Dual Monitor Setup and Docking Station Question to My Desktop and Laptop

arctan on 10/08/2024 - 10:44
Last edited 10/08/2024 - 13:40 by 1 other user

Hi guys, I am unsure how to set up my two Dell monitors to my current desktop with a docking station.

My desktop is not that new so I don't have a USB-C input at back of the desktop tower. Only two HDMI outlets at the back of my desktop.

I am checking this docking station but it only has USB-C connector so I can't use it.

I still need the USB-C connector as I need that for my laptop.

So I am looking for a USB-C to HDMI converter, but I can't seem to find any as it's usually the other way around.

Any suggestions?

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  ihfree on 10/08/2024 - 11:41

  Not sure I fully understand. A budget solution is a USB switcher. Have a look here -

  https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/860335

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  AndyC1 on 10/08/2024 - 12:17

  Try a USB-C to USB-A adapter , but only get a cheap one as some docking stations do not work with them, but some do.

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  bobbieb on 10/08/2024 - 13:06

  +1

  Slightly more pricey, but commodity HDMI and DisplayPort enabled KVMs seem to have finally started entering the market.

  I took a punt on one of these - i needed 3x2 switching - but there are different models in the same range with different/lesser port combinations for less.

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    freefall101 on 10/08/2024 - 14:51

    I have one of these, the problem being that a single USB-C cable to the laptop is usually ideal. The only device I've ever found that does that is an Anker one that's apparently of poor quality and not sold in Australia - https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Docking-Station-Desktop-Display…

    For a while I ran a dock and a dual screen KVM. In the end it annoyed me so much I bought an ultrawide with a built in KVM.

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      bobbieb on 10/08/2024 - 15:05

      Totally agree that a single USB-C per PC/Laptop would be the ideal, but given the mess of standards involved, I suspect that sort of super-hybrid KVM/USB/Thunderbolt/DisplayLink device that works remotely well is still a long way off.

      Given the mess that it replaced, I was super happy to find an affordable device with solid USB 3.0 and EDID support. The only extra bit is the USB-C/PD dual displayport adapter to for my flaky work HP laptop.

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  AustriaBargain on 10/08/2024 - 14:01

  Can you get like a PCI Thunderbolt card for PCs? Then get a Thunderbolt dock.

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    ihfree on 10/08/2024 - 14:28

    You can, but I don't think it is worth it. You'd also need a board that supports it. I have a AM4 itx system with Thunderbolt.

    Display over Thunderbolt is achieved with a short dp cable from the graphics card to the motherboard.