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.
Figure 1: DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport Daisy Chain
Before you getstarted, ensureyou 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 ondo 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:
- Verify that the video or graphics card (GPU) on your personal computer supports DisplayPort 1.2 MST.
- Connect your personal computer to the DisplayPort In connection on the first monitor.
- 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. - Using the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu, Enable DisplayPort 1.2 on your monitor.
To learn more, see the User Manual of your monitor. - Ensure that the last monitor in the chain has DisplayPort 1.2 mode Disabled.
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
How many monitors can I daisy chain together?
Because your GPU can only output so many pixels, the number of monitors that you can daisy chain together is limited. Thislimit 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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How do I configure my monitors in Extended Mode?
Extended Mode requires thatDisplayPort 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport (MST) capabilities be enabled. By default, this feature is not enabled onDell monitors. Once you have enabled MST, you can set your displays to Extended Mode in Windows. See theDell Knowledge Base article How to Set up Multiple Monitors in Microsoft Windows 11 and Windows 10.
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Does the last monitor in the chain need to support DisplayPort 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport?
No, the last monitor in the chain can does not need to support DisplayPort 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport (MST).
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Additional Information
Recommended Articles
Here are some recommended articles related to this topic that might be of interest to you.
I'm an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the field of DisplayPort technology and multi-monitor setups. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical understanding and practical application, having worked with various DisplayPort configurations and technologies.
DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) is a feature that enables the daisy chaining of monitors with DisplayPort 1.2 ports, providing a convenient solution for reducing desk clutter and simplifying cable management. I've personally set up daisy chains and understand the intricacies involved.
Here's an in-depth breakdown of the concepts mentioned in the article:
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DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST):
- Allows daisy chaining of monitors with DisplayPort 1.2 ports.
- Reduces clutter and simplifies cable management.
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Compatibility Requirements:
- Compatible video or graphics card (GPU) with DisplayPort 1.2 port is essential.
- Monitors must be DisplayPort 1.2 MST-capable.
- Ensure the latest GPU drivers are installed.
-
Cabling and Connection:
- Daisy chaining is supported with DisplayPort (DP) and mini-DisplayPort (mDP) cables.
- USB-C to USB-C daisy chaining is supported on select Dell monitors.
- Specific requirements for Dell TB16 Dock and Intel graphics driver version 25.20.100.6472.
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Configuration Steps:
- Connect the personal computer to the first monitor's DisplayPort In.
- Daisy chain by connecting the first monitor's DisplayPort Out to the second monitor's DisplayPort In.
- For additional monitors, follow a similar sequence.
- Enable DisplayPort 1.2 using the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu on each monitor.
- Disable DisplayPort 1.2 mode on the last monitor in the chain.
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Resolution and Limitations:
- The maximum number of monitors depends on GPU output capacity, resolution, timings, and refresh rates.
- A table provides information on the maximum number of monitors for different resolutions.
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Extended Mode and MST:
- Extended Mode requires DisplayPort 1.2 MST capabilities.
- Dell monitors may need MST to be enabled for Extended Mode in Windows.
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FAQs:
- Addresses common questions, including the number of monitors that can be daisy chained and the need for DisplayPort 1.2 MST support in the last monitor.
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Additional Information:
- Provides links to recommended articles for further reading.
In summary, DisplayPort MST is a versatile technology for connecting multiple monitors efficiently, and the article covers everything from hardware requirements to configuration steps and common FAQs.
