U2414H, daisy chaining essentials

Question

Fundamental question really - is monitor daisy chaining only possible if the PC has Display Port? My NUC 8i7BEH has HDMI out only - but it does have Thunderbolt 3, if that helps. I've had a U2414H from new (which came with a DP cable) and I want to add a second monitor from the Dell U series. I've tried with a 2nd hand U2414H but it didn't work. From my research it seems that I can only have a dual monitor set up with a pair of Dell monitors if my PC has DP out. Is this the case or is there a different way of doing it?

jphughan · Accepted Answer

@MickManx  If it's any additional reassurance, I have set up multiple daisy chains of Dell displays that began with a USB-C to DP cable connection to the first display.  And if your NUC's USB-C port supports TB3, then it will definitely support video output since although video output is optional on regular USB-C ports, it becomes mandatory for ports that support TB3.

jphughan · Answer

@MickManx  You need DisplayPort protocol, but USB-C/TB3 ports can send DisplayPort.  So if you have TB3 and get a USB-C to DP cable to connect to the first display, you'll be good to go.  HDMI however will not work because HDMI protocol does not support running multiple independent displays from a single output.  It's just a completely different signal type, not just a differently shaped connector.

MickManx · Answer

@jphughanThanks so much for your quick response!

Yes, double checked the spec of my NUC on Intel's website and it's definitely got the full-flavour TB3 -

NUC T'bolt.jpg

So I'm good to go - which is good to know. What a relief!

Cable ordered, thanks again!

jphughan · Answer

@MickManx  Happy to help, and enjoy your setup!

Monitors

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