Specification Sheet
Operating System and Driver Details
WINDOWS VERSION COMPATIBILITY:
Drivers can be installed automatically via Windows Update with
support for Windows 10, 8, 7, and XP. Not compatible with
ARM-based Windows RT/Surface RT. Note that Microsoft limits
multiple display support in Windows 7 “Starter” Edition to
mirroring screens. Even though drivers are provided
automatically, we recommend visiting the Plugable driver
webpage for the most recent drivers and other information.
DisplayLink's Windows drivers make use of the main GPU for
rendering, and require an Intel, nVidia, ATI/AMD primary
graphics driver supporting WDDM to be installed. Most systems
since Windows 7 satisfy this requirement.
Different USB graphics driver types (DisplayLink, MCT/Tritton,
SMSC, Fresco) are not compatible on the same system. In
particular, some versions of MCT drivers will bluescreen when
other USB graphics drivers are also present. Uninstall other USB
graphics driver types before switching types, and stay with a
single type (e.g. DisplayLink based) on a single system.
MAC COMPATIBILITY:
Mac is not supported due to significant limitations in the
operating system.
LINUX COMPATIBILITY:
Linux is not supported for this device.
HDMI TV Compatibility
The docking station supports HDMI through the 1.3
standard. To use a TV as a monitor via the dock, the TV
must support EDID, the extended display identification
standard for communicating monitor capabilities to a PC.
Many TVs that have a VGA port in addition to an HDMI port
assume that computers will use VGA for connectivity rather
than HDMI. In these cases, a VGA connection from the PC’s
internal video card to the TV might provide the best results.
HDCP protected content not supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
2560×1440 Functionality
2560×1440 output is only available when a single HDMI
monitor is connected to the dock, and requires a “High Speed”
HDMI cable. 2560×1440 mode will operate at a 50Hz refresh
rate; all lower modes support 60Hz refresh rate. 2560×1440
output requires current DisplayLink drivers and attached
monitor must natively support 2560×1440 via HDMI input.
Please note that most monitors that support 2560×1600 do
not support 2560×1440.
When I plug an Ethernet cable into the dock, none of the
LEDs light up, and I do not get assigned a valid IP
address. What could be causing this?
The Ethernet controller in the docking station requires a full
duplex connection. Half duplex connections are not supported.
Often, the issue is caused by older Ethernet hubs and/or
cabling that do not support full duplex connections.
Why does the “Display Color Calibration” tool in
Windows seems to have no effect on the display(s)
attached to my dock?
The DisplayLink GPU does not support color calibration
functionality. Most monitors have built-in controls that can be
used to adjust the characteristics of the display, though we
realize this approach may not be ideal in all cases. For
environments that necessitate near-perfect color reproduction
and display calibration capabilities via software, a dedicated
graphics card is recommended.
My wireless keyboard/mouse isn’t working at all, or isn’t
working properly when connected to the dock.
2.4Ghz wireless devices such as wireless keyboard/mouse
receivers, Bluetooth and WiFi adapters, may not work in the
USB 3.0 ports on the dock. Connecting wireless devices to the
USB 2.0 ports on the rear of the dock is recommended for
best results. If the problem still occurs, a short USB 2.0
extension cable to move the wireless device further from the
dock will often resolve the issue.
Not Recommended for Gaming
USB graphics devices, like the UD-3900, are "virtual"
devices where much of the heavy lifting is done by the CPU,
by hooking into the graphics stack. The DirectX APIs used by
games assume direct hardware access (a PCIe graphics
card). DisplayLink's drivers attempt to emulate as much of
the functionality as possible, which is why some 3D
functionality (like that needed for desktop and apps) works.
We don't recommend running games with USB graphics,
because this emulation cannot be perfect. And even without
specific compatibility problems, performance will always be
a challenge - the extra CPU work required for USB graphics
will be a source of reduced frame rates and problems.
Normal desktop and application use are fine because they
don't push the system as hard as 3D games do.
Common problems experienced when trying to run a game
on a USB graphics adapter include:
• Games not launching
• Games crashing
• Screen flickering
• Screen going black
Performance Tuning
If you’re experiencing slowness or latency on your UD-3900
connected display:
• Make sure your adapter is connected to a USB 3.0
port (if available) on your computer.
• If USB 3.0 is not available, play 3D games and videos
on a display that isn’t connected via USB.
• When all else fails, reduce your USB-connected
monitor’s screen resolution via the Windows display
control panel.
By reducing the amount of data that needs to be
compressed and sent over USB, you’ll increase
responsiveness.