Last Updated: September 16, 2019 (Refresh Now)
Dell TB16 Thunderbolt 3 Dock with 240W Adapter
Last Updated: September 16, 2019 (Refresh Now)
5.1
SCORE
/10
Total Reviews
269
Old Reviews
62
Unverified
91
Spam Test
PASS
Yes
HDMI
LED
TYPE
2
NUMBER OF USB PORTS
Yes
USB
Review Analysis - 116 recent, verified reviews
Detailed Mode
Ports
44thunderbolt, dell, monitors, usb ports, usb c
+48%
-52%
" ... Well, a couple of months later, the USB ports (and therefore all peripherals) and sound just stopped working. ... Now a very expensive paperweight that connects to my external monitor. ... "
" ... If I touched the thunderbolt cable in anyway, or moved the tb16, displays would flicker. ... "
" ... The thunderbolt cable coming out the side is permanently mounted and can't be replaced. ... "
" ... Junk less than 6 months usb docks stopped working will contact Dell ... "
" ... A bit bulky when combined with the larger power adapter. ... One drawback is that you can't use the power adapter to connect to your laptop directly. ... "
" ... -Don't expect Apple's USB-C to Thunderbolt 2 converter to work. ... -USB Hub requires daily reboots of my laptop. ... "
" ... I ordered this for a client and they ended up bypassing it and plugging all of the cables directly into the laptop. ... "
" ... This thing causes blue screens on her XPS 13, it constantly disconnects and reconnects the USB peripheral items, the NIC doesn't work at all. ... "
Device Compatibility
41dock, monitors, xps 15, dell xps, docks
+51%
-49%
" ... Perfectly compatible with my new Dell XPS 15 7590 laptop. ... "
" ... (I found a workaround by using an Omoton stand for my laptop>) ... "
" ... Update computer files and it works great. ... "
" ... I tested it with 2 external monitors already, and I leave my headset connected to the dock, when plugged in everything works like magic ... "
" ... If you own a Dell laptop and are looking for a docking station that just simply works, the Dell TB16 is the dock for you. ... "
" ... I tested it with 2 external monitors already, and I leave my headset connected to the dock, when plugged in everything works like magic ... "
" ... The second monitor would work when the first monitor was disconnected, yet Windows said it was connected and working. ... "
" ... Connected the dock to my laptop via the Thunderbold 3 connection. ... "
Product Reliability
19months, stopped working, would, dell, usb ports
+16%
-84%
" ... needs a bit work to get everything working. ... "
" ... So first I would like to say it took my about 2 weeks off and on to get it to work. ... "
" ... Nothing but problems. ... It would disconnect randomly. ... "
" ... For how much this costs, can't believe they still haven't fixed the issue. ... "
" ... Replacement seems to work fine for a few weeks, then suddenly just - doesn't. ... "
" ... - It has many, many documented issues. ... "
" ... The dock does not work, we were sent a faulty product. ... "
" ... An IT friend had one that just stopped working a month in, and he warned me not to get it, as it randomly disconnected and then just failed. ... Well, a couple of months later, the USB ports (and therefore all peripherals) and sound just stopped working. ... Very disappointed that Dell would allow something so expensive to be so unreliable. ... "
Drivers
18dock, updating, bios, dell, xps
+17%
-83%
" ... I'm using it with an XPS 9360 and I've tried updating drivers but to no avail. ... "
" ... a docking station isn't something you want to think about, but unfortunately it stops working often (due to windows update, driver updates, etc.) ... "
" ... after updating all required drivers, chipset, BIOS, etc., etc., etc., I lost patience when one of my monitors just stopped working. ... "
" ... - It's driver driven, and said drivers take ages to load. ... All of my experiences are with Windows 10, a myriad of drivers tested (Microsoft sourced, Dell sourced, and OEM sourced), on a Dell XPS 15 9560 touchscreen in both a 16gb and 32gb RAM configuration. ... "
" ... Switching USB ports, updating (and downgrading) BIOS, all drivers, etc. ... "
" ... I've followed all the directions precisely, even the recommendations in the reviews here but Dell's downloads and drivers website won't install the drivers because it's not a "dell laptop". ... Then I spoke with Razer tech support to update every possible driver and that didn't help either, they are still working on a solution (Razer tech support is some of the best I've ever experienced ! ... "
" ... Right now the Dock isn't even seen by the laptop, which has all the current drivers and BIOS up to date. ... "
" ... Flaky drivers, and zero support from Dell. ... "
Cables
11cable, dock, xps, thunderbolt cable, thunderbolt
+36%
-64%
" ... Have had continuous trouble with connectivity and cable issues. ... "
" ... I ordered this for a client and they ended up bypassing it and plugging all of the cables directly into the laptop. ... "
" ... Bought active conversion cables. ... "
" ... But a $10 cable could have done that. ... "
" ... The thunderbolt cable coming out the side is permanently mounted and can't be replaced. ... This means that any wear and tear on this cord isn't covered and requires you to buy a brand new dock. ... They do not sell a replacement cord and it is proprietary. ... If you have this for two months and your cable bends and stops working, better have another $300. ... "
" ... With cables coming out of every oriface, this thing is less than stealthy. ... "
" ... With cables coming out of every oriface, this thing is less than stealthy. ... "
Resolution
9monitor, monitors, displays, 60hz, dell
+89%
-11%
" ... Oh, and as an added bonus, I'm using the TB3 connector on the back for a display (1080p) and it works like a charm. ... "
" ... Hooked everything up with twin LG 4k monitors being pushed by a maxed Dell XPS 9570 laptop. ... "
" ... I have a primary display of a 43” 4K monitor, I can leave my laptop lid closed and power on the docking station to start the laptop on the external monitor. ... This saves wear and tear on my laptop 4K display while I am docked, as well as minimizing dust but I can always open the laptop to add the secondary display. ... "
" ... Dual 4K displays working with no problems! ... "
" ... Charges my Dell precision 5520 and allows 4k/60Hz over displayport just fine. ... "
" ... Used Display port for primary monitor, HDMI for secondary monitor and laptop screen because I can. ... "
" ... No problem so far with Display Port 4K @ 60Hz and HDMI 1920x1200 @ 60Hz displays and USB3 hub connected. ... "
Keyboard
8mouse, character, repeating, lag, keyboard and mouse
-100%
" ... Mouse arrow will intermittently stop and the keyboard will stick a character like this: "Dell TBBBBBBBBBB docking station sucksssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!" ... "
" ... Keyboard and mouse (attached to rear USB ports frequently stutter, hang, lag or repeat. ... Rebooting usually resolves the monitor issue but, the keyboard and mouse issues occur so often I am now using the laptops (Alienware 17R3) USB ports. ... "
" ... If you are using a wireless mouse/keyboard, you can't plug in the unifying receiver into the dock without HORRIBLE lag. ... "
" ... The only wrong I see is: there are two times when the keyboard was crazy repeating a character, can not work and the only way was to reset, not a great idea when you have lots of programs running (developing software). ... "
" ... When connected to the TB3 port and under any sort of load the keyboard lags in and out and returns by repeating the last character I typed several times, the mouse also cuts off and there is a noticeable latency. ... "
" ... sometimes the keyboard doesn't work. ... "
" ... Did not work, had stuttering issues with mouse and keyboard making it unusable. ... "
Charging
8charge, dock, charges, power, drawback
+75%
-25%
" ... The only USBC dock i have found so far that can actually charge an XPS 15 over USBC. ... "
" ... Wanted to minimize cables and dock eliminates the need for using regular battery charger. ... "
" ... Charges great as well. ... Still very happy with my purchase overall and would recommend if you're laptop needs the extra power to charge. ... "
" ... -charges my laptop ... "
" ... I like the ability to just plug in one cord to my laptop and have all my peripherals and my laptop charging. ... "
" ... Charges my Dell precision 5520 and allows 4k/60Hz over displayport just fine. ... "
Software Platform
7update, windows 10, windows, bios, updated
+29%
-71%
" ... Just do a web search for "TB16 lag". ... "
" ... It seems like every time my antivirus, windows OS or Dell Updates were installed the Dock would quit working. ... Except for this last round of updates which I haven't seemed to figure out what's causing the issue. ... "
" ... The problem has gotten a lot worse since I updated to the Windows 10 Fall Creator's Update. ... "
" ... The problem has gotten a lot worse since I updated to the Windows 10 Fall Creator's Update. ... "
Mouse
7lag, keyboard and mouse, keyboard, usb ports, mouse and keyboard
+29%
-71%
" ... Mouse arrow will intermittently stop and the keyboard will stick a character like this: "Dell TBBBBBBBBBB docking station sucksssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!" ... "
" ... Keyboard and mouse (attached to rear USB ports frequently stutter, hang, lag or repeat. ... Rebooting usually resolves the monitor issue but, the keyboard and mouse issues occur so often I am now using the laptops (Alienware 17R3) USB ports. ... "
" ... Anything connected to the right side gets in the way of the mouse. ... "
" ... Did not work, had stuttering issues with mouse and keyboard making it unusable. ... "
Display Clarity
7display, flickering, dock, dell, monitors
+14%
-86%
" ... Apple cinema display cannot be used with Dell XPS9570! ... "
" ... Sometimes the display on the monitor is messed up ... "
" ... It will not work running 3 monitors at higher resolution as one continiuos monitor. ... "
" ... Screen flickering, random device disconnections, straight up not being recognized by the host, just do a quick search and you'll find them, extreme sensitivity to cable quality, you name it. ... "
" ... The new 34 inch curved Dell monitor I bought kept flickering on and off when plugged into the dock. ... "
" ... The new 34 inch curved Dell monitor I bought kept flickering on and off when plugged into the dock. ... "
Returns
6return, send, returned, going
-100%
" ... Sadly the return window closed in May . ... "
" ... I got so frustrated that I've unplugged it and am going to see whether I can somehow return it. ... "
" ... Sending it back. ... "
" ... Am not a fan of the time I had to give up getting it replaced. ... "
" ... returned, it didn't perform as expected. ... "
" ... returned, it didn't perform as expected. ... "
Setup
5setup, instructions, initial, fairly simple
+60%
-40%
" ... Initial setup was fairly simple. ... "
" ... Simple to set up, works like a champ. ... "
Overall performance
5intel, graphics, dock, dell
+60%
-40%
" ... The performance has been great, with no issues to this point. ... "
" ... Works like a built-in drive with my laptop. ... "
Lagging
5tb16
-100%
" ... Only way to get it really working again is to reboot. ... "
" ... Just do a web search for "TB16 lag". ... "
" ... Tried rebooting and reconnecting and nothing. ... "
" ... It would disconnect randomly. ... "
" ... It would disconnect randomly. ... "
USB
5hub, usb c, laptop, drives, usb ports
+40%
-60%
" ... -USB Hub requires daily reboots of my laptop. ... "
" ... Would have been great if Thunderbilt 3 and USB-C weren’t the most confusing thing in the world. ... "
" ... Also use multiple USB. ... "
Price
4worth, price, expensive, avoid
+50%
-50%
" ... A waste of money! ... "
" ... For what it is, it's extremely expensive. ... "
Power Consumption
4use, supply, large, brick, 240w
+25%
-75%
" ... At best, it works as a glorified power brick. ... "
" ... - It's large, with an even larger power supply. ... "
" ... - It's large, with an even larger power supply. ... "
Fit
4windows 10, update
+25%
-75%
" ... It ended up being nothing more that an expensive paper weight. ... "
" ... I've seen to many connectors on external hard drives, on a laptops motherboard, etc get snapped off when the bag was positioned the wrong way. ... "
" ... The problem has gotten a lot worse since I updated to the Windows 10 Fall Creator's Update. ... "
Firmware
3updates, dock, dell, drivers, xps
-100%
" ... Plenty of others reported having USB issues and for some, it seems like latest firmware/BIOS has fixed the issue, but not for me (Dell XPS 9570). ... "
" ... I went to Dell's support page and downloaded all 4 of the updated drivers (01/2019) but could not install the firmware update for the dock. ... "
" ... HOWEVER, this dock doesn't work either, as the HDMI out is bad and the dock will not accept firmware updates. ... "
Features
3use, light, dock
+33%
-67%
" ... The other DP is automatically disabled. ... "
" ... There is a light on the dock but it is on no matter what, basically, if there is power to the dock the light is on. ... "
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Specifications
Connectivity
HDMI: Yes
Number of USB ports: 2
USB: Yes
Display
Type: LED