Unable to get 4k@60Hz with _single_ monitor on Surface Dock

Question

Hi. I've tried searching, but most posts are about the lack of support for dual 4k monitors at 60Hz, which the dock obviously doesn't support. Many of the posts I found reports the dock with SP4 being able to run one 4k monitor at 60Hz in addition to the internal display. But I have to connect the display directly to my surface to make 4k@60Hz work, which is not optimal. I bought the dock to simplify things. What do I have to do to make it work? I do not need dual monitors on my dock, just the one at 60Hz.

I have tried the surface dock updating tool and the surface has the latest updates and windows build. 

Best regards, Lars Erik

Answer 1

Hi Lars ErikKolden ,

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. For us to further assist you, we would like to know more about this issue. Have you tried to change the refresh rate under the display settings on your Surface?

If Not*,* kindly go to Settings > System > tap on Display > click on Advanced display settings > tap on Display adapter properties for Display for the display you want to change the screen refresh rate of > tap on Monitor tab > Select a Screen refresh ratein the drop menu you want for the selected display. > click on OK > if the selected screen refresh rate or display mode looks good to you, select Keep changes.

Note: Perform this while connected to the external monitors.

Looking forward for your response and please keep us posted of the outcome.

Answer 2

First, you need ACTIVE cables (not passive)

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4023496

HDMI    Cable Matters Mini DisplayPort-to-HDMI - Active

Gofanco Gold Plated Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Active Converter

Surface Mini DisplayPort to HDMI 2.0 Adapter (Model 1819) -Active

DVI    Gofanco mDP to DVI Active Converter – Active

Cable Matters mDP-to-DVI (model 101022) - Active

Double check the resolution and refresh rate

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4039635/connect-surface-to-a-tv-display-or-projector

Answer 3

If the screen is connected directly to the surface, I am able to select 60Hz. But thru the dock, maximum 30.

Answer 4

Hi, thanks for your reply. For the records, I have tried DisplayPort to miniDisplay Port lengths 0.5 meters and 2 meters. Both should support 4k@60Hz, and they both give 4K@60Hz when connected directly to the surface. I see no mention of mDP to DP active cables in that table (I'm not using HDMI or DVI). The problem is while display is connected to the Dock which I just spent $200 on. I was aware that it doesn't support 2 displays at 4k@60Hz, but reports say it supports one 4k@60Hz. My surface 4 pro is i5 with 8GB/256GB. Intel core i5-6300@2.40Ghz.

From another support case on another site regarding active and passive mDP/DP-cables:

"No, DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort use the same signals so there is no need for these cables to be active unless they are very long. Typically, cables of this type don't need to be active unless they are over 30ft. Sam, StarTech.com Support"

You think otherwise? Does the surface dock weaken the signal so much? I don't think I will waste another $20 on a cable if that's the case.

Best regards, Lars Erik