Connect Z15 G3 to 2 Monitors Using Thunderbolt (USB-C)

[jab1960]

My company has provided me with a Zbook 15 (Generation 3) with Intel HD 530 graphics. I'm attempting to attach it to two existing monitors. HP's technical whitepaper "Multiple displays on HP ZBook Mobile Workstations" states that I should be able to display to both the laptop's display, as well as two external monitors using Thunderbolt. To do this, I first confirmed that I do, in fact, have Thunderbolt; both ports do have the Thunderbolt symbol next to them. I then purchased two USB-C to HDMI cables.

My computer does not detect the displays. I upgraded my graphics driver to the latest version, still no luck. I also installed the latest USB-C driver. What can I try next?

[Huffer]

I have a Zbook 15 G3; in fact am typing this on it. 

Yes there are two Thunderbolt ports on the right side but one I am using for the docking station and I have two 4K monitors connected on the Thunderbolt dock. One is directly to the DP port on the dock and then one uses a Thunderbolt to DP adapter from the Tbolt port on the dock. But while I was composing this, I just unplugged the Tbolt to DP adapter from the dock to my open Tbolt port on the laptop and the screen came right back on. So the Tbolt works on the dock and on the laptop.

I also struggled with Tbolt to HDMI adapters. For me, DP works much better, except the native HDMI port on the laptop works fine for me. 

Have you tried going into the BIOS? They are pretty granular (lots of possible adjustments) in the Zbook series. Look for any Thunderbolt security settings and turn the security off. I had to do that to get my dock working. 

Post back with any other questions. 

[jab1960]

Thank you for all that useful information, it will be very helpful to me as I try to figure this out.

This is my first foray into the world of Thunderbolt/USB-C, and I think I neglected an important detail when ordering my cables from Amazon. The cables I ordered only support DP alt mode. I can't find any HP documentation on the Z15 G3 that states whether or not DP alt mode is supported, so I'm assuming that it isn't and am returning the cables.

I had thought about checking the BIOS settings but it turns out that my company has password-protected the BIOS screen. I'm sure that I could open a support ticket with my company's IT department to adjust the BIOS settings, but I'd probably need a good idea of the setting(s) I want to change before doing so. If I had the password, I'd would go through the process of changing the most likely sounding settings until the issue is resolved.

My external monitors are different models from different vendors. Each supports a number of different display types. I chose to try Thunderbolt first because I thought that would give me the best results. I currently have one monitor hooked to the HDMI port (displaying successfully) and the other hooked to the VGA port (not displaying). The HP documentation states that this is a supported configuration, but I have been unable to get it to work.

I'm happy to continue with the HDMI port for the one monitor if need be, I just need some way of displaying on the other. It has the VGA port, a DVI port and DP, but no HDMI.

Any suggestions?

Thanks again

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

I try to avoid using VGA so I have never tested whether it is possible to run a monitor from HDMI and VGA simultaneously. 

I do believe the USB-C/Tbolt ports do carry a DP alt signal which is why connecting them to a DP port seems to just work. When it is HDMI the adapter has to translate DP into HDMI since the video signal out on the Tbolt port is native DP. 

See page 39 here for where you find Thunderbolt security in the BIOS (Advanced/Port options):

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05166986

I think if you turn off the Tbolt security and use a Tbolt to DP adapter you will be fine assuming your monitor has a DP in port, which I believe you are telling me it does. It may also allow your Tbolt to HDMI adapter to work. 

Post back with any more questions but please accept as solution if this is the answer you needed. 

[Hatems]

Use the Nvidia settings (icon in the system tray) to switch on which monitors you want to  be connected