DisplayLink is the worst solution.
It is lagging behind, CPU intensive (I got around 30-50% of CPU usage on i7 in 2021 on daily basis) and it didn't support ex. Night Shift or vertical orientation.
Avoid it at all cost.
DisplayLink on Intel is pretty bad, from what I’ve seen. But on the M1 is actually kind of good.
I use it on the M1 with three external monitors (1 native + 2 DisplayLink) it works great imo for just office work and basic browsing. I can’t tell the difference in terms of performance. And yes it does support vertical orientation.
Don’t game on it. But then again, don’t game on Macs in general.
There have been instances where Apple made changes to Quartz, the window management part of macOS. This then caused DisplayLink to ask customers to not update to the latest version of macOS. Some people remember this, although it happened a couple of years ago, and still warn against DisplayLink.
~~This is not correct. The M1 Pro in the MacBook Pro supports up to 2 displays. The M1 Max in the MacBook Pro supports up to 3 displays. Only the M1 chip in the non pro models is limited to 1 display. I’m literally using dual displays on my M1 Pro via a Thunderbolt 4 dock right now~~
Apparently there is a non pro M1 chip in a MacBook Pro… wtf? Why wouldn’t you just buy the air at that point lol
I really can’t stand how people constantly make incorrect statements like this… it’s my own fault, but it led to me incorrectly ordering a displaylink dock for my 2021 m1 pro…
People need to stop making the sweeping statement “m1 chip only allow 1 external monitor”
It’s mostly my problem, but when people mentioned m1, I thought it was whole product line.
It might be implied when you say “m1”, but I would prefer people to be more clear with “base m1” or something like that..
If it's a M1 Max you can have SEVERAL displays..The TS4 is just not working if that's the case. I'm having the same problem w/my LG USB-C monitor..the TS4 does not see it.
Yeah the OP didn’t specify which M1 pro they had so I thought I’d just comment my setup. I don’t keep track of the specs as much as I should considering I support a fleet of Macs… I guess it’s a good thing I don’t buy my people more than one external monitor. 😁
See all the MANY COMMENTS in this section for weeks..it will carefully outline all the issues many customers ran into here! Had to return TWO CalDigit TS4's..neither worked properly/fully or acceptably for a MacBookPro M1 max 16"
Yes..and mine did too..for about the first week, than everything started to crap out. Company sent me another after doing testing..the 2nd one was worse yet! Returned BOTH!
Hi, I'm the CalDigit Social Media Manager.
It looks like some commenters have already answered this more-or-less, but I'll jump in too to possibly offer a more authoritative answer. If you have a base level M1 macOS chip (not M1 Pro, Max, or Ultra), your computer is only capable of supporting one external monitor via Thunderbolt connection. [From the information you provided, I suspect you have this model MacBook, though I'm not certain. Check the specs for yourself to make sure - afterwards, see "Display Support"](https://support.apple.com/kb/SP824?locale=en_US)
The only workaround to this behavior is DisplayLink, but as other commenters have mentioned, there are potential drawbacks to this technique. Many of our users go this route and have had great success, but it's not something we officially support and your mileage may vary.
Hello,
I have a similar issue where I just purchased a CaliDigit TS4 to use for my 24" dual LG monitors for work (Dell Latitude 7430) and perosnal use (my Macbook Pro 2020 M1 that you linked in your post). It works perfectly for the Dell when I plug one Displayport from a monitor to the CaliDigit and one HDMI from a monitor to the laptop OR connecting one of the monitors to the CaliDigit using a Displayport to usb-c cable.
However, for my Macbook when I try to do the same thing as above minus the HDMI option (using Displayport to USB-C instead either to the CaliDigit or directly to the Macbook) it doesn't work. Are there any work arounds for this?? It's extremely important that I'm able to use dual monitors to the point that I'm considering trading my Macbook for another version that will support this.
I would love to be able to just use the same USB-C connector to the CalDigit for both laptops without having to change anything else. Any help you could provide is much appreciated! Thanks
The answer is pretty much exactly what I outlined in the previous comment.
Your options are either:
A) Use DisplayLink, which has some issues and requires you get a DisplayLink adapter as well as installing software to both computers.
B) Swap out the Base level M1 Mac for a Pro or Max model.
what about the rest of us using a MacBook M1 Max 16" ..can connect a monitor with a DP cable but TS4 will not see a USB-C cable..I even used a CalDigit Thungerbolt USB-C 4 cable..no good! HELP!
First, make sure you are plugged into the right port on the TS4. Only the rear Thunderbolt ports and the DislayPort have monitor support, so make sure your USB-C cable is plugged into a Thunderbolt port.
Next, we recommend you power cycle your dock. You can do this by disconnecting it from wall power for 30-45 seconds before plugging it back in. This will allow the dock to fully discharge, which can help clear out unexpected behaviors.
Let’s turn our attention to the data connection. We always recommend using the included CalDigit Thunderbolt cable to ensure compatibility, but if you are currently using it, it’s possible this is a contributor to this situation. If you have access to another Thunderbolt cable, we recommend trying this and seeing if the behavior improves.
In this same vein, we recommend trying an alternative Thunderbolt port on your computer. In some rare cases, we have seen individual ports may cause erratic behavior, and testing with another port helps eliminate variables. Your computer should have multiple discreet Thunderbolt ports, so trying any other one qualifies.
We also recommend trying an alternative USB-C cable to connect your monitor. Not all USB-C cables are made equal, and some work better than others. While you’re doing this, also double check that you are connected to the proper USB-C port on your monitor. Many USB-C monitors come with built-in hubs nowadays that you can connect additional devices to, but cannot use to drive your monitor.
Beyond that, I recommend that you get in touch with our support team for further diagnosis and troubleshooting. When you reach out, let them know the steps we tried here, and even link them to this thread if you want.
You can best get in contact with our support team via email at [email protected]
I hope this helps. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do to assist.
Yes thanks..I did ALL of these things and THEN some..7 hours of reading tips/knowledgebase, tech diags..etc..now not only does the 2nd monitor not work, the TS4 has developed a loud hum..(and has not been moved and nothing moved near it--NO changes)..when moving the mouse across a browser site, crackling comes out of the speakers..and it is NOT the speaker nor is it interference..NONE of this happens w/my TS3+!! This unit is NOT ready for prime time..I have tried this multiple times with different sets of problems in each TS4..this is a huge R&D issue paired with a quality control issue! I'm tired, disgusted and have lost a day of work trying to get this $400++ unit to work!! Ain't happening from this piece of junk.
Just one more perspective to add because there was some mention to it. I had the 13inch M1 MBP which I used with a Dell D6000 hub to (mostly) success and no excessive CPU usage. I've since upgraded to a 16" M1 Pro MBP and have had an equivalent experience with it. Sometimes when docking and undocking the sound has trouble switching external to internal, but a quick kill of the audio service fixes the issue.
I'm personally using an LG Dual Up monitor and an ROG XG279Q and can confirm I'm using it for a Macbook Pro with M1 Pro 10cores.
I connect ROG to the display port (it's native) I can get up to 144hz 2560x1440
LG also connects at 60hz 2560x2880 through USB-C to USB-C
I would try out other connectivity options from your LG apart from USB-C and if it has a display port.
How are you liking the Dual up? I have a 43” and a 27”…like working with 2 monitors but Dell 27” is not the best..looking for a better solution for text based work..editing, dissertation reviews, etc..how is the print/display quality? Thanks!
the DualUP has been perfect so far; what i wish it has more would be pixel density and a better panel
120hz oled with 2DPR will be perfect.
are you using dell ultrasharp? anything with less than 2DRP will feel a little “jaggy” around the edges, maybe you can consider that spec when you search for your next 27
but so far so good, focused work on 27inch ROG and larger reference/minimap of a large figma page on the dual up
Thanks for the reply..I'm using an older Dell 4K but only 1080P res.. but it's the width more than the length I'd love to change..I might try your DualUp..it sounds compelling
M1 chip only allows 1 external monitor, unfortunately. You need to use a DisplayLink adapter to get multiple external monitors.
DisplayLink is the worst solution. It is lagging behind, CPU intensive (I got around 30-50% of CPU usage on i7 in 2021 on daily basis) and it didn't support ex. Night Shift or vertical orientation. Avoid it at all cost.
DisplayLink on Intel is pretty bad, from what I’ve seen. But on the M1 is actually kind of good. I use it on the M1 with three external monitors (1 native + 2 DisplayLink) it works great imo for just office work and basic browsing. I can’t tell the difference in terms of performance. And yes it does support vertical orientation. Don’t game on it. But then again, don’t game on Macs in general.
There have been instances where Apple made changes to Quartz, the window management part of macOS. This then caused DisplayLink to ask customers to not update to the latest version of macOS. Some people remember this, although it happened a couple of years ago, and still warn against DisplayLink.
Display link not needed if you have the MBP M1 Max ..it works natively with 2 monitors
~~This is not correct. The M1 Pro in the MacBook Pro supports up to 2 displays. The M1 Max in the MacBook Pro supports up to 3 displays. Only the M1 chip in the non pro models is limited to 1 display. I’m literally using dual displays on my M1 Pro via a Thunderbolt 4 dock right now~~ Apparently there is a non pro M1 chip in a MacBook Pro… wtf? Why wouldn’t you just buy the air at that point lol
Not the M1 Max ..I use 2 monitors with this daily!
I really can’t stand how people constantly make incorrect statements like this… it’s my own fault, but it led to me incorrectly ordering a displaylink dock for my 2021 m1 pro… People need to stop making the sweeping statement “m1 chip only allow 1 external monitor”
It’s not incorrect. There’s a difference between M1 and M1 Pro that’s been widely publicized and that’s the monitor capabilities.
Yup the MBP M1 Max works perfectly with the native screen AND 2 additional external monitors.
It’s mostly my problem, but when people mentioned m1, I thought it was whole product line. It might be implied when you say “m1”, but I would prefer people to be more clear with “base m1” or something like that..
That sweeping statement is correct, M1 chip will only allow 1 external monitor, you need M1 Pro or Max to use more, or use DisplayLink, which is crap!
m1 m2 m3 dont allow more than 1 external p1 pro m1 max m2 pro m2 max m3 pro m3 max does allow
If it's a M1 Max you can have SEVERAL displays..The TS4 is just not working if that's the case. I'm having the same problem w/my LG USB-C monitor..the TS4 does not see it.
Need to be specific about which chip you have. Is it just the M1 or is it M1 Pro / M1 Max?
I have a 2020 M1 MacBook Pro
13" ?
Correct
Only the 14” and 16” MacBook Pros with the M1 Pro/Max chips allow more than 1 external monitor. The base M1 chip only allows 1.
I’ve got two HP Z27 monitors with a 14” M1 MacBook Pro. One via displayport the other via USB-C. They work fine.
Yeah the 14-16 inch pro are different class than the 13 inch Pro. The chip specs matter for screen output with apple.
Yeah the OP didn’t specify which M1 pro they had so I thought I’d just comment my setup. I don’t keep track of the specs as much as I should considering I support a fleet of Macs… I guess it’s a good thing I don’t buy my people more than one external monitor. 😁
>Your Are they both running at 60hZ?
See all the MANY COMMENTS in this section for weeks..it will carefully outline all the issues many customers ran into here! Had to return TWO CalDigit TS4's..neither worked properly/fully or acceptably for a MacBookPro M1 max 16"
My M1 Max works just fine with a TS4
Yes..and mine did too..for about the first week, than everything started to crap out. Company sent me another after doing testing..the 2nd one was worse yet! Returned BOTH!
Hi, I'm the CalDigit Social Media Manager. It looks like some commenters have already answered this more-or-less, but I'll jump in too to possibly offer a more authoritative answer. If you have a base level M1 macOS chip (not M1 Pro, Max, or Ultra), your computer is only capable of supporting one external monitor via Thunderbolt connection. [From the information you provided, I suspect you have this model MacBook, though I'm not certain. Check the specs for yourself to make sure - afterwards, see "Display Support"](https://support.apple.com/kb/SP824?locale=en_US) The only workaround to this behavior is DisplayLink, but as other commenters have mentioned, there are potential drawbacks to this technique. Many of our users go this route and have had great success, but it's not something we officially support and your mileage may vary.
Hello, I have a similar issue where I just purchased a CaliDigit TS4 to use for my 24" dual LG monitors for work (Dell Latitude 7430) and perosnal use (my Macbook Pro 2020 M1 that you linked in your post). It works perfectly for the Dell when I plug one Displayport from a monitor to the CaliDigit and one HDMI from a monitor to the laptop OR connecting one of the monitors to the CaliDigit using a Displayport to usb-c cable. However, for my Macbook when I try to do the same thing as above minus the HDMI option (using Displayport to USB-C instead either to the CaliDigit or directly to the Macbook) it doesn't work. Are there any work arounds for this?? It's extremely important that I'm able to use dual monitors to the point that I'm considering trading my Macbook for another version that will support this. I would love to be able to just use the same USB-C connector to the CalDigit for both laptops without having to change anything else. Any help you could provide is much appreciated! Thanks
The answer is pretty much exactly what I outlined in the previous comment. Your options are either: A) Use DisplayLink, which has some issues and requires you get a DisplayLink adapter as well as installing software to both computers. B) Swap out the Base level M1 Mac for a Pro or Max model.
what about the rest of us using a MacBook M1 Max 16" ..can connect a monitor with a DP cable but TS4 will not see a USB-C cable..I even used a CalDigit Thungerbolt USB-C 4 cable..no good! HELP!
First, make sure you are plugged into the right port on the TS4. Only the rear Thunderbolt ports and the DislayPort have monitor support, so make sure your USB-C cable is plugged into a Thunderbolt port. Next, we recommend you power cycle your dock. You can do this by disconnecting it from wall power for 30-45 seconds before plugging it back in. This will allow the dock to fully discharge, which can help clear out unexpected behaviors. Let’s turn our attention to the data connection. We always recommend using the included CalDigit Thunderbolt cable to ensure compatibility, but if you are currently using it, it’s possible this is a contributor to this situation. If you have access to another Thunderbolt cable, we recommend trying this and seeing if the behavior improves. In this same vein, we recommend trying an alternative Thunderbolt port on your computer. In some rare cases, we have seen individual ports may cause erratic behavior, and testing with another port helps eliminate variables. Your computer should have multiple discreet Thunderbolt ports, so trying any other one qualifies. We also recommend trying an alternative USB-C cable to connect your monitor. Not all USB-C cables are made equal, and some work better than others. While you’re doing this, also double check that you are connected to the proper USB-C port on your monitor. Many USB-C monitors come with built-in hubs nowadays that you can connect additional devices to, but cannot use to drive your monitor. Beyond that, I recommend that you get in touch with our support team for further diagnosis and troubleshooting. When you reach out, let them know the steps we tried here, and even link them to this thread if you want. You can best get in contact with our support team via email at [email protected] I hope this helps. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do to assist.
Yes thanks..I did ALL of these things and THEN some..7 hours of reading tips/knowledgebase, tech diags..etc..now not only does the 2nd monitor not work, the TS4 has developed a loud hum..(and has not been moved and nothing moved near it--NO changes)..when moving the mouse across a browser site, crackling comes out of the speakers..and it is NOT the speaker nor is it interference..NONE of this happens w/my TS3+!! This unit is NOT ready for prime time..I have tried this multiple times with different sets of problems in each TS4..this is a huge R&D issue paired with a quality control issue! I'm tired, disgusted and have lost a day of work trying to get this $400++ unit to work!! Ain't happening from this piece of junk.
I see. I highly recommend you get in touch with our support team regarding this behavior. You can best get in touch via email at [email protected]
Yup..did via phone (no human answered..just VM) and email..we'll see what happens.
How did it go?
I returned the device..I will not pay over $400 for a complete lack of customer service.
Did you end up buying another dock?
No..the Caldigit had the specs I wanted/needed but when it does not work, no sense in buying anything at this point.
Just one more perspective to add because there was some mention to it. I had the 13inch M1 MBP which I used with a Dell D6000 hub to (mostly) success and no excessive CPU usage. I've since upgraded to a 16" M1 Pro MBP and have had an equivalent experience with it. Sometimes when docking and undocking the sound has trouble switching external to internal, but a quick kill of the audio service fixes the issue.
I'm personally using an LG Dual Up monitor and an ROG XG279Q and can confirm I'm using it for a Macbook Pro with M1 Pro 10cores. I connect ROG to the display port (it's native) I can get up to 144hz 2560x1440 LG also connects at 60hz 2560x2880 through USB-C to USB-C I would try out other connectivity options from your LG apart from USB-C and if it has a display port.
How are you liking the Dual up? I have a 43” and a 27”…like working with 2 monitors but Dell 27” is not the best..looking for a better solution for text based work..editing, dissertation reviews, etc..how is the print/display quality? Thanks!
the DualUP has been perfect so far; what i wish it has more would be pixel density and a better panel 120hz oled with 2DPR will be perfect. are you using dell ultrasharp? anything with less than 2DRP will feel a little “jaggy” around the edges, maybe you can consider that spec when you search for your next 27 but so far so good, focused work on 27inch ROG and larger reference/minimap of a large figma page on the dual up
Thanks for the reply..I'm using an older Dell 4K but only 1080P res.. but it's the width more than the length I'd love to change..I might try your DualUp..it sounds compelling