At a Glance—
Connect up to 3x 4K displays through a single USB Type-C port. This plug and play USB C to HDMI adapter supports HDR and HDCP. Compact design fits perfectly in the office, or on the go
Compatibility—
Works with Windows 10 or newer and ChromeOS 100 or newer on laptops that have a USB-C, USB4 or Thunderbolt port with video output. Not recommended for Mac
Resolution Redefined—
Prepare for pixels with 3x UHD displays at 4K 60Hz, or one display up to 8K 60Hz. For the folks really into refresh rates, set up to two displays at 4K 144Hz
Plug-and-Play to Go—
With its slim, lightweight design, the USBC-MSTH3 MST hub easily fits in your bag for productivity on the go. Simple plug-and-play functionality to quickly connect multiple displays. Perfect for remote and hybrid professionals
Lifetime Support—
This Multi Stream Transport (MST) multi monitor adapter has been designed with reliability at its core and was built to meet the deployment demands of IT departments and the ease of use necessary for home offices. Includes lifetime support from our North American team of connectivity experts
Free 3-Day Continental U.S. Shipping When Buying Direct!
USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode* support, including USB4 and Thunderbolt ports
Video Protocol Support
For maximum resolution and refresh rate, computer must support DisplayPort 1.4 with Display Stream Compression (DSC), such as Intel 11th Gen CPUs and newer
グラフィック出力
1x HDMI Display up to 8K 60Hz or 2x HDMI Displays up to 4K 144Hz or 3x HDMI Displays up to 4K 60Hz *Max resolution and refresh rates dependent on host system video capabilities
Operating System
Windows 10 or 11, ChromeOS version 100+ that supports a full-featured USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt 3/4. Macs do not support MST technology.
機能
HDR and HDCP 2.2 & 1.4 supported
ケーブル長
6.7in (17cm)
A: Supports Windows 10/11 & ChromeOS (100+) systems with USB-C ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt. DP 1.4+DSC required for maximum resolutions. Please check your manufacturer’s specs to confirm USB-C capabilities. Macs don't support MST.
A: Unfortunately, Mac systems do not support MST and will only support mirrored displays (not extended/independent), and therefore are not recommended with the USBC-MSTH3
A: The USBC-MSTH3 is Plug-and-Play, requiring no drivers or software, and is compatible with systems that have a USB-C port supporting DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt. Updated system graphics’ drivers may provide best results
A: Monitors with an HDMI input are compatible with the USBC-MSTH3. For 4K@60Hz resolution, monitors must support HDMI 2.0 and use certified HDMI 2.0 cables. For 8K@60Hz resolution, monitors must support HDMI 2.1 and use certified HDMI 2.1 cables.
A: The USBC-MSTH3 connects directly to your system’s GPU for high-performance multi-monitor setups, making it ideal for applications like CAD, CGI, and gaming. It also enables streaming from services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
1.1 x 9.7 x 3.6 centimeters 0.4 x 3.8 x 1.4 inches
56 g
USBC-MSTH3
Supported Display Configurations
The USBC-MSTH3 hub distributes available bandwidth to support multiple display setups. Your system’s DisplayPort version and support for Display Stream Compression (DSC)will determine the maximum resolutions and refresh rates.
Single Display: Up to 8K @ 60Hz (HDMI 2.1 monitors required)
Dual Display: Up to 4K @ 144Hz (HDMI 2.1 monitors required )
Triple Display: Up to 4K @ 60Hz (HDMI 2.0 monitors or newer required)
PC システム要件
To achieve the best performance, the host system must support DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) and have sufficient bandwidth. Display Stream Compression (DSC) can enable higher resolutions and refresh rates when supported.
Full Compatibility (Recommended for 8K or High Refresh Rates)
DisplayPort 2.1 – Fully supports all configurations.
Limited Compatibility (Requires DSC for High Refresh Rates)
DisplayPort 1.4 Hosts with DSC – Can achieve higher resolutions using compression.
With DSC: Supports up to 8K @ 30Hz, Dual 4K @ 120Hz, or Triple 4K @ 60Hz.
Without DSC: Limited to Dual 4K @ 60Hz or Triple 1080p @ 60Hz due to bandwidth constraints.
Basic Compatibility (Lower Resolutions, No DSC Support)
DisplayPort 1.2 Hosts (No DSC) – MST bandwidth is significantly limited.
Supports Dual 1080p @ 60Hz or Single 4K @ 30Hz.
Not Recommended for Triple Display Use.
対応オペレーティングシステム
The USBC-MSTH3 hub is compatible with modern operating systems that support Multi-Stream Transport (MST):
Windows 10 or newer (Recommended: Install the latest Windows updates)
ChromeOS 100 or newer (Recommended: Keep ChromeOS up to date for best MST compatibility)
Supported Connectivity and Ports:
USB4 and USB Type-C ports with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and Power Delivery (PD) support
Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports
Not recommended Operating Systems
MacOS: macOS does not support MST, limiting this hub to only one extended display and one mirrored display.
Linux: While Linux supports DisplayPort MST, inconsistent driver support across distributions prevents us from recommending MST-based solutions at this time.
Installation and Setup
1. No driver download is necessary. We recommend installing all OS updates and latest system drivers. **Please be sure to check with your system's manufacturer for video capabilities.
3. Connect the hub to the full-featured USB-C port on your system.
4. Connect the monitors to the hub.
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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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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
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
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
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
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)
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 )
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.
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/)
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.
The Plugable USBC-MSTH3 is a USB-C to Triple HDMI video adapter that uses DisplayPort Alternate Mode with Multi-Stream Transport (MST) to drive up to three extended displays from a single USB-C port. Designed for Windows and ChromeOS systems that support MST, it provides flexible multi-monitor configurations based on the host system’s DisplayPort version and available bandwidth, and operates without requiring any driver installation on compatible systems.
Display Configuration Capabilities
The number and resolution of displays supported depend on the host system's DisplayPort version and bandwidth. The adapter divides available bandwidth across connected monitors.
Configuration
Max Resolution & Refresh Rate
Requirements
Single Display
Up to 8K @ 60Hz
HDMI 2.1 monitor and cable required
Dual Displays
Up to 4K @ 144Hz
HDMI 2.1 monitors and cables required
Triple Displays
Up to 4K @ 60Hz
HDMI 2.0 or newer monitors and cables required
System Requirements
To reach these resolutions and refresh rates, your system must support DisplayPort Alt Mode with MST and meet minimum bandwidth thresholds.
Full Compatibility
DisplayPort 2.1 Supports up to 8K @ 60Hz, dual 4K @ 144Hz, or triple 4K @ 60Hz natively.
Limited Compatibility
DisplayPort 1.4 with Display Stream Compression (DSC) Supports up to 8K @ 30Hz, dual 4K @ 120Hz, or triple 4K @ 60Hz.
DisplayPort 1.4 without DSC Limited to dual 4K @ 60Hz or triple 1080p @ 60Hz due to bandwidth constraints.
Basic Compatibility
DisplayPort 1.2 Supports up to dual 1080p @ 60Hz or single 4K @ 30Hz. **Not recommended for triple display use.
Operating System Compatibility
Operating System
Compatibility
Windows 10 or newer
✅ Full support
ChromeOS 100 or newer
✅ Full support
macOS
❌ Not supported – macOS does not support MST for extended displays
Linux
⚠️ Mixed results – not officially supported due to driver inconsistencies
USB-C Port Requirements
To function properly, the host USB-C port must support DisplayPort Alt Mode and MST. Data-only USB-C ports are not compatible.
Look for system specs mentioning:
USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode
USB4 with DisplayPort support
Thunderbolt 3 or 4
Tip: If a simple USB-C to HDMI adapter doesn’t work with your system, the USBC-MSTH3 likely won’t either.
Before You Buy Checklist
USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode and MST
DisplayPort version is known, and DSC support is confirmed (if needed)
Monitors and HDMI cables meet necessary specs (HDMI 2.0+ or HDMI 2.1 for higher refresh rates)
Understand that macOS systems will mirror displays, not extend
FAQ
Q: Can I use this with a MacBook? A: No. macOS does not support MST, so the USBC-MSTH3 will only mirror displays, not extend them.
Q: Will this adapter charge my laptop? A: No. The USBC-MSTH3 is a video-only adapter and does not support power delivery.
Q: How do I know if my system supports MST? A: Look for support for DisplayPort 1.2 or higher with MST or USB-C Alt Mode. You can also check with the system manufacturer or reach out to Plugable support with your laptop model.
Q: What happens if my system doesn’t support enough bandwidth? A: The displays will automatically scale down to lower resolutions or refresh rates based on available bandwidth.
If you have any questions or need help determining compatibility with your system, please reach out to our support team at support@plugable.com.