MST- What’s it all about?

You’ve probably heard the term MST knocking about when looking at cables and devices etc. So what is it? Its stands for multi-stream transport. The basic explanation is that it allows you to use multiple monitors over one connection.

Do I need it? It depends on if you want it.

As MST was introduced in DisplayPort v1.2 you will now see USB Type C Adapters with MST because USB Type C uses DisplayPort altmode to connect to monitors via one port.

If you do want it, you need a device that outputs a minimum of DisplayPort v1.2. MST basically shares the bandwidth for multiple monitors which allows the two screens to act independently of each other in extend mode, this adapter also supports mirror mode. Some MST adapters will allow daisy chaning from monitor to monitor if the monitor has the function.

Bandwidth, 4k@60Hz output to one monitor will become 1080p@30Hz to 2 monitors. The average adapter will now allow 4k@60Hz over two monitors and some adapters will allow 8k@30Hz using just the on port. As technology has increased; you can run more monitors at higher resolutions but also create video walls using multiple monitors and adapters, a typical use for this is computer gaming as graphics cards can output 4k@120Hz or higher enabling you to run two 4k@60Hz monitors (DisplayPort v1.3).

MST adapters are more suitable for laptops and computers that have limited ports such as 1 USB C port. While it can be done via an MST adapter, computer gamers tend to use the multiple ports on the graphics card to display to multiple monitors.

With DisplayPort v2 out now you have the ability to run multiple 8k displays.