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What is the best way to connect dual monitors (2018 TB MBP)

S

srosk265

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 12, 2011
84
11
Hi there! I purchased a refurb 2018 TB MBP base model today after a LOT of contemplation between the various options available to me. I currently have 1 USB-C HDMI connector from apple that also connects a USB and the power adapter.

My question is... is there a single cable capable of supporting two separate monitors? If not, what's the best (and affordable) way to accomplish this? Thanks in advance!
 
srosk265 said:
Hi there! I purchased a refurb 2018 TB MBP base model today after a LOT of contemplation between the various options available to me. I currently have 1 USB-C HDMI connector from apple that also connects a USB and the power adapter.

My question is... is there a single cable capable of supporting two separate monitors? If not, what's the best (and affordable) way to accomplish this? Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
I connect 2 4K monitors to my 2018 13 inch; a dell 27 inch and the LG UltraFine 4K. I use two cables---USB C to connect to the LG and a Display Port to connect to the Dell, which requires a Display Port to TB3/USB C adapter. That takes up two ports on the MacBook Pro.

If you wanted to use one cable, perhaps you can daisy chain USB-C monitors. I think I might be able to do it with one cable by going with an HDMI from the Dell to an USB C dongle hooked into the back of the UltraFine. That way, I have USB C from the Mac to the UltraFine and HDMI from the Dell to the back of the UltraFine.

I've never given it much thought, as there are several USB-C outlets on the back of the LG and I also have two unused TB3 ports on the MacBook Pro. I have plenty of ports, so using two doesn't bother me.
 
Glockworkorange said:
I connect 2 4K monitors to my 2018 13 inch; a dell 27 inch and the LG UltraFine 4K. I use two cables---USB C to connect to the LG and a Display Port to connect to the Dell, which requires a Display Port to TB3/USB C adapter. That takes up two ports on the MacBook Pro.

If you wanted to use one cable, perhaps you can daisy chain USB-C monitors. I think I might be able to do it with one cable by going with an HDMI from the Dell to an USB C dongle hooked into the back of the UltraFine. That way, I have USB C from the Mac to the UltraFine and HDMI from the Dell to the back of the UltraFine.

I've never given it much thought, as there are several USB-C outlets on the back of the LG and I also have two unused TB3 ports on the MacBook Pro. I have plenty of ports, so using two doesn't bother me.
Click to expand...

Cool, yeah I suppose I could just get another adapter, ideally, I just connect one cable and it's all connected. I have seen a few docking systems for near 200.. so I was just trying to see what else is on the market that would potentially cost less money. Hopefully this was the right move over a used 2015 MBP! :)

Thanks again!
 
LogicalApex said:
It depends on your hardware. DisplayPort supports daisy chaining if your monitors support it.

https://multimonitorcomputer.com/so...y-chaining-of-3-or-4-monitors-quick-guide.php

TB3 natively supports DisplayPort so you would only need a TB3 to DP cable.
Click to expand...

Ahhh I see! Ok, so because my monitors do not have DisplayPort, but instead just HDMI, I would need to input 2 HDMI/USB-C "dongles" into the computer? Just making sure that I understand this correctly. Thanks again for your help :)
 
srosk265 said:
Ahhh I see! Ok, so because my monitors do not have DisplayPort, but instead just HDMI, I would need to input 2 HDMI/USB-C "dongles" into the computer? Just making sure that I understand this correctly. Thanks again for your help :)
Click to expand...

In that case you'll need multiple separate HDMI connections. There are dongles that will do 2 HDMI connections via a single Thunderbolt 3 port.

https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Thunderbolt-Supports-Monitors-TH-3HD2/dp/B079JKGBFS/ref=sr_1_4
 
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