Running two monitors on a 13'' AMD Ryzen 7040

Framework Laptop 13
1

Hi,

I’d like to run a second monitor. What’s the best way to do this? I’m happy to buy an extra card (HDMI, etc.). I have three USB C and one headphone card so far.

I found a reddit which recommended buying a powered USB dock.

I’d prefer advice from Framework on this issue. Thanks.

2

Also usb-c should be fine if your monitor supports it.

1 Like
3

This is a community forum, so you’ll not get support from framework support,

however, you can run multiple monitors off of your framework laptop no problems.

your options are basically:

  1. A powered USB-c or Thunderbolt dock
    Pros: it’s one cable to plug in and gives your framework power, monitor, external USB ports and probably ethernet. Convenient!
    Cons: It’s expensive compared to the other options.

  2. Use a USB-c to USB-c cable with a monitor that directly supports USB-c
    Pros: Monitors usually provide 45 or 60 watts of charging over their USB-c connection so you might not need a separate charge cable. Monitors often also have USB hubs and are basically USB-c docks that have an attached display. Very convenient!
    Cons: even more expensive than a USB-c or Thunderbolt dock.

  3. A USB-c to Displayport or USB-c to HDMI cable to connect to the monitor using the USB-c expansion cards you already have.
    Pros: You can get the cables anywhere, they’re usually pretty cheap (under 15$ for a 2 meter cable)
    Cons: extra cable plugged into your laptop

  4. Get a HDMI or Displayport expansion card from Framework
    Pros: It’s a framework adaptor and you can use the HDMI or Displayport cable you already have
    Cons: extra cable plugged into your laptop

4

Hey,

Thanks, that’s very helpful of you.

5

Not a problem!

Glad to help and hope you enjoy your laptop for many years to come.

6

I’m just running 2no. 1080 screens in addition to my FW screen.
I thought I could get away with buying one of those fairly cheap Novoo HDMI - USB-C docks but it seems I need Thunderbolt after-all, which is more expensive.

I wonder if some of the lagging issues I am having with my mouse is due to me using this cheap dock.

*lagging issues =

  • selecting text on screen, the selected text jumps while I am selecting and then I have to select again.
  • Highlighting rows / cells on an excel spreadsheet, the cursor seems to “jump” so I have to reselect again.
7

Displaylink?

I have had no issues with all the plain displayport (alt mode) external screens I used with mine so far.