Tabel of Content

1. Prerequisits

Attention:
For use with Windows 11, make sure to use Windows 11 22H2 build 222621.819 or newer
(see more information here: cifX - Thunderbolt 3 Extension Box and Windows 11).

Following steps should be always done:

• Update Notebook and Docking station
  It is important to start with an update of all Notebook and Docking firmware and system drivers
  
  

• Disable Windows "Turn on fast startup" option
  
  

• Disable Windows "PCI Express Link State Power Management"
  
  

• Use MSINFO and check if Kernel-DMA-Protection is "OFF"
  (this may happen after the specific BIOS settings below).
  

2. Windows Operating System

• PCI express power saving must be deactived to prevent a possible PC freezes
  Additional links: cifX - PC freezes if PCIe cards are used
  
  If the PCI Express "Link State Power Setting" option is missing in the Windows Power Options,
  use the following link: cifX - Enable Link State Power Management Settings on Windows

• Disable the Windows fast boot option (uncheck "Turn on fast startup" in the "Power Options")
  This option prevents a hardware scan during system startup, resulting in not initailized PCI hardware and possible system crashes.

3. DELL Latitude 5580 and DELL Dock WD15 / WD19TB

3.1. System Environment:

• Windows 10 (1903 / 1909 / 2004 / 21H2)

• DELL Latitude 5580

• DELL Dock WD15

• DELL Dock WD19TB

• Sonnet Echo Express SE III Thunderbolt Extension Box with 3 PCIe slots

3.2. System Settings

When using the CIFX in conjunction with a Thunderbolt 3 Extension Box, there are a few points to consider (see also point 2).

3.2.1. DELL Notebook

• Make sure the lastest BIOS and system drivers, including the Thunderbolt driver are installed

• Verify the Thunderbolt settings in the BIOS of the notebook

  • System Configuration

    • Dell Type-C Dock Configuration
      

      • check: Always Allow Dell Docks

    • Thunderbolt Adapter Configuration
      

      • check: Enable Thunderbolt Technology Support

      • check: Security level - No Security

      • unchecked: all other entries on this pages
        The CIFX50e card will not work if Enable Thunderbolt Adapter Boot Support or Enable Thunderbolt Adapter Pre-boot Modules options are enabled

  • Performance

    • C-State Control
      

      • uncheck: C states

  • Power Management

    • Block Sleep
      

      • check: Block Sleep (S3 State)

3.2.2. DELL Dock WD19TB

Sonnet Echo Express SE III Extension box was also tested and working if connected to the WD19TB docking station.

4. DELL Latitude 5411 and DELL Thuderbolt Dock WD19TB

4.1. System Environment:

• Windows 10 (2004 / 21H2)

• DELL Latitude 5411

• DELL Thunderbolt Dock WD19TB

• Sonnet Echo Express SE III Thunderbolt Extension Box with 3 PCIe slots

4.2. System Settings

When using the CIFX in conjunction with a Thunderbolt 3 Extension Box, there are a few points to consider (see also point 2).

4.2.1. DELL Notebook

• Make sure the lastest BIOS and system drivers, including the Thunderbolt driver are installed

• Verify the Thunderbolt settings in the BIOS of the notebook

  • System Configuration
    

    • Thunderbolt Adapter Configuration
      

      • check: Enable Thunderbolt Technology Support

      • check: Enable Thunderbolt Adapter Boot Suppor

      • check: Enable Thunderbolt Adapter Pre-boot Modules

      • check: Security level - No Security
        

  • Performance

    • C-State Control
      

      • uncheck: C states

  • Power Management

    • Block Sleep
      

      • check: Block Sleep (S3 State)

4.2.2. DELL Dock WD19TB

Sonnet Echo Express SE III Extension box was also tested and working if connected to the WD19TB docking station.

5. DELL Latitude 5521 / 5531 and DELL Thuderbolt Dock WD19TBS

5.1. System Environment:

• Windows 10 (21H2) / Windows 11 (22H2 build 222621.819 or newer)

• DELL Latitude 5531

• DELL Thunderbolt Dock WD19TBS

• Sonnet Echo Express SE III Thunderbolt Extension Box with 3 PCIe slots

5.2. System Settings

When using the CIFX in conjunction with a Thunderbolt 3 Extension Box, there are a few points to consider (see also point 2).

5.2.1. DELL Notebook

• Make sure the lastest BIOS and system drivers, including the Thunderbolt driver are installed

• Verify the Thunderbolt settings in the BIOS of the notebook.
  Use recommended default settings from DELL.
  
  Additional settings:
  

  • Pre Boot Behaviour
    

    • check: Thorough

  • Performance

    • C-State Control
      

      • uncheck: C states

5.2.2. DELL Dock WD19TBS

• On the DELL 5521
  It is plossible the Sonnet Echo Express SE III Extension box only works when directly connected to the notebook (the DELL 5521 offers two connectors).
  When connected to via the WD19TDS dock, CIFX PCIexpress hardware is shown in the CIFX driver setup and test program.

• On the DELL 5531
  The Extension Box is also working when conneted via the WD19TBS

6. DELL Precision 7650 and DELL Thuderbolt Dock WD19TBS

6.1. System Environment:

• Windows 10 (21H2)

• DELL Latitude 5521

• DELL Thunderbolt Dock WD19TBS

• Sonnet Echo Express SE III Thunderbolt Extension Box with 3 PCIe slots

6.2. System Settings

When using the CIFX in conjunction with a Thunderbolt 3 Extension Box, there are a few points to consider (see also point 2).

6.2.1. DELL Notebook

• Make sure the lastest BIOS and system drivers, including the Thunderbolt driver are installed

• Verify the Thunderbolt settings in the BIOS of the notebook.
  Use recommended default settings from DELL.
  
  Additional settings:
  

  • Pre Boot Behaviour
    

    • check: Thorough

  • Performance

    • C-State Control
      

      • uncheck: C states

  • Virtualization Support

    • VT for Direct I/O => "OFF"

7. Additional Information from DELL

Additional information from Dell can be found under the following link:
Dell USB-C and Thunderbolt Docks (WD15, TB16, TB18DC, WD19, WD19TB, WD19DC, D6000) - BIOS Settings and Driver Installation for Troubleshooting