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Article Number: 000128707

How to Daisy Chain Multiple Monitors Using DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST)

Summary: Learn how to daisy chain multiple monitors using DisplayPort 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport (MST).

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Article Content

Symptoms

What is DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST)?

DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport allows you to daisy chain monitors with DisplayPort 1.2 ports. Daisy chaining describes the ability to connect a series of monitors to a single video output port on your computer or docking station. This has the benefit of reducing clutter on your desk and simplifying cable management. See the image below for an example of two monitors daisy chained to a laptop.
DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport Daisy Chain Illustration
Figure 1: DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport Daisy Chain

Before you get started, ensure you have the following:

  • Compatible video or graphics card (GPU) with DisplayPort 1.2 port
  • DisplayPort 1.2 MST-capable monitor
  • Latest video or graphics card (GPU) drivers
NOTE: Not all monitors with DisplayPort 1.2 technology support DisplayPort 1.2 MST. To learn more, see the User Manual of your monitor.
NOTE: If you have a Dell TB16 Dock and a computer with Intel graphics driver version 25.20.100.6472, both monitors in the chain need to use a DisplayPort 1.2 connection.
NOTE: Daisy chaining using DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) is supported with DisplayPort (DP) and mini-DisplayPort (mDP) cables. USB-C to USB-C daisy chaining is supported on select Dell monitors. To learn more about Multi-Stream Transport (MST) support, see the User Manual of your Dell monitor. Cables, adapters, or converters with different form factors such as USB-C to DisplayPort, USB-C to HDMI, DisplayPort to HDMI, and so on do not support daisy chaining.
NOTE: Maximum achievable resolution in Daisy Chain configuration may be impacted by computer support for HBR2/HBR3 specifications. More information about computer models supporting HBR3 can be found in the following article: Dell Systems Supporting HBR3 Specifications

Cause

How to connect two monitors in a daisy chain using DisplayPort MST

To connect your personal computer to multiple monitors using DisplayPort MST:

  1. Verify that the video or graphics card (GPU) on your personal computer supports DisplayPort 1.2 MST.
  2. Connect your personal computer to the DisplayPort In connection on the first monitor.
  3. Connect DisplayPort Out connection on the first monitor to DisplayPort In connection on the second monitor (Figure 2).
    To daisy chain more than two monitors, follow a similar sequence: The first monitor connects to the second, the second monitor connects to the third, and so on.
  4. Using the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu, Enable DisplayPort 1.2 on your monitor.
    To learn more, see the User Manual of your monitor.
  5. Ensure that the last monitor in the chain has DisplayPort 1.2 mode Disabled.
Connecting two monitors in a daisy chain using DisplayPortMulti-Stream Transport
Figure 2: Connecting two monitors in a daisy chain using DisplayPort 1.2 MST

 

NOTE: Use the DisplayPort cables included with your monitor. Using an incompatible DisplayPort cable may prevent the monitors from operating correctly.

Resolution

Frequently asked questions

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Because your GPU can only output so many pixels, the number of monitors that you can daisy chain together is limited. This limit depends on the resolution, timings, and refresh rates of the connected monitors. See the table below for some basic configuration options.

Display resolution Maximum number of monitors
1680 x 1050 5
1920 x 1080 4
2560 x 1600 2
3840 x 2160 (Ultra HD, 4K)
or
4096 x 2160 (4K x 2K)		 1
Table 1: Maximum number of monitors that you can daisy chain using DisplayPort 1.2 MST

It is possible to chain together monitors with different display resolutions. For example, one 2560 x 1600 monitor could be used with two 1920 x 1080 monitors. The last monitor in the chain could even be an older DisplayPort 1.1 monitor (which only has a DisplayPort input), so long as the other monitors all have DP 1.2 inputs and outputs.

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Extended Mode requires that DisplayPort 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport (MST) capabilities be enabled. By default, this feature is not enabled on Dell monitors. Once you have enabled MST, you can set your displays to Extended Mode in Windows. See the Dell Knowledge Base article How to Set up Multiple Monitors in Microsoft Windows 11 and Windows 10.

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No, the last monitor in the chain can does not need to support DisplayPort 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport (MST). 

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Article Properties

Affected Product

Dell U2413, Dell U2415, Dell U2417H, Precision M4800

Last Published Date

16 Dec 2022

Version

9

Article Type

Solution

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