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XPS 8960, only 1 display output?
I just spent £1600 on a Dell XPS 8960 and found out it only supports 1 single display output when used with the onboard graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770). To say I’m disappointed is an understatement, I expected at least DP + HDMI, or USB-C with display support with a dongle, but it seems this is just not possible. Absolutely crazy that a base spec £500 Vostro desktop has better display functionality than Dell’s top of the line XPS!
RoHe
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April 17th, 2023 11:00
@AndrewNor - Guess they assume if you order a PC without an add-in GPU, you'll only want to connect a single monitor...
Win 11 will probably automatically install the driver for the USB3>HDMI dongle, if one is even needed. Just make sure the dongle supports Win 11 and the "recommended" (aka: "native" or "optimal") resolution of the monitor to be connected to the dongle.
To use daisy chaining, make sure your monitor(s) support MST and also check the specs for the CPU in your PC to see if it supports either (High Bit Rate) HBR2 or HBR3, which impacts the max resolution achievable when daisy chaining monitors:
That resolution info may help you choose monitors, if you don't already have ones that support MST.
AhmedSandhu
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April 16th, 2023 09:00
It's true that the Dell XPS 8960 only supports a single display output when using the onboard graphics (Intel UHD Graphics 770). You may be able to add additional displays by using a dedicated graphics card or a USB-C dock with display output support. However, it's important to check for compatibility with your specific hardware and software before making any purchases.
RoHe
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April 16th, 2023 12:00
PCs don't come with video display cables, which may come with monitors...
Intel Graphics port on XPS 8960 is Dual-Mode DisplayPort 1.4, so it should support a DP++(PC)>HDMI(monitor) adapter without a converter, if your monitor doesn't have a DP port. They're typically
If you need to use more than one monitor with Intel Graphics, you may be able to daisy-chain monitors, assuming they support DP MST.
Or you can use a USB3>HDMI or USB3>DP dongle for second monitor, which are ~US$10-$20. USB-C ports on this PC model don't support video or audio output.
Chino de Oro
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April 16th, 2023 15:00
Why would you check up for display functionality of a Vostro which you didn't buy and you didn't bother to find out about the product that you purchased. Good thing that it didn't turn out to be a microwave oven or a breadmaking machine!!!
AndrewNor
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April 16th, 2023 23:00
It looks as though the USB-C ports do not support video, which is very disappointing given the spec and price of this machine (13th gen i7 etc.)
AndrewNor
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April 16th, 2023 23:00
Thanks for the least helpful comment so far. Given the chipset supports multiple monitors, and the cost of this machine, I assumed it would come with dual monitor support at the least - given their base spec machines do.
I should have checked the physical ports more carefully, but nowhere on the spec list on the purchase page does it mention that dual display is not possible without choosing a discrete graphics option. It's hidden away in the manual - https://www.dell.com/community/XPS-Desktops/FAQ-XPS-8960/td-p/8343189
AndrewNor
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April 16th, 2023 23:00
Thanks for this, it looks like daisy chaining might be my best option, or perhaps trying a USB 3 Type A to HDMI dongle as you suggest, although this generally involves installing questionable drivers!
Just so disappointed this very expensive, high end machine does not support two monitors, mad!
RoHe
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April 17th, 2023 11:00
Or they assume you'll install your own "after-market" GPU, which is also a viable solution for you...
And if you go this route, be sure to disable Secure Boot in BIOS setup before installing the GPU.
AndrewNor
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April 17th, 2023 14:00
Thanks, that’s super helpful!
I’m going to try an MST splitter to get me 1 x DP (4K @ 60Hz) and 1 x HDMI (1080p @ 60Hz) out of the DP port. I don’t have the option to daisy chain via DP sadly. Fingers crossed!
RoHe
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April 17th, 2023 16:00
@AndrewNor - Make sure the MST DP splitter lets you use both monitors simultaneously rather than just switching between monitors, with only one is usable at a time, and it has capability to configure them as mirrored, extended, or separate displays.
Post back and let us know how it works out...
AndrewNor
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April 23rd, 2023 10:00
All working very well using an MST splitter from DP to DP + HDMI with extended desktop. Thanks for your help!