Any limitation for display connection on macbook pro?

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Any limitation for display connection on macbook pro?

'm trying to connect 2 displays to macbook pro with M1, 2021. I need to use them to extend desktop, not to mirror. For that I have the following adapter, which claims to give dual monitor.

However, the most I can achieve is mirroring mode, from which I conclude that there is a limitation in usb-c port or macbook video adapter to use single usb-c port per display. It means if I want to have extending mode, I need to use two usb-c ports(which obviously tested and works). Can someone confirm this limitation?

Posted on Jun 7, 2023 2:05 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

129,187 points

Jun 7, 2023 11:00 AM in response to Peter Robins

Peter Robins wrote:

CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock - Apple (DE)

Would this Dock allow connecting two displays with unique desktops each?

yes, that Caldigit is a genuine ThunderBolt Dock.

The first Dock you referenced is a StarTech USB-C Dock. Their ad on US Amazon states: "MacBook compatibility limited to single monitor".

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Answer 2

Jun 7, 2023 8:02 AM in response to Peter Robins

Peter Robins wrote:

'm trying to connect 2 displays to macbook pro with M1, 2021. I need to use them to extend desktop, not to mirror. For that I have the following adapter, which claims to give dual monitor.

ref: MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021) - Technical Specifications

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Answer 3

Jun 7, 2023 10:11 AM in response to Peter Robins

To support up to TWO displays on one cable out of a Mac, that cable must be a genuine ThunderBolt cable, connecting to a genuine ThunderBolt device as the first device (Dock or Display).

USB-C cables have fewer data pathways and far less bandwidth.

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Answer 4

Peter Robins Author

Level 1

9 points

Jun 7, 2023 10:13 AM in response to leroydouglas

From these specs I don't really understand if each usb-c output is bound to one unique desktop or I can use single usb-c port to connect multiple external displays with unique desktop each (i.e. not mirroring).

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Answer 5

Peter Robins Author

Level 1

9 points

Jun 7, 2023 10:23 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks

Do you have a link to reference Dock supporting ThunderBolt that can output to two external displays with unique desktops? I understand this is the only way to connect two displays. What does it mean "first device" ?

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Answer 6

Jun 7, 2023 11:01 AM in response to Peter Robins

<< What does it mean "first device" ? >>

Put your hand on the genuine ThunderBolt (not just USB-C) cable out of the Mac. The first device is the next physical thing down the cable away from the Mac.

• it can be a genuine ThunderBolt DOCK

• it can be a genuine Thunderbolt DISPLAY, some of which have additional ports and can support a secondary display.

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Answer 7

Peter Robins Author

Level 1

9 points

Jun 7, 2023 10:33 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock - Apple (DE)

Would this Dock allow connecting two displays with unique desktops each?

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Any limitation for display connection on macbook pro?

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