[SOLVED] Asus support says multiple monitors or external graphics card not possible

[BartonFunk]

Hi

I'm not sure that the 'Graphics Cards' fourm is the best place for this post, but I'll give it a try. I have an ASUS Zenbook UX534FAC which I bought 9 months ago. It has one HDMI port and one USB C port. I've been using it with a Dell S2721D monitor (27 inch QHD, 2560 x 1440, 75Hz) which I attach to the HDMI port. To get a multiple monitor setup I recently purchased a second, identical monitor and a Selore docking station, which connects to the computer via USB C and has two HDMI ports. The two HDMI ports on the docking station didn't work, but all other ports on it (USB 3, card readers etc.) were working fine.

I phoned ASUS support and they told me that using the docking station for multiple monitors wouldn't work as the USB C port that I have doesn't support display. I'm guessing this was a rookie mistake on my part. I figured that an external graphics card may be the way to go. This time I phoned ASUS support prior to making any purchases. They stated that the external graphics card wasn't an option either and that it's just not possible to have a multiple external monitor setup with this computer.

So I'm here in the hope that someone can offer the possibility of a solution to get a multiple monitor setup working. Do I need a graphics card/hardware upgrade on the computer? I'd be grateful for any suggestions.

TIA,
Chris

 

[boju]

I think this will work, a docking station with Displaylink chip built in. Check out the details and see if it's something you can work with.

https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/usb-c

https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/small-office/faq#collapseOne

@Glenwing is this correct or?

 

[BartonFunk]

Thanks Boju. Following your post I found this displaylink adapter on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/StarTech-com-External-Monitor-Graphics-Adapter-Black/dp/B00OD37KHG/ref=sr_1_3?crid=14UC0EPBYROA2&keywords=displaylink+4k+uhd&qid=1654771530&sprefix=displaylink+4k+uhd%2Caps%2C70&sr=8-3

It's pricey for a single port adapter and I'd prefer USB C connection, but I'm prepared to try anything that might get the dual monitor setup working properly. The spec states "4K @ 30Hz". I've just phoned their tech support and they've said it will support my monitor's native 2560 x 1440 @75Hz.

If you or anyone can post any suggestion for better adapters/docking stations that have this displaylink type of functionality then I'd be very grateful.

Many thanks, Chris

 

[boju]

That adapter only goes to one screen, weren't you after something that does multi? Something like this does multiple; https://plugable.com/products/ud-6950h/

Expensive for that particular unit, there'd be others, but i guess chunk of the premium you're paying for the technology to do such thing.

Looked up from here.
https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/displaylink-products-list

How Displaylink works;
https://www.synaptics.com/products/displaylink-graphics/corporate/how#:~:text=DisplayLink software installs and acts,they were normally attached monitors.

This is new to me so hoping Glen responds. He's a display guru so he'd know about this.

 

[BartonFunk]

Thanks Bojo. That docking station looks good. I've just found it on Amazon.

For the single adapter I was thinking one monitor attached via the computer's HDMI port and one attached via the adapter.

I won't purchase anything yet and I'll wait to see if Glenwing can confirm. Many thanks for your help with this.

 

[BartonFunk]

I'm just updating this thread in case anyone else has a similar issue and they find it while searching. The Plugable Displayport docking station worked perfectly and I now have a three screen setup (two monitors and one laptop screen). Thanks for your help Boju