Update 2: On further investigation, I have reproduced the issue on my windows side. I put the laptop on the dock while in sleep mode and woke it to find it climbing to 100% cpu usage. removing from the dock lets the cpu go down to ~5%. Replacing it on the dock causes 100% usage again. Note: The System Idle process uses relatively little cpu during this time.
Update: I just tried replicating this issue again on my windows side, and doesn't seem to be happening anymore. However, when im running ubuntu it becomes extremely slow. So this could actually be a driver issue with my ubuntu side.
The Problem:
I'm using a Dell e5430 laptop (provided by my employer) and have a docking station for it. When I use the docking station my cpu usage goes up to 100% and stays there.
What I've looked at:
–Task Manager: This cannot be traced to any particular process or service.
–Windows drivers: This also occurs when I boot into my ubuntu partition, so its a firmware/bios problem not related to a particular OS.
–Updates from dell: I checked their drivers page and did not see any updates relevant to my problem.
Other notes:
-This occurs whether or not I have any peripherals plugged in. I have tried plugging in and unplugging various things and it stays at 100% cpu usage even without anything other than the power cable.
Best Answer
I figured out a small work around - I can use the dock as long as I don't plug in the power adapter. I plug the power adapter into the laptop itself and can use the dock without issues.