Dual or even Triple monitor support on 2018 HP Spectre X360?

[ECARLTON]

my HP Spectre x360 laptop is a 2016 version: 13-4195dx; product number N5503UA#ABA; Windows 10 Home, 64-bit; Intel Core i7-6500U-8GB.  I have a USB 3.0 port on the left side and a Mini-DisplayPort, (1) HDMI Port, & (2) USB 3.0 charging ports on the right side of the laptop.  Currently,  I have 2 external monitors attached to my laptop (1 through the USB port on left & 1 using the HDMI port on right) and want to add a 3rd.  I tried to connect the 3rd monitor to Mini-DisplayPort on the right, however, the settings detected it but won't let me extend my current monitor view to it.  Do I need to adjust some other settings or do I need to go the docking station route, too?  Many thanks. E-

[Huffer]

What kind of device are you using to drive a monitor off a USB port? It has to be an active adapter with DisplayLink capability. 

See if you can use HDMI plus mini display port if you unhook that USB driven display as I believe the HDMI and DP may be an either or, working off the same video channel and if that is the case yes your best bet is a dock with multiple DisplayLink ports. 

[ECARLTON]

I have an HP 27es Monitor connected via an HDMI cable connected to a HDMI-to-USB J5 adapter.  And my other 27es monitor is connected directly to the HDMI port on the right side.  The Mini-DisplayPort detected my new HP 27f monitor but wouldn't send a signal to it.  Would the docking station be the same one you recommended above for the Thunderbolt ports?  Would that be compatible with my Mini-DisplayPort?  Many thanks.  E-

[Huffer]

I don't believe you have any Thunderbolt ports. From the specs I have seen the HP 27f monitor only had HDMI and VGA input.

 DP to HDMI adapter just flat do not work very well. So are you using an adapter with the DP port? Using the USB J5 I think maybe your setup would work if the third monitor actually had a DP input and you used a mini to full DP cable. 

Otherwise your best option is a USB 3.0 port replicator with multiple video ports. Not my ideal solution as the response time will be pretty low. You really want to use that DP port if possible. 

[ECARLTON]

I have an Amazon Mini-DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable connected directly to my new 3rd monitor from my Mini-DP port.

I'll check to see if my new 27f monitor has a DP port.

Would this docking station ensemble work:

  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0779K9DG2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3HIHADV23VGU1&psc=1

1st Monitor--HDMI cabled;

2nd Monitor--DP connected via a DP-to-HDMI adapter ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D59919H/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A22IT5YXEXLEXM&psc=1 )

3rd Monitor--""     ""  (I realize you're not fond of the DP-HDMI adapter but I'm trying to find a solution to add a 3rd monitor and avoid having to buy another laptop or desktop with 3-display capability).

And I would connect the docking station to my laptop via a MiniDP-to-DP cable:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0731GNYCN/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?smid=A22IT5YXEXLEXM&psc=1

Many thanks for you input.

E-

[Huffer]

The Mini-DP does you no good except connecting to a monitor with DP input. It will not drive a dock or port replicator. This type of device would give you a DVI (which can be easily adapted to HDMI) and an HDMI and then you can use the direct HDMI to HDMI cable from the laptop port for a third monitor:

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Universal-Docking-Station-Ethernet/dp/B00ECDM78E/ref=sr_1_3?keywords...

So you buy this instead of a DP monitor. 

[ECARLTON]

What type of port cable do I use to connect to the docking station?  

[Huffer]

USB 3.0 is the only dockable port you have. 

[ECARLTON]

Dear Huffer,

You are a true Swami of all things HP!

I took all of your advice and the Plugable Universal Docking Station recommended above works like a charm!

I was told at a large "B"ig-"B"ox retailer that my '16 HP Spectre couldn't drive 3 monitors, only two--I'm glad I sought a 2nd opinion.

Thank you for your sage advice!

Best,