SB2/Surface Dock - Max External Monitors Supported

[Medved_77]

Hi,

Got a SB2 last week and picked up a surface dock today.

On my desk I have 3 external monitors, with the USB C output on the SB2 and the 2 mini dp outputs on the Surface Dock I hoped I could run all 3 monitors.

Seems the USB C port is disabled with the Surface Dock plugged in though?

Thought I could get around this by using the daisy chain function on my Dell monitors, running 1 monitor from the Surface Dock mini dp then connecting this monitor to an additional monitor. This setup also seems to be blocked when using the Surface Dock.

Is this a known issue, can the surface dock only support 2 additional monitors and does it prevent daisy chaining additional monitors?

I can see 4 monitors in my display settings however 1 is always disabled, if I choose to enable the disabled monitor then another monitor is then disabled in place of it.

Any workarounds available? I do have a usb 3.0 to hdmi that I'll try to set up, but seems this is more of a software limitation rather than hardware limitation at this point.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[Afy]

Including the built in screen, I believe the maximum number is 3 officially. Having said that there might be hacks around this of which; I am not aware.

 

[Medved_77]

Including the built in screen, I believe the maximum number is 3 officially. Having said that there might be hacks around this of which; I am not aware.

Thanks. So it's the cpu that's the restriction here?

Oddly I can see all 4 monitors in display settings but can only activate 3 at a time.

I've connected the 3rd external monitor by displaylink in the meantime and that's working fine.



Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

 

[Afy]

I am not sure whether this is due to the cpu bus or otherwise. I don't have deep understanding at the HW level. Software I could probably explain, HW is pretty much a black box to me.

 

[MikemanSP4]

I have ran 4 including the built in screen. 3 without the built in screen. Works like a charm, but you will need an USB-C / HDMI adapter, and an aftermarket Docking station that utilizes a USB 3 slot. This one should work for you, but you will need a DVI - HDMI Adapter as well with this docking station.

If anyone wants a few pictures of my Surface Book 2 or my Surface Pro 4 running 4 monitors - Let me know and I will upload them. OR - if anyone needs further guidance on setting 2-4 monitors up, please feel free to let me know.

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Uni...3511435&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+3+docking+station

 

[bangsters]

Hello @MikemanSP4 any chance for some pics, I sure am interested. Also, how is the performance running that many screens? all of them same resolution as SB2 screen, 4K, or limited to 1080p?

 

[MikemanSP4]

Hello @MikemanSP4 any chance for some pics, I sure am interested. Also, how is the performance running that many screens? all of them same resolution as SB2 screen, 4K, or limited to 1080p?

I will get you some pictures / video this week - I was only able to adjust the resolutions of course to the max the Samsung Curve allows - As mentioned I used an aftermarket docking station and the USB-C out and all 3-4 monitors ran perfectly all day (8+Hours) with zero performance issues (No screen flickering, shutting off etc. I ended up turning off the 15-Inch Surface Book 2 monitor since I didn't need a 15-Inch when I had 3 22-inch monitors glaring at me.

I will send along a video ASAP, I will need to bring a third monitor home with me to make so said video as I only have 2 at home.

 

[Nuspieds]

I've been running 3 externals + built-in since the SB1 using the Dock:

• All externals are 2560 x 1600
• 2 use the mini-DP ports
• 1 uses a USB3 port (USB-DP dongle is attached)

Has always worked like a charm.

 

[bangsters]

i want to get either 2 4k screens or 2 21:9 screens, but not sure if SB2 can handle both.

 

[Medved_77]

Thanks for all the replies. Seems the SB2 with or without the dock can only handle 2 external monitors via the designated video out ports even though I have 2 miniDP and 1 usb c plus the option to daisy chain the monitors.

Installed an old display link adaptor via usb 3 which does the job.

Photo of current setup attached.

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

 

[MikemanSP4]

Here are some pics / a video. Please pardon the hasty pictures and video I made - I was kind of in a rush.

These outdated Lenvo ThinkVision Monitors only had a 1920x1080 Max Resolution, but I have no doubt if I had a better set of monitors, my Surface Book 2 would have handled it I was able to get the same results using my Surface Pro 4 with zero performance issues. What a wonderful set of Machines Microsoft has created. I hope this sheds a little light for some. Feel free to ask any questions you might have - Glad to answer and assist if needed.

Mike H

 

[SPIDERSPINN]

I have a question. I am using a Dock for my Surface Book with external 21:9 Screen. So if i flip my Surface Book Screen and let them go back to the Keyboard the monitor is not more available. Is there any possibility key to solve this Problem? Using scenn in "normal position" in Notebookmodus is absolutly right this is in function and whitout the keyboard is working too but only in combination flipped screen and keyboard no display no picture...