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Dual Monitors on Macbook Pro 2017

M

mordzy

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 6, 2010
17
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So im in a dilemma as my old macbook drives two external screens and its own with no issues.

This new macbook pro's with the usb-c connections are a nightmare for connectivity. I thought id found a solution in the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 dock or the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 dock but when reading reviews id realised I'm not going to be able to connect my existing LG Screens that are HDMI.

https://nerdtechy.com/elgato-thunderbolt-3-dock-review

https://nerdtechy.com/belkin-thunderbolt-3-express-dock-hd-review

While i can convert the display port on the dock to hdmi the other connect (thunderbolt 3) says that it doesn't support converting to HDMI.

The only option i can see is using two apple Digital AV adaptors that have usb. However, id have dongles/adaptors allover the place as i need one for gigabit ethernet and of course my charger.

Has anyone come up with a solution for this? other than buying expensive thunderbolt monitors? Or keeping my previous gen mac?
 
Ive found this but it seems to require and adaptor from usb c to hdmi to work... this is fine. What is confusing is the review of the other docs that are essentially the same say that using the adaptor from usb c is not possible...

http://www.caldigit.com/thunderbolt-3-dock/thunderbolt-station-3/index-uk.asp
[doublepost=1499337562][/doublepost]
New_Mac_Smell said:
Why not just use a couple of USB-C -> HDMI cables? https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-MacB...&qid=1499336090&sr=1-5&keywords=usb+c+to+hdmi

You do know USB-C can be converted into pretty much anything right? No need for any nightmares.
Click to expand...

But i also need a USB ethernet adaptor, my AC adaptor and an occasional usb c to usb a for flash drives etc. all hanging out of the machine. Id prefer something more aesthetically pleasing
 
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mordzy said:
Ive found this but it seems to require and adaptor from usb c to hdmi to work... this is fine. What is confusing is the review of the other docs that are essentially the same say that using the adaptor from usb c is not possible...

http://www.caldigit.com/thunderbolt-3-dock/thunderbolt-station-3/index-uk.asp
[doublepost=1499337562][/doublepost]

But i also need a USB ethernet adaptor, my AC adaptor and an occasional usb c to usb a for flash drives etc. all hanging out of the machine. Id prefer something more aesthetically pleasing
Click to expand...

Alright so basically USB-C is a multi-port technology, meaning it is not channel restrictive like Ethernet/USB/Video/Audio etc. It is a truly 'Universal Serial Bus', however most tech is still using dedicated ports such as HDMI. So what this means is you can use USB-C for pretty much anything, whereas HDMI can only be used for Audio/Video/DRM. Eventually more things will be USB-C on both ends, but for now you need cables to switch signals in order to connect to the various ports. But this is good, as it's not something you could do before.

The other thing to bear in mind is the channel bandwidth, Thunderbolt 3 is not the same as USB-C, they just use the same connector. TB3 is vastly quicker than standard USB-C, and therefore there is a lot more you can do with it. A USB-C dock might not have enough bandwidth to put all those signals through a single port, whereas TB3 does. So that may lead to some confusion as a lot is marketed the same way but different specs.

So you don't need a dongle or adapter, you just need cables. What an adapter gives you is the option of using a straight forward solution. So if you get a USB-C -> HDMI cable, you'd need to use this all the time. Whereas if you got a USB-C -> HDMI adapter, it effectively turns the USB-C port into a female HDMI port, allowing you to use any HDMI cable to make the connection.

Looking at that dock, you'll need 1 USB-C -> HDMI cable (Or adapter as I mentioned, depending on your wants), and 1 DisplayPort to HDMI (DP/HDMI are the same thing, except DP was made for PCs and doesn't carry audio, HDMI was made for TVs; HDMI lacks port retention grips).

That's a bit long winded but I hope explains a few things for you to better understand. You may be seeing some docks don't support multiple monitors and it'll be because they can't support the bandwidth to drive them over a single cable. The only other thing to be aware of (Although shouldn't be a huge issue) is I don't think 4K 60hz can be dually driven from the same port, I think that requires using 1 on each side.

Hope that's fairly clear for you?
 
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New_Mac_Smell said:
Alright so basically USB-C is a multi-port technology, meaning it is not channel restrictive like Ethernet/USB/Video/Audio etc. It is a truly 'Universal Serial Bus', however most tech is still using dedicated ports such as HDMI. So what this means is you can use USB-C for pretty much anything, whereas HDMI can only be used for Audio/Video/DRM. Eventually more things will be USB-C on both ends, but for now you need cables to switch signals in order to connect to the various ports. But this is good, as it's not something you could do before.

The other thing to bear in mind is the channel bandwidth, Thunderbolt 3 is not the same as USB-C, they just use the same connector. TB3 is vastly quicker than standard USB-C, and therefore there is a lot more you can do with it. A USB-C dock might not have enough bandwidth to put all those signals through a single port, whereas TB3 does. So that may lead to some confusion as a lot is marketed the same way but different specs.

So you don't need a dongle or adapter, you just need cables. What an adapter gives you is the option of using a straight forward solution. So if you get a USB-C -> HDMI cable, you'd need to use this all the time. Whereas if you got a USB-C -> HDMI adapter, it effectively turns the USB-C port into a female HDMI port, allowing you to use any HDMI cable to make the connection.

Looking at that dock, you'll need 1 USB-C -> HDMI cable (Or adapter as I mentioned, depending on your wants), and 1 DisplayPort to HDMI (DP/HDMI are the same thing, except DP was made for PCs and doesn't carry audio, HDMI was made for TVs; HDMI lacks port retention grips).

That's a bit long winded but I hope explains a few things for you to better understand. You may be seeing some docks don't support multiple monitors and it'll be because they can't support the bandwidth to drive them over a single cable. The only other thing to be aware of (Although shouldn't be a huge issue) is I don't think 4K 60hz can be dually driven from the same port, I think that requires using 1 on each side.

Hope that's fairly clear for you?
Click to expand...

I'm trying to connect two HDMI monitors to my 2017 MacBook Pro. I don't want to lose a power port ideally, and I need to be able to use a webcam and ethernet port too. Any suggestions from something new out?
 
For the first monitor, just use Apple's HDMI adapter. You can still use the power port as a pass-through.
For the next one, just get a USB-C to HDMI cable.
Piece of cake.
I have run 3 monitors (for testing) on my MBP but I don't have the desk space to actually do that long-term
 
robvas said:
For the first monitor, just use Apple's HDMI adapter. You can still use the power port as a pass-through.
For the next one, just get a USB-C to HDMI cable.
Piece of cake.
I have run 3 monitors (for testing) on my MBP but I don't have the desk space to actually do that long-term
Click to expand...


The only problem is I need something for my webcam and ethernet (and power and 2 monitors).
 
mordzy said:
So im in a dilemma as my old macbook drives two external screens and its own with no issues.

This new macbook pro's with the usb-c connections are a nightmare for connectivity. I thought id found a solution in the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 dock or the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 dock but when reading reviews id realised I'm not going to be able to connect my existing LG Screens that are HDMI.

https://nerdtechy.com/elgato-thunderbolt-3-dock-review

https://nerdtechy.com/belkin-thunderbolt-3-express-dock-hd-review

While i can convert the display port on the dock to hdmi the other connect (thunderbolt 3) says that it doesn't support converting to HDMI.

The only option i can see is using two apple Digital AV adaptors that have usb. However, id have dongles/adaptors allover the place as i need one for gigabit ethernet and of course my charger.

Has anyone come up with a solution for this? other than buying expensive thunderbolt monitors? Or keeping my previous gen mac?
Click to expand...
You can hook up multiple 4k monitors using a DP to USBC-C/TB 3. I use a Dell 27 inch. I did try using HDMI but Display port makes the picture look a lot better.
 
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Glockworkorange said:
I will take a picture when I get to my office.

There are plenty of Dell 27 inch 4K displays that connect via HDMI and DisplayPort (DP).

I've hooked my 2017 15 inch to them using a DP to USB-C adapters, as HDMI kind of sucks. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EXKDRAC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1&pldnSite=1

Am I not reading the OP's question correctly?
Click to expand...

This is the monitor I have: https://www.amazon.com/HP-LED-Monitor-Black-27vx/dp/B010S6XRW8 (HDMI, VGA and DVI-D inputs). If I understand- mine doesn't have DP.
 
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Snowboarder365 said:
This is the monitor I have: https://www.amazon.com/HP-LED-Monitor-Black-27vx/dp/B010S6XRW8 (HDMI, VGA and DVI-D inputs). If I understand- mine doesn't have DP.
Click to expand...

Just get a USB-C / HDMI cable if it doesn't have DP (It's more useful than DP anyway). If you've only got 2 ports then a dock is highly recommended, if you can afford the budget then get a Thunderbolt 3 dock. Otherwise use a standard USB-C dock which will do HDMI/USB-A/Pass-through, and a USB-C/HDMI cable for the other monitor.

*Note this thread is a year old.
 
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New_Mac_Smell said:
Just get a USB-C / HDMI cable if it doesn't have DP (It's more useful than DP anyway). If you've only got 2 ports then a dock is highly recommended, if you can afford the budget then get a Thunderbolt 3 dock. Otherwise use a standard USB-C dock which will do HDMI/USB-A/Pass-through, and a USB-C/HDMI cable for the other monitor.

*Note this thread is a year old.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the help. Do you have any links to what you'd recommend? I only have the 2 ports on the 2017 MacBook Pro. I want to connect 1. ethernet 2. a webcam (I have a usb to usb-c adapter) 3. my two hdmi hp 27vx monitors and ideally one of the ports on the hub powers the MacBook (unless I have a port on the MacBook I can use). I also have (if needed) an Apple ethernet to some kind of usb. I really DON'T want a hub (like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B8215B...0e-20&linkId=884c6e6713999ecf98432b851867b7ca)
as I'm afraid it will damage the ports on my laptop. I'd rather have something that has a wire that plugs into only one of my laptop ports.

Thanks for help. I have been trying and trying to figure out what I need. It's kind of hard.
[doublepost=1530582729][/doublepost]Maybe this is a good one?? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076WX4FP...04&pd_rd_r=VGMBGHEBB3WG5G4CGW52&pd_rd_w=l3FMy
 
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Snowboarder365 said:
Thanks for the help. Do you have any links to what you'd recommend? I only have the 2 ports on the 2017 MacBook Pro. I want to connect 1. ethernet 2. a webcam (I have a usb to usb-c adapter) 3. my two hdmi hp 27vx monitors and ideally one of the ports on the hub powers the MacBook (unless I have a port on the MacBook I can use). I also have (if needed) an Apple ethernet to some kind of usb. I really DON'T want a hub (like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B8215B...0e-20&linkId=884c6e6713999ecf98432b851867b7ca)
as I'm afraid it will damage the ports on my laptop. I'd rather have something that has a wire that plugs into only one of my laptop ports.

Thanks for help. I have been trying and trying to figure out what I need. It's kind of hard.
[doublepost=1530582729][/doublepost]Maybe this is a good one?? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076WX4FP...04&pd_rd_r=VGMBGHEBB3WG5G4CGW52&pd_rd_w=l3FMy
Click to expand...

I would personally stay away from the ones directly connected for a number of reasons, accidental damage being the main one. But try to avoid anything with a physically attached cable, go for something with a separate cable so you can at least replace it if anything happens - if you can find one. Also the direct connecting ones are relying on the ports being in exactly the same place, so you can literally only use it with the MBP. If you get an iMac or a MacBook then you'd have to buy another - which is just a bad idea to me.

If you have the money, the OWC one gets good reviews https://www.amazon.com/OTHER-COMPUT...-2-spons&keywords=thunderbolt+3+hub+owc&psc=1

Otherwise the one you linked, or the several hundred ones like it are perfectly fine. Get something with the ports you need (Right now you mentioned HDMI/Ethernet). Then use the other port for the other monitor, like a USB-C/HDMI or whatever connector. Either way, they're only ~$50, just grab whatever suits, look at the reviews, most of the budget ones are rebranded mass produced ones so no worries.
 
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New_Mac_Smell said:
I would personally stay away from the ones directly connected for a number of reasons, accidental damage being the main one. But try to avoid anything with a physically attached cable, go for something with a separate cable so you can at least replace it if anything happens - if you can find one. Also the direct connecting ones are relying on the ports being in exactly the same place, so you can literally only use it with the MBP. If you get an iMac or a MacBook then you'd have to buy another - which is just a bad idea to me.

If you have the money, the OWC one gets good reviews https://www.amazon.com/OTHER-COMPUT...-2-spons&keywords=thunderbolt+3+hub+owc&psc=1

Otherwise the one you linked, or the several hundred ones like it are perfectly fine. Get something with the ports you need (Right now you mentioned HDMI/Ethernet). Then use the other port for the other monitor, like a USB-C/HDMI or whatever connector. Either way, they're only ~$50, just grab whatever suits, look at the reviews, most of the budget ones are rebranded mass produced ones so no worries.
Click to expand...

After a lot of research and talking to a friend who is into Apple Products, I’m going with this: https://www.hypershop.com/products/...macbook-ultrabook-chromebook-pc-usb-c-devices Thanks for the help!!!
 
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I actually went with what John at Satechi recommended. It’s supposed to arrive today. It was a very difficult process sorting this out. Apple left us without ports and it’s hard to find products to support extended display. John said, “
Since you have 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports, we would recommend plugging one of our V2 Multi-Port Adapters into one of the ports for pass-through power, the webcam, one monitor via HDMI and ethernet : https://satechi.net/products/type-c-multi-port-adapter-with-ethernet-v2

And one more adapter for the second monitor via HDMI : https://satechi.net/products/aluminum-type-c-to-hdmi-cable-4k-60hz”.
 
crazy-trashcan said:
Do you know which one you have?
Click to expand...
Satechi USB-C Mutiport V2 Adapter and for my second monitor the Satechi USB-C 4K 60HZ HDMI (usb-c to HDMI) cable.

Satechi Support- John said, “
Since you have 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports, we would recommend plugging one of our V2 Multi-Port Adapters into one of the ports for pass-through power, the webcam, one monitor via HDMI and ethernet : https://satechi.net/products/type-c-multi-port-adapter-with-ethernet-v2

And one more adapter for the second monitor via HDMI : https://satechi.net/products/aluminum-type-c-to-hdmi-cable-4k-60hz”.
 
Snowboarder365 said:
Satechi USB-C Mutiport V2 Adapter and for my second monitor the Satechi USB-C 4K 60HZ HDMI (usb-c to HDMI) cable.

Satechi Support- John said, “
Since you have 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports, we would recommend plugging one of our V2 Multi-Port Adapters into one of the ports for pass-through power, the webcam, one monitor via HDMI and ethernet : https://satechi.net/products/type-c-multi-port-adapter-with-ethernet-v2

And one more adapter for the second monitor via HDMI : https://satechi.net/products/aluminum-type-c-to-hdmi-cable-4k-60hz”.
Click to expand...
Ok thanks, i hoped it was possible with a single usb-c port on my Macbook Pro :p
 
Glockworkorange said:
I did try using HDMI but Display port makes the picture look a lot better.
Click to expand...

Better as in blacks look more black? I remember dealing with this problem. In one case, there was some option in the monitor for the black levels. In other cases, in Windows with Nvidia, I was able to set it in the driver option. MacOS required a hack I found on the internet.

Yeah, DisplayPort is probably less hassle and can be daisy chained.
 
buran-energia said:
Better as in blacks look more black? I remember dealing with this problem. In one case, there was some option in the monitor for the black levels. In other cases, in Windows with Nvidia, I was able to set it in the driver option. MacOS required a hack I found on the internet.

Yeah, DisplayPort is probably less hassle and can be daisy chained.
Click to expand...
"better" as in more clear and less fuzzy. The picture doesn't look 4K with HDMI--only DP.
 
crazy-trashcan said:
Ok thanks, i hoped it was possible with a single usb-c port on my Macbook Pro :p
Click to expand...
Yeah im looking also for an adapter for two monitors using a single usb-c cable but seems every time when i found one only hdmi or displayport can be used and NOT both at the same time for dual display.
 
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