Problems connecting external monitors

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Level 1

4 points

Problems connecting external monitors

I am facing an unusual issue when attempting to connect two external monitors to my MacBook Pro. The monitors are connected to a docker via two display ports, and the docker is linked to the MacBook Pro through a USB-C port.

Upon starting up my laptop and accessing the login GUI, both monitors are detected and functioning properly. However, as soon as I enter my password and log into the system, the monitors abruptly disconnect, and my Mac is unable to locate them again.

I am unsure why this is occurring once I have logged in. Could someone please offer assistance?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 13.3

Posted on Apr 2, 2023 1:18 AM

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Answer 1

Apr 2, 2023 6:30 AM in response to Abireo

Macs support up to two displays on a single cable only when using a ThunderBolt port, and the cable out of the Mac is a genuine Thunderbolt cable, connected to a genuine Thunderbolt device (Dock or Display).

The default login screen is typically very low resolution, so you may 'get away with it' until you log in, but not afterward.

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Answer 2

Apr 2, 2023 5:52 PM in response to Abireo

There are many posts of people with issues with Dell docks. Dell does not care about the Mac market, and does not make Mac-friendly products.

I would never advise any Mac owner to buy a Dell dock -- they are all tuned up for Dell computers [only].

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Answer 3

Apr 2, 2023 6:14 PM in response to Abireo

In the US, this vendor:

http://MacSales.com is still the most-recommended supplier here, because they have good return policies and a lab full of Macs. They pride themselves on their service, so they do not sell stuff that is so "difficult" it needs a lot of hand-holding to get working.

OWC sells their own private-label SSD drives, which are pretty good and reasonably priced, and you know they will work in your Mac.

Look for the "My Upgrades" link on their main page, and it will lead you to parts that will work in your specific model Mac.

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