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

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.

Before you get started, make sure 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, refer to the User Manual of your monitor.
NOTE: If you have a Dell TB16 Dock and a system 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.

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

To connect your PC to multiple monitors using DisplayPort MST:

1. Verify that the video or graphics card (GPU) on your PC supports DisplayPort 1.2 MST.
2. Connect your PC 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, refer to the User Manual of your monitor.
5. Ensure that the last monitor in the chain has DisplayPort 1.2 mode Disabled.

Figure 2: Connecting 2 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.
 

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Frequently asked questions