Just Ordered USB-C Monitor - What Do I Need to Hook It up to a Laptop That Only Supports USB A/3.0 and Displayport?

buckerooni on 19/08/2020 - 12:23
Last edited 19/08/2020 - 12:27

Hi All, I just order this Dell monitor ( https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/558589 ) and have a desktop also coming (G5 with a USB-C connection) but also want to use the screen with my lenovo T440s.

The idea was plug mouse/keyboard/external HDD into monitor and either plug the USB-C cable into the G5 or the lenovo, but the lenovo only supports USB A / 3.0 and has a mini displayport.

I now understand the USB-C just has a higher data and power capacity - is this all I need to connect the lenvo and the monitor together? https://www.cablechick.com.au/cables/premium-aluminium-usb-t… which will just adapt the USB-C to USB-A

I'm also going to assume charging the lenovo via the USB-C to USB-A will not be possible, so I'll still need my power adapter.

Computing

Comments

  • stirlo on 19/08/2020 - 12:53
    +2

    I now understand the USB-C just has a higher data and power capacity

    Not quite, USB-C ports also have alternate mode that allows display port video to be sent through it. If you're using an adapter on a USB-A port you won't have this alternate mode and will need to connect a separate display port cable.

    I'm also not certain the USB hub in the monitor would work with an adapter either but this at least might work. Video will definitely not.

    You are also correct about needing the power adapter. Without USB-C you don't have USB-PD support so will not be able to charge.

    • Mechz on 19/08/2020 - 16:56

      Yep, my LG just uses usb-c to a for a hub in the monitor so you can keep keyboard and mouse permanently attached while using HDMI and DP for video.

  • FireRunner on 19/08/2020 - 12:54
    +2

    Doesn't sound like it will work. See this question on superuser which is trying a similar thing. I think you're best off buying a Mini display port to HMDI for the laptop

  • allabtbrgnz on 19/08/2020 - 12:58
    +2

    Don't think that it's going to work like this. I'm using mini display port to HDMI adapter with my T460s. Can even do 4k60hz. PM if you want the link.

  • Orico on 19/08/2020 - 13:41

    Return it. Why would you buy a USB C monitor? Just buy a normal display port monitor.

    • buckerooni on 19/08/2020 - 14:39

      yeah, it's not going to work out as well right now, but…

      it will work for my main setup - the monitor will be on my adjustable height desk and to reduce the weight on the table, the (dell G5 with USB-C) desktop will be on the ground with all peripherals plugged into the monitor - nice and clean.

      I will be moving to a Yoga with USB-C (my wifes) within 12 months, so really future proofing my next setup - monitor and 2 USB-C devices.

  • buckerooni on 19/08/2020 - 13:56

    thanks for the responses.

    looks like I get very little value from the lenovo to monitor.

    Does this look right:
    1. monitor -> USB-C to USB-A -> laptop : for keyboard/mouse connectivity as they're plugged into the monitor - using just a USB-C to A adapter
    2. laptop -> mini displayport to HDMI adaptor -> monitor : for display (already have one!)
    3. power adaptor -> laptop : for power!

    Still makes life easier swapping to the dell G5, just not the T440. The Mrs has a lenovo yoga with USB-C, perhaps I need to do a swap!!

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