STARTECH USB 3.0 TO HDMI ADAPTER: ADD DISPLAYS TO M1 MACS AND INTEL MODELS

USB 3.0 TO HDMI ADAPTER

- GLENN FLEISHMAN

Apple imposed limitations in its M1 series of Macs about how many external displays could be attached. It’s just one for most models; a Mac mini lacks an integral display, and can support two. DisplayLink technology offers a way to add more displays for M1 Macs by effectively encapsulating video over USB 3. This works with M1 Macs as well as Intel Macs that lack all the output ports you want, PCs, and other devices.

Synaptics, the creator of DisplayLink, licenses its technology to manufacturers. I tested the only 4K UHD adapter that appears to be in stock anywhere right now: the StarTech.com USB 3.0 to HDMI Adapter, which is DisplayLink certified. It supports resolutions of up to 3840 by 2160 pixels and a display refresh rate of up to 60 hertz.

Installation requires a driver that can be downloaded from StarTech’s site (fave.co/3lsLqBP); if you’re running macOS Monterey, download the latest driver from Synaptics’ site (fave. co/3xJLmCH).