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January 2nd, 2026 21:16
Dell Precision M6600 graphic problem
Hello,
I have an old Dell Precision M6600 workstation laptop running Windows 7, still in pretty good shape. In the past I had upgraded the hard drive to an SSD, added more memory, added a second SSD and a solid state memory card.
I purchased this laptop from new back in 2013. I have some software that I want to keep using and I really can't afford to by the latest versions of the software. I use the laptop mainly for hobby work (creating 3D CAD stuff for crafts, art and to send to my 3D printers). For my freelance business I did purchase a new Dell workstation laptop running the latest version of 3D CAD software. This one I use for serious business work.
The problem I’m experiencing is distortion, or graphic noise, on my right monitor. I saw this with my old monitors I purchased at the same time as the M6600. I recently replaced the old monitors with new Dell monitors. When I run my Dell 7670 workstation laptop, through a KVM, the monitors are fine. No issues there. When running my M6600 laptop through the docking station I get the distortion on the right monitor. I’ve tried three docking stations, all the same model, two had this problem. The original the right side was dead, monitor did not display. I thought maybe the graphic card could be the problem but I’m not sure about this. I have another M6600 that works and I tried this on the same docking station. The same graphic problem appears with this laptop as well.
The first image shows both monitors. You can see the right monitor with the blue distortion compared to the left monitor. The second image is a closer shot of the right monitor.
I do have a couple of cables I can try and see if this could be the problem. One cable is a DVI to HDMI, the other cable is a Display Port to HDMI. I’ll update this post if it turns out to be a cable problem.
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edspain57
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February 3rd, 2026 17:30
Hi. Just checking. I used to use M6600 as a GIS analyst with FEMA. You mentioned using a docking station, were any of these the Dell E-Port Plus Pro2X, which is what I was using, or some other brand? I have an older Dell Precision 7510 running Windows 10 (can't take W 11) plugs in (under the workstation) to the dock, as does M6XXX series.
On the back of my Dell E-Port Plus Pro2X docking station I plugged in a DVI adapter plug with and HDMI port for Video 2 port, and straight HDMI cable to the Video 1 port and had no issues with either monitor, but this configuration worked for my 7510. For my Dell Precision models 7540 and 7550, I cannot use the docking station because there are no bottom of the device ports. So, I use a USB-C dongle with and HDMI port so I can run two HDMI cables from both of my workstations to my TESmart KVM switch (2 laptops/2 monitors config) with no issues. However, my 7550 had a USB-C component failure and I had to send the laptop to Dell to fix it, which they did and now it works fine. The trick is in using matching HDMI cables (and dongle?) designed to support your video requirements.
I swapped cables from Laptop to KVM, to monitors, in every configuration to isolate the issue with the flickering screen and eventual determination my USB-C ports were not working, and thus, no video out from those ports.
I'm sure you've probably already did HDMI cable swaps from your KVM switch outputs to your monitors, and the repeating between the KVM and your M6600.
I really liked the docking station config I was using, but technology improvements and the KVM switch has turned out to be the better option for me, and I try to always buy matching video cables.
I sure hope you can figure out your video issue. All the best, and keep us posted to let us know what your work around will be or how youy correct this issue.
miguelmn21
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February 3rd, 2026 17:49
I have two Dell E-Port Plus, model number PR02X. I had a third but the right video out didn't work.
I've not solved the problem, but I recently found, and bought, another M6600, in rather great condition. Though, it has Windows 11. I have lots of old software on my old M6600 which I still use so I'm cloning the SSD hard drive and transferring it to the new M6600. I did plug the new M6600 to the docking station and the problem with the right monitor is not there. I even switched between it and my newer Dell 7670 via the KVM and monitors looked great. I guess my old M6600 is experiencing some kind of hardware problem. Time to retire it, and take out the RAM and add it to the new M6600.