HP Elitebook 840 G5 2x4K monitor on new HP docks

[marin268]

Hi,

I still use HP Elitebook 840 G5 notebook with Intel Core i5 and Intel 620 graphics for work. I also use the ultraslim dock. However I'm in need of 2 external 4K displays (one needs DP connection and the other display can connect over either DP or over USB-C) and I'm wondering what is the support with the new docks?


The notebook specs say that I should choose either the Thunderbolt Dock G2 (2UK37AA) or the USB-C Universal Dock (1MK33AA). However since I want to go as much future proof, because I'll change my laptop at some point, I want to get a newer better dock. Also, these old docks are not easy to find anymore.

When looking at the new docks my first guess is that with the updated Universal Dock G2 (5TW13AA) I should get 2x4K on external displays with the Elitebook 840 G5. Am I correct in assuming that?

My second guess is that the USB-C Dock G5 (5TW10AA), being almost the same as the Universal Dock G2, should also support 2x4K with the Elitebook 840 G5?
The USB-C Dock G5 is much easier for me to get than the Universal G2.

The third dock is the Thunderbolt Dock G4 (4J0A2AA). in the notebook specs the G2 variant (2UK37AA) doesn't support 2x4K over 2xDP connectors with the Elitebook 840 G5. But maybe the G4  does?

Is the Thunderbolt Dock G4 the most futureproof of the docks as it supports Thunderbolt 4?

Which one of the 3 works for me and which one should I get?

Thanks in advance for the reply.

Br,
Marin

[banhien]

@marin268 

I'm using HP USB-C G5 dock for my HP 840 G5 machine now (single cable). I'm not using 2x4K monitors but fully tested.

          

Regards.

[marin268]

Hi Banhien,

Thx for the reply. I saw this table in the HP Dock Solutions document. But since 3x4K@60Hz was never mentioned in older documentation I didn't consider it valid for Elitebook 840 G5.

Just to confirm once more. Did you successfully test the Elitebook 840 G5 and USB-C Dock G5 with 2x 4K@60Hz external displays?

Also, do you think that the Thunderbolt G4 is a more futureproof dock than the USB-C G5?

Thanks again.

Br,
Marin

[banhien]

---

@marin268 wrote:

... Also, do you think that the Thunderbolt G4 is a more futureproof dock than the USB-C G5?

---

@marin268 

Yes. HP USB-C G5 dock technology is few years old now and newer docks would be better for new generation machines.

Regards.

[marin268]

Hi,

can anyone confirm that the Thunderbolt Dock G4 supports 2xUHD@60Hz on 2xDP with the Elitebook 840 G5?

It was specified for the Thunderbolt Dock G2 that the only options are: 
1 DP + 1 TB port
or
1 USB-C® Alt mode port + 1 TB port

I found this technical white paper for the TB G4:
https://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=4aa8-1287enw

And it looks like it's the same for DP1.2 as the TB G2 dock:
1 DP + 1 TB port
or
1 USB-C® Alt mode port + 1 TB port

Am I looking at the right row?
Is the HP 840 G5 an:
DP 1.2 non-DSC ThunderboltTM host

or
DP 1.3 Thunderbolt™ host (from the HP Dock Solutions document for Thunderbolt G2 dock)
or is it an
DP 1.4 non-DSC ThunderboltTM host

When crossing the HP Elitebook 850 G5 and HP Dock Solutions (TB G2 part) documents it looks like the Elitebook has the port limitation on the TB G2 dock because it's DP 1.2.
That would mean that the Thunderbolt G4 wouldn't do much for me, as non of my two monitors has TB. TB displays are quite expensive compared to the nonTB ones. 

If all of this is true then It really is ridiculous that with the "better dock" I wouldn't be able to run 2xUHD@60Hz but with the USB-C G5 dock I would? Somehow it feels stupid.

Can someone confirm or deny this?

EDIT:
Also, the first monitor can connect only over DP. The second one can connect over DP or over USB-C (Dell P3222QE).

Br,
Marin