Reddit mentions of USB C to HDMI Adapter [4K@60Hz], iVanky [Aluminum Shell, High Speed] USB Type-C to HDMI Adapter Thunderbolt 3 Compatible for MacBook Pro 2018/2017, Samsung S10/S9/S8, XPS 15/13, Surface Book 2, Gray

> How would I go about setting my Samsungs to the latest DisplayPort version?

Typically you have to dig through the menu settings on the monitor. Somewhere there’s going to be a set of buttons that let you adjust mode, color, contrast, brightness, etc. Somewhere within that maze of menus you would find the DisplayPort version.

> Old Dongle: https://www.amazon.com/CHOETECH-Certified-Thunderbolt-DisplayPort-Compatible/dp/B075T6BBQD?ref_=ast_sto_dp
>
> — It says Thunderport certified - but I guess it could just be bs?

Amazon is a real crapshoot anymore. Lots of deceitful ratings and bait and switch products. It may say certified, but by whom? Intel is the only body that legitimately certifies Thunderbolt. They’ve done a pretty good job at maintaining a list of products and manufacturers - if this company isn’t listed, this adapter might not actually be certified.


> Here is the current USB C to HDMI Adaptors I am using:
https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Thunderbolt-Compatible-MacBook-Samsung/dp/B07HMJW4MP?ref_=ast_bbp_dp
I have one for each monitor - I stopped using the Old Dongle to see if connecting each monitor via its own adaptor (i.e. using 3 of the 4 thunderports on the MBP) was more stable.

USB 3.1 gen 1 stuff is really hard to find quality products. I’ve had good luck with a couple different brands (Monoprice and CJ5 from Staples), but have had issues with several different ones from Amazon which I sent back. If you have this setup now is it more stable than the adapter above?

> Last question - assuming that you think the adaptors are fine, could the ACER monitor be the one that is giving me the issue? I remember speaking to someone that when you use different brand monitors, things can get wonky. Any thoughts?

It’s certainly possible, I’m not sure. I have all Dell displays at work and still have this issue. If it’s of any consequence I’ve had less issues with cables (usb type-c male to DisplayPort/HDMI male) than using a dongle (male usb 3.1 or TB3 to female DisplayPort/HDMI) then using a male to male DisplayPort/HDMI cable.

The best way is to try without that display for a couple of days to see if your problems go away.

Just to confirm, I’m assuming the problems you’re having are with the displays flashing on/off or intermittently going blank for a few a seconds then coming back on? If they just aren’t coming on at all, that might be a different issue.

FWIW I just remembered that I tried my “dependable HDMI dongle” with a TCL TV and all it would do is flash a blue screen every 5 or so second. I swapped it for a Pluggable USB-C to HDMI cable and it worked perfectly.

It’s unfortunate that all the alt mode video is such a hassle. Worse is that the alt mode is a feature of USB and that governing body is in a poor state of affairs which doesn’t look to be getting better soon (see USB 3.1 gen 2 to add to confusion). I’m sure there are a high percentage of products using the logos incorrectly and don’t meet certification requirements. This brand new LG display I have touts a USB 3 type a hub, however it clearly identifies to the Mac as a USB 2 hub. Upon some research - the USB chipset used in the display is USB 3 capable - but it’s likely it got wired into a USB 2 configuration for the type A ports (and the used blue ports which mean 3.0) while the single type c port is 3.0, but used for DisplayPort - sigh...

So a couple quick questions - (please keep in mind I am fairly amateur from a knowledgeable standpoint on some of this stuff):

How would I go about setting my Samsungs to the latest DisplayPort version?

​

I bought a dongle already, but I am willing to try a new one.

Old Dongle: https://www.amazon.com/CHOETECH-Certified-Thunderbolt-DisplayPort-Compatible/dp/B075T6BBQD?ref_=ast_sto_dp

-- It says Thunderport certified - but I guess it could just be bs?

New Dongle I am looking at: https://thunderbolttechnology.net/product/sapphire-thunderbolt™-3-dual-displayport-dongle

​

Here is the current USB C to HDMI Adaptors I am using:

https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Thunderbolt-Compatible-MacBook-Samsung/dp/B07HMJW4MP?ref_=ast_bbp_dp

I have one for each monitor - I stopped using the Old Dongle to see if connecting each monitor via its own adaptor (i.e. using 3 of the 4 thunderports on the MBP) was more stable.

​

Last question - assuming that you think the adaptors are fine, could the ACER monitor be the one that is giving me the issue? I remember speaking to someone that when you use different brand monitors, things can get wonky. Any thoughts?