HP Envy Laptop 15-as133cl - Problem with Two 2k (2560x1440) monitors

[weebairnes]

Unable to get two 2k monitors to display 2560x1440

Laptop: 

• HP ENVY - 15-as133cl
• 16GB RAM
• Windows 10 Home
• Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-7500U CPU @ 2.70GHz 2.90 GHz

Monitors

• USB - some old HP VGA monitor 1280x1024 connected through J5Create VGA to USB converter
• HDMI - AOC Q32V3S 32" 2560x1440 2K  
• USB 3.1 (Type-C) -  AOC Q32V3S 32" 2560x1440 2K  connected through J5Create HDMI to USB converter

Three monitors work fine (four including the laptop screen).

Problem: I can't get both of the two Q32V3S 32" monitors to display 2560x1440.  One is limited to 1920x 1080.

• Using HDMI port - Q32V3S 32" shows 2560x1440   
• Using either the USB (Type-C) port or USB port -  Q32V3S 32" 1920x1080   

1) Is it the limitation of the Laptop? 

2) Is it the Type C port? 

3) Is it the J5Create HDMI to USB converter that goes to the C port?

Note:  I have no interest in gaming. 

  

Trouble shooting: 

1) I've switched the monitors.  Each of the two Q32V3S 32" monitors can display 2560x1440 through the HDMI port.

2) I've removed the VGA monitor
3) I've changed cables

[Jupitero]

Hello.

According to the Maintenance and Service guide, your laptop HDMI port is limited to only FullHD - 1920x1080 @60Hz. If you managed to make it work with that native QHD (1440p) resolution, good for you!

Please be more specific - which J5Create models exactly are you using? Specify the model number or link to the J5Create support page for your exact model. J5Create has loads of old and new adapters with same ports but differing functionality.

Your laptop USB-C port does not support DP Alt Mode for transmitting high bandwidth display data along with USB data. For example, this "USB-C to 4K HDMI" model lists it as a requirement. In fact, your USB-C and USB-A ports have identical performance, apart from one USB-A port having extra charging functionality for external devices.

[weebairnes]

Hello Jupitero.  Thanks for the reply!

I can get 2560x1440 on my HDMI port.  Pleased about that.

The J5Create model is JUA254.  I discovered that this only supports 1080p  (or up to 2048 x 1152 @ 32 bits).  That was good enough for my old monitor, but not the new one.

I tried buying the Cakitte 3 in 1, but it didn't work.  (USB C to Dual HDMI Adapter 4K@120Hz/60Hz, 3 in 1 USB C to HDMI Adapter with 100W PD Charging) 

I think the next thing to do will be to get a new J5Create JUA354 (j5create USB 3.0 to 4K HDMI Display Adapter).  Do you think that adapter will do the trick?

[Jupitero]

Hello again,

That JUA354 looks just fine, can't see any reason why it wouldn't work with your setup.

If you desire a dock that incorporates extra USB ports, network and video outputs, you cannot go wrong with docks that are plugged into USB A port, whether they require USB 3.0, 3.1 Gen1 or 3.2 Gen1 - all these are identical, just renamed.

With USB-C most docks these days require that DP Alt Mode when you read the small print. Older USB-C docks do not necessarily require DP Alt Mode because it is a feature that came out after USB C was introduced and took some time until it was more widespread.

That Cakitte model requires DP Alt Mode support, so that rules it out with your computer. Your laptop also does not support charging through the USB C port so that would have also been a wasted feature.

Also... this manufacturer seems to have no other internet presence outside of Amazon, so who knows what sort of fly-by-night operation it is...

[weebairnes · Accepted solution]

Attention all - J5Create JUA354 did the trick! $35 Amazon

USB to HDMI allows 4k (as advertised).  I'm just using it for 2560x1440 and loving it on my 32" monitor.

My setup

> Old laptop

> 27" monitor  2560x1440 using HDMI

> 27" monitor  2560x1440 using HDMI to USB (JUA354)

> 19" monitor  (1280x1040) using VGA to USB (JUA190)

>  Laptop screen as well.   

I'm guessing that I will now be the most productive individual on the planet.

Jupitero - Thanks for the information!