Does the M4 Chip MacBook Support Multiple Monitors

Can the M4 Chip MacBooks Support Multiple Monitors?

Apple released the M4 chip, bringing significant performance upgrades and new features to their MacBook lineup. With this new powerhouse chip, many users who rely on multiple monitors for work, gaming, or creative projects might be wondering: Can the M4 chip support external monitors? And if it can, how many monitors can it handle? In this article, we'll dive into these questions, providing clear and practical answers to help you get the most out of your M4 chip MacBook with a multi-monitor setup.

MacBook Models and the External Monitors Supported by M4 Chip

Connection Ports of M4 MacBooks

To extend to multiple monitors, you should know exactly the types and numbers of the ports on your MacBooks. Knowing these port configurations will help you determine the appropriate adapters and cables needed to connect multiple monitors to your MacBook.

MacBook Air

Except for the MagSafe charging interface and the 3.5 mm headphone jack, the M4 series MacBook Airs include two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports. These ports support charging, data transfer (up to 40 Gbps for Thunderbolt devices and up to 10 Gbps for USB 3.1 Gen 2 devices), and video output. You can connect external displays, storage devices, and other peripherals using these versatile ports.

MacBook Pro

Like the MacBook Air, the M4 series MacBook Pro features one MagSafe 3 interface for charging and one 3.5 mm headphone jack. In addition, it has three Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4 ports that support charging, data transfer (up to 40 Gbps for Thunderbolt devices and up to 10 Gbps for USB 3.1 Gen 2 devices), and video output. The MacBook Pro also includes an SDXC card slot for directly offloading media from SDXC cards and an HDMI port for connecting high-speed peripherals or driving high-resolution displays.

Multiple Monitor Setup for M4 MacBooks

To set up multiple monitors with a MacBook, you first need to confirm your laptop's capabilities to determine how many external monitors it can support (check the above form).

For an M4 MacBook Air, which only supports Thunderbolt / USB 4 connections, you'll need adapters to add one or two external monitors (with the laptop lid closed). It's important to check the types of ports (HDMI, DP, VGA) your monitors have to select the appropriate adapters.

In contrast, the M4 MacBook Pro offers more flexibility with its built-in HDMI port in addition to three Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports. This allows you to connect one monitor directly via HDMI without any adapters, while additional monitors will still require adapters.

MST Limitation of M4 MacBooks

For the situation mentioned above, the necessity for multiple adapters and cables arises because M4 MacBooks do not support MST (Multi-Stream Transport), which prevents daisy-chaining monitors or using an MST docking station/switch.

Daisy-chaining refers to connecting multiple monitors in a series, where one monitor is connected to the computer and each subsequent monitor is connected to the previous one. M4 MacBooks don't support MST, so each monitor needs a direct connection to the laptop.

An MST (Multi-Stream Transport) docking station allows a single computer port to connect multiple monitors and other peripherals. It simplifies connections by providing multiple output ports, such as HDMI and DisplayPort, on one device.

Using an MST docking station/switch can help manage connections more neatly and efficiently, even though it won't enable MacBook’s MST (Multi-Stream Transport) functionality. The docking station provides multiple ports in a single device, reducing cable clutter and simplifying control over all connected devices.

*To learn more about Multi-Stream Transport (MST), you may be interested in our blog https://www.tesmart.com/blogs/news/mst-and-kvm-switch-the-technological-innovation-of-tesmarts-cks202-p?_pos=11&_sid=293d0a8d1&_ss=r

KVM Docking Station Solution for MacBooks

Apple users with multiple PCs and monitors use KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switches to streamline their workspace and enhance efficiency. A KVM switch allows you to control multiple computers using a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse, reducing desk clutter and simplifying the switching process between systems. Since M4 MacBooks do not support MST (Multi-Stream Transport), the TESmart HDC202-X24 Dual Display USB-C KVM Docking Station provides an ideal solution. With just a single Thunderbolt 4 cable, it enables multi-screen output similar to MST, eliminating the need for additional DisplayLink docks or drivers. Additionally, the HDC202-X24 features Thunderbolt 4 expansion ports, meaning the KVM does not occupy the MacBook’s Thunderbolt interface. It also supports up to 60W power delivery for the primary connected laptop, ensuring seamless functionality without additional power adapters. This makes it a game-changer for macOS users who require a streamlined and efficient multi-monitor setup.