Will Dell Precision 3560 work with WD15 dock?

Question

Hi,

I am thinking about upgrading to Dell Precision 3560 but one limitation is that I don't know if it is compatible with my WD15 dock? I have two of those at two different places, so upgrading the dock is a cost factor.

I have found this document, but it does not reference Precision 3560 specifically:

dell-wd15-tb16-tb18dc-commercial-docking-compatibility-guide.pdf (delltechnologies.com)

Additionally my WD15 has a 130W charger. If I just upgrade the charger to 180W, will it pass more wattage so that the Precision 3650 gets enough power, or are the 130W and 180W variants different units?

If anyone has tried or has an idea that would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Jan

jphughan · Answer

@c1ph3r I completely disagree with @ECharles here. The fact that a system isn't listed on a compatibility list doesn't not mean it won't work. I successfully use Dell docks including the WD15 with Lenovo systems. And the Precision 3560 is expressly listed as compatible on the WD19's dock compatibility page here, which leads me to believe that the predecessor models would work just fine that that Dell simply didn't go back and TEST their newer systems with their older dock models.

In terms of power, the WD15 and WD19 dock family models will deliver up to 90W when powered by a 130W adapter and up to 130W when powered by a 180W adapter. The TB16 requires a 180W or 240W adapter to deliver those levels of power, respectively. The TB18DC and its successor the WD19DCS are designed for Precision 7000 Series systems that require up to 210W of power, and they achieve that by using two USB-C/TB3 connections. I would not recommend that you look at those.

The Precision 3560 you're considering can apparently come with either a 65W, 90W, or 130W power source, likely depending on the CPU and GPU configuration you choose. If you have one of the lower two options, you will likely be fine even without a dock power supply upgrade. For 130W though, you'd need the larger power supply.

ECharles · Answer

The two units are the same, but it is unlikely that the WD15 will work with your unit. The TB16 are quite inexpensive on eBay and you can sell yours for roughly the same price.

c1ph3r · Answer

Charles, thanks a lot for the quick answer! I guess the other thing was that I wanted to keep the old laptop (Latitude E5480) for my g/f so that she could use the same setup that I have at home when I am at work. Now I would need two different docks as I think E5480 is incompatible with TB16.

Also where I live WD15 used units currently sell for around 40 USD, so there is no problem getting as many as you need for any kind of use TB16s are more around 100 USD here.

I could also get (slightly older but still good looking) Latitude 3420 which, at least from the pictures, seem to have the same DP over USB-C setup as my old laptop? Would that work with WD15?

I can also have Latitude 7420 or Latitude 5520/5521, but I guess the dock needed for that would be the same as for the Precision 3560?

Thanks again,

Jan

ECharles · Answer

Jan - Here is a bit more information on docking stations https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000124295/guide-to-dell-docking-stations but I wouldn't pick a computer because you have an (older) docking station.

Decide on what you need in the computer, decide what you need to hook up to the computer and then we'll figure out the best way of doing it - docking station or some sort of dongle.

c1ph3r · Answer

Thanks Charles,

You're right, I've decided to go with Precision 3650 after all. For the dock, you mentioned that TB16 could be a good alternative or something like TB18? Can I go with the 180W version or do I need the 240W version?

Thanks,
Jan

ECharles · Answer

@c1ph3r- you have the same problem I have - I think you mean 3560 (I always mistype WD and TB in the docks)

I only have experience with the 16 and 19 docks and, quite frankly, I find the 16's to be more versatile than the WD19TB.

The 3560 requires a 65w power supply, so the 180 should do nicely.

For some reason, I've had better luck with connecting the docks to the computer before I connect peripherals, check for updates and update anything that needs it, shut down, hook up peripherals (monitors, keyboards etc) and check for updates again.

ECharles · Answer

@c1ph3r  - listen to @jphughan . He knows much more about Dell docks than anyone else - including Dell. The 180w power supply should do nicely regardless of which power supply was fitted with the computer - as the 180 will supply 130w of power.

c1ph3r · Answer

Hi @jphughan , @ECharles,

I have gotten Latitude 5520 from the company I work for in the end and all my WD15 docks work flawlessly, so no need to even upgrade. I assume the situation would be exactly the same with the precision unit.

Thanks a lot for your help!

Jan

Paul_NZ · Answer

@jphughan, Happy New Year to you!

Would a WD15 with a 180W power supply work with a Precision 3561? (https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/computers/laptops/docking-stations/listing/3410157362)

Or would a TB16 be a better option?

I'm looking for other options as the WD19TB isn't available at present, and won't be until May according to Dell. Just need the power button to turn on the laptop, and for the dock to drive a couple older 22 inch monitors (VGA and DVI with appropriate adapters/cables)

Thanks in advance

Paul

Paul_NZ · Answer

Thanks @jphughan, yeah, not planning on using any TB peripherals in the near future, so I guess this will suit my needs for now.

jphughan · Answer

@Paul_NZ  Happy New Year to you as well! If you’ll only be running a pair of 1080p or below displays, and you have no need to connect a Thunderbolt peripheral through a dock, then a regular WD15 would be just fine. There’s no need for a Thunderbolt dock in that case.

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Will Dell Precision 3560 work with WD15 dock?

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