Problems connecting 3 external displays

Question

Problems connecting 3 external displays

I have the MacBook Pro 2016 13" w/ TouchBar, and I am trying to connect 3 external monitors. Currently, I can only have two externals run at a time. I am running the monitors through HDMi. I was did read that MacBook 2016 can support up to two 5k displays, and I guess I went on the assumption that it can run more than two non-5k displays. My monitors are not 5k displays. They are 1920x1080 resolution. I also have one Apple Multi-port adapter and then two AmazonBasics USB-C to HDMI ports, to connect the monitors. Any input and help would be appreciated.

MacBook Pro TouchBar and Touch ID, macOS Sierra (10.12.5)

Posted on Jun 13, 2017 11:45 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 13, 2017 2:44 PM in response to crescitatradingco

Modern Macs are optimized for signal levels of DisplayPort. When you attach more than two "legacy" displays, the signal levels are dragged down so low that one or more displays drop out.

To get it working requires at least one adapter sold as ACTIVE (i.e., has signal re-drivers inside). These are somewhat more expensive, but are readily available. Use of built-in HDMI (if so equipped) does count toward the limit of two.

HOWEVER: there is a hard limit of two external displays drive directly in the 13-in 2016 MacBook pro with TouchBar:

2nd Display Support: Dual/Mirroring* 2nd Max. Resolution: 4096x2304 (x2*)

Details: *In addition to simultaneous support of the internal display, this model supports a maximum resolution up to 4096x2304 at 60 Hz at over a billion colors on two external displays or a single external display at a maximum resolution up to 5120x2880 at 60 Hz at over a billion colors via Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C).

from:

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/specs/macbook-pro-core-i5-2.9- 13-late-2016-retina-display-touch-bar-sp…

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Answer 2

Jun 13, 2017 2:47 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thank you for the feedback. So my understanding is that, if I want my 3rd external to work, I will have to purchase a ACTIVE Adapter with signal redrivers inside. Are there any specific adapters you would suggest? Thank you again.

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Answer 3

Jun 14, 2017 10:43 AM in response to crescitatradingco

If you want the third display to work, you need a different computer. Yours is limited to TWO displays in addition to the built-in.

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Answer 4

Jun 14, 2017 10:55 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thank you for the help. Upset with my local Apple Store as they told me it should be able to run 4 at full resolution and 16 at a lesser amount.

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