1. Prove the host port
- Exact computer model and physical port.
- USB data rate, DisplayPort Alt Mode, USB4, or Thunderbolt generation.
- Native external-display count and operating-system policy.
- Accepted charging power and any EPR support.
2. Describe every display
- Resolution, refresh, bits per channel, chroma, HDR, and input type.
- Combined payload of displays sharing the upstream link.
- MST, DSC, Thunderbolt/USB4, or USB-graphics topology.
- Whether mirroring is acceptable or independent extension is required.
3. Map USB and PCIe data
- Fastest storage, network, capture, or audio device.
- Dock upstream rate and the rate of each required downstream port.
- Which ports share one controller or bandwidth group.
- Explicit PCIe tunneling support for relevant enclosures.
4. Budget power
- Power-supply wattage is not the same as power delivered to the host.
- Subtract dock electronics and reserve, then add downstream device allocations.
- Confirm the exact active-port table and host cable current class.
- For more than 100 W, verify EPR across supply, dock, cable, and host.
Reject ambiguity: if an essential output mode, delivered wattage, or downstream rate is absent from the exact-model documentation, mark it unverified—not compatible.
5. Plan a return-safe test
- Update host and dock firmware.
- Test charging alone.
- Add one display at its target mode.
- Add displays one at a time.
- Add storage and network devices, then test simultaneous load.
- Reconnect after sleep and after a cold boot.