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Plugable USB-C デュアル HDMI 変換アダプタ MST 対応、2台の 4K 60Hz モニタを接続 Windows Chromebook 用 ドライバ導入不要
$39.95 USD
SKU: USBC-MSTH2Amazon Rating : (192 Reviews)
機能
- Easy Dual Display— Simple one-plug USB C adapter for dual extended 4K 60Hz HDMI displays for Windows and ChromeOS computers. Adapter supports HDCP to play copy-protected media through streaming services so it is compatible with platforms like Netflix and Hulu
- USB-C to HDMI— Connect two HDMI monitors through a single USB-C, Thunderbolt, or USB4 port for dual extended displays up to 4K 60Hz for crisp, clear streaming, gaming, and working
- Plug and Play— No drivers to download or install. The USBC to HDMI adapter uses Alt Mode graphics and an MST chip to drive two displays natively from the host laptop for seamless performance
- Compatiblity— For Windows 10, 11+ and ChromeOS 100 or later systems with a USB-C, Thunderbolt or USB4 port and DP Alternate Mode over USB-C support (DP 1.4). Not recommended for macOS.
- 2-Year Coverage, Lifetime Support— Every Plugable product, including this USB C to HDMI adapter, is covered against defects for 2 years and comes with lifetime support. If you ever have questions, contact our North American-based team - even before purchase
For volume orders or business inquiries contact sales@plugable.com
Free 3-Day Continental U.S. Shipping When Buying Direct!
簡単な方法でデュアルディスプレイを実現
USB-C ポートが 1 つ搭載された PC に、4K モニタを 2 台接続したいとき、どうすればいいでしょうか。それを簡単に実現するのがこの「Plugable USB-C デュアル HDMI 変換アダプタ MST 対応（USBC-MSTH2）」 です。
このグラフィック変換アダプタは、最近販売されることが増えた DisplayPort 1.4 対応の USB-C ポート（Thunderbolt 4 ポートでも可）を搭載した Windows または ChromeOS システムで使用でき、ポート 1 つに 4K 60Hz までのモニタを拡張モードで 2 台接続できます。この変換アダプタは、DisplayPort 信号のもつ MST（マルチストリームトランスポート）機能を使用しています。アダプタに搭載された MST チップにより、PC システム USB-C ポートに実装された DisplayPort 代替モード（DisplayPort 信号）を 2 つの独立したディスプレイ・データとして供給する仕組みで、このためこの製品のためのデバイス・ドライバを導入する必要はありません。また、ネイティブの GPU を駆動する仕組みのため HDCP もサポートしており、Netflix や Hulu などのストリーミングサービスでコピー保護されたコンテンツを再生することができます。
ドッキングステーションなどに比べコンパクトな筐体のため、自宅やオフィス、その他の作業環境に簡単に持ち運ぶことができます。
注意１： 接続する PC システムの USB-C ポートが DP 1.2 にしか対応していない場合は、接続できる 2 台のモニタは 1080p 60Hz までの解像度になります。 4K 60Hz 対応のモニタを接続するためには、PC 側が DP 1.4 に対応している必要があります。
macOS は MST 機能をサポートしていません。USBC-MSTH2を macOS システムで使用することはできますが、1 台のモニタのみしか拡張できず、2台目の外部モニタは複製されます。
2 台の 4K 60Hz モニタ
4K 60Hz 解像度までの HDMI モニタを 2 台、1 つの USB-C ポートに接続することができます。
プラグ＆プレイ
PC システム内蔵の GPU を直接使用する変換アダプタのため、デバイス・ドライバの導入は必要ありません。
持ち運びに便利
コンパクトな筐体に約 17 cm のケーブルが付属しています。
ハイブリッド・オフィス使用のために持ち運ぶのにも適しています。
互換性
USB4、Thunderbolt または DP 代替モードに対応した USB-C ポート搭載の Windows 10、11 以上、ChromeOS 100 以上のシステムで使用できます。 macOS では 1 台しか接続できないため、使用を推奨されていません。
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
モニター数 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
グラフィックポート |
HDMI x2 |
HDMI x2 |
HDMI x 2、DP x 2（組み合わせて 2 つを使用） |
HDMI x 1、DVI x1（VGA に変換可） |
最大解像度 |
4K 60Hz |
1080p 60Hz |
4K 60Hz |
1080p 60Hz |
PC 接続タイプ |
USB-C |
USB 3.0 または USB-C |
USB 3.0 または USB-C |
USB 3.0 または USB-C |
デバイスドライバ導入の必要性 |
いいえ |
あり |
あり |
あり |
チップセット |
MST |
Silicon Motion |
DisplayLink |
DisplayLink |
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You can always contact support if you need help too!
Is my laptop compatible with Plugable Multi-Stream Transport (MST) products?
Multi-Stream Transport (MST) allows a single USB-C, USB4, or Thunderbolt port to drive multiple independent external monitors. This technology is driverless and can be used to seamlessly set up hotdesking or work-from-home environments. While MST is a standard feature on Windows and ChromeOS, hardware limits still apply. Even if a dock has four ports, your laptop’s internal graphics card (GPU) may only be able to drive two or three displays total.
1. Compatibility
Mac Users: To extend displays on Apple Silicon, use a DisplayLink dock or a Thunderbolt dock (for Pro/Max/M4/M5 chips).
2. Check Your Hardware’s "Display Limit."
Before buying an MST hub or dock for 2, 3 or 4 monitors, you must verify how many displays your laptop's GPU can handle. Note: The laptop’s built-in screen usually counts as one display.
- Intel Iris Xe / Core Ultra: Generally supports up to 4 displays total (e.g., the laptop screen + 3 external monitors).
- Entry-level AMD/Intel (Celeron/Athlon): May be limited to only 2 displays total (laptop screen + 1 external).
-
Snapdragon X Elite: Generally supports up to 4 displays total (e.g., the laptop screen + 3 external monitors).
- ARM Compatibility varies by the specific chip.
- Some SoCs, such as the Texas Instruments DRA829J, do support MST, while others, such as the MediaTek MT8127, do not. Always check your SoC's technical datasheet for "DisplayPort MST" support.
Tip: If you want to use 3 external monitors and your laptop is limited to 3 total displays, you may need to close the laptop lid to "disable" the internal screen and free up a display slot for the third external monitor.
3. Plugable MST & Hybrid Product Guide
Important Note on the UD-3900C4: This is a "Hybrid" dock. HDMI ports 1 and 2 use DisplayLink (drivers required) and do not count toward your GPU's MST limit. HDMI ports 3 and 4 do use MST and require your laptop's hardware support.
4. Bandwidth: The "Pipe" Problem
Think of your USB-C port as a water pipe. MST splits that pipe. If you try to push three 4K signals through a small pipe (older DP 1.2), the screens can flicker, disconnect or drop to low resolution. It is essential to use certified, high-quality cables to ensure stable and full-bandwidth video transmission.
Maximum Performance Matrix
5. Troubleshooting and FAQ
- "Only one or two of the connected monitors are functioning.": Try closing your laptop lid. If the second or third monitor powers on, you have reached your GPU's maximum display count.
- "The 4th monitor on my UD-3900C4 is mirroring.": This means your laptop likely does not support MST, or you are on an Apple system.
- "I have a Mac, and it's mirroring.": This is the expected behaviour, as Apple does not support Multi-Stream Transport (MST).
- For base Apple Silicon models, you must use DisplayLink technology to overcome limitations of external displays. However, if you have an M4, M5, or a Pro/Max version of Apple silicon, a Thunderbolt docking station can also be used to extend your displays.
5.1 Connection Issues: USB-C & Video Cables
The cables you use are just as important as the dock itself. High-resolution multi-monitor setups require high bandwidth.
- Always use the USB-C cable that was provided with your Plugable dock. This cable is specifically rated to support DisplayPort Alt Mode and the dock's power delivery requirements.
- For best results, use cables that support DP 1.4+ with a maximum bandwidth of 32.4 Gbps. This provides enough room for two 4K UHD streams at 60Hz.
- Use the cables included with your monitors. If you experience flickering or lower-than-expected resolution, try swapping the cables to rule out a faulty or low-bandwidth cable.
5.2 Driver & OS Maintenance
To ensure a stable connection, your software must be up to date with your hardware.
- Ensure Windows or ChromeOS is fully up to date.
- Outdated Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD drivers are a common cause of MST failure. Visit your laptop manufacturer’s website to download the latest graphics drivers.
- If a monitor isn't detected, try a "Power Cycle": Unplug the dock from the laptop, power it off, wait 30 seconds, then reconnect.
Still Unsure?
Email support@plugable.com with your laptop's model number and the monitors you plan to use and we will do our best to determine if an MST solution is right for you.
What is the maximum resolution supported on the USBC-MSTH2?
The maximum resolution supported by the Plugable USBC-MSTH2 depends on the video capabilities of the USB-C port on the host computer. The adapter can support up to two external HDMI displays, but it relies on the host system to provide the available DisplayPort bandwidth over USB-C. In general, systems that support DisplayPort 1.2 over USB-C can support up to two 1920x1080 displays at 60Hz, while systems that support DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC over USB-C can support up to two 3840x2160 displays at 60Hz.
Compatibility
The USBC-MSTH2 requires a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 ports that carry DisplayPort Alt Mode are also compatible.
The adapter is compatible with supported Windows 10, Windows 11, and ChromeOS 100 or later systems.
macOS is not recommended for this product. While the adapter may function on some Mac systems, macOS does not support MST for multiple independent extended displays through this type of adapter. In most cases, both connected external displays will mirror the same image rather than extend separately.
Maximum resolution by host capability
The USBC-MSTH2 does not generate video bandwidth on its own. Instead, it splits the video signal already provided by the host computer’s USB-C port. Because of this, the maximum supported resolution depends on the DisplayPort version and bandwidth available from the host system.
In general, the expected results are:
| Host capability | Expected result |
|---|---|
| No DP Alt Mode | No video output |
| DP 1.2 host | Up to dual 1080p 60Hz |
| DP 1.4 host without sufficient bandwidth or DSC | Varies by system |
| DP 1.4 with DSC | Up to dual 4K 60Hz |
| DP 2.1 | Dual 4K 60hz |
| macOS | One extended display and one mirrored display |
Important notes about system limits
Even if a USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and MST, the computer’s graphics processor may still limit the number of active displays or the maximum resolution and refresh rate available.
In some cases, the laptop’s built-in display counts toward the total number of displays the system can drive at one time. This means a system may not be able to support the expected external display configuration unless the internal display is disabled. On some laptops, this can be tested by using the system in clamshell mode with the lid closed, if supported by the manufacturer.
Display cable quality can also affect results. For best performance, we recommend using HDMI cables rated 2.0 (or higher) to support the resolution and refresh rate you are trying to achieve.
What is DSC?
Display Stream Compression, or DSC, is a display technology that compresses video data so higher resolutions and refresh rates can fit through a connection like DisplayPort, HDMI, or USB-C without a noticeable loss in image quality. It helps devices support demanding display modes, such as 4K at high refresh rates, when the connection would otherwise not have enough bandwidth.
How to verify your system
To estimate what resolution the USBC-MSTH2 can support on your system, check the technical specifications for your laptop, tablet, or motherboard and confirm the following:
- The USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode
- The system supports MST (Multi-Stream Transport)
- The DisplayPort version provided over USB-C is at least DisplayPort 1.2
- DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC is recommended for dual 4K display support
If the system manufacturer does not clearly list the DisplayPort version or MST support, we recommend contacting the manufacturer directly for confirmation.
Need more help?
If your system specifications indicate support for DisplayPort Alt Mode and MST, but the USBC-MSTH2 is not providing the expected display resolution or behavior, please contact Plugable support for assistance at support@plugable.com.
Does this Plugable MST video adapter come with a power supply?
This display adapter draws power from the USB-C port that it is connected to in order to function. So there is no need for an external power supply to operate this device but it is recommended to keep in mind that this will draw power from your computer.
Does the Plugable MST video adapter come with cables?
This device does not include any extra cables, but it does have a built-in USB-C cable for connecting to the host computer. For connecting displays, you will want to use a set of HDMI cables.
Will the USBC-MSTH2 work with a computer that supports Thunderbolt 3 or 4?
Because Thunderbolt 3 and 4 does support DisplayPort Alt Mode and Multi-Stream Transport (MST) mode, this display adapter should be fully compatible. The only exception for this is with Apple products, as they do not support Multi-Stream Transport (MST) mode.
Could I use a USB Type-A adapter To connect the MST adapter with my computer if there is no USB-C port available?
This display adapter requires a connection that supports USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode for extending the displays. The use of any adapter to convert a USB-C signal to USB Type-A would not have the capability of supporting display extensions. As such, this device would not function for extending displays when used in such a manner.
If your computer does not have a USB-C port, you may want to look into our USB 3.0 display adapters such as the following, which should be compatible:
- Plugable USB-C or USB 3.0 to Dual HDMI Adapter
- Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dual Monitor Adapter
Note that each of these devices do require driver installation.
If I connect the Plugable MST adapter to a MacBook, would I be able to see two or three distinct screens, or would all screens display the same content?
When you connect this directly to a MacBook, you will only see mirrored content on both screens. This is because macOS and iPadOS are not designed to support Multi-Stream Transport (MST) which the Plugable USBC-MSTH2 and USBC-MSTH3 video adapters rely on to power two displays.
Does the MST adapter work on any USB-C port?
The USBC-MSTH2 will only work with a USB-C port or Thunderbolt port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode for extending external displays.
If your computer does not support DisplayPort Alt Mode, you may want to look into our USB 3.0 display adapters such as the following, which should be compatible:
- Plugable USB-C or USB 3.0 to Dual HDMI Adapter
- Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dual Monitor Adapter
Note that each of these devices do require driver installation.
Are there any drivers or software that need to be installed in order to use this USB-C dual HDMI adapter?
There's no need to worry about downloading drivers, as the adapter does not require any additional software.
The USBC-MSTH2 does require a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode for extending displays.
If your computer does not support DisplayPort Alt Mode, you may want to look into our USB 3.0 display adapters such as the following, which should be compatible:
- Plugable USB-C or USB 3.0 to Dual HDMI Adapter
- Plugable USB 3.0 and USB-C 4K DisplayPort and HDMI Dual Monitor Adapter
Note that each of these devices do require driver installation.
Is this USB-C to dual HDMI adapter compatible with macOS, iPadOS?
It's important to understand that macOS and iPadOS are designed to only support Single-Stream Transport (SST) mode, so only a single display is supported.
On macOS, a second HDMI display connected to the USBC-MSTH2 is limited to mirror.
iPads can only support one external display.
Can I Connect a DisplayPort (DP) Monitor to the HDMI Port on This Device Using an Adapter or Cable?
No. Most DisplayPort to HDMI cables and adapters are one-way adapters from a DisplayPort Source (computer or docking station) to a HDMI Sink (television, computer monitor, or projector). These cables do not work in reverse.
DisplayPort uses packet-based data transmission, breaking the video stream into individual packets of data allows for longer cable runs, use in both copper and fiber-optic cables, and allows for higher bandwidth than other video formats. It is relatively easy to convert from DisplayPort to HDMI (computers with HDMI output ports already do this internally) and dual-mode DisplayPort outputs have built-in adapters to output a HDMI signal for use with passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapters.
HDMI uses a video signal, similar to DVI, this requires more power to operate at the same cable lengths as DisplayPort and requires significantly more processing power to create DisplayPort packet-based data.
Externally powered HDMI to DisplayPort adapters do exist, these generally have a USB or small barrel plug for power, and can convert from a HDMI Source to DisplayPort Sink. In most cases they have reduced resolution or refresh rates compared to modern signal sources and can introduce delay in the data connection between the display and computer potentially causing reduced connectivity or display performance problems.
We do not currently recommend using HDMI to DisplayPort adapter with our docking stations. In our testing they have been unreliable compared to a native DisplayPort connection. Many of our newer docking stations include both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs to reduce the need for additional adapters or adapter cables.
No Sound? How to Change Your Default Audio Device to Your Plugable Product
Whether you're on Windows, macOS, or Linux, it's common to add new audio devices to your computer.
Some examples of additional audio devices you may want to switch to include:
- Bluetooth headsets, headphones, and speakers
- Speakers built into a display, such as a TV or monitor
- A USB sound card, digital audio converter (DAC), or analog to digital converter (ADC)
- USB microphones
- Audio jacks on a docking station
These steps don't apply to the Plugable Performance NIX HDMI Capture Card (USBC-CAP60).
Here are the steps that you need to set a new default audio recording or output device on different operating systems.
Set Audio Output Device
Set Audio Recording Device
Set Default Playback Device in Windows
- Check that your device is properly connected, and that any necessary drivers are installed
- It is also a good idea to make sure that your sound device is turned on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Right-click on the speaker symbol in the Windows taskbar/system tray
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Playback Devices. The Sound window will open with the Playback tab highlighted
-
Windows 10/11—Select Open Sound Settings then click the link under 'Related Settings' for Sound Control Panel, then click the Playback tab
- Alternatively, after selecting Open Sound Settings, use the dropdowns under the Output header
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Playback Devices. The Sound window will open with the Playback tab highlighted
- Find your device in the window
- A Plugable USB 3.0 docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as Plugable Audio
- A Plugable USB 3.0 Silicon Motion docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as SMI USB Audio
- A Plugable USB 2.0 docking station will appear as USB Multimedia Audio Device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
- Right-click on the device you found in step 3 and select Set as Default Device. A check mark should appear next to your device, and sound should now play through it
- Click OK to exit the window
Additional Configuration for Bluetooth
Please see our pairing and configuration guide for Bluetooth devices.
Set Default Playback Device in macOS
- Open System Preferences
- Click Sound
- Select Output
- Select the most appropriate device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
Set Default Playback Device in Linux
- Ensure that you audio device is connected to the PC
- If the audio device is self-powered, it is a good idea to make sure that it is powered on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Launch the 'Settings' application in your distro
- Go to the 'Sound' option
- Find the dropdown for your 'Output Device', and change it to your preferred output device
- For additional sound device controls, you may want to consider using Pulseaudio Volume Controls (package name pavucontrol)
Set Default Recording Device in Windows
- Check that your device is properly connected, and that any necessary drivers are installed
- It is also a good idea to make sure that your sound device is turned on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Right-click on the speaker symbol in the Windows taskbar/system tray
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Recording Devices. The Sound window will open with the Recording tab highlighted
-
Windows 10/11—Select Open Sound Settings then click the link under 'Related Settings' for Sound Control Panel, then click the Recording tab
- Alternatively, after selecting Open Sound Settings, use the dropdowns under the Input header
-
Windows 7/8.x—Select Recording Devices. The Sound window will open with the Recording tab highlighted
- Find your device in the window
- A Plugable USB 3.0 DisplayLink docking station or sound-enabled display adapter will appear as Plugable Audio
- A Plugable USB 2.0 docking station will appear as USB Multimedia Audio Device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
- Right-click on the device you found in step 3 and select Set as Default Device. A check mark should appear next to your device, and sound should now play through it
- Click OK to exit the window
Additional Configuration for Bluetooth
Please see our pairing and configuration guide for Bluetooth devices.
Set Default Recording Device in macOS
- Open System Preferences
- Click Sound
- Select Input
- Select the most appropriate device
- A Plugable USB Audio adapter will appear as USB Audio Device
Set Default Recording Device in Linux
- Ensure that you audio device is connected to the PC
- If the audio device is self-powered, it is a good idea to make sure that it is powered on, and that the device's volume control is not at the absolute minimum setting
- Launch the 'Settings' application in your distro
- Go to the 'Sound' option
- Find the dropdown for your 'Input Device', and change it to your preferred input device
- For additional sound device controls, you may want to consider using Pulseaudio Volume Controls (package name pavucontrol)
My Docking Station/Adapter Works Well With My Windows Laptop, but When I Close the Lid the Displays and Laptop Turn Off or Sleep. How Do I Fix This?
Most Windows notebook computers power management settings will default to putting the computer to sleep with the lid closed, regardless of any external displays, keyboard, or mouse connected to the computer. If this is happening but you would prefer the system to remain active with the lid closed utilizing the external display or displays, these settings can be changed by performing the following:
For Windows 10:
- Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.
- From the right side of the Power Options settings page, select the blue link for Additional power settings
- From the choices present on the left-hand side of the Power Options window, please click on Choose what closing the lid does
- Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing
- Click the Save Changes button and restart the system (making sure that the laptop’s power adapter is also connected) and test the behavior again.
For Windows 11:
- Start by right-clicking on the Start button and select Power Options from the menu.
- In the upper left corner of the settings window, in the search box, type "lid" then select Change what closing the lid does from the search results
- Make sure the setting for When I close the lid under the Plugged In column is set to Do Nothing
- Click the Save Changes button to apply the new settings.
Closing the lid should no longer put the computer into sleep mode when an external display and power source is connected, instead one of the external displays should now become the Primary display with the desktop icons instead of the laptop's built-in display.
The lid may still need to be opened to perform the following tasks:
- To power on the computer from a fully powered off state
- To log into the computer if logged out or if the computer is restarted with the lid closed
- To wake the computer from a deep sleep state ( hibernation, or Windows hybrid sleep states )
Understanding Heat Generation in Electronics
It's not uncommon for users to notice a certain level of heat generation from electronics and by extension, Plugable products during operation. In this knowledge base article, we'll explore the reasons behind this heat generation and why it is considered a normal experience within reasonable limits.
Electronics, by their nature, generate heat during operation. This is primarily a result of the electrical current flowing through various components, such as integrated circuits, transistors, and other electronic elements. As Plugable products are designed to efficiently process and transfer data (among other functionality), some level of heat generation is inherent.
Factors Influencing Heat Generation:
- Power Consumption: The power consumption of a device directly influences the amount of heat it generates. Higher power usage, especially during data transfer or charging processes, can lead to increased heat.
- Enclosure Design: The design of the product's enclosure and its ability to dissipate heat play a crucial role. Adequate ventilation and heat sinks are often incorporated to manage and disperse generated heat effectively. This is evident in our TBT3-UDZ and TBT4-UDZ designs. The metal case in these docks are designed to function as a heatsink with thermal pads placed throughout the enclosure. This allows heat dissipation from inside to the outside, but will also make it feel as if the device is “too hot”.
- Ambient Temperature: The external environment may also play a role. Higher ambient temperatures can contribute to increased perceived heat from the product. This means that summer temperatures may increase the heat generation of not just Plugable products, but many other electronic devices.
Normal Heat Levels: While it is normal for electronic devices to generate heat, Plugable products are engineered to operate within safe temperature ranges. We conduct rigorous testing to ensure that the heat generated during normal operation falls within industry-standard safety parameters. While not all products are or need to be UL certified, we try to go by UL guidelines for thermal readings. The UL threshold is 77C/170.6F, and we aim for around 71C/160F.
Tips for Users:
- Ventilation: Ensure that Plugable products have sufficient ventilation around them. Avoid placing them in enclosed spaces where heat dissipation may be impeded.
- Usage Patterns: Intensive tasks such as high-speed data transfer or charging multiple devices simultaneously may result in increased heat generation. This is generally normal but may be more noticeable in such scenarios.
- Accessories: A number of our devices will allow for the connection of USB accessories and as such, these will require power. If too many “power-hungry” devices are connected, this will cause the device to run much hotter than expected. Be sure to keep in mind the power limits of your dock/device.
In conclusion, experiencing heat from Plugable products is a normal aspect of their operation. Users can rest assured that we prioritize the safety and efficiency of our devices. By understanding the factors influencing heat generation and following simple usage guidelines, users can make the most of their Plugable products while ensuring a reliable and efficient user experience.
How do I know if my computer supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST)?
Most modern laptops that support USB-C DisplayPort 1.2 Alt Mode should Support two displays.
You may have to research some technical specifications for your laptop to see exactly what version of DisplayPort your computer supports.
- DisplayPort 1.2 should allow for two 1080p@60Hz displays to be connected.
- DisplayPort 1.4 should allow for two 4K@60Hz displays to be connected.
- DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC 1.2 support should allow you to connect 8K@60Hz displays.
Display Stream Compression (DSC) 1.2 enables visually lossless compression for ultra-high-definition (UHD) displays, while also supporting High Dynamic Range (HDR).
If you're unsure or can't find the appropriate technical specifications for the version of DisplayPort your computer supports, you may want to contact the computer manufacturer support team for more detailed information.
How To: Set the Display Refresh Rate in Windows 11
Many modern displays can support above the default 60Hz refresh rate, however this may need to be manually set within Windows 11. Please note, not all computers, graphics adapters, and docking stations can support all resolutions and refresh rates.
Setting the Display Refresh Rate in Windows 11
1. Right-click on the desktop and select Display Settings from the drop-down menu
2. Scroll down to the Related settings subsection and select Advanced display
3. At the top of the Advanced display window, select the external display from the drop-down menu
4. From the Choose a refresh rate drop-down menu select the desired refresh rate
Refresh Rate Limitations
With Windows 24H2 and newer, dynamic refresh rates are supported, this allows the system to adjust the display refresh rate to save power, up to the selected refresh rate. As a consequence of this new mode, when selecting the display refresh rate you may see an asterisk. This indicates that selecting the specific refresh rate may reduce the display resolution or image quality in order to prioritize the refresh rate. This exposes the refresh rate option from the display even if the display cable or computer is incapable of supporting that refresh rate at the native resolution and is the intended behavior per Microsoft. [1]
In the screenshot below the left side shows the 4K 120Hz capable display limited to 60Hz refresh rate without asterisks, and on the right the same display after setting the refresh rate to “120 Hz*”, the “Desktop mode” resolution has been reduced to 2560 x 1440 (1440p) instead of 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD). Unlike when using the display scaling option this also causes a reduction in image quality. On the right side asterisks are no longer shown in the refresh rate list. Setting the refresh rate back to 60Hz does not change the resolution, you will have to go back one page and set the resolution manually.
References
[1] Windows Insider description of new behavior (https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2023/08/31/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-25941-canary-channel/)
Is the USBC-MSTH2 Compatible with macOS?
The USBC-MSTH2 is not compatible with macOS. macOS doesn’t support MST (Multi-Stream Transport) —the underlying technology driving the USBC-MSTH2, so while the adapter is technically compatible with Apple USB-C devices, you can only extend to one 4k monitor, the second external monitor will be mirrored.
USBC-MSTH2 – Driver Updates and Connection Checks
If you're experiencing issues with the Plugable USBC-MSTH2 docking station, start by ensuring your system and graphics drivers are up-to-date—use Windows Update or your GPU manufacturer’s website for updates. Verify you're using the included USB-C cable that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and that it's connected to a compatible USB-C port (DisplayPort 1.2 or higher).
On Windows, set your display mode to Extend in Display Settings; Chrome OS users should select Extend mode in Display settings. Note that macOS does not support MST, so only mirrored displays are possible. If issues persist, try swapping cables or contact Plugable Support at support@plugable.com.
Can I connect this product to a computer's Thunderbolt/Thunderbolt 2 port?
Many users assume that USB-C devices can work with older Thunderbolt 2 Macs if they use a Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter, such as the one made by Apple. However, this is not the case. These adapters are specifically designed to support Thunderbolt devices only - not standard USB-C peripherals.
While Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C share the same connector type, they use different underlying data protocols. Non-Thunderbolt USB-C devices, rely on USB standards for data and power. The Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter does not carry USB signals; it only passes Thunderbolt data. Because of this, plugging a USB-C device into a Thunderbolt 2 Mac using this adapter will not work - the computer will not detect or communicate with the device.
If you need to connect peripherals to a Thunderbolt 2 system, we recommend using a USB-A dock or hub (if available on your system). This ensures compatibility without relying on unsupported adapter chains.
In short, even though the connectors may fit, USB-C devices are not compatible with Thunderbolt 2 Macs via Thunderbolt adapters - only Thunderbolt devices will work in that setup.
Update Graphics Drivers in Windows
Up to date graphics drivers are necessary for ensuring the best performance of your computer's built-in display, as well as the capability and compatibility with external displays and docking stations.
Windows has a built-in system update service: Windows Update, however this may not provide up to date drivers or timely updates. We often see systems with out of date drivers, in some cases systems may not receive updated graphics drivers for months or even years, leaving the computer with drivers incompatible with the installed version of Windows 11.
However, we can manually update the graphics drivers to ensure the best possible performance, reliability, and compatibility.
The first step is to identify the graphics hardware, then downloading, and installing the latest drivers.
Identifying Graphics Controller
For notebooks and many desktop computers, the primary graphics controller is embedded in the processor, both AMD and Intel provide graphics driver updates based on the processor model, as well as for discrete graphics controllers. Our first step is to identify up the processor or graphics hardware model details:
- Right-click on the Start Menu and select Settings from the pop-up menu
- From the left column select System and from the bottom of the right side select About
- From the top of the about page the processor details will be on the right side, and duplicated lower down on the page.
- In this example the processor is a 12th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1260P, we'll keep that detail for the next step.
If your computer has two graphics controllers (it may show "Multiple GPUs Installed" under Graphics Card) then we can get the graphics card model details from the Windows System Information Utility.
- Open the Start menu and search for "msinfo32"
- Select the first result
- From the left-column expand the Components section, then select Display
- In this example the Intel Iris(R) Xe Graphics is enabled by the processor, while the Intel(R) Arc(TM) Pro B60 Graphics is a discrete graphics controller.
Downloading the Drivers
Intel Graphics
- In a web browser navigate to the Intel Driver Download Page
- In the "Search Drivers & Software" field, search for the Intel graphics card model or CPU model, "Arc Pro B60" in this example
- Select the appropriate "Intel Arc Pro Graphics - Windows" or similar entry from the search results, for modern hardware Intel will normally have at least one release per month, the list should return recent results within the last month
- Select the Download button to save the installer to your Downloads folder or selected location
AMD Graphics
AMD provides an Auto-Detect utility, this works relatively well and can be used to update the system available from the AMD Drivers and Support page.
This page also provides a search and browse option for finding drivers and specific compatibility details, we'll look up the drivers for an AMD Ryzen Pro 5650U processor with Radeon Graphics:
- Navigate to AMD Drivers and Support page
- From the Browse section, fill out the processor details and click the Submit button
- Expand the "Windows 11 - 64-Bit Edition" section and select the Download button for the latest graphics drivers
NVIDIA Graphics
Like AMD, NVIDIA provides an automatic installation utility, as well as a Manual Driver Search on the NVIDIA Drivers support page. We will look up the drivers for an NVIDIA RTX 5080 graphics card.
- Navigate to NVIDIA Drivers support page
- Fill out the Manual Driver Search drop-downs and select the "Find" button when complete
- From the search results, select the "View" button for the GeForce Game Ready Driver or NVIDIA Studio Driver (if you need the studio driver features)
- Select the green Download button for the latest graphics drivers
Installing the Graphics Drivers
For the most part this is relatively simple, we recommend disconnecting any external docking stations or devices that are not necessary for the driver installation, and for notebook computers connecting the system's original power supply.
Double-click on the downloaded driver installation executable and follow the on screen steps.
For more in-depth details on Intel, AMD, and NVIDIA's driver installation processes check out our step-by-step guides here:
- Intel Driver Installation In Detail
- AMD Driver Installation In Detail
- NVIDIA Driver Installation In Detail
If you have any questions or would like a recommendation, feel free to reach out to our support at support@plugable.com
How-To: Install the latest Intel Graphics Drivers
For a step-by-step guide to identify your graphics hardware and download the appropriate drivers, check out our KB article here
Download the drivers for your GPU or Processor Graphics
- In a web browser navigate to the Intel Driver Download Page
- In the Search Drivers & Software field, search for the Intel graphics card model or CPU model, "Arc Pro B60" in this example
- Select the appropriate Intel Arc Pro Graphics - Windows or similar entry from the search results, for modern hardware Intel will normally have at least one release per month, the list should return recent results within the last month
- Select the Download button to save the installer to your Downloads folder or selected location
Install the Intel Graphics Driver
To update the Intel Graphics Drivers to the latest version from Intel's website:
- Save and close any open applications
- Navigate to the downloaded graphics driver, then right-click on the saved driver installation file and select Run as administrator to start the installation process
- Allow the Intel driver installation through the User account control window, the drivers will be extracted
- When the extraction is complete select the Begin installation button
- Agree to the Intel Software License Agreement by selecting the I agree button
- Ensure all applications are saved and closed before selecting the I agree button
- For most installations, we recommend not selecting the Execute a clean installation checkbox. This option will remove previous driver versions and can lead to Windows Update reverting to an even older graphics driver. Select the Start button to proceed
- The installation process will proceed, but can take some time to complete
- When the installation has completed, deselect the Launch Intel Graphics Software checkbox - we don't need that right now, select the Reboot Now button to restart the computer applying the new graphics drivers
Windows should now detect the Intel Graphics Controller in the Device Manager and show the latest drivers.
If you have any questions or would like a recommendation, feel free to reach out to our support at support@plugable.com
How-To: Install the latest AMD Graphics Drivers
For a step-by-step guide to identify your graphics hardware and download the appropriate drivers, check out our KB article here
Download the drivers for your GPU or Processor Graphics
- In a web browser navigate to the AMD Drivers and Support page
- In the Search for your AMD product field, type in the model name, for example “RX 5600XT” for the AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT graphics controller, or a processor model like "AI 9 365", then select the best fitting result and select the Search button - note: Searching for a processor the "™" is required, so I recommend searching for the text after that symbol.
- On the results page, expand the section for Windows 11 64-bit then select the Download button for the latest AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition drivers, AMD may not provide a direct download for all hardware, in that case use the Auto-Detect and Install option
- Save the installer to your Downloads folder or selected location
Install the AMD Graphics Driver
To update the AMD Graphics Drivers to the latest version from AMD’s website:
- Save and close any open applications
- Navigate to the downloaded graphics driver, then right-click on the saved driver installation file and select Run as administrator to start the installation process
- Allow the Intel driver installation through the User account control window, the drivers will be extracted
- For most users the express installation is fine, ensure all applications are saved and closed selecting the Accept & Express Install button. If you have been having issues with older graphics drivers causing crashes or errors the Factory Reset (Optional) checkbox may be selected, but it isn’t necessary for most installations.
- The installation will proceed, the displays may flicker or flash off/on while the drivers are installing.
- When complete you will be prompted to Launch AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition and Keep AMD software up to date, you can uncheck the Launch AMD Software option
- Restart the computer to ensure the latest drivers are loaded from boot Start Menu > Power Icon > Restart
Windows should now detect the Intel Graphics Controller in the Device Manager and show the latest drivers.
If you have any questions or would like a recommendation, feel free to reach out to our support at support@plugable.com
How-To: Install the latest NVIDIA Graphics Drivers
For a step-by-step guide to identify your graphics hardware and download the appropriate drivers, check out our KB article here
Download the drivers for your GPU
Check your invoice for the specific model of NVIDIA graphics card, for this example we will use the RTX 5080 (the manufacturer is not relevant).
- In a web browser navigate to the NVIDIA Driver Download Page
- In the Manual Driver Search field, search for the NVIDIA graphics card model, "RTX 5080" in this example
- Select the GeForce RTX 50 Series | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 | Windows 11 entry from the list
- Left-click the Find button
- Select either View buttons from the GeForce Game Ready Driver or NVIDIA Studio Driver
- Select the Download button to save the installer to your Downloads folder or selected location
Install the NVIDIA Graphics Driver
To update the NVIDIA Graphics Drivers to the latest version from NVIDIA's website:
- Save and close any open applications
- Navigate to the downloaded graphics driver, then right-click on the saved driver installation file and select Run as administrator to start the installation process
- Allow the NVIDIA driver installation through the User account control window
- Click OK to extract the NVIDIA Display Driver package contents
- At the System Check step, select either the NVIDIA Graphics Driver with NVIDIA App or the NVIDIA Graphics Driver alone, the NVIDIA App is gaming oriented and unnecessary for most users. Select AGREE AND CONTINUE
- At the License Agreement step, select the Express (Recommended) radio button then select NEXT to continue
- The installation will take some time to complete
- When complete please restart the computer Start > Power > Restart
Windows should now detect the NVIDIA Graphics Controller in the Device Manager and show the latest drivers.
If you have any questions or would like a recommendation, feel free to reach out to our support at support@plugable.com
