The HP ZBook Fury 16 G9 Mobile Workstation PC is a powerful device, designed for professionals who require high performance and reliability. Paired with the HP Thunderbolt Dock 280W G4, it offers seamless connectivity for multiple peripherals. However, some users have reported an issue where external monitors go off and on randomly when connected via the docking station. In this article, we will explore the potential causes and solutions for this problem.
Overview of the Problem
Several users have experienced intermittent display issues with their setup consisting of:
- HP ZBook Fury 16 G9 Mobile Workstation PC (609M3AV)
- HP Thunderbolt Dock 280W G4
- Two AOC U27P2 Monitors
Despite having the latest OS, graphics card, docking station, BIOS drivers, and firmware, external monitors connected through the docking station randomly turn off and on, going black for 3-4 seconds. Notably, these monitors remain visible when accessed remotely, indicating that the issue is likely hardware or firmware related rather than a complete disconnection.
Common Causes of Intermittent Display Issues
1. Cable and Connection Issues
The quality and type of cables used to connect the monitors to the docking station can significantly impact performance. Poor connections or damaged cables can cause intermittent signal loss.
- Solution: Ensure that all cables are high-quality and securely connected. Try replacing the cables to see if the issue persists.
2. Docking Station Firmware and Driver Updates
Even though you mentioned that the firmware and drivers are up-to-date, sometimes reinstallation can resolve hidden conflicts or corrupt installations.
- Solution: Reinstall the latest firmware and drivers for the HP Thunderbolt Dock 280W G4 from the HP support website.
3. Power Management Settings
Power management settings on the workstation or docking station can cause monitors to go off to save energy.
- Solution: Adjust power management settings to ensure that connected devices remain active. Check the BIOS settings for any power-saving features that might be affecting the docking station.
4. Graphics Card Settings
The settings on your graphics card can sometimes cause conflicts with external displays.
- Solution: Open your graphics card control panel (NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings) and ensure that the settings support multiple displays. Adjust any settings that might be causing conflicts.
5. Thunderbolt Settings
Incorrect Thunderbolt settings can lead to connectivity issues with the docking station.
- Solution: Go to the BIOS/UEFI settings and ensure that Thunderbolt is configured correctly. Enable any recommended settings for your HP ZBook Fury 16 G9.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
- Check Cable Connections:
- Verify that all display cables are securely connected.
- Replace cables with new, high-quality alternatives.
- Update and Reinstall Firmware/Drivers:
- Download the latest firmware and drivers from HP’s support site.
- Reinstall firmware for the HP Thunderbolt Dock 280W G4.
- Reinstall graphics card drivers.
- Adjust Power Management Settings:
- Open Control Panel > Power Options.
- Set the power plan to “High Performance.”
- Disable USB selective suspend settings.
- Configure Graphics Card Settings:
- Open the graphics card control panel.
- Set up multiple displays and ensure they are enabled.
- Adjust refresh rates and resolutions as needed.
- Check Thunderbolt Configuration:
- Enter BIOS/UEFI settings during startup.
- Navigate to Thunderbolt settings and enable all recommended options.
- Save changes and exit.
Contacting Support
If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, it may be necessary to contact HP support for further assistance. Provide them with detailed information about your setup and the steps you’ve already taken to troubleshoot the issue.
- HP Support: Visit the HP Support website for additional resources and contact options.
Conclusion
The HP ZBook Fury 16 G9 paired with the HP Thunderbolt Dock 280W G4 and AOC U27P2 monitors is a robust setup for professional use. However, display issues can arise due to various reasons, from cable problems to firmware conflicts. By systematically troubleshooting each potential cause, you can often resolve these issues and ensure a smooth, uninterrupted workflow. If all else fails, contacting HP support for personalized assistance is the best course of action.
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