How to Daisy Chain Multiple Monitors Using DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST)

This article explains how to Daisy Chain Multiple Monitors Using DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST). But, before we explain the concept, let us first define what is Multi-Stream Transport all about.

Related: Best Daisy Chain Monitors

What is DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST)?

DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport permits you to daisy chain monitors through DisplayPort 1.2 ports. Essentially, Daisy-chaining delineates the capability to connect a chain of monitors to a single video output port. This connection is to be made on your docking station or computer. Ultimately, it provides the advantage of decreasing clutter on your desk and streamlining cable management. Here is an example of two monitors that are connected in a daisy chain fashion to a laptop.

Image Source: https://www.eizoglobal.com/library/healthcare/daisychain/

Also Read: The Best DisplayPort MST Hubs

Before connecting monitors in Daisy Chain, you should have the following:

• Compatible video or graphics card (GPU) equipped with DisplayPort 1.2 port
• DisplayPort 1.2 MST-capable monitor
• Cutting-edge video or graphics card (GPU) drivers

NOTE: Every monitor with DisplayPort 1.2 technology does not support DisplayPort 1.2 MST. You can go through the User Manual of your monitor to know more.

NOTE: If you use a Dell TB16 Dock and a system equipped with Intel graphics driver version 25.20.100.6472, both monitors present in the chain should use a DisplayPort 1.2 connection.

NOTE: Daisy chaining, which uses DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST), is backed with DisplayPort (DP) as well as mini-DisplayPort (mDP) cables. Moreover, there is support for USB-C to USB-C daisy chaining on a few Dell monitors. If you want to know more about Multi-Stream Transport (MST) support, go through your monitor’s User Manual. Converters, adapters, or cables with varied form factors like USB-C to HDMI, USB-C to DisplayPort, DisplayPort to HDMI, etc., will not support daisy-chaining.

NOTE: The maximum resolution achieved in Daisy Chain configuration might be influenced by system support for HBR2/HBR3 specifications. In this article, you can get detailed information on system models that support HBR3 in Dell Systems Supporting HBR3 Specifications.

Cause:

How can you connect two monitors in a daisy chain through DisplayPort MST?

For connecting your PC to multiple monitors through DisplayPort MST, follow these steps:

1. Validate that the video or graphics card (GPU) present on your PC supports DisplayPort 1.2 MST.
2. Now connect your PC to the DisplayPort in connection available on the first monitor.
3. The first monitor’s DisplayPort Out needs to be connected to DisplayPort In connection present on the second monitor.
4. If you want to daisy chain more than two monitors, then adopt the same sequence: The first monitor should be connected to the second, the second one to be connected to the third, and so on.
5. With the help of the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu, you need to Enable DisplayPort 1.2, which is available on your monitor.
   Go through the User Manual of your monitor to know more.
6. Make sure the DisplayPort 1.2 mode of the last monitor arranged in the chain is set to Disabled.

NOTE: You need to use the DisplayPort cables provided with your monitor. If you use an incompatible DisplayPort cable, then monitors might not operate correctly.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How many monitors can I daisy chain together?

Since your GPU can only output plenty of pixels, there is a limit on the number of monitors you can daisy chain together. Factors on which this limit depends include timings, resolution, and refresh rates of the connected monitors. See the table below to know about some fundamental configuration options.

You can chain together those monitors with different display resolutions. You can connect a monitor with 2560 x 1600 pixels resolution to two monitors with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution. The last monitor present in the chain can be an older DisplayPort 1.1 monitor (that only possesses a DisplayPort input). The other monitors all have DP 1.2 inputs & outputs.

2. How to configure monitors in Extended Mode?

The DisplayPort 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport (MST) functionalities should be enabled in the Extended Mode. This feature is not enabled on the Dell monitors by default. After you have enabled MST, it is possible to set your displays to Extended Mode in Windows.

3. Is it mandatory that the last monitor in the chain must support DisplayPort 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport?

No, the last monitor connected in the chain may or may not support DisplayPort 1.2 Multi-Stream Transport (MST).