trying to connect Dell UltraSharp U2415 monitor to HP Pavilion All-in-One-24-x035qe

[daboudreaux]

I am trying to connect my Dell UltraSharp U2415 as an external monitor to my new HP Pavilion All-in-One-24-x035qe. The cable that came with the monitor is a Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort. The HP desktop has neither of those ports. Attached are pics of the ports on the monitor. On the HP desktop, the only ports are: HDMI in and HDMI out. Can I connect these two (HP desktop and Dell monitor) and, if so, what kind of cable do I need? Thanks

[old_geekster]

@daboudreaux, welcome to the forum.

You can use the HDMI ports on both the monitor and the AIO.  However, you will not be able to maximize the resolution of the monitor without it being connected with the DisplayPort ports.

Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.

[daboudreaux]

Thank you very much for responding. I apologize, but I just do not understand and cannot for the life of me figure out how these ports work. In fact, I did not buy a Dell and decided instead on the HP because I *thought* that the ports on this computer were more advanced than the Dell computer I was considering and, therefore, that this setup process would go more smoothly than with the Dell. I am SO extremely frustrated right now that I wish I could just return this thing. I have contacted HP Assistant via chat 3-4 times and, somehow, managed to reach the exact same, most unhelpful individual every single time. I am looking for someone to just tell me what kind of cable - exactly - do I need in order to set up this Dell U2415 as an external monitor to this new HP Pavilion All-in-One-24-x035qe (I just bought this monitor in November so it is "new" as well).  When you say that I "can use the HDMI ports on both the monitor and the AIO.  However, [I] will not be able to maximize the resolution of the monitor without it being connected with the DisplayPort ports", what do you mean? First, are you referring to a cable that is HDMI to HDMI, plugging one end into the HP and the other end into the Dell monitor? But that the display on the external monitor will not be optimal with that setup? Is that the only way to connect these two? I ordered a "USB C Type to Mini DisplayPort/Mini DP Adapter Cable" because the description stated that it "connects a computer host with a USB Type-C port to a monitor with Mini DisplayPort input" and "can be used for mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable ... to connecting the monitor." I received the adapter today, plugged the USB Type C into the HP computer, the Mini DisplayPort end of cable into the adapter, and the DisplayPort end of cable into the external monitor, and nothing is happening. I just don't know what to do. If I cannot connect this monitor, then I cannot keep this computer. I don't understand why this is so difficult and why I cannot find a simple answer anywhere. THANK YOU in advance to anyone who might be able to help!