For multiple independent displays using Multi-Stream Transport (MST), your computer must support DisplayPort video and MST through its USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt connection. Windows and ChromeOS support MST, while macOS does not support MST for multiple independent extended displays.
How Do I Check Whether My Laptop Is Compatible With MST?
Start by checking your computer's operating system and USB-C video capabilities.
| Platform | MST Support | Expected Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 / 11 | Supported | Multiple independent extended displays on compatible hardware |
| ChromeOS | Supported | Multiple independent extended displays on compatible hardware |
| macOS | Not supported | MST-connected displays cannot operate as multiple independent extended displays |
Your computer must provide DisplayPort video through the port connected to the Plugable product. A USB-C port that supports only USB data or charging cannot provide video to an MST dock, hub, or adapter.
Look for one of the following capabilities in your computer's specifications:
- USB-C with DisplayPort
- USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode
- USB4
- Thunderbolt 3
- Thunderbolt 4
- Thunderbolt 5
USB4 and Thunderbolt ports support DisplayPort video, but the number of displays, maximum resolution, and refresh rate still depend on the computer's graphics hardware and DisplayPort capabilities.
If your computer's specifications don't clearly identify its DisplayPort capabilities or MST support, contact the manufacturer to confirm.
How Does My Computer's Display Limit Affect MST Compatibility?
MST allows a single DisplayPort connection to carry multiple display streams, but it does not increase the maximum number of displays supported by your computer's graphics hardware.
For example, a Plugable product may support three external monitors while the connected computer supports only three displays in total. If the laptop's built-in display counts toward that limit, only two external displays may be available.
In some cases, closing the laptop lid and disabling the internal display may make another external display available. Display limits vary by processor, graphics hardware, operating system, and computer manufacturer.
How Does DisplayPort Bandwidth Affect MST Display Resolution?
MST divides the DisplayPort bandwidth available from the computer among the connected displays. Higher resolutions and refresh rates require more bandwidth.
| Host Display Capability | General MST Capability |
|---|---|
| No DisplayPort video over USB-C | No video output |
| DisplayPort 1.2 | Commonly supports dual 1080p 60Hz configurations |
| DisplayPort 1.4 | Supports higher resolutions and refresh rates depending on available bandwidth |
| DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC | Supports higher-bandwidth multi-display configurations on compatible products |
| DisplayPort 2.1 | Provides additional display bandwidth on compatible systems and products |
Display Stream Compression, or DSC, allows higher-resolution display signals to use less DisplayPort bandwidth. Whether DSC is required depends on the Plugable product, connected displays, and desired resolution and refresh rate.
Always refer to the specifications for your specific Plugable product to confirm its supported display configurations.
Which Plugable Products Use MST?
The following available Plugable products use DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport as part of their display functionality.
| Model | Maximum External Displays | MST Use |
|---|---|---|
| UD-MSTH2 | 2 | Two displays through MST |
| UD-MSTH3 | 3 | Up to three displays through MST |
| UD-MSTHDC | 2 | Two displays through MST |
| USBC-MSTH2 | 2 | Two HDMI displays through MST |
| USBC-MSTH3 | 3 | Up to three HDMI displays through MST |
| USBC-11IN1E | 2 | Two HDMI displays through MST |
| UD-3900C4 | 4 | Hybrid design with two MST displays and two DisplayLink displays |
| TBT4-UDZ | Up to 4 | Uses built-in MST to support multiple displays on compatible Windows systems |
The UD-3900C4 is a hybrid docking station. HDMI 1 and HDMI 2 use DisplayLink technology, while HDMI 3 and HDMI 4 rely on the computer's native DisplayPort Alt Mode and MST capabilities.
The TBT4-UDZ uses MST differently depending on the host platform. Compatible Windows Thunderbolt 4 and USB4 systems can use MST to support up to four extended displays. Mac display support differs because macOS does not support DisplayPort MST, so refer to the TBT4-UDZ product specifications for Mac display configurations.
What Are My Options if I Use macOS?
macOS does not support DisplayPort MST for multiple independent extended displays from a single MST connection.
This doesn't mean every Plugable product with MST is unusable with a Mac. Some products, such as hybrid or Thunderbolt docking stations, may use other display technologies or separate native display connections.
If you need multiple independent extended displays on a Mac, consider a Plugable DisplayLink docking station or a compatible Thunderbolt docking station. Always check the specific product's Mac compatibility and your Mac model's native external display capabilities before choosing a solution.
Applicable To
- UD-MSTH2, UD-MSTH3, UD-MSTHDC, USBC-MSTH2, USBC-MSTH3, USBC-11IN1E, UD-3900C4, TBT4-UDZ
