If that doesn't work for you, then you can get something like this. The only downside is there goes your one USB port. I don't know if you would have issues through a USB hub, but I do know this adapter works plug and play with Windows 10 I have a bunch of them in service. There are some less expensive but I haven't had great results with some I have tried. Cheaper than the $200 brick.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C6HBJOA/
It says it’s for Windows only, but it’ll work on macOS if you download the DisplayLink drivers. Use the legacy ones if you’re on Catalina to rotate it.
Also, that adapter doesn’t work well for video—it’s best for web browsing, email or static images, like movie posters.
Because display link is a technology that works over basic USB 3.0, it doesn't need any high end ports. Thunderbolt needs the entire length of the daisychain to have thunderbolt for it to work.
Look at the adapter for displaylink. There's a lot going on inside that big box just to get one HDMI port from USB 3.0:
https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Graphics-Multiple-Monitors-2560x1440/dp/B01C6HBJOA/
Is this a MacBook with the M1 or M2 chip? If so you will need a different adapter maybe. This one maybe?
If you plug this into a usb 3.0 hub connected to thunderbolt in your mac it should allow you to run a second display (you need to download the displaylink drivers and give them permission to record your screen) this is the cheapest option I found. Plugable USB 3.0 to HDMI Video... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C6HBJOA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share was going to run 2 ultrawides then said f' it and got a 43inch monitor instead lol
Actually, I had an epiphany: your scaling problems are likely because of using DisplayLink, and you’re not having issues with your 2k monitors - if you got a normal 2 display Thunderbolt dock, then added a DisplayLink adapter connected to your dock like this: amazon.com/dp/B01C6HBJOA/ and used it for one of your 2k monitors, it would likely fit all your criteria, albeit using DisplayLink. Personally, I think DisplayLink cuts too many corners, but if you can’t tell that it’s happening and your computer still runs well, that might be the solution you want.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01C6HBJOA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_89PEA546AJAKYWY76HHV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 This is the adapter I got. They cannot update software to fix what is definitely a hardware limitation. Future revisions of Apple Silicon may come with more native display support. The Mac Mini technically supports 2 external displays natively as well since it doesn’t have a built in one.
So my understanding is it's the M1 mac mini's HDMI port out to display that's causing the sleep wake and kernel panic issues correct?
If I were to set up dual monitors from the M1, Id have to run out from the TB port and from usb-a to display adapter to hdmi? And totally forgo using the Macs HDMI port ? Is this right?
So a HDMI splitter is to duplicate a display across two monitors. You need a USB Type A video card like the one below. Note that whatever monitor you plug into the USB video card will usually suffer from reduced framerate because the data transfer rate from USB is not fast enough to support 60+ frames. An example is below.
Reposting his links. I was having a hard time with them on mobile.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C6HBJOA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QXMNF1X/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
USB Displaylink adaptors will work just fine, I have 2x USB adaptors on a dock for my SP3 and use the docks DP port for a 3rd monitor, I could add a 4th and use a the SP3 DP port, but that's overkill lol
Somthing like this;
https://www.amazon.co.uk//dp/B01C6HBJOA/
Update:
I bought the Plugable adapter and have it plugged into this USB hub and can confirm it works perfectly after installing the DL drivers and allowing Screen Recording permissions!
OSX instantly detects it as a third screen and it shows up as normal in the Display preferences.
I bought a cheap displaylink adapter that works perfectly on my M1. I can't find the exact one I have but this one is about the same https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C6HBJOA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_SfQ1FbKWY7WEP
Plugable USB 3.0 to HDMI Video Graphics Adapter with Audio for Multiple Monitors up to 2560x1440 Supports Windows 10, 8.1, 7, XP https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C6HBJOA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_rvKZFbRE5F85V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Well done. Looks great.
Interestingly I saw this question on Amazon answered by the manufacturer of the adaptor. Covering themselves I guess.
Question:
Does a this work on a mac
Answer:
MANUFACTURER ANSWER: Thanks for asking! While DisplayLink does make drivers for Mac systems, we do not recommend our adapters for use with Macs and we do disclaim support on our Amazon product listing. We have witnessed undesirable performance when connected to Mac systems which is why we do not recommend our adapter for Mac use. I am sorry that we couldn't be of more help!
Thank you,
David W.
Plugable Technologies
www.plugable.com/support see less
By David W. on December 7, 2016
Hi Sopordave,
Sorry for this frustrating experience. We've run into similar issues before. It looks like you've tried the steps in the troubleshooting guide, but I'm including the link for other readers:
This may be due to a firmware issue with the Dell monitor itself. A handful of Dell monitors are problematic with various docking stations and desktop video boards due to poorly implemented firmware. If there is a list item on the Dell on-screen menu to disable DP 1.2 or MST, try disabling that feature for the monitor that is last in the chain. I doubt it will make a difference, but worth a shot.
If you really want to get the 3rd monitor up and running with minimal hassle, a 3rd-party USB->DP adapter may be the quickest approach: https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Graphics-Multiple-Monitors-2560x1440/dp/B01C6HBJOA
Cheers,
Dan
P.P. One approach to a simpler triple-monitor setup is mounting the Surface Book vertically hanging next to one of the monitors to get extra screen real-estate. 24" monitors match the 13.5" SB2 very well. Shoot me a PM if you're interested in that approach.
Can you let me know which adapter exactly you use?
Is it this one? https://smile.amazon.com/Plugable-Graphics-Multiple-Monitors-2560x1440/dp/B01C6HBJOA/
I believe most motherboards won't let you use onboard video + a video card as well (verify this on your board before taking my word for it.) I know on the Dell Optiplexes here at work, I've seen where you'll get a bootup screen saying to disconnect the monitor from the onboard video port and plug it into the installed card. If that ends-up being the case, maybe instead you could use something like this instead of the onboard?