4-Port Multi Monitor Adapter - Mini DisplayPort to DisplayPort MST Hub - 4x 1080p - Video Splitter for Extended Desktop Mode on Windows PCs Only - mDP to Quad DP Monitors

Questions & Answers

How do I set up my MST hub?
To set up a MST hub, connect the hub to a DisplayPort 1.2 or later output that supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST), connect power and displays, and then configure the displays in your operating system. Explanation: Before installing the MST hub, verify that your computer's DisplayPort output supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST). DisplayPort outputs that do not support MST cannot drive multiple displays through an MST hub. To set up the MST hub: Connect the MST hub to a DisplayPort 1.2 or later output on the computer. Connect the power adapter to the MST hub, if required. Connect the DisplayPort monitors or compatible video adapters to the MST hub. Turn on the displays and then start the computer. Open the display settings in your operating system and verify that all connected displays are detected. If one or more displays are not detected: Verify that the latest graphics drivers are installed. Press and hold the Scan button (if available) on the MST hub for approximately five seconds to rescan the connected displays. Confirm that the DisplayPort output on the computer supports MST. Verify that all cables and adapters are securely connected. If the displays are detected but cannot achieve the desired resolutions or refresh rates, verify that the combined bandwidth of all connected displays does not exceed the maximum bandwidth supported by the DisplayPort output and the MST hub. The maximum supported bandwidth is listed in the product specifications.

No video signal is appearing on my display. How do I fix this?
Check that the device is not being used in reverse. The display does not support the resolution set within Display Settings. Adjust the resolution to be the exact resolution and refresh rate recommended by the display manufacturer.

The video signal is flickering. How do I fix this?
Try using shorter or higher quality video cables. Press the scan button (where applicable) on our product firmly for about half a second. Then open Screen Resolution or Display Settings and ensure all numbered displays are set to Extend. For good measure, ensure each display is set to a 60 Hz refresh rate before trying to use a higher refresh rate. If using passive DisplayPort to DVI or HDMI cables or adapters, replace them with active DisplayPort to DVI or HDMI adapters (Ex. DP2DVIS, DP2HD4KS). Note: these adapters will require a DVI or HDMI cable to be used to connect the monitors. The primary display adapter for the computer has an outdated or basic driver installed. Update the video driver using the manufacturer’s support site.

Everything is hooked up but nothing is working. What should I do?
When you troubleshoot issues with an MST hub, there are some quick tests that you can complete to rule out potential problems. You can test to make sure that the following components are working correctly and are not the source of the issue: Video cables Video source Video destination MST Hub To test your setup components, try the following: Use the video cables, video source, video destination, and MST hub in another setup to see if the problem is with the components or the setup. Use a different video cable, video source, video destination, and MST hub in your setup to see if the problem persists. Ideally, you should test a component that you know works in another setup. Note: Some 4K displays, even if set to 1920x1080 resolution, will still reserve the full 4K bandwidth. As a result, this may prevent some displays from outputting a video signal or prevent certain resolutions from being available on the other displays. When you test your cables, it is recommended that you do the following: Test each cable individually. Use short cables when you are testing. Eliminate the use of adapters, extenders, or splitters where possible. When you test the MST hub with your computer system, do the following: Make sure that the computer/graphics adapter is MST compatible. For more information, refer to the following FAQ: http://www.startech.com/faq/mst-hubs-gpu-compatibility . Make sure that the latest graphics drivers are installed. The latest drivers are available on the website of the manufacturer of the graphics adapter. Use compatible adapters. For example, DisplayPort to HDMI and not HDMI to DisplayPort. Note: Drivers are not required for the MST hub. To check to see if Windows is detecting the monitor, on a computer that is running a version of Windows 8 or Windows 10, do the following: On your keyboard, press the Windows key + X and click Control Panel . Click Appearance and Personalization , then click Display . In the left column, click Resolution or Adjust Resolution . Your monitors will be displayed as numbered icons. To see which monitors are detected, click the Display menu. To display the numbers on each of the connected monitors and see how the operating system has assigned their positions, click Identify . To check to see if Windows is detecting the monitor, on a computer that is running a version of Windows 7, do the following: Right-click on the desktop and click Screen Resolution . To see which monitors are detected, click the Display menu. In the left column, click Resolution or Adjust Resolution . Your monitors will be displayed as numbered icons. To display the numbers on each of the connected monitors and see how the operating system has assigned their positions, click Identify .

My monitors are flickering when used through my MST hub. What do I do?
If you are experiencing flickering issues with the MST hub, your monitors may be at a 59 Hz refresh rate. If they are at 59 Hz, you need to adjust the refresh rate to 60 Hz. In order to change your monitor's refresh rate, complete the following: Right-click anywhere on your desktop. Click Screen resolution or Display settings . At the top of the screen, select the monitor that you want to change the refresh rate for. Click Advanced settings or Display adapter properties . On the Monitor tab, click the Screen refresh rate drop-down list. Note: This step may vary depending on your operating system and graphics card.

Some or all of my monitors are not waking up after my computer or tablet comes back from Sleep mode. What do I do?
If the displays connected to your MST hub do not wake up after your computer goes to sleep, change the input on the monitor(s) from Auto to the correct input (for example, DisplayPort or HDMI). This prompts the monitor to send its identification data to the correct port instead of scanning for ports when the signal is lost. After you select the correct input on the monitor(s), press the Scan button to initiate the handshake (EDID) process. For more information on the Scan button, refer to the following FAQ: http://www.startech.com/faq/mst-hubs-scan-button . If you set the monitor to the correct video port and press the Scan button and the issue is still not resolved, you need to disable sleep mode on your computer. To disable sleep on a computer running a version of Windows, complete the following: Open Control Panel . Click Power Options . Note: Depending on how you have the View by options set in Control Panel , you might have to click Hardware and Sound to see Power Options . Click Change plan settings for the plan in use. For both entries, change Put the computer to sleep to Never . Click Save Changes .

My MST hub will only mirror / duplicate my displays. What do I do?
By default, most systems will duplicate to multiple displays when a MST hub is attached. If you are getting mirrored displays and cannot detect more than one display in Screen Resolution or Display Settings, your graphics card may not be compatible with MST. For more information about how to determine if your graphics card is MST compatible, refer to the following FAQ: https://www.startech.com/faq/mst-hubs-gpu-compatibility . If you are using a version of Mac OSX, refer to the following FAQ for more information: https://www.startech.com/faq/mst-hubs-mac-osx-support .

How to Arrange Windows Monitors to Fix Mouse Issues
In order for your mouse to move properly between your monitors you must rearrange your monitors in Windows to match the physical location of your monitors on your desk. To do so, complete the following based on your operating system: Windows 11 Click on the Windows Icon in the Taskbar (or the Windows key on the keyboard) and search for Display Settings . Click on Multiple Displays. Click Identify to display the numbers on each connected monitor, showing how the operating system has assigned their positions. Click and drag the monitor icons to best match your physical setup. Click Apply to confirm the changes and close the window. Windows 10 and Windows 8 On your keyboard, press the Windows key + X and select Control Panel . Click Appearance and Personalization , then click Display . Click the Resolution or Adjust Resolution option from the left column, which will display your monitors as numbered icons. Click Identify to display the numbers on each connected monitor, showing how the operating system has assigned their positions. Click and drag the monitor icons to best match your physical setup. Click OK to apply the changes and close the window. Windows 7 and Windows Vista Click the Start button and select Control Panel . Click Appearance and Personalization, then click Display . Click the Resolution or Adjust Resolution option from the left column, which will display your monitors as numbered icons. Click Identify to display the numbers on each connected monitor, showing how the operating system has assigned their positions. Click and drag the monitor icons to best match your physical setup. Click OK to apply the changes and close the window. Windows XP Click the Start button and select Control Panel . Double-click Display . Click the Settings tab, which will display your monitors as numbered icons. Click Identify to display the numbers on each connected monitor, showing how the operating system has assigned their positions. Click and drag the monitor icons to best match your physical setup. Click OK to apply the changes and close the window. To mirror the image from your primary monitor instead of extending your desktop, refer to the following FAQ: http://www.startech.com/faq/Windows_Mirroring_Monitors

Why is my DisplayPort converter not passing audio?
If a DisplayPort converter with audio is not passing sound from the source to the destination, complete the following: Make sure that the DisplayPort connection on the video card is the default audio playback device. Make sure that the video card has the DisplayPort audio codec installed. If not, visit the video card manufacturer's website to find out how to update the video card driver.

My DisplayPort display is not working when I try to output 4K at 30Hz with this device. How do I resolve this issue?
To output 4K to a DisplayPort display at 30Hz, your monitor must support the resolution and refresh rate. If your monitor also supports 4K at 60Hz (DP 1.2 or higher), you may also need to set the monitor to work at 30Hz. To resolve this issue, use the buttons on your monitor to change the DisplayPort settings to DP1.1. For more information about how to change your monitor settings, refer to the website of the manufacturer of your monitor.

How do I configure additional displays in Windows?
Windows 11 To configure displays in Windows 11, complete the following: Press the Windows + I (capital letter i) keys together to open Settings Click 'System' > 'Display' Click 'Duplicate these displays' and choose 'Extend these displays' (if needed). Click ‘Identify’ to determine the number assigned to each display. Drag and drop each display accordingly to the physical layout on your desk. Click the Apply button. Windows 10 To configure displays on Windows 10, complete the following: Press the Windows + I (capital letter i) keys together. Click 'System' > 'Display' Under the ‘Multiple displays’ section, select ‘Extend Desktop To This Display.’ Click ‘Identify’ to determine the number assigned to each display. Drag and drop each display accordingly to the physical layout on your desk. Click the Apply button.

How to Mirror Displays on Windows
Windows 10 / 8 On your keyboard, press the Windows Key + X and select Control Panel . Click Appearance and Personalization , then click Display . Click the Resolution or Adjust Resolution option from the left column. Expand the drop-down menu next to “Multiple displays” and select Duplicate these Displays . Click OK to apply the changes and close the window. Windows 7 / Vista Click the Start button and select Control Panel . Click Appearance and Personalization, then click Display . Click the Resolution or Adjust Resolution option from the left column. Expand the drop-down menu next to “Multiple displays” and select Duplicate these Displays . Click OK to apply the changes and close the window. Windows XP Click the Start button and select Control Panel . Double-click Display . Click the Settings tab. Un-check the box beside Extend my Windows desktop onto this monitor . Click OK to apply the changes and close the window.

What is an MST hub, and how can I tell if it will work in my setup?
You may have heard of MST hubs, and have been wondering what they are, and whether or not they will work in your setup. So what are MST hubs? MST hubs are devices that take one DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort video connection, and go to many video connections, usually extra DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, DVI or HDMI connections. This is accomplished through DisplayPort's MST, or Multi Stream Transport function. MST hubs allow you to mirror / duplicate your monitors so the same window are shown on all of the monitors, or extend your desktop, so that you can have different window on each monitor. So how can you tell if you can use a MST hub? MST hubs require that the video card's DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort output support DP1.2 or greater, which supports MST. Some MST hubs also specifically require HBR2, or High Bit Rate 2 support. HBR2 allows for higher resolutions like 4K and up. You can check whether or not a StarTech.com MST hub requires HBR2 on the individual product pages, under the Technical Specifications tab. There are a few other important things to note. Video cards can technically support DP1.2, but not support MST or HBR2, so it is important to check with your video card manufacturer that your video card specifically supports DP1.2, MST, and HBR2 (if necessary). Currently Mac OSX does not support MST hubs, regardless of whether or not the video card does. This is an operating system restriction, so running Windows on an Apple computer through a program like Bootcamp will allow you to use MST hubs.

Does a DisplayPort MST hub work with macOS for multiple extended displays on a Mac?
No, macOS does not support multiple extended displays through a DisplayPort MST hub on Mac systems using Intel or NVIDIA GPUs. Explanation: DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) enables a single DisplayPort connection to drive multiple independent displays. While a DisplayPort MST hub can be connected to a Mac via Mini DisplayPort (mDP) or compatible ports, macOS does not support MST-based display extension on Intel and NVIDIA GPUs. As a result, all connected monitors will duplicate the same mirrored image instead of operating as separate extended displays. This limitation is specific to macOS, not the MST hub hardware. When the same Mac hardware runs Microsoft Windows (for example, via Boot Camp), MST functionality may be available depending on GPU and driver support.

Should passive or active video signal converters be used with a DisplayPort MST hub?
It depends on the output type: use passive converters for DisplayPort to HDMI or DVI, and use active converters for DisplayPort to VGA. Explanation: DisplayPort MST hubs support Dual Mode (DP++), which allows the hub to output HDMI or DVI signals using passive video signal converters. Passive converters rely on the DisplayPort source device to perform signal conversion, which is supported for digital formats such as HDMI and DVI. For more information, refer to the following FAQ: http://www.startech.com/faq/displayport_converter_dp_multi_mode . VGA requires an analog signal, while DisplayPort outputs a digital signal. A DisplayPort MST hub cannot convert digital signals to analog, so an active converter is required for DisplayPort to VGA. Active converters perform the necessary digital-to-analog conversion. Device-specific limitations may apply. For example, when using a Microsoft Surface Dock, passive HDMI or DVI adapters may cause compatibility issues with a DisplayPort MST hub. In this case, Microsoft recommends using active converters instead. This limitation does not apply to the Surface Pro 3 Docking Station. Compatibility may also vary between specific VGA adapters and monitors.

How can I verify if my video card (GPU) is compatible with a DisplayPort MST hub?
A video card (GPU) must support DisplayPort 1.2 or later with Multi-Stream Transport (MST) to work with a DisplayPort MST hub for multiple displays. Explanation: DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) allows a single DisplayPort connection to drive multiple monitors. MST was introduced with DisplayPort 1.2 and requires sufficient bandwidth (HBR2 or higher). A DisplayPort MST hub can connect to DisplayPort (DP), Mini DisplayPort (mDP), or USB-C ports that support DisplayPort Alt Mode, but the GPU must explicitly support MST. Some systems include DisplayPort 1.2 or later but have limited or disabled MST support depending on the manufacturer’s implementation. To verify compatibility: Check the technical specifications of the video card (GPU) or system for MST support Confirm DisplayPort Alt Mode support if using USB-C Contact the manufacturer if MST support is not clearly documented On systems that support MST, each monitor connected through the hub is detected individually. Supported configurations include extended (independent displays), duplicated (mirrored displays), and in some cases spanned desktops, depending on the GPU and operating system. If the GPU does not support MST, the MST hub will mirror the same image across all connected displays, and only one display may appear in system settings. Operating system support also affects behavior. Microsoft Windows supports MST for multiple extended displays. macOS typically does not support MST for multiple extended displays, and connected monitors will mirror the same image. If MST is not supported, alternative solutions include USB-C or Thunderbolt docking stations, or USB video adapters (such as DisplayLink-based adapters), which can provide additional displays with different performance characteristics. For Microsoft Surface compatibility details, refer to: http://www.startech.com/faq/mst-hubs-microsoft-surface-tablet-compatibility

Can a DisplayPort MST hub bypass the maximum number of displays supported by a video card (GPU)?
No, a DisplayPort MST hub cannot bypass or increase the maximum number of monitors supported by a video card (GPU). Explanation: A DisplayPort MST hub splits a single DisplayPort connection into multiple outputs, but the total number of monitors is still limited by the video card (GPU) and its specifications. For example, if a GPU supports up to three displays, the system cannot exceed three monitors even when using one or more MST hubs. When multiple MST hubs are used, the combined number of connected monitors must remain within the GPU’s maximum display limit. Exceeding this limit can result in monitors not being detected or display configuration issues. The video card (GPU) must also support DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST), typically available with DisplayPort 1.2 or later, for multiple displays to function through an MST hub. For more information, refer to: https://www.startech.com/faq/mst-hubs-gpu-compatibility

Do Microsoft Surface devices support DisplayPort MST hubs for multiple extended displays?
It depends on the Surface model. Surface devices with DisplayPort 1.2 or USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt) support MST on Windows, while models with DisplayPort 1.1 or no video output do not. Explanation: DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) allows multiple extended displays through a single video output using an MST hub. MST support on Microsoft Surface devices depends on the model, video output type, and GPU capability. MST is supported in Windows, but macOS does not support MST for multiple extended displays. Model Video Output MST Support (Windows) Graphics Card Surface RT No No NVIDIA Tegra 3 Surface 2 No No NVIDIA Tegra 4 Surface Pro (1st Gen) Mini DisplayPort (DP 1.1) No Intel HD Graphics 4000 Surface Pro 2 Mini DisplayPort (DP 1.2) Yes Intel HD Graphics 4400 Surface 3 Mini DisplayPort (DP 1.1) No Intel HD Graphics (Cherry Trail) Surface Pro 3 Mini DisplayPort (DP 1.2) Yes Intel HD Graphics 4200 / 4400 / 5000 Surface Pro 4 Mini DisplayPort (DP 1.2) Yes Intel HD Graphics 515 / 520 / Iris 540 Surface Book (Gen 1) Mini DisplayPort (DP 1.2) Yes Intel HD Graphics 520 / optional NVIDIA GPU Surface Pro (2017) Mini DisplayPort (DP 1.2) Yes Intel HD Graphics 615 / 620 / Iris Plus 640 Surface Pro 6 Mini DisplayPort (DP 1.2) Yes Intel UHD Graphics 620 Surface Pro 7 / 7+ USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) Yes Intel UHD Graphics / Iris Plus Graphics Surface Pro 8 / 9 / 10 USB-C / Thunderbolt Yes Intel Iris Xe Graphics Surface Laptop 3 USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) Yes Intel UHD Graphics / AMD Radeon Vega Surface Laptop 4 USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) Yes Intel Iris Xe / AMD Radeon Surface Laptop 5 USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) Yes Intel Iris Xe Graphics Surface Laptop Studio USB-C / Thunderbolt Yes Intel Iris Xe / NVIDIA RTX (select models) Surface Book 2 USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) Yes Intel HD / NVIDIA GTX 1050 / 1060 Surface Book 3 USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode) Yes Intel Iris Plus / NVIDIA GTX 1650 / 1660 Ti Key details: MST requires DisplayPort 1.2 or later, or USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode or Thunderbolt The number of supported displays depends on GPU capability and available bandwidth On supported systems, displays connected through an MST hub can be configured as extended or mirrored On unsupported systems, displays will mirror or may not be detected Always verify the specifications of the specific Surface model to confirm MST compatibility and supported display configurations.

What is the difference between a passive and active DisplayPort adapter?
Passive and active DisplayPort adapters are used to convert DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort signals to other video formats such as HDMI, DVI, or VGA. The correct adapter type depends on whether the DisplayPort source supports DisplayPort Dual-Mode (DP++). Passive adapters rely on the source device to perform the conversion, while active adapters perform the conversion internally. Explanation: When connecting a DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort source to a monitor that uses HDMI, DVI, or VGA, it is important to determine whether a passive or active adapter is required. Passive DisplayPort Adapters Passive adapters do not contain signal conversion hardware. Instead, they rely on the DisplayPort source device to output a compatible HDMI or DVI signal using DisplayPort Dual-Mode (DP++). Passive adapters can be used when: The DisplayPort source supports DP++ Converting from DisplayPort to HDMI Converting from DisplayPort to DVI Because passive adapters do not contain conversion circuitry, they are typically less expensive than active adapters. Many DP++ ports are identified by the DisplayPort Dual-Mode (DP++) logo. Refer to the device documentation to confirm DP++ support. Active DisplayPort Adapters Active adapters contain integrated conversion circuitry that converts the DisplayPort signal to another video format. Active adapters can be used when: The DisplayPort source does not support DP++ Converting from DisplayPort to VGA Connecting displays in environments that require active signal conversion Multi-monitor configurations where passive adapter limitations may apply Because active adapters perform the signal conversion internally, they generally provide broader compatibility but are typically more expensive than passive adapters. Multi-Monitor Considerations For multi-monitor installations, active adapters may be required depending on the capabilities of the graphics hardware. Some graphics cards have limits on the number of displays that can be driven through DP++ outputs simultaneously. In these situations, active adapters may be necessary to support the desired monitor configuration. Always verify the display limitations and adapter requirements specified by the graphics card manufacturer. Thunderbolt Compatibility Thunderbolt ports natively support DisplayPort technology and generally support DP++ functionality. However, multi-monitor configurations may still require active adapters depending on the system design and display setup. MST Hub Compatibility When using StarTech.com MST hubs: Passive adapters are generally recommended for HDMI and DVI displays. Active adapters are required when converting from DisplayPort to VGA. Microsoft Surface Dock Compatibility Microsoft recommends using active video adapters with certain Surface Dock models if display issues occur when using passive adapters. This recommendation applies to supported Surface Dock products but does not apply to the Surface Pro 3 Docking Station.

What DC barrel connector power plug types do StarTech.com products use, and what are their dimensions?
StarTech.com DC barrel connector plug types are defined in the “Plug Type” field of the technical specifications, using a letter code that specifies the connector’s outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID) in millimeters for power adapter compatibility. Explanation: In StarTech.com technical specifications, the “Plug Type” field is a standardized identifier for the exact DC barrel connector size required to power a product. Each plug type is assigned a letter code that corresponds to a specific combination of outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID), measured in millimeters. Common DC barrel plug type dimensions Plug Type OD ID A 2.35 mm 0.7 mm B 4.0 mm 1.7 mm C 4.75 mm 1.7 mm H 3.4 mm 1.3 mm L 5.0 mm 2.5 mm M 5.5 mm 2.1 mm N 5.5 mm 2.5 mm The DC barrel connector plug type must match both the outer diameter and inner diameter exactly. A mismatch between the StarTech.com product requirement and the power adapter connector can prevent proper fit or stable power delivery, which may result in device startup failure or intermittent operation. The plug type defines only the physical connector size. The plug type does not define electrical power requirements such as voltage, current, or polarity. The power adapter used with a StarTech.com product must match the product’s specified electrical requirements. Using an incompatible power adapter can cause device malfunction or permanent damage. This standardized DC barrel connector plug type system enables IT professionals and procurement teams to verify connector dimensions, ensure power adapter compatibility, standardize hardware deployments, and identify the correct replacement power supply for StarTech.com products.