DisplayPort over USB-C with Alternative Mode

[Robin_]

Hi,

I'm close to buying the HP Spectre x360 – 13-ae004no but there is one question I'd like answered before the purchase, which I've not been able to find anywhere.

My plan is connect my laptop to my LG OLED55B7V and my issue is getting 60 hz at 4k by connecting the laptop with the TV. As I've understood the Thunderbolt 3 with USB-C port should work with an adapter but the port must have DisplayPort over USB-C with Alternative Mode.


So the question is if the HP Spectre x360 – 13-ae004no has DisplayPort over USB-C With Alternative Mode?

[David_J_W]

The specification for that laptop says the laptop's Thunderbolt ports also have DisplayPort 1.2 alternate mode support - scroll down to 'External ports' and note the mention of "DP 1.2".

I cannot find any specific external monitor resolution and refresh rate information for that model (HP provide more comprehensive information for business computers - especially the useful QuickSpecs documents - than for consumer models). DisplayPort 1.2 is sufficient for 4K at 60Hz, so I see no reason why a USB-C DisplayPort alternate mode setup should not work with your television at 60Hz.

I think the best that can be said is that it looks like it will work, but you cannot be certain until you buy the computer and try it with your TV.

[UltraRabbit]

I had one HP Spectre 13-ae000 X360 notebook.  I got so many trouble after tring several USB-C to HDMI / DisplayPort adaptor but failed to connect to my external monitor.  It finally figured out that I have to use a Thunderbolt 3 to HDMI/DisplayPort adapter rather than a USB 3.1 to HDMI/DisplayPort adapter.  Although they are identical in USB-C port, but the protocol should be very different.  The new MacBook Pro do have both USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt 3 support, while HP Spectre only support Thunderbolt 3 according to its official specs.  Hope this would help you to save your time and money before purchase any USB 3.1 stuff.

[David_J_W]

It's so good to have your input. In principle, I don't see why a USB-C to DisplayPort alternate mode setup should not work, but there is no substitute for real-life experience!

It would help others if you could post a link to the adapter you bought that works with your Spectre x360.

[UltraRabbit]

Here're two samples that one work for USB 3.1 HDMI only while the other could be compatible for both USB 3.1 and Thunderbolt.

This one is a USB 3.1 only (with DisplayPort Alt Mode) adaptor which is not compatible with the Spectre X360 13-ae000 notebook.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-USB-Type-C-HDMI-Adapter/dp/B01MCT9P71

This one support both USB3.1 and Thunderbolt 3 which is compatible with the Spectre X360 13-ae000 notebook in Thunderbolt3 (with native HDMI output support).

https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Adapter-USB-C-Supporting/dp/B00X4S5C7G

If you are looking for more extra USB ports and HDMI/DisplayPort output, you have to stick on Thunderbolt 3 dock rather than USB 3.1gen2  dock.  Unless the dock support both Thunderbolt 3 & USB 3.1 input (uplink to notebook)  at the same time.