What would be the best plugs and sockets to use when connecting two Dell USB-C monitors (S3423DWC) into the Mac Pro 2019 model?

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What would be the best plugs and sockets to use when connecting two Dell USB-C monitors (S3423DWC) into the Mac Pro 2019 model?

Hello. I have a new Mac Pro coming and have two new Dell USB-C S3423DWC monitors to connect to it. What would be the best connection setup?

Mac Pro has two Radeon Pro W5700X MPX Module installed.

USB-C from monitor to Thunderbolt on the Radeon Pro W5700X MPX Module seems the way to go

or use the HDMI from monitor to the Radeon Pro W5700X MPX Module?

Thank you for any help. Appreciate it.

Mac Pro (2019)

Posted on Mar 12, 2023 6:46 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

140,261 points

Mar 13, 2023 4:42 PM in response to mopahhh

Yes, USB-C cables plug right into Thunderbolt ports and work immediately. You can think of USB-C as a subset of ThunderBolt.

RE: Power delivery:

in every case of an external device supplying POWER, the computer is in command of the process, and will negotiate the power level and current to be supplied using USB-C power delivery.

In the case of the W5700X, the entire POWER conversation goes like this: "None, thank you."

-------

<< As it would be video, data, audio and 65w power going through that one cable i am not sure that it is compatible. >>

NOT an issue.

All the rest of that outbound data can be supported over the same USB-C cable without issue. A hi-color 4K display needs about 17.25 G bits/sec outbound, so the 'change from 20' is available. There is no need for a separate pathway for ordinary USB data. Keep in mind display data has priority, so if you put Drives out there, their data transfers may be slowed (but not stopped) by display data having priority.

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Answer 2

Mar 13, 2023 2:32 PM in response to mopahhh

HDMI was invented for consumer-quality TV sets. its initial resolution at which it works best is 720P.

Anything beyond that will require fiddling, special cables, possibly special adapters, and will tend to run hotter.

If you have USB-C ports use good USB 3.1 cables rated for 20 M bits/sec and shorter than 1 meter. There is no additional payback for using Thunderbolt-3 or -4 cables.

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Answer 3

mopahhh Author

Level 1

7 points

Mar 13, 2023 4:15 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Hello. Thank you for the reply. I probably should have put more information into my first question.

The Dell USB-C monitor (S3423DWC) comes with a USB-C cable to connect to computer and laptops.

" The single-cable USB-C solution keeps your office space clear by combining video, audio, data transmission, and 65W Power Delivery into one cord." as well as other ports and slots available to use. Listed below.

Ports and Slots:

1. Security-lock slot (based on Kensington Security Slot™)

2. Power connector

3. HDMI 2.0 port with HDCP 2.2 (2)

4. Stand lock feature

5. USB Type-C upstream port (Alternate mode with DisplayPort 1.4, Power Delivery up to 65 W)

6. Audio line out port

7. Super Speed USB 5 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen1) Type-B upstream port

8. Super Speed USB 5 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen1) Type-A downstream port

9. 5W Speakers (2)

10. Super Speed USB 5 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen1) Type-A downstream port with 10W Power Charging

Cables included:

1. Power Cable

2. USB-C to USB-C Cable (USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C™-DP/PowerDelivery)

3. Super Speed USB 5 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1) Type-B upstream cable

The Mac Pro has numerous USB-C sockets and a couple older USB sockets but the Radeon Pro W5700X MPX Module has 1 HDMI (4K60) socket and 4 Thunderbolt 3 sockets (same shape and size as usb-c socket) to connect the monitor to.

Will the USB-C to USB-C Cable (USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C™-DP/PowerDelivery) supplied by Dell plug straight into the thunderbolt on the Radeon Pro W5700X MPX Module and work with no problems?

As it would be video, data, audio and 65w power going through that one cable i am not sure that it is compatible.

Seems like i should be using one cable for video and another cable for data, audio etc.

i.e.

USB-C to USB-C Cable (USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C™-DP/PowerDelivery) from monitor into the Radeon Pro W5700X MPX Module for video.

and Super Speed USB 5 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1) Type-B upstream cable into a usb-c or usb socket on computer for data and audio etc.

or

HDMI from monitor into the Radeon Pro W5700X MPX Module for video

and Super Speed USB 5 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1) Type-B upstream cable into a usb-c or usb socket on computer for data and audio etc.

or

HDMI from monitor into the Radeon Pro W5700X MPX Module for video.

and USB-C to USB-C Cable (USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type C™-DP/PowerDelivery) from monitor into a usb-c socket on computer for data and audio etc.

I was just going to try each setup when computer arrives but thought i would ask here first in case i blow myself up LOL.

Mainly i do not want to damage my new presents. haha.

Thank You. Appreciate the help.

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Answer 4

mopahhh Author

Level 1

7 points

Mar 13, 2023 4:39 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thank You. Exactly what i was looking for. Appreciate the help.

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What would be the best plugs and sockets to use when connecting two Dell USB-C monitors (S3423DWC) into the Mac Pro 2019 model?

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