Is there an actual graphics processing system inside the dock? For docks with two or three HDMI outputs, shouldn’t reviews be focusing on the performance of the internal GPU system? Because it’s something I’ve not noticed in reviews if that’s the case.
No the docks don’t have any video processing capability, they either convert the usb-c to video, or they have a driver like DisplayLink. In the case of Dell, the usb-c docks are limited to one 2k or greater monitor at a time, so you can have a 2k and 1080p, but not 2 x 2k or a 2k and a 4K… the Thunderbolt version of the same dock has no such limitation
They typically do not. The general purpose of a dock is to expand connectivity (hence the outputs). I mean, it is possible that there is one out there, but I’m not aware of it.
There’s no real graphics hardware in MOST docs, but some USB docks labeled display link actually have a little display adapter in the dock that is written into by your gfx card.
Also thunderbolt and to a lesser degree displayport send (or can send and often dont) partial screen updates making the endpoint do some graphics card like work.
Otherwise there are usually chips that convert formats, displayport to hdmi, etc, and logic to handle resolution negotiation which a lot of docks get wrong and leave you with 1080p when you should be seeing 4k.
Anyway yes you’re mostly right “But ahkshually!!!”
There are solutions for Thunderbolt that allow connecting external graphics cards (eGPU) like this one from Razer, but the typical docks just forward the signal.
Edit: Updated link
I’m not aware of any laptop docks with built in graphics. Normally the video outputs just expose whatever display output capabilities the laptop has through the thunderbolt protocol (displayport over usb c)
Some good answers here. Thanks.
