Plugable UD-3900 USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station User Guide
- June 8, 2024
- Plugable
Table of Contents
Plugable UD-3900 USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station
- BRAND: Plugable
- COLOR: Black
- HARDWARE INTERFACE: VGA
- TOTAL USB PORTS: 6
- ITEM DIMENSIONS LXWXH: 5 x 5 x 4 inches
- NUMBER OF PORT: 12
- ITEM WEIGHT: 13 Ounces
- TOTAL HDMI PORTS: 1
- WATTAGE: 20 watts
- HARDWARE PLATFORM: PC
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
This dock offers dual television outputs, wired Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm
headphone and microphone connectors, two USB 3.0 ports, and four USB 2.0
connections with a single USB 3.0 connection from a host PC. Built-in
1920×1200 @ 60Hz resolution and frame rate support is provided by both the
HDMI and DVI outputs. both a DVI to HDMI and a DVI to VGA adapter With a
single HDMI monitor, the HDMI port offers resolutions up to 2560×1440 @ 50Hz.
Compatible with Macs running 10.14 and higher as well as Windows 11, 10, 8, 5,
and XP computers.
For USB-C systems, an additional adaptor is required (USBC-AF3). Using Windows
Update, install plug-and-play drivers. Gigabit speed is supported using wired
Ethernet. The host PC is not billed by the dock. Use with web and productivity
software only; not suggested for use with video games. can’t be combined with
USB adapters that aren’t DisplayLink. Connections over DisplayPort are not
supported. Will not playback encrypted or copy-protected content and does not
support HDCP. We sincerely hope you share our love for our Plugable items. A
two-year limited parts and labor warranty and Seattle-based email support are
included for this item.
FEATURES
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Provides SuperSpeed USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) link between computer to video, audio, network, and two additional USB 3.0 ports
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Compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, and XP. Intel/AMD only (no Windows RT/ARM). Not supported for Mac or Linux at this time
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Backward compatible with USB 2.0 (480Mbps) for both the PC and attached devices
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HDMI and DVI/VGA ports for two external monitors support display resolutions up to 2560×1440* (HDMI) and DVI / VGA to 2048×1152 / 1920×1200
NOTE: 2560×1440 output is only available when using a single HDMI display connected through the dock -
Network port offers wired Gigabit Ethernet connectivity (also 10/100 capable)
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Graphics, audio, and networking are all managed by a single DisplayLink DL-3900 chipset
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USB 3.0 ports and components controlled by VIA VL811 chipset; four USB 2.0 ports controlled by Terminus chipset
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Stereo audio in/out with hotplug detection. Comes with a four-amp AC power adapter, USB 3.0 Type-A male to Type-B male cable, and DVI-to-VGA passive port adapter
INTEGRATED CHIPSETS
The heart of the docking station is its DisplayLink DL-3900 chipset, which manages dual graphics and audio output and Gigabit Ethernet functions. The integration of these functions on a single chipset means fewer internal components need to be bolted together, leading to increased compatibility and reliability overall. Drivers are installed automatically from Windows Update if an Internet connection is present when the docking station is first connected (a driver’s CD also comes in the box).
You can extend or mirror your primary Windows desktop to a monitor connected to the UD-3900. With DisplayLink technology, graphics processing still is handled by a connected computer’s central processor and graphics processor. The DisplayLink drivers on that PC compress and transmit pixels to the DL-3900 chipset, which decodes the data and displays it.
SPEED AND POWER
Performance is best when hooking up the UD-3900 docking station to a USB 3.0 port on a PC, allowing SuperSpeed data-transfer rates of up to five gigabits per second between the computer and the dock’s USB 3.0 components and ports. The UD-3900 also can be connected to a computer’s USB 2.0 port, though communications between the computer and the docking station will be no faster than the USB 2.0 maximum of 480 megabits per second.
HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
Dual Core Intel or AMD CPU, 2GHz or better. Windows GPU should be Intel, AMD, or Nvidia.
IN THE BOX
The Plugable UD-3900 comes with a four-amp, five-volt power supply; a USB 3.0 Type-A male to Type-B male cable; a passive DVI-to-VGA port adapter; a quick- install guide; and a drivers CD.
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 with 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 standards. 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.
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 a USB, you’ll increase responsiveness.
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 desktops
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
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many monitors can I connect to the dock?****
The UD-3900 supports up to two displays. One display is connected via HDMI and the other is connected via DVI.
Does this work with Windows 10?****
Yes, this docking station works with Windows 10.
Does this work with Mac OS X?****
Yes, this docking station works with Mac OS X.
Does this work with Linux?****
Yes, this docking station works with Linux.
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.
Have you tested it with external touchscreen monitors? I assume USB from monitor output to docking station.****
The actual display portion is no problem. The trick is touch. Most touch monitors have an extra USB connection (back to the PC) for the touch function. You can connect that through the dock, no problem. The challenge is some touch drivers are multi-monitor savvy, while others assume that the touch screen is the primary monitor.
Is the power on UD-3900 100-220V to run outside USA?****
Yes, the power adapter that comes with http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECDM78E/ is a switching power adapter that supports inputs of 100 V to 240V.
How well does this work for two VGA monitors at the same time? We want one window open on one monitor and another window open on a second monitor.****
The device has 2 Video outputs: One DVI, and one HDMI, so you can work with 3 monitor at the same time. Right now I’m working with my laptop and a second monitor.
Can I connect this to my desktop pc? Want to easily switch between desktop and laptop via 1 usb3 cable?
I have it connected to a KVM switch, and it works perfectly switching between laptop and desktop.
How’s gaming? Is there any input lag?****
unfortunately we do not recommend utilizing the UD-3900 with gaming due to performance issues occurring during use. If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email at support@plugable.com
D oes this provide a mirror monitor or extended monitor? I want to run an excel program on one screen and a different program on the other?
You can do either – that is a setting in your operating system. I run 2x 24″ monitors plus the surface pro tablet screen as one large desktop.
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