In the current pursuit of efficient work, SOHO professionals have increasingly strict requirements for desktop devices. The desktop KVM switch, with its ergonomic design, perfectly adapts to daily usage habits and has already become a favorite among many. More importantly, many models support multiple desktop monitors, enabling users to effortlessly multitask and instantly boost productivity.
The advent of the DisplayPort 1.2 standard can be regarded as a “resolution revolution” in both commercial and home use, satisfying people's pursuit of higher resolutions and greater productivity. The Multi-Stream Transport (MST) technology under this standard is like a shining star, hailed as an ideal solution for future extended desktops. Nowadays, it has made its debut in some cutting-edge desktop KVM switches. Since multi-monitor setups have been proven to significantly enhance productivity and user experience, what exactly is DisplayPort MST? And does your desktop KVM switch need its enhancement? Let's find out.
I. What Exactly is DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST)?
Since the release of the DisplayPort 1.2 standard in 2010, MST has been integrated as a core feature. This technology is a boon for desktop users as it breaks the norm, allowing a single DisplayPort output source device to drive multiple independent monitors. There are two specific connection methods: one is to use an MST hub to centrally connect the source device to multiple monitors; the other is to adopt the “daisy chain” mode, using a single DisplayPort cable to connect the monitors end to end in sequence. In this way, all monitors can jointly create an extra-large extended desktop, effortlessly handling multi-document collaboration during work or immersive gaming experiences, with its advantages fully demonstrated. Of course, the MST function is not perfect and has some limitations. However, for most intermediate and even advanced desktop users, these limitations do not cause significant trouble in practical use.
II. Key Aspects to Focus on When Using DisplayPort MST
(I) Monitor Connection Requirements
To fully unleash the power of MST, monitors must have daisy chain connection capabilities, that is, they need to be equipped with both a DisplayPort input port and a dedicated DisplayPort output port. When connecting, first connect the first monitor to the DisplayPort source (such as a desktop computer or laptop), and then, with just a DisplayPort cable, you can connect other monitors one by one like playing a game of solitaire. Currently, new monitors compliant with the DisplayPort 1.2 standard basically support daisy chain connection. But if you have older monitors, don't worry; they can still join the extended desktop, but you'll need an additional DisplayPort hub instead of just relying on a single cable. Additionally, the last monitor in the daisy chain has relatively lenient requirements; it doesn't need to support daisy chain connection, as long as it has a DisplayPort input port. For example, a DisplayPort 1.1 monitor can meet this condition.
(II) Bandwidth Sharing Rules
In the DisplayPort MST daisy chain, the number of downstream monitors is not unlimited. According to the original VESA specification in 2010, theoretically, MST can support up to 63 monitors. But in real-world scenarios, this number is of little practical significance because the total data transmission demand of all monitors in the daisy chain cannot exceed the bandwidth limit of the single DisplayPort port where the video source is located, nor can it surpass the performance of the graphics card. Taking the DisplayPort 1.2 port as an example, its bandwidth limit is 17.28 Gbit/s. Therefore, in practical applications, if you want to maintain a reasonable resolution for each monitor, connecting 3 to 4 monitors is generally more appropriate. However, for the vast majority of desktop applications, such a configuration is already more than sufficient. For instance, by reasonably allocating the total bandwidth of the DisplayPort 1.2 output, desktop users can connect up to four independent 1920 x 1080 resolution monitors or two 2560 x 1600 high-resolution monitors. In this way, multitasking becomes more seamless, and it can also significantly reduce the cumbersome cable connections, instantly tidying up the desktop.
(III) Operating System Compatibility
In addition to requiring a compatible graphics card, a DisplayPort 1.2 MST-supported monitor, and up-to-date GPU drivers, the choice of operating system cannot be ignored. Currently, only certain versions of the Micro-soft Windows system can fully support MST. So, before setting up a multi-monitor system based on MST, be sure to confirm that your operating system is on the support list.
In the market for multi-monitor setups, there are various types of KVM switches, each with its own unique way of achieving extended desktops. Many users are often confused about the differences between MST and dual-display models. Here, we will analyze their characteristics in detail.
(I) MST KVM
Simple and Efficient: The most prominent feature of using MST technology for multi-monitor setups is its simplicity and convenience. With just one video output port, combined with a single cable or a hub, you can easily complete the multi-screen connection. This straightforward connection method not only reduces costs but also creates a tidier and more organized workspace, making it a cost-effective choice.
Flexible Expansion: In terms of the number of monitors, MST KVM has no strict limitations. As long as the GPU performance is strong enough, you can connect as many monitors as you need according to your requirements. Moreover, MST KVM shows great flexibility in the selection of monitor models and resolutions. Monitors of different models and resolutions can all work together under the “command” of MST KVM. For example, a 2560 x 1600 resolution monitor can form an extended desktop with two 1920 x 1080 resolution monitors. It should be noted that the monitors in the middle of the daisy chain, since they undertake the task of signal transfer, must support DisplayPort 1.2 daisy chain connection (that is, have a DisplayPort output port); while the last monitor in the chain can be an older DP 1.1 model, as long as it has a DisplayPort input port. In addition, MST KVM also offers a wide variety of display modes, further expanding the possibilities of desktop layouts to meet users' diverse needs.
(II) Dual Display KVM
Dual-display KVM switch models are usually relatively more expensive. Moreover, to maximize their performance, you need to be equipped with a high-performance graphics card that supports dual or multi-screen display, which is quite different from the MST KVM setup that only requires one output source. However, dual-display KVM also has its unique advantages. Since there is no need to share bandwidth between monitors, when users' applications demand ultimate visual effects and pursue absolutely high-quality image presentation, dual-display KVM can demonstrate its powerful capabilities, providing more delicate and clear images to meet the strict requirements of professional design, high-end gaming, and other scenarios.
In conclusion, for users with limited budgets who are eager to set up dual or multi-monitor configurations, MST-supported KVM switches are undoubtedly the ideal choice. They not only feature convenient connection methods and excellent flexibility but also bring more practical functions to help enhance work efficiency and entertainment experiences.
