Graphics
Intel® graphics drivers and software, compatibility, troubleshooting, performance, and optimization
20494 Discussions

Multiple monitor connection failure

Asriel
Novice
3,098 Views

I am trying to connect Dell inspiron 7700 AIO with 2 S3222DGM monitors,

 

PC: 11th GEN Intel Core I7, 64-bit, 16GB RAM.

PC graphics card: Intel UHD Graphics & NVIDIA Geforce MX330

PC ports:

One HDMI port

One HDMI-in port

One USB 2.0 port with Power on/Wake-up support

One USB 3.1 Gen 1 port

One USB 3.1 port with Power on/Wake-up support

One USB 3.1 Gen 1 port with PowerShare

One USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Type-C) port

 

link to ports, in case I'm missing something: https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-uk/000181874/dell-inspiron-7700-aio?c=uk#:~:text=Dell%20Inspiron%207700%20AIO%20ports%20and%20specifications%20,on%2FWake-up%20s%20...%20%205%20more%20rows%20

 

S3222DGM monitors:

Ports:

X ONE - DisplayPort 1.2

X TWO - HDMI 2 2.0 port

 

Monitor user guide: https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_electronics_accessories/esuprt_electronics_accessories_monitor/dell-s3222dgm-monitor_Users-Guide_en-us.pdf

 

I am able to connect one monitor using a HDMI cable.

I've tried connecting the second monitor using the other HDMI port but it doesn't work as it's an in port (correct me if I'm wrong)

I want to extend the monitors, not duplicate but for the sake of it I've tried to daisy chain using DP cable also tried HDMI and nothing.

the purpose for multiple monitor connection is general use & work.

 

I bought a type c to HDMI adapter and tried connecting the second monitor this way but nothing (Though i can use it to connect my phone to the monitor)

 

How can I connect the 3rd monitor?

Should I have bought a USB 3 to HDMI cable instead?

Do I need an external graphics card? or just configure the graphics card drivers?

 

Let me know if you need additional info about the system, Also if I should be asking somewhere else, please let me know,

 

Thank you kindly for taking the time to read and help me out,

Alan

0 Kudos
13 Replies
n_scott_pearson
Super User
3,086 Views

Let's go through this item by item...

  • The HDMI In port is indeed only an input; you cannot use it for monitor hookup.
  • The HDMI port is listed as being an HDMI 1.4 port, so running your 2560x1440 monitor type is going to be somewhat problematic. Perhaps it will run cleanly at 60Hz or 75Hz, but unlikely to support a higher frequency.
  • HDMI can only support a single monitor, so is not an option for a second.

You thus have two options for a second external monitor. The first, via USB-C (and DisplayPort Alt Mode) is looking bad, as you have tried this already. The second is via USB. There are USB 3.x adapters that support one or two monitors. Here is an example: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0725K1MHH. I have tested one of these, though only with 1080p monitor. The 'but' in this is that, while frequency is reasonable, the data rate is not so great; suffice it to say, you won't be using it for any gaming.

Hope this helps,

...S

 

Asriel
Novice
3,064 Views

Hey Scott, 

That's very helpful thank you for taking the time to respond, 

 

"The first, via USB-C (and DisplayPort Alt Mode)" - I tried a connection of USB type c to HDMI, but this was a simple cheap cable, as I was unaware of the need for an external USB GPU. 

 

1.1 - Are you saying that a USB type C would be a better choice over a USB 3 because a USB type c will be more suited to transfer data at higher frequencies?

1.2 - considering your answer to 1.1.. Then what is my better option would it be to HDMI or to DisplayPort connection?

As I understand a DP is able to transfer data at higher frequencies.

 

In the case of USB type c to display being a better option I would be looking at something like this right? :  *edit: added official link* USB-C to 2x DP Multi Monitor Adapter MST - USB-C™ Video Adapters | United Kingdom (startech.com)

 

StarTech.com 2-Port Multi Monitor Adapter - USB-C to 2x DisplayPort 1.2 Video Splitter - USB Type-C to DP MST Hub - Dual 4K 30Hz or 1080p 60Hz - Thunderbolt 3 Compatible - Windows Only (MSTCDP122DP): Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo

 

Thank you for the link to product that's actually the one I was looking at last night, 

 

Kindest regards, 

Alan

 

0 Kudos
Alx24
New Contributor II
3,078 Views

Humanity has taken a huge step forward in the transition from CRT displays with half kilowatt power consumption to the next more economical technological generation with significant energy savings on a global scale.

Resolution and frame rate refer to the speed of the display interface, and frame rate refers to the switching speed of the pixel matrix as a whole. Unlike CRT displays with a very small pixel turn on time, the millisecond time of turning on a pixel in LCD displays is almost
equal to the time of transmission of frame video data to the display.

LCD matrix due to the physical features of the work of pixels unlike CRT has
a specific set of frequencies.

 

Display "Dell S3222DGM"

https://deals.dell.com/en-us/productdetail/cher

...

Native Resolution
2560 x 1440 at 165Hz (Native with DP 1.2)
2560 x 1440 at 144Hz (Native with HDMI 2.0)

...


Paying great attention in the display EDID to modes with high frequencies leads to a minimum of information about
low-frequency modes, which can make it difficult to work with them adapters USB-C HDMI, USB-C DisplayPort.

 

In detailed documentation for Intel Core processors

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/products/docs/processors/core/core-technical-resources.html

...

11th Generation Intel® Core™ Processor Family
Supporting 11th Generation Intel® Core™ processor families, Intel® Pentium® processors, Intel® Celeron® processors for UP3, UP4, and H35 platform, formerly known as Tiger Lake

Link "Datasheet, volume 1" https://cdrdv2.intel.com/v1/dl/getContent/631121

...

it is recorded that

"10.3 Display Features
10.3.1 General Capabilities
• Up to four simultaneous displays.
— Single 8K60Hz panel, supported by joining two pipes over single port.
Up to 4x4K60Hz display concurrent.
• Audio stream support on external ports.
Up to four USB* Type-C for DisplayPort* Alt Mode, DisplayPort* over TBT, or
DisplayPort*/HDMI* interfaces.
• Up to four DP-IN interfaces supporting discrete GPU DisplayPort* stream via USBC* sub system
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) support.
Four Display Pipes - Supporting blending, color adjustments, scaling and dithering.
• Transcoders - Containing the Timing generators supporting eDP*, DSI*, DP*,
HDMI* interfaces.
• One Low Power optimized pipe.
— LACE (Localized Adaptive Contrast Enhancement), supported up to 5 K
resolutions.
— 3D LUT - power efficient pixel modification function for color processing.
— FBC (Frame Buffer Compression) - power saving feature.
Note: DP-IN supported only in H segment"


Your "Dell inspiron 7700 AIO" has 1 internal display.


Official sample

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000058069/intel-nuc.html

"Multiple Display Configuration Options for Intel® NUC Kits NUC11PAQ, NUC11PAH, and NUC11PAK"


It is worth noting that the full resolution 5K (5120x3200 @ 60Hz)

"1 Type C DisplayPort 5120x3200 @ 60Hz, 24 bpp"

is halfway from 4K to 8K.


https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000026412/graphics.html

"Using Video Cable Adapters, Splitters and/or Docking Stations in Computers not Manufactured by Intel"


There are compatible devices for Intel Corp. products with Intel Graphics:

https://compatibleproducts.intel.com

https://compatibleproducts.intel.com/ProductDetails?prodSearch=True&searchTerm=NUC11PAHi5

https://compatibleproducts.intel.com/ProductDetails?prodSearch=True&searchTerm=NUC11PAHi7

"Adapters and Dongles"

Adapters and Dongles : ( 16 )

MANUFACTURER DESCRIPTION PART NUMBER RESULTS TYPE

Accell USB Type-C to HDMI 2.0 adapter
U187B-002B
Intel Validated

Accell USB Type-C to Gigabit Ethernet adapter
U187B-001B
Intel Validated

Audio-Technica USB 3.5mm to USB audio adapter
ATR2X-USB
3rd Party Validated

ESR 2-in-1 USB-C PD Headphone Jack Adapter
ua_cto35mmpd_jp

3rd Party Validated
J5 Create USB-C to DP female dongle
JCA145

Intel Validated
Light Plus Cable mini Displayport to HDMI (4K)
LPC1651

Intel Validated
Plugable USB 3.1 (Gen2) USB C to SATA adapter
USBC-SATA24

3rd Party Validated
Sabrent USB 3.0 to SSD/2.5-inch SATA Adapter
EC-SSHD

3rd Party Validated
Sabrent USB Type-C enclosure for M.2 SSDs
EC-TFNB

3rd Party Validated
Sabrent USB Type-A or Type-C to 5-Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
NT-SS5G

3rd Party Validated
Sabrent USB Type-A or Type-C to 2.5-Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
NT-S25G

3rd Party Validated
StarTech Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter
MDP2HD4K60S

3rd Party Validated
StarTech USB 3.0 Type-C to 5 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
US5GC30

3rd Party Validated
StarTech Mini USB Bluetooth 4.0 Adapter
USBBT1EDR4

3rd Party Validated
StarTech TB3 to TB1/TB2 adapter
TBT3TBTADAP

3rd Party Validated
Sunix HDMI to VGA dongle
H2V37C0
Intel Validated


The peculiarity of such devices is that some of them may not work on power On/Reboot BIOS stage and are suitable
only for connecting a second display.


https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/DisplayLink-and-others-companies-help-connect-Display-via-USB/td-p/1340197

"DisplayLink and others companies help connect Display via USB"

USB A - HDMI "j5create JUA354" tested at 4K.


As noted above, adapters for working with high-frequency displays such as "USB-C - HDMI" should be selected
very carefully.


Your USB C - HDMI device can be checked by connecting it to TV with HDMI port.


You can try to detect the connected external display in "Settings -> Display", in "Device Manager"


If possible, you can use USB-C - Display Port.

 

There are Thunderbolt to DisplayPort adapters:

Amazon.com: Amazon Basics Aluminium USB-C to DisplayPort Adapter (4K@60Hz), Thunderbolt 3 Compatible : Electronics


There are also wireless display adapters like "New Microsoft 4K Wireless Display Adapter":

https://www.microsoft.com/en-ww/accessories/products/display-adapters/microsoft-4k-wireless-display-adapter?activetab=overview%3aprimaryr2

"New Microsoft 4K Wireless Display Adapter"

Alx24.

 

Asriel
Novice
3,063 Views

Hi Alx24, 

 

Thank you for taking the time to explain, you have given me a better understanding of my system and capabilities & limitations.

Also, thank you for listing the options I have for adapters and dongles, that's very helpful!

 

As I asked Scott above, 

1.1 - Is a USB type C a better choice over a USB 3 as a USB type c will be more suited to transfer data at higher frequencies?

1.2 - Considering your answer to 1.1.. Then what is my better option would it be to HDMI or to DisplayPort connection?

As I understand a DP is able to transfer data at higher frequencies.

 

In the case of USB type c to displayPort being a better option I would be looking at something like this right? :  

*edit: added official link* USB-C to 2x DP Multi Monitor Adapter MST - USB-C™ Video Adapters | United Kingdom (startech.com)

 

StarTech.com 2-Port Multi Monitor Adapter - USB-C to 2x DisplayPort 1.2 Video Splitter - USB Type-C ... 

 

It is not listed under the Intel approved devices but it has a great deal of good reviews, some connecting up to 3 external monitors + laptop.

 

Is it safe to say that while this adapter has dual DisplayPort connection, I would get better image results (at least for one of the monitors) by connecting one monitor directly to PC with the HDMI cable and the second monitor using the type c - DP adapter?

 

Thank you kindly ! !

 

Alan

 

 

 

0 Kudos
Alx24
New Contributor II
3,043 Views

In short, the adapters "USB C to DisplayPort" and high-frequency for high-frequency display:

https://www.dell.com/community/XPS/Which-connector-to-drive-a-5120-x-1440-144-Hz-Samsung-CRG9/td-p/7575370

"Which connector to drive a 5120 x 1440 144 Hz Samsung CRG9"


https://www.amazon.ca/Displayport-Cable-120Hz-bi-Directional-Support/dp/B07R1NBCXK

"Club3D USB C to Displayport Cable 1.4 8K 60Hz, 4K 120Hz and Displayport to USB C bi-Directional 1.8 Meter/6 Feet HDR Support. (CAC-1557)
Brand: CLUB3D"

However, these adapters are designed for standard HD and 4K resolutions (2560x1440 is not quite standard) and standard frequencies over high in DisplayPort, which increases the likelihood of matching with a high-speed display and successful operation.

Your display despite the abundance of high frequencies is very likely to support in EDID and 2560x1440 at 60 Hz without having frequencies in the range of 24-30 Hz and works from HDMI output of computer.

The video data transfer rate of 2560x1440 at 120 Hz is equivalent to the standard 4K at 60 Hz.

Some additional important settings can be in the display itself in the menu.

 

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000005848/graphics.html

gives information about graphics system.

 

2-channel memory is very important for graphics limits.

 

There are adapters directly with cable.

Alx24.

Asriel
Novice
3,027 Views

Hi Alex24, 

 

Thank you for your help man!

 

Kindest Regards, 

 

Alan

0 Kudos
n_scott_pearson
Super User
3,020 Views

Yes, I am saying that, if it is supported, USB-C (with DisplayPort Alt Mode) is the far, far superior choice. A USB3 Graphics adapter should be considered the last resort. Unfortunately, I cannot tell from Dell's crappy documentation whether the USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode.

If you wan to have the capability to hook up two monitors, then yes, you want an adapter like that StarTech (with MST Hub). Remember that the two monitors would be sharing the bandwidth of the DisplayPort interface. This means that 4K@30Hz is the best that each monitor could do. An adapter like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081VKWHY2 will provide support for a single monitor and a better 4K@60Hz connection.

...S

Asriel
Novice
2,960 Views

Hi Scott, 

 

Thank you, that's very helpful, 

I can confirm that the USB-c port does not support (DisplayPort Alt mode).  

So my next best option would be the USB 3 to HDMI right?

 

I'm going to look for a USB 3 - HDMI @ 60Hz cable, if that's even possible? The limitations are set by the USB 3 port right?

 

Also 30Hz is enough for normal office work right? 

 

StarTech.com USB 3.0 to Dual HDMI Adapter - 1x 4K 30Hz & 1x 1080p - External Video & Graphics Card - USB Type-A to HDMI Dual Monitor Display Adapter - Supports Windows Only - Black (USB32HD2) : Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

 

Thank you for your help, 

 

Alan

0 Kudos
Alx24
New Contributor II
3,011 Views

This information regarding the very close name "Dell Inspiron 7790 AIO" is very alarming:

https://www.dell.com/community/Inspiron/Inspiron-7790-AIO-Does-the-usb-type-c-support-displayport/td-p/7757900

"Inspiron 7790 AIO - Does the usb type c support displayport?"

https://dl.dell.com/topicspdf/inspiron-27-7790-aio_setup-guide_en-us.pdf

"5. USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port
Connect peripherals such as external storage devices and printers.
Provides data transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps. PowerShare enables you to charge connected USB devices.
Views of Inspiron 27-7790 9
NOTE: Connected USB devices will not charge when the computer is turned off. Please set BIOS Deep Sleep control
to disabled to start charging when the computer is powered off."

https://www.digitaltrends.com/desktop-computer-reviews/dell-inspiron-27-7790-review/

"There’s also a USB-C port, useful for connecting modern phones or a USB hub for additional connectivity, Ethernet jack, headphone jack, lock slot, and SD card reader. Unfortunately, the USB-C port is only limited to data and power, and it cannot route video signals."

 

These systems use "Tiger Lake" Intel processors, such as Intel Core i7 1165G7.

 

I tested j5create JUA354 "USB™ 3.0 to 4K HDMI™ Display Adapter" (needs driver)

https://en.j5create.com/products/jua354

with 4K display. In the list of modes there is 2560x1440 at 60 Hz. Typical HDMI 1.4 specifications are obtained ( and for 4K ). If I connected this adapter via USB 2.0, then the maximum resolution drops to 2048x1152 at 60 Hz.

All this is achieved by compressing video data when transmitted to the display via USB.

There are such adapters with DisplayPort output.  Conversion to DisplayPort signals is much easier than to HDMI, so such adapters in particular are much cheaper, and conversion USB-C - DisplayPort is so integrated into the Intel processor that no new devices appear in the "Device Manager" unlike USB-C - HDMI. The monitor is shown connected directly to the video adapter in "Devices by Connection".

 

Due to the need to work during the boot period and in the "Safe Mode", any display must have a mode with a frequency of 60 Hz.

All Intel Corp. graphics-related documentation for many years contains almost exclusively a value of 60 Hz

and the exception is of course 24-30 Hz for 4K displays in HDMI 1.4.  

 

The sparse space of standard frequencies in high-frequency displays can create problems when working with them:

https://community.intel.com/t5/Graphics/Iris-Xe-Graphics-uncapable-of-delivering-refresh-rates-of-60-and/td-p/1276430


There are also devices like HDMI Splitter for HDMI port, but I haven't tested them:

https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-FAKAIL-Switcher-Bi-Directional-Support/dp/B09HH5268G/ref=sr_1_2_sspa

https://www.amazon.com/stores/AVSTAR/page/D826FCAC-D854-4C23-874A-CCD91F7259F6?ref_=ast_bln

https://www.amazon.com/HDMI-Splitter-Adapter-Cable-Support/dp/B08JLZWMM4/ref=sr_1_9

 

Now all adapters ever released are on sale, so their choice should be treated very carefully.

 

In "Device Manager" there is "Thunderbolt".

Alx24.

 

Asriel
Novice
2,956 Views

Hi Alx24, 

 

Hope you are well, 

 

Thank you for the info, 

I can confirm that the USB-c port does not support (DisplayPort Alt mode).  

 

Thank you for all the options, that's very helpful, A HDMI splitter would share bandwidth and slow down RR frequency right?

 

I'm going to look for a USB 3 - HDMI @ 60Hz cable, if that's even possible? The limitations are set by the USB 3 port right?

 

Thank you for your help, 

 

Alan

0 Kudos
Alx24
New Contributor II
2,949 Views

Intel Corp. loves this brand.

https://www.startech.com/en-us/audio-video-products/usb32hd2

uses "Trigger T6" as tested "j5create"

...

"Trigger T6-688SL
Silicon Image - Sil9136-3"

...

not "DisplayLink" ( different technology )

 

With same chip some "j5create" adapters have 2 output.

I tested adapter with single output.

 

2560x1440 - 1/2 of 4K and 60 Hz is very possible. It needs driver.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"DisplayLink" technology:

USB 3.0 to HDMI Adapter - 4K 30Hz Video - USB Video Adapters (startech.com)

 

Chipset ID DisplayLink - DL-5500

 

Alx24.

 

Asriel
Novice
2,946 Views

Alx24, 

 

Thanks so much brother, the USB32HD2 is the one I had looked at initially, 

I'm gonna go with this one, Thank you for taking the time to help me,

 

Much respect brother, all the best !

 

Alan

 

 

0 Kudos
Alx24
New Contributor II
2,929 Views

For above adapters of StarTech mentioned "Only one USB video adapter is supported per computer".


On the "StarTech.com" in addition to detailed technical information after it, there are very useful consumer reviews in a very large
number.

It so happened that USB-C with Alt DP became widely used for mobile systems, and not for stationary ones.

You can use the available USB-C port as described in the documentation that came with your computer, and

connect USB-C to USB A(f) adapter type "Satechi ST-TCUAM" or Docking Station.

You can also consider "USB-A to DisplayPort", which are also available in large quantities.

The "Microsoft 4K Wireless Display Adapter" provides 4K@30Hz, which means 2560x1440@60Hz.

At a low frame rate the movement of the cursor, which from the hardware becomes part of the output image, becomes not quite

natural.

Comparison of modes 2560x1440 USB2, USB3 shows that USB2 provides 2048x1152@60Hz almost

approaching 2560x1440 so in the case of a much faster USB3 interface there remains significant free traffic,

which is missing for another 2560x1440 and getting 4K@60Hz but quite enough for another HD interface.

The problem in this case may be that high-frequency displays do not have low frequencies.

Due to the need to work during the boot period and in the "Safe Mode", any display must have a mode with a frequency of 60 Hz.

Your computer has a thoroughly powerful processor for fast operation with adapter drivers.

In a multi-display configuration, you can use "Landscape" for the most suitable programs and rotate another display

a more user-friendly "Portrait" for example for Twitter.

HDMI is part of the VGA-DVI-HDMI Ecosystem, but for now the focus is shifting to USB-C and Thunderbolt.

To the output of the HDMI signal you can now connect digital TV, 4K TV. 8K TVs have a digital interface HDMI 2.1 (Intel Core 11th Generation with external LSPCON).

A DP is younger, faster, easier conversion so devices using it are cheaper.

Now devices and interfaces have frequencies that are only in electronics. The light passes in a nanosecond of 25cm, so

7 periods of electromagnetic oscillations are laid on the length of the 6 ft cable.

HDMI 2.0 output transfers video data for 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz or 5120 x 1440 at 60 Hz.
5120 x 1440 at 60 Hz means two display 2560 x 1440 at 60 Hz.

Alx24.

0 Kudos
Reply