Looking for more screen space or eager to simplify your multi-monitor setup? Daisy chaining could be the perfect solution! While it’s certainly possible to set up multiple monitors without it, daisy chaining can significantly streamline the process—reducing cable clutter, freeing up ports, and simplifying connections. But how exactly does it work, and can you implement it with your current setup?
Keep reading to learn how to connect multi-monitor with daisy-chain, or explore ViewSonic’s monitors with daisy-chain capability to find models that best suit your needs.
No matter what your job is—from a stock trader who needs to keep an eye on multiple markets at once to a video editor managing different video sequences—a multi-monitor setup shouldn’t be a hassle. While connecting all your monitors directly to your desktop or laptop or via an HDMI docking hub is one approach, it often leads to tangled cables and used-up ports, which can quickly become frustrating. Thankfully, you can also daisy chain monitors to achieve the same results with far less clutter. This method streamlines your setup and keeps your workspace neat and efficient. Ready to simplify your tech life? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of daisy chaining!
What is Daisy Chaining
At its core, daisy chaining means connecting multiple devices in sequence using a single cable path. Each monitor passes the signal to the next, creating a smooth flow from your computer through each connected display.
While the method can be applied to many electronic devices, it’s especially practical for multi-monitor setups. This setup reduces cable clutter, simplifies connections, and expands your display capabilities without requiring multiple ports or adapters.
Think of it like threading flowers into a chain: each monitor links neatly to the next. The first connects directly to your computer, and each additional one links to the monitor before it. To make this work, each display typically includes two ports:
- Input port (DisplayPort In or USB-C In) – receives the video signal from your computer.
- Output port (DisplayPort Out or Thunderbolt Out) – passes the signal to the next monitor in the chain.
This setup not only looks cleaner but also helps you maintain a more efficient and organized workspace.
What Do I Need to Connect Multiple Monitors Successfully?
Before setting up your daisy-chained displays, it’s important to make sure you have the right hardware and cables to support the connection. Even with the best setup strategy, daisy chaining will only work if your devices meet the necessary standards for DisplayPort or Thunderbolt.
To create a reliable and high-performance multi-monitor setup, make sure you have the following:
- A computer or laptop with DisplayPort 1.2+ or Thunderbolt 3 or 4 output.
- Monitors that support DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) or Thunderbolt daisy chaining.
- Compatible cables, such as DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort or Thunderbolt-to-Thunderbolt connections.
- The first monitor must include both input (DP or USB-C In) and output (DP Out) ports.
- Any additional monitors only need an input port.
Some docking monitors already include built-in MST or Thunderbolt ports, allowing you to connect multiple screens directly without additional adapters or splitters.
How to Daisy Chain Monitors (Video Tutorial)
Learn how to daisy chain monitors using DisplayPort MST with USB-C and DisplayPort connections. Watch this short tutorial to see how simple it is to extend your workspace.
Daisy chaining enables you to connect multiple devices to a single port on your computer using technologies such as DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) and Thunderbolt. This feature is supported by DisplayPort MST versions 1.2 and 1.4, as well as Thunderbolt 3 and 4. Essentially, you can connect several monitors to one computer port, with the first monitor receiving the signal and then passing it on to the next.
DisplayPort Daisy Chaining (MST)
When using DisplayPort for daisy chaining, you can connect up to four monitors to a desktop or three to a laptop, with the laptop’s screen serving as the fourth display. The quality and stability of the output rely on the performance of your computer’s graphics card (GPU). DisplayPort MST divides the video signal to distribute it among the connected monitors, supporting either extended or mirrored display configurations.
Thunderbolt Daisy Chaining
With a Thunderbolt port, you can daisy chain up to six devices, including external GPUs, storage drives, docking stations, and monitors, minimizing cable clutter and streamlining your workspace. Thunderbolt 4 supports up to two 4K monitors at 60Hz or a single 8K monitor at 60Hz with just one port, making it a strong choice for users who need ultra-high-definition visuals. DisplayPort, on the other hand, can handle two 4K monitors at 60Hz or one 8K monitor at 30Hz.
Both Thunderbolt and DisplayPort support daisy chain setups. To help you decide which is right for you, this article explains the differences between daisy chaining with DisplayPort and Thunderbolt.
This video explains how to daisy chain monitors using Thunderbolt connectivity, showing how to connect two 4K displays at 60Hz for an efficient multi-monitor setup.
Daisy Chain Monitors: Higher Resolution vs. Higher USB Speed
When implementing daisy chaining, you must choose between high-resolution and high-speed USB data transfer based on your needs. This trade-off is particularly important in setups using USB-C, which supports daisy chaining.
1. High Resolution Mode
High-resolution displays require significant bandwidth. For instance, a single 4K monitor at 60Hz can nearly consume the entire bandwidth available on a DisplayPort (DP) 1.2 connection. When multiple high-resolution monitors are connected, this bandwidth must be divided among them. This division can reduce the maximum achievable resolution or refresh rate for each monitor, potentially impacting the visual quality and performance of your display setup.
To address this, High Resolution Mode prioritizes display resolution, allowing monitors to maintain 2K (2560×1440) resolution at 60Hz. However, this setting reduces the USB speed to USB 2.0, slowing down data transfer speed. This trade-off helps manage bandwidth allocation while maintaining high display quality, but it will be more demanding on the GPU, potentially leading to lower performance in other applications like gaming or 3D rendering.
2. High Data Speed Mode
If achieving the highest display performance is your priority or you’re using your monitors as docking stations for peripherals like hard drives or USB hubs, opt for High Data Speed mode. This mode lowers the refresh rate of secondary monitors to free up bandwidth, improving overall display performance and responsiveness.
However, the secondary monitor’s resolution and refresh rate will be limited, for example, to 2K (2560×1440) resolution at 25Hz. While this might seem low at first glance, it is functional (consider that the framerate for most movies is 24 frames per second). If you wish to achieve a higher refresh rate, you can lower the monitors’ resolution, for instance, to FHD (1920×1080).
Let’s take a look at the following examples:
The first diagram illustrates how daisy chaining works on laptops, where the built-in screen counts toward the total number of connected displays. The second diagram shows desktop configurations, which can typically support more external monitors depending on your GPU performance and DisplayPort version.
If you’re using a desktop setup, the total number of monitors you can connect will depend on your system’s graphics capabilities and whether Display Stream Compression (DSC) is enabled.
Practical Tips for Optimizing Your Daisy-Chained Setup
Now that you are familiar with daisy chaining, here are some practical tips to help you with the setup:
Check Monitor Capabilities
Ensure your monitors support daisy chaining through DisplayPort (DP) 1.2 or 1.4, or Thunderbolt 3 or 4. Some monitors, especially docking monitors, come with built-in ports that allow direct connection without the need for additional adapters or splitters. The primary requires a DP or USB-C in port and a DP out port. If you only want to use 2 monitors, then the second only requires a DP in port. If you need to use three, the first two require DP in and out ports.
Assess Your Priorities
Determine whether high-resolution displays or faster USB speed is more critical for you. For graphic design, video editing, or data visualization tasks, prioritize resolution and refresh rate. For data-heavy tasks such as large file transfers or using multiple external drives, prioritize USB speed.
Bandwidth Usage
Be mindful of the total available bandwidth and how it is allocated. If using multiple high-resolution monitors, you may need to adjust the refresh rate or resolution settings to maintain acceptable USB data transfer speeds. Technologies like Display Stream Compression (DSC) can reduce the bandwidth required for high-resolution displays without noticeably impacting visual quality, freeing up bandwidth for other uses, such as USB data transfer.
Use Quality Cables
High-quality cables are essential for achieving the full bandwidth capabilities of your connection technology. Poor-quality cables can cause connectivity issues and degrade performance.
Firmware and Driver Updates
Regularly update the firmware and drivers for your monitors, docking stations, and connected devices. Manufacturers often release updates that improve performance, compatibility, and stability, ensuring your daisy-chained setup runs smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Daisy chaining is an efficient way to manage multi-monitor setups. By understanding daisy chaining, you can assess your needs, select the appropriate technology, and create a high-performance, clutter-free workstation that meets your demands and enhances productivity.
Ready to get your daisy-chain monitor? Discover ViewSonic’s monitors with daisy-chain capability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Daisy Chaining Monitors
1. Can I daisy chain monitors using HDMI? No, HDMI does not support daisy chaining. This feature is available only through DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) or Thunderbolt connections. If your setup only includes HDMI ports, you’ll need a docking station or external hub that supports DisplayPort or Thunderbolt output to achieve a similar multi-monitor setup.
2. How many monitors can I daisy chain? The number of monitors you can daisy chain depends on your connection type and GPU performance:
• DisplayPort 1.2/1.4: up to four monitors on a desktop or three on a laptop (including the built-in display).
• Thunderbolt 3/4: up to six devices, including monitors, drives, or GPUs, though typically two 4K monitors at 60Hz or one 8K monitor at 60Hz are supported.
Keep in mind that resolution and refresh rate limits depend on your system’s total available bandwidth.
3. What do I need to daisy chain monitors successfully? To daisy chain monitors, make sure you have:
· A computer or laptop with DisplayPort 1.2+ or Thunderbolt 3/4 output.
· Monitors that support DisplayPort MST or Thunderbolt daisy chaining.
· The right cables (DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort or Thunderbolt-to-Thunderbolt).
The first monitor must have both input and output ports, while the second (and beyond) only needs an input.
4. Why is my second monitor not displaying when daisy chained? If your second monitor isn’t displaying, check the following:
· Ensure MST (Multi-Stream Transport) is enabled in the first monitor’s on-screen menu.
· Verify that you’re using the correct output port (DisplayPort Out or Thunderbolt Out) on the first display.
· Update your graphics drivers and monitor firmware.
· Confirm that your GPU supports multi-display output over MST or Thunderbolt.
If the issue persists, try swapping cables or reducing resolution to lower bandwidth usage.
5. Is daisy chaining better than using a docking station? It depends on your workflow. Daisy chaining is ideal for minimal-cable, display-focused setups, letting you extend screens cleanly without extra hardware. However, a docking station may be better if you also need multiple USB ports, Ethernet, or power delivery. Many ViewSonic monitors with USB-C connectivity can serve both purposes by offering daisy chaining and docking features in one device, reducing the need for additional accessories.