6RxiUJsFBYJBpN_-TilWH0Fq-ZgfxfFKfWIJOX7H2A7x7g3V2zIfg.Knirqf9WPVUkEj3yS2kVLscSDkJ_zqCigLRzE2xBfaE&dib_tag=se&keywords=anker+docking+station&qid=1712026548&sprefix=anker+dock%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-3

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Thanks for the suggestion, @henrytr! Are you only using a single 4k monitor as opposed to dual monitors?

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Yes. I have a single 4K 27" monitor that I have mounted directly above the laptop in a “stacked” configuration. I think the Anker docking station can push two monitors, but I’m not certain.

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Nothing too add here as we do not officially test against any specific docks. As a general rule, USB functionality should be fine with most docks. Video out is best with our expansion cards. Docks can be pretty hit and miss.

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Well, using the Dell WD19TB dock with KDE Neon.
Everything works, except at boot. The screen won’t come up/show up.
I suspect a bug with the plasma startup which gets stuck in waiting state if booting with dock connected. Unplug and re-plug and it works.
it seems the Dell dock provides max 60W of power though, even if it has the 140W power-brick. But that seems to be a Dell thing.

When gaming, I switch to the Framework 180W brick :}

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I finally got this dock to work properly with 2xHDMI monitors and Ethernet on KDE Neon:

Anker Docking Station, Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station (13-in-1), Triple Display, 4K HDMI, 10 Gbps USB-C and 5 Gbps USB-A Data, 85W Charging for Laptop, 18W Charging for Phone, Ethernet, Audio, SD 3.0

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088F7SY6S

It’s very frustrating the amount of hassle I had to go through to get a simple dock working, as this is the fourth one which I bought!

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Same! I bought 3 different ones and learned 3 different lessons about how these work.

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Has anyone tested the Triple Dock from Tuxedo computers (made for Linux)? I am still searching for a Thunderbolt Dock that is fully supported on FW16 with Linux installed. The Megathread is unfortunately quite useless here, because most of the Docks were tested on FW13, windows and intel…

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I can also endorse Anker 575 for use with the Framework 13 and 16 with Linux. I use with two 4k external monitors. To reduce the load on what’s going through a single USB cable, I plug one of the monitors into a second USB-C port on the laptops. Takes just a second longer to plug in a second cable.

For those looking to avoid Amazon or give less money to particular billionaires, you also purchase it directly from Anker. They have sales there, too:

But an important disclaimer: This dock is rated for 85 watts, while the power supply that comes with the Framework 16 is 180W.

Another comment suggests that the GPU can consume up to 100w at peak.

For my use, I’m probably using very little of the GPU.

If you are really maxing out the CPU and GPU regularly, you’ll need a dock that can deliver more power, or dedicate one USB-C port to your power supply and a second one for a multi-function dock.