Another multiple monitors query laptop to 3 external

[NJSG]

I just have a new (refurbed) elitebook 840 G8. I am trying to connect 3 external monitors.

I have a 2560 * 1440 connected to the HDMI port, thats looking fine.

I am trying to connect two 1920 * 1080 monitors via whatever means I can. So far I tried:

- Laptop USB-C thunderbolt port connected to a USB-C to dual HDMI adaptor. Result was both monitors came on but carried on switching on and off, usually alternately. So no use.

I am finding the 'soup' of Alt-Mode, USB4, Thunderbolt a bit confusing and dont want to end up with a pile of useless cables and adaptors as I randomly try various things.

I assume I could buy the HP Thunderbolt dock or the USB-C G5 essentials dock but I would really like to do it without a separate hub/dock.

With the two USB-C thunderbolt ports and a SS USB A thunderbolt port I assume I can do it, and the HP manuals mention a few times that its possible to have 3 external monitors.

My current monitors are quite old (Philips 243V5QHSBA/69) and a dell se2419hr) and I dont know if these are a problem.

Good config advice gratefully received.

Many thanks

[banhien]

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@NJSG wrote:

I just have a new (refurbed) elitebook 840 G8. I am trying to connect 3 external monitors

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@NJSG 

The HP USB-C G5 (5TW10AA) dock should give you 3 external monitors using one HDMI port and TWO DP ports.

Regards.

[NJSG]

Thanks for that rapid reply BH, that gives me a good plan C.

Plan B would be the USB-C G5 essential dock with two display ports. (smaller, lighter, cheaper) 72C71AA#ABA

Plan A is still 'no dock at all'. I have been doing some more reading about the labyrinth of options and functionality and from what I can see, without a dock, I think I should be able to:

1. Use the laptop HDMI port to connect one display to the larger monitor HDMI port

2. Use one of the two USB-C thunderbolt ports to connect to the HDMI port on a second monitor (as long as I have right cable?) or do i need a monitor with a displayport input?

3. Use the second USB-C thunderbolt ports to do the same to a third monitor.

If the USB-C ports are thunderbolt 3 then thats the reason I cant use a dual HDMI adaptor to run two monitors off one USB-C port but the tech specs I am looking at say thunderbolt 4, https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c06978058#AbT8

I see from this reply https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Video-Display-and-Touch/3-monitors/m-p/8566844/highlight/true... you have also mentioned USB-A to HDMI DisplayLink certified adaptor. Is this another option for my device?

For some reason I cant get the full spec to confirm this from the HP support assistant after providing my serial no as it say 'uanble to retirve at this time'

One of the SS USB-A ports also has a thunderbolt symbol but the manual or the link above doesnt mention this in the 'connect displays' section of the user guide.

[banhien]

@NJSG 

2 and 3 should work BUT you are wasting 2 valuable ports just for monitors !

Regards.

[NJSG]

Thanks. I dont have any other plans for the ports, so doing nothing with them is an even bigger waste.

I would give you thumbs up but for some reason (I suspect the tyranny of MS Edge closed functionality not available on Firefox) the buttons to do so are not active for me.

I will post separate question for my other queries in the appropriate forum.

Regards

[NJSG · Accepted solution]

Got the solution I needed. Trip down to the local computer store. One USB-C to dual HDMI 60Hz adaptor later amd I am in business.

Predators from big chain computer shop that I bought the original USB-C to dual HDMI adaptor from didnt care to point out it was only a 30Hz adaptor. Now for a struggle to get a refund. I knew there was a reason I had avoided them for years.