Does my laptop support MST: HP Spectre x360 Laptop PC 13t-aw200

[K48]

Hi, was wondering what steps I can take to see if my laptop supports MST.  I can't see anything about it on System Information or Device Manager.

Thanks.

[NonSequitur777]

@K48,

Welcome to our HP User Forum!

Your HP Spectre x360 Laptop PC 13t-aw200 is likely fitted with an i7-1165G7, which supports MST.

As a matter of fact, Intel processors with integrated graphics have been supporting Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for some time now. MST technology is typically associated with DisplayPort connections and allows for daisy-chaining* multiple monitors using a single DisplayPort output.

Most Intel processors with integrated graphics from the 4th generation (Haswell) onward have supported MST. This includes processors from the following generations:

1. 4th Generation: Haswell (e.g., Core i7-4770)
2. 5th Generation: Broadwell (e.g., Core i5-5200U)
3. 6th Generation: Skylake (e.g., Core i7-6700K)
4. 7th Generation: Kaby Lake (e.g., Core i5-7500)
5. 8th Generation: Coffee Lake (e.g., Core i7-8700)
6. 9th Generation: Coffee Lake Refresh (e.g., Core i5-9400)
7. 10th Generation: Comet Lake (e.g., Core i7-10710U)
8. 11th Generation: Tiger Lake (e.g., Core i7-1165G7)

Please note that MST support can also depend on the specific model and configuration of the processor, as well as the laptop or system manufacturer's implementation -but I digress.

* More about daisy-chaining though: daisy-chaining multiple monitors using a single DisplayPort output involves connecting the monitors in a chain, allowing them to share the video signal from the source (such as a computer) and extending your desktop across all the connected displays.

To set up a daisy-chain configuration, you'll need monitors that support DisplayPort 1.2 or later, as well as a compatible graphics card or integrated graphics that support Multi-Stream Transport (MST). Here's how you can do it:

1. Check Monitor Compatibility: Make sure that your monitors support DisplayPort 1.2 or later and have both an input and output DisplayPort connector. Monitors with MST capability will usually mention it in their specifications.

2. Graphics Output: Ensure that your graphics card or integrated graphics support MST. Most modern integrated graphics, especially those from Intel, support MST.

3. Monitor Chain Order: Determine the order in which you want to chain your monitors. You will need to connect the first monitor directly to the graphics output, and then each subsequent monitor will connect to the previous one in a chain.

4. Cabling: Use DisplayPort cables to connect the monitors. The first monitor connects directly to the computer's DisplayPort output. From there, connect the output of the first monitor to the input of the second monitor, and so on for subsequent monitors.

5. Monitor Settings:

   • Monitor Configuration: Go to your computer's display settings and configure the monitor arrangement according to your physical setup. Windows and other operating systems allow you to arrange monitors in various orientations.
   • Monitor OSD Settings: Use the on-screen display (OSD) menu on each monitor to enable MST, if required. Sometimes, you might need to enable MST in the monitor's settings for daisy-chaining to work.

6. OS Settings:

   • Windows: Right-click on the desktop, select "Display settings," and arrange the monitors accordingly. Windows should automatically detect the monitors in the daisy-chain.
   • macOS: Open "System Preferences," go to "Displays," and arrange the monitors. macOS should also recognize the monitors in the daisy-chain.

7. Testing and Adjustment: After setting up the daisy-chain, test if the monitors are working correctly. If you encounter any issues, you might need to adjust settings in the monitor OSD, the graphics control panel, or the operating system's display settings.

8. Resolution and Bandwidth: Keep in mind that the maximum resolution and refresh rate you can achieve on each monitor in the daisy-chain can be affected by the available bandwidth. Higher resolutions or refresh rates might limit the number of monitors you can chain.

Remember that the specifics can vary based on the monitors, graphics hardware, and operating system you are using. It's a good idea to refer to the manuals of your monitors and graphics hardware for any model-specific instructions.

Hope this was helpful.

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777