Difference between revisions of "ThinkPad Dock II"

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== IBM ThinkPad Dock II ==
 
== IBM ThinkPad Dock II ==
−
The IBM Dock II (Model # 287710U) is the most feature-packed dock IBM sells. In addition to supporting all the features of the [[ThinkPad Mini-Dock|Mini-Dock]], the expansion capability of the Dock II can transform a regular Thinkpad into a full blown workstation with multiple monitors (PCI video card), higher fidelity audio (PC Card audio), and additional storage [[UltraBay|Ultrabay 2000]]. These expansion features are not supported by all Thinkpads, therefore the Dock II does not support as many Thinkpads as the [[ThinkPad Port Replicator II|Port Replicator II]] or [[ThinkPad Mini-Dock|Mini-Dock]].
+
The IBM Dock II (Model 2877) was the most feature-packed dock IBM sold. In addition to supporting all the features of the [[ThinkPad Mini-Dock|Mini-Dock]], the expansion capability of the Dock II can transform a regular Thinkpad into a full blown workstation with multiple monitors (PCI video card), higher fidelity audio (PC Card audio), and additional storage [[UltraBay|Ultrabay 2000]]. These expansion features are not supported by all Thinkpads, therefore the Dock II does not support as many Thinkpads as the [[ThinkPad Port Replicator II|Port Replicator II]] or [[ThinkPad Mini-Dock|Mini-Dock]].
  
 
=== Features ===
 
=== Features ===
−
* everything the [[ThinkPad Mini-Dock]] has
+
* everything the [[ThinkPad Mini-Dock]] has (Passthrogh: Ethernet, Modem, [[DVI Port|DVI]] (supports up to SXGA resolution), [[VGA Port|VGA]], [[Serial Port|Serial]], [[Parallel Port|Parallel]], 2x [[PS/2 Port|PS/2]], [[Floppy Connector|external Diskette drive]], audio in and out, Kensington lock, 4 USB 2.0)
 
* 1x half-size PCI card slot
 
* 1x half-size PCI card slot
−
* 2x additional PC Card slots
+
* 2x Type II (or 1x Type III) [[CardBus slot]]
−
* 1x Ultrabay 2000 slot
+
* 1x [[UltraBay|Ultrabay 2000]] slot
 +
* integrated internal power supply
 +
* key-lock
  
 
===Pros & Cons===
 
===Pros & Cons===
 
* Positives: Expansion capability
 
* Positives: Expansion capability
 
* Negatives: Cost ($399), internal fan is loud, large, less compatible
 
* Negatives: Cost ($399), internal fan is loud, large, less compatible
−
* Compatibility: X20/30, T20/30/40, R50/R51 and A20/30 Series notebooks.(does not support the A21e, R40/40e, R50e/51e or X40/41).
+
* Compatibility: X20/30, T20/30/40, R50/R51 and A20/30 Series notebooks.(does not support the A21e/22e, R40/40e/50e/51e or X40/41).
 
* Warranty: One Year
 
* Warranty: One Year
 
</div>
 
</div>
−
* [http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=-840&langId=-1&storeId=1&partNumber=287710U IBM Website for Dock II]
+
* {{IBMDOCURL|MIGR-46393|IBM Website for Dock II}}
 +
* [http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/mobiles_pdf/92p1836.pdf ThinkPad Docking Solutions HMM (February 2003)] (248,638 Bytes)
 +
*  {{IBMDOCURL|MIGR-4NXNTP|Docking station, port replicator, and expansion - ThinkPad General}}
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==PCI Slot==
 
==PCI Slot==
−
Note this is a Half Height, or 'low profile' slot. Separate brackets are required for low profile PCI cards. Normal cards will not fit.
+
Note this is a full height/half size and not a 'low profile' slot (the PCI card on the pictures below is "low-profile", but "half-size" cards also fit in the Dock II). Separate brackets are required for low profile PCI cards. Normal cards will not fit.
  
 
Many use the half-size PCI slot for peripherals like secondary video cards, TV tuners, audio cards, etc. This is considered by many to be the highlight of the Dock II, and is a feature that few other docks have. The Dock II does not support AGP or PCI Express. The Ultrabay 2000 slot can be used to connect other IBM peripherals, such as second hard disks or CD/DVD drives.
 
Many use the half-size PCI slot for peripherals like secondary video cards, TV tuners, audio cards, etc. This is considered by many to be the highlight of the Dock II, and is a feature that few other docks have. The Dock II does not support AGP or PCI Express. The Ultrabay 2000 slot can be used to connect other IBM peripherals, such as second hard disks or CD/DVD drives.
 
Potential owners of the Dock II are often concerned about compatibility and recommendations of video cards. See the [[#Compatible Video Cards|compatible video cards]] list below for more information.
 
Potential owners of the Dock II are often concerned about compatibility and recommendations of video cards. See the [[#Compatible Video Cards|compatible video cards]] list below for more information.
  
−
''Dock II owners: anybody tried to shoehorn a larger card in? What are the dimensions? Anyone have pictures?''
+
Dimensions are up to 18 x 12 cm:
 +
{{gallery_start}}
 +
{{thumb|ThinkPad-DockII.jpg|PCI slot of the IBM ThinkPad Dock II, Type 2877, P/N 62P4547 (bottom view)}}
 +
{{thumb|ThinkPad-DockII-rear.jpg|PCI slot of the IBM ThinkPad Dock II, Type 2877, P/N 62P4547 (rear bottom view)}}
 +
{{gallery_end}}
 +
In order to use a larger than "low-profile" card with the Dock II you can use a PCI riser. This means you might have to build a hollow support base for the dock, but it will allow you to connect any card. These PCI risers can be found at places such as [http://mini-itx.com/store/?c=8#p1908].
  
 
===Video Cards===
 
===Video Cards===
−
The PCI slot is most often used for installing video cards to allow for multiple monitors. This feature is especially useful for anyone that requires visualizing a large amount of information, including stock brokers, artists, etc. Due to the slow PCI bus, gaming is generally not improved much by external cards.
+
The PCI slot is most often used for installing video cards to allow for multiple monitors. This feature is especially useful for anyone that requires visualizing a large amount of information, including stock brokers, artists, etc. Due to the slow PCI bus, gaming is generally not improved much by external cards. In fact it is more than likely that using an external card will harm gaming performance due to the number of PCI devices sharing the bus in a typical Thinkpad, the immutable latency_timer of the Dock II's PCI slot and the proprietary bridge connecting the Thinkpad to the Dock II. Bandwidth on an a22m with no other peripherals seems not to exceed 35 MB/s.
 
One of the chief concerns of low profile video cards is whether they support the monitor setup you desire. As more monitors these days are LCDs, quality DVI support is essential. Additional concerns include driver support, ability to hot-swap (add or remove the thinkpad without rebooting), and noise/heat.
 
One of the chief concerns of low profile video cards is whether they support the monitor setup you desire. As more monitors these days are LCDs, quality DVI support is essential. Additional concerns include driver support, ability to hot-swap (add or remove the thinkpad without rebooting), and noise/heat.
−
====Quality DVI====
+
A PCI video card CANNOT drive the ThinkPad internal LCD, there is no such signal path.
−
One way to work around the [[Problem with DVI throughput|limitations]] of the docks DVI pass-through port is to use a PCI graphics card which features a PCI port. Note that while this probably will work, the performance of the PCI graphics accellerator will be poor because of the limitations of the interface.
+
====Quality DVI & Widescreen support====
−
=====Widescreen Support=====
+
One way to work around the [[Problem with DVI throughput|limitations]] of the docks DVI pass-through port is to use a PCI graphics card which features a DVI port. Note that while this probably will work, the performance of the PCI graphics accellerator will be poor because of the limitations of the interface.
−
Unofficially, *good* DVI transmitters can support 1920x1200 at 60Hz which is a newer widescreen (16:10) resolution used in monitors such as the [http://www.apple.com/displays Apple Cinema Display 20" and 23"], [http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=320-4221&c=us&l=en&cs=19&category_id=2999&page=external Dell 24" 2405FPW], [http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/monitors/tft/l2335/index.html HP L2335], and others. However, not all DVI transmitters can push this resolution, due to poor signal quality from cheap manufacturing or weak TDMS transmitters. '''It is unknown whether IBM docks and port replicators can do 1920x1200 at 60Hz.  The IBM T42 with the ATI 9600 chip can drive the Dell 24" 2405FPW at 1920x1200 using DVI by using ATI Catalyst 5.3 drivers.'''
+
 
−
If your transmitter cannot push this resolution, you must use a 'reduced blanking' option (through your video card driver) or create a custom timing through [http://www.entechtaiwan.com/ps.htm Powerstrip] with slower refresh rate, both of which can reduce performance especially in fast refresh-sensitive work (reduced blanking less so though). For more information on TDMS transmission, see the [http://www20.graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20041129/ DVI Compliance Testing] article at [http://www.tomshardware.com/ Tom's Hardware]. <BR><BR>
+
Also the newest ATI video drivers for both Linux and Windows are known to not have limited resolution support on the external DVI port anymore.
−
[http://www.apple.com/displays Apple's 30" Cinema Display], with a 2560x1600 resolution, requires what is known as [http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/20041129/tft_connection-06.html Dual-Link DVI], a technique of piggybacking 2 DVI connections into one physical DVI plug. This is not to be confused with a card having 'Dual DVI', or two physical DVI ports. Very few video cards support Dual-Link DVI, and they are usually very expensive. No known PCI cards exist that support Dual-Link DVI. There is hope for users of large displays though - newer TDMS transmitters, such as the [http://www.siliconimage.com/products/product.aspx?id=4 SiI 1172], can push 225MHz and above through a single link, which is enough to drive 2560x1600 at 55Hz, enough for most work. These transmitters have not yet made it to many video cards - only Asus' V9999GE card is known to use one.
 
  
 
====Hot Swapping====
 
====Hot Swapping====
 
'''It is unknown whether hot swapping is fully supported.'''  
 
'''It is unknown whether hot swapping is fully supported.'''  
−
Check the [http://forums.thinkpads.com/ thinkpads.com forum] for more information.
+
Check the [http://forum.thinkpads.com/ thinkpads.com forum] for more information.
  
 
====Noise/Heat====
 
====Noise/Heat====
−
Since the [[Dock II]] has been reported to be a bit noisy, some people have taken to unplugging the fan inside (or possibly replacing it). While this likely voids your warranty, it may be necessary if you really want it quiet. Adding a video card increases the heat inside the dock, and may likely have a fan on board as well, meaning it will increase the noise level. While adding one of the below video cards is likely well within the thermal limitations of the dock, you should take into consideration the noise and heat it may add.
+
Since the Dock II has been reported to be a bit noisy, some people have taken to [[How to make your Dock quiet#ThinkPad_Dock_II_Type_2877|unplugging the fan inside (or possibly replacing it)]]. While this likely voids your warranty, it may be necessary if you really want it quiet. Adding a video card increases the heat inside the dock, and may likely have a fan on board as well, meaning it will increase the noise level. While adding one of the below video cards is likely well within the thermal limitations of the dock, you should take into consideration the noise and heat it may add.
 
<BR><BR>
 
<BR><BR>
−
'''Anybody care to add some anecdotal information about this here?'''
+
The fan is located inside the power supply and is 40x40x13mm / 5V. To reduce noise the fan for example can be replaced by any 12V-fan, that starts when operating at 5V (many don't). An instruction can be found in [http://thinkpad-forum.de/thread.php?threadid=16417&hilightuser=1133 Thinkpad-Forum] (German).
 +
 
 
====TV Tuners====
 
====TV Tuners====
 +
{| cellspacing="10" cellpadding="0"
 +
|- style="text-align:left;"
 +
!Card !! Chipset !! A/V Ports !! HDTV !! Price
 +
|-
 +
|[http://www.ati.com/products/tvwonderpro/index.html ATI TV Wonder Pro]
 +
|PCI
 +
|Yes
 +
|No
 +
|$59.99[http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=SEARCH&product_code=315276&Pn=TV_Wonder_Pro_PCI_TV_Tuner_and_Video_Capture_Card]
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
====Compatible Video Cards====
 
====Compatible Video Cards====
 
This is a list of the most popular low-profile PCI video cards used with the IBM ThinkPad Dock II.
 
This is a list of the most popular low-profile PCI video cards used with the IBM ThinkPad Dock II.
−
{| cellspacing="10" cellpadding="0"
+
 
 +
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5" border="1"
 
|- style="text-align:left;"
 
|- style="text-align:left;"
−
!Card !! Chipset !! RAM !! DVI Ports !! Max DVI Res !! TDMS !! Compatibility !! Price
+
! Card !! Chipset !! RAM !! DVI Ports !! Max DVI Res !! [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TMDS TMDS] !! Compatibility !! Price
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[http://www.matrox.com/mga/workstation/audio/products/pseries/p650_low_profile.cfm Matrox Millennium P650 Low-Profile]
 
|[http://www.matrox.com/mga/workstation/audio/products/pseries/p650_low_profile.cfm Matrox Millennium P650 Low-Profile]
Line 62: Line 83:
 
|Unknown
 
|Unknown
 
|[http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=321649&affiliate=yahoo $219.95]
 
|[http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=321649&affiliate=yahoo $219.95]
 +
|-
 +
|[http://www.matrox.com/mga/corp/insurance/products/g450mms_quad.cfm Matrox G450MMS Quad PCI]
 +
|G450
 +
|128MB DDR
 +
|4x
 +
|4x1280x1024
 +
|Unknown
 +
|Unknown
 +
|~$500
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[http://www.pny.com/products/quadro/nvs/280Nvspci.asp PNY Quadro NVS 280 PCI]
 
|[http://www.pny.com/products/quadro/nvs/280Nvspci.asp PNY Quadro NVS 280 PCI]
Line 67: Line 97:
 
|64MB DDR
 
|64MB DDR
 
|2x (reqs cable)
 
|2x (reqs cable)
 +
|2x1600x1200@60Hz
 +
|Unknown
 +
|Works driving two 19" LCDs at 1280x1024. Using DVI cables. Windows XP Pro and Slackware Linux 12.2
 +
|[http://www.compuvest.com/Desc.jsp;jsessionid=aVVkn197e6oeOhre-6?iid=947985 $99.99]
 +
|-
 +
|Nvidia GeForce MX 4000
 +
|GeForce 4 MX 4000
 +
|64MB DDR
 +
|1x
 
|Unknown
 
|Unknown
 
|Unknown
 
|Unknown
 
|Unknown
 
|Unknown
−
|[http://www.computerbrain.com/applications/search/itemdetails.asp?sku=VCQ4280NVSPCIBK&sc=frg $157.99]
+
|
 +
|-
 +
|Nvidia e-GeForce FX 5500
 +
|GeForce 5 FX 5500
 +
|64MB DDR
 +
|1x
 +
|Unknown
 +
|Unknown
 +
|Resolution messed up using DVI->HMDI, works using DVI->VGA on a Hanns-g 28" 1920 x 1200 LCD. Gave up, returned card
 +
|~ $50
 
|-
 
|-
 
|[http://www.naplestech.com/pages/xentera_gt2_pci-dvi.htm NTI Xentera GT2]
 
|[http://www.naplestech.com/pages/xentera_gt2_pci-dvi.htm NTI Xentera GT2]
Line 89: Line 137:
 
|Unknown
 
|Unknown
 
|[http://www.axiontech.com/prdt.php?src=FG&item=49218 $448.95]
 
|[http://www.axiontech.com/prdt.php?src=FG&item=49218 $448.95]
 +
|-
 +
|VisionTek/ATI Radeon x1300 PCI
 +
|ATI Radeon x1300
 +
|256MB DDR2
 +
|1 VGA, 1 S-Video, 1 DVI
 +
|2560x1600 (dual link)
 +
|165Mhz (3.7 Gbit/s single link, up to 7.4Gbit/s dual link) {{Fixme|}}
 +
|Would lock up machine occassionaly. Word has it card is "backported" PCI-E. Maybe requires more power than Dock II can provide.
 +
|[http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch.hmx?SCriteria=4128160&CartID=done&nextloc= $97.38]
 +
|-
 +
|[http://www.visiontek.com/products/cards/retail/x1550_PCI.html VisionTek X1550 256 MB PCI]
 +
|ATI Radeon x1550
 +
|256MB DDR2
 +
|1 VGA 1 S-Video 1 DVI
 +
|2560x1600 (tested on 1400x1050 Westinghouse LCM-20v5 and 1280x720 on Samsung HDTV)
 +
|From dmesg: [drm] TMDS-7: set mode 1280x1024 2e
 +
|Yes, tested VGA, DVI and DVI to HDMI, plastic must be cut to make VGA out accessible.
 +
|[http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/VisionTek-Radeon-X1550-256MB-HD-Video-Card-X1550PCI256/sem/rpsm/context/99000362/oid/177699/catOid/-13043/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do $109.99]
 +
|-
 +
|Sapphire Radeon 9250
 +
|ATI Radeon 9250
 +
|256MB DDR
 +
|1 DVI,  1 S-Video, 1 VGA
 +
|Unknown
 +
|Unknown
 +
|Works @ 1920 x 1200 via DVI->HDMI, slight plastic cutting for DVI out, very tight fit (no bigger card will work)
 +
|~ $50
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
===Audio Cards===
 
===Audio Cards===
 +
{| cellspacing="10" cellpadding="0"
 +
|- style="text-align:left;"
 +
! Vendor !! Card !! OS !! Hotplug !! Price
 +
|-
 +
|RME
 +
|[http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_hdsp_9632.php HDSP 9632] (no room for any expansion boards)
 +
|Windows XP / Vista / Windows 7
 +
|Unknown
 +
|£250~£300
 +
|-
 +
|EMU
 +
|[http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=505&subcategory=491&product=10447 0404 PCI Audio Card]
 +
|Windows XP / Vista
 +
|Yes
 +
|[http://www.zzounds.com/item--EMU8803 $99.95]
 +
|-
 +
|EMU
 +
|[http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=142&subcategory=191&product=15527 1010 PCI Audio Card]
 +
|Windows XP / Vista / Windows 7
 +
|Unknown
 +
|Dunno, I bought my e-mu 1820 for $140 at ebay.com (You must use external 12v power source to be able to use audiodock)
 +
|-
 +
|Creative
 +
|[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sound_Blaster_Audigy#Second_Generation Soundblaster Audigy 2 ZS]
 +
|Windows XP
 +
|Unknown
 +
|~$70
 +
|-
 +
|Creative
 +
|[http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=209&subcategory=669&product=14066 Soundblaster X-FI Extreme Music]
 +
|Windows XP
 +
|Yes
 +
|~$100
 +
|}
 +
 
===Other PCI Cards===
 
===Other PCI Cards===
 +
 +
ThinkPad Dock II supports the VIA VT6421A PCI RAID Controller card. Controller is equipped with a one internal PATA port (UltraATA133),
 +
one internal and one external SATA 1 port. The controller however, does not allow booting, it is probably caused by bios.
 +
 +
{{gallery_start}}
 +
{{thumb|desk1.jpg|IBM ThinkPad Dock II Type 2877, T43 and connect two hard disk 3,5", one PATA and one SATA}}
 +
{{thumb|ak60.jpeg|AK60 - PCI VIA VT6421A RAID Controller card }}
 +
{{gallery_end}}
  
 
==Ultrabay 2000==
 
==Ultrabay 2000==
−
In contrast to the Full Dock I the Full Dock II has a full featured (= hotswap capable) [[UltraBay|UltraBay 2000]] slot.
+
In contrast to the [[ThinkPad Dock|Full Dock I]] the Full Dock II has a full featured (= hotswap capable) [[UltraBay|UltraBay 2000]] slot.
  
 
Note to T4x owners: [[UltraBay|UltraBay 2000]] is an older Ultrabay technology, not compatible with the [[UltraBay|UltraBay Slim]] in the T40/T41/T42/T43 lineup. Many [[UltraBay|UltraBay 2000]] accessories are available on [http://search.ebay.com/ultrabay-2000 Ebay].  
 
Note to T4x owners: [[UltraBay|UltraBay 2000]] is an older Ultrabay technology, not compatible with the [[UltraBay|UltraBay Slim]] in the T40/T41/T42/T43 lineup. Many [[UltraBay|UltraBay 2000]] accessories are available on [http://search.ebay.com/ultrabay-2000 Ebay].  
Line 103: Line 221:
  
 
==PC Card Slots==
 
==PC Card Slots==
−
''Todo...''
+
Nothing special: 2 additional Type II slots. This may be helpful if you need a certain PC Card only while docked (e.g. a second GBit NIC), or if you have 2 PC Cards that physically won't fit into one pair of slots at the same time (e.g. 2 WLAN cards or 2 [http://www.villagetronic.com/e_pr_vtbook.html Villagetronic VTBook Video cards] ).
 +
 
 
<!--===Peripherals===-->
 
<!--===Peripherals===-->
 +
 
==DVI pass-through==
 
==DVI pass-through==
−
LCD monitors are getting larger and higher-resolution. Currently, DVI based on 165MHz TDMS transmitters can only (officially) support 1600x1200x32 at 60Hz, which is the resolution of your average 20" non-widescreen LCD. IBM's driver support for this resolution through DVI ports on docks has been inconsistent. Also in Linux you might experience [[Problem with DVI throughput|problems]] even with this resolution and IBM officially states that the pass-through DVI port only supports resolutios up to 1280x1024. Read [[Problem with DVI throughput|our page]] of information on how to solve these troubles.
+
LCD monitors are getting larger and higher-resolution. Currently, DVI based on 165MHz TDMS transmitters can only (officially) support 1600x1200x32 at 60Hz, which is the resolution of your average 20" non-widescreen LCD. IBM's driver support for this resolution through DVI ports on docks has been inconsistent. Also in Linux you might experience [[Problem with DVI throughput|problems]] even with this resolution and IBM officially states that the pass-through DVI port only supports resolutions up to 1280x1024. Read [[Problem with DVI throughput|our page]] of information on how to solve these troubles.
 +
 
 +
Please be aware that not all Thinkpad models will support DVI output with a Dock.  Apparently, X and T2* models do not.  Please add other models if you know about them to not support DVI.
  
−
[[Category:A20m]] [[Category:A20p]] [[Category:A20m]] [[Category:A20p]] [[Category:A21e]] [[Category:A21m]] [[Category:A21p]] [[Category:A22e]] [[Category:A22m]] [[Category:A22p]] [[Category:R30]] [[Category:R31]] [[Category:R32]] [[Category:R40]] [[Category:R50]] [[Category:R50p]] [[Category:R51]] [[Category:T20]] [[Category:T21]] [[Category:T22]] [[Category:T23]] [[Category:T30]] [[Category:T40]] [[Category:T40p]] [[Category:T41]] [[Category:T41p]] [[Category:T42]] [[Category:T42p]] [[Category:X20]] [[Category:X21]] [[Category:X22]] [[Category:X23]] [[Category:X24]] [[Category:X30]] [[Category:X31]]
+
== Supported ThinkPads ==
 +
* {{A20m}}, {{A20p}}, {{A21m}}, {{A21p}}, {{A22m}}, {{A22p}}
 +
* {{A30}}, {{A30p}}, {{A31}}, {{A31p}}
 +
* {{R50}}, {{R50p}}, {{R51}}, {{R52}}
 +
* {{T20}}, {{T21}}, {{T22}}, {{T23}}
 +
* {{T30}}
 +
* {{T40}}, {{T40p}}, {{T41}}, {{T41p}}, {{T42}}, {{T42p}}, {{T43}}, {{T43p}}
 +
* {{X20}}, {{X21}}, {{X22}}, {{X23}}, {{X24}}
 +
* {{X30}}, {{X31}}, {{X32}}

Latest revision as of 16:18, 6 April 2014

IBM ThinkPad Dock II

The IBM Dock II (Model 2877) was the most feature-packed dock IBM sold. In addition to supporting all the features of the Mini-Dock, the expansion capability of the Dock II can transform a regular Thinkpad into a full blown workstation with multiple monitors (PCI video card), higher fidelity audio (PC Card audio), and additional storage Ultrabay 2000. These expansion features are not supported by all Thinkpads, therefore the Dock II does not support as many Thinkpads as the Port Replicator II or Mini-Dock.

Features

Pros & Cons

  • Positives: Expansion capability
  • Negatives: Cost ($399), internal fan is loud, large, less compatible
  • Compatibility: X20/30, T20/30/40, R50/R51 and A20/30 Series notebooks.(does not support the A21e/22e, R40/40e/50e/51e or X40/41).
  • Warranty: One Year

PCI Slot

Note this is a full height/half size and not a 'low profile' slot (the PCI card on the pictures below is "low-profile", but "half-size" cards also fit in the Dock II). Separate brackets are required for low profile PCI cards. Normal cards will not fit.

Many use the half-size PCI slot for peripherals like secondary video cards, TV tuners, audio cards, etc. This is considered by many to be the highlight of the Dock II, and is a feature that few other docks have. The Dock II does not support AGP or PCI Express. The Ultrabay 2000 slot can be used to connect other IBM peripherals, such as second hard disks or CD/DVD drives. Potential owners of the Dock II are often concerned about compatibility and recommendations of video cards. See the compatible video cards list below for more information.

Dimensions are up to 18 x 12 cm:

Photos (click to see full size)
PCI slot of the IBM ThinkPad Dock II, Type 2877, P/N 62P4547 (bottom view)
PCI slot of the IBM ThinkPad Dock II, Type 2877, P/N 62P4547 (rear bottom view)

In order to use a larger than "low-profile" card with the Dock II you can use a PCI riser. This means you might have to build a hollow support base for the dock, but it will allow you to connect any card. These PCI risers can be found at places such as [1].

Video Cards

The PCI slot is most often used for installing video cards to allow for multiple monitors. This feature is especially useful for anyone that requires visualizing a large amount of information, including stock brokers, artists, etc. Due to the slow PCI bus, gaming is generally not improved much by external cards. In fact it is more than likely that using an external card will harm gaming performance due to the number of PCI devices sharing the bus in a typical Thinkpad, the immutable latency_timer of the Dock II's PCI slot and the proprietary bridge connecting the Thinkpad to the Dock II. Bandwidth on an a22m with no other peripherals seems not to exceed 35 MB/s. One of the chief concerns of low profile video cards is whether they support the monitor setup you desire. As more monitors these days are LCDs, quality DVI support is essential. Additional concerns include driver support, ability to hot-swap (add or remove the thinkpad without rebooting), and noise/heat. A PCI video card CANNOT drive the ThinkPad internal LCD, there is no such signal path.

Quality DVI & Widescreen support

One way to work around the limitations of the docks DVI pass-through port is to use a PCI graphics card which features a DVI port. Note that while this probably will work, the performance of the PCI graphics accellerator will be poor because of the limitations of the interface.

Also the newest ATI video drivers for both Linux and Windows are known to not have limited resolution support on the external DVI port anymore.

Hot Swapping

It is unknown whether hot swapping is fully supported. Check the thinkpads.com forum for more information.

Noise/Heat

Since the Dock II has been reported to be a bit noisy, some people have taken to unplugging the fan inside (or possibly replacing it). While this likely voids your warranty, it may be necessary if you really want it quiet. Adding a video card increases the heat inside the dock, and may likely have a fan on board as well, meaning it will increase the noise level. While adding one of the below video cards is likely well within the thermal limitations of the dock, you should take into consideration the noise and heat it may add.

The fan is located inside the power supply and is 40x40x13mm / 5V. To reduce noise the fan for example can be replaced by any 12V-fan, that starts when operating at 5V (many don't). An instruction can be found in Thinkpad-Forum (German).

TV Tuners

Card Chipset A/V Ports HDTV Price
ATI TV Wonder Pro PCI Yes No $59.99[2]

Compatible Video Cards

This is a list of the most popular low-profile PCI video cards used with the IBM ThinkPad Dock II.

Card Chipset RAM DVI Ports Max DVI Res TMDS Compatibility Price
Matrox Millennium P650 Low-Profile P650 64MB DDR 2x 1920x1200 Unknown Unknown $219.95
Matrox G450MMS Quad PCI G450 128MB DDR 4x 4x1280x1024 Unknown Unknown ~$500
PNY Quadro NVS 280 PCI Nvidia Quadro 280 64MB DDR 2x (reqs cable) 2x1600x1200@60Hz Unknown Works driving two 19" LCDs at 1280x1024. Using DVI cables. Windows XP Pro and Slackware Linux 12.2 $99.99
Nvidia GeForce MX 4000 GeForce 4 MX 4000 64MB DDR 1x Unknown Unknown Unknown
Nvidia e-GeForce FX 5500 GeForce 5 FX 5500 64MB DDR 1x Unknown Unknown Resolution messed up using DVI->HMDI, works using DVI->VGA on a Hanns-g 28" 1920 x 1200 LCD. Gave up, returned card ~ $50
NTI Xentera GT2 ATI Radeon 9000 64MB DDR 2x Unknown Unknown Unknown $213.91
NTI Xentera GT4 ATI Radeon 9000 x2 64MB DDR x2 4x Unknown Unknown Unknown $448.95
VisionTek/ATI Radeon x1300 PCI ATI Radeon x1300 256MB DDR2 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, 1 DVI 2560x1600 (dual link) 165Mhz (3.7 Gbit/s single link, up to 7.4Gbit/s dual link)
FIXME
'
 Would lock up machine occassionaly. Word has it card is "backported" PCI-E. Maybe requires more power than Dock II can provide. $97.38
VisionTek X1550 256 MB PCI ATI Radeon x1550 256MB DDR2 1 VGA 1 S-Video 1 DVI 2560x1600 (tested on 1400x1050 Westinghouse LCM-20v5 and 1280x720 on Samsung HDTV) From dmesg: [drm] TMDS-7: set mode 1280x1024 2e Yes, tested VGA, DVI and DVI to HDMI, plastic must be cut to make VGA out accessible. $109.99
Sapphire Radeon 9250 ATI Radeon 9250 256MB DDR 1 DVI, 1 S-Video, 1 VGA Unknown Unknown Works @ 1920 x 1200 via DVI->HDMI, slight plastic cutting for DVI out, very tight fit (no bigger card will work) ~ $50

Audio Cards

Vendor Card OS Hotplug Price
RME HDSP 9632 (no room for any expansion boards) Windows XP / Vista / Windows 7 Unknown £250~£300
EMU 0404 PCI Audio Card Windows XP / Vista Yes $99.95
EMU 1010 PCI Audio Card Windows XP / Vista / Windows 7 Unknown Dunno, I bought my e-mu 1820 for $140 at ebay.com (You must use external 12v power source to be able to use audiodock)
Creative Soundblaster Audigy 2 ZS Windows XP Unknown ~$70
Creative Soundblaster X-FI Extreme Music Windows XP Yes ~$100

Other PCI Cards

ThinkPad Dock II supports the VIA VT6421A PCI RAID Controller card. Controller is equipped with a one internal PATA port (UltraATA133), one internal and one external SATA 1 port. The controller however, does not allow booting, it is probably caused by bios.

Photos (click to see full size)
IBM ThinkPad Dock II Type 2877, T43 and connect two hard disk 3,5", one PATA and one SATA
AK60 - PCI VIA VT6421A RAID Controller card

Ultrabay 2000

In contrast to the Full Dock I the Full Dock II has a full featured (= hotswap capable) UltraBay 2000 slot.

Note to T4x owners: UltraBay 2000 is an older Ultrabay technology, not compatible with the UltraBay Slim in the T40/T41/T42/T43 lineup. Many UltraBay 2000 accessories are available on Ebay.

The docks IDE interface is a CMD 648, so you should enable the according kernel option (compile it into the kernel if loading as a module doesn't work), if you want to use anything else than a floppy in the docks UltraBay. Note that the interface will most likely be ide2 and ide3 then, so the docks UltraBay drive will be hde.

PC Card Slots

Nothing special: 2 additional Type II slots. This may be helpful if you need a certain PC Card only while docked (e.g. a second GBit NIC), or if you have 2 PC Cards that physically won't fit into one pair of slots at the same time (e.g. 2 WLAN cards or 2 Villagetronic VTBook Video cards ).


DVI pass-through

LCD monitors are getting larger and higher-resolution. Currently, DVI based on 165MHz TDMS transmitters can only (officially) support 1600x1200x32 at 60Hz, which is the resolution of your average 20" non-widescreen LCD. IBM's driver support for this resolution through DVI ports on docks has been inconsistent. Also in Linux you might experience problems even with this resolution and IBM officially states that the pass-through DVI port only supports resolutions up to 1280x1024. Read our page of information on how to solve these troubles.

Please be aware that not all Thinkpad models will support DVI output with a Dock. Apparently, X and T2* models do not. Please add other models if you know about them to not support DVI.

Supported ThinkPads

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