Hacker News Reader

Comment by hammock | Hacker News Reader

I thought M2/M3 max now support up to four displays? The chart here only shows 2 for apple silicon

Even the M1 Max supports up to 4 external displays, but they only support up to two display outputs per ThunderBolt port. You'd need to connect the other displays via other means (directly, or via another dock) to the Mac.

You’re correct. The limits are:

• M3: 1 × fully hardware-accelerated external display

• M3 Pro: 2 × fully hardware-accelerated external displays

• M3 Max: 4 × fully hardware-accelerated external displays

Confusingly, M3 Air can support 2 external if laptop is closed

It is a little confusing, but it technically makes sense. When you disable the built in display, that display controller can be used for a second external display. It would be nice if you didn't have to actually close the lid to disable that display since some people would like to use the built in keyboard with 2 external displays.

Simulate lid closure with a magnet? https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/691627/Not+going+to+slee...

Avoiding lid closure will improve cooling and avoid throttling.

M3 Macbook PRO doesn't support 2 monitors even with laptop closed. This is why it's confusing. M3 Air does but M3 Macbook Pro (for 'professionals') doesn't.

They said they are going to add support for it on the Pro as well.

Perhaps it uses MST to get the other two?

Assuming “it” means MacBook Pro but I thought Apple doesn’t support MST? Source: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/253432530?sortBy=best

Yes they don't. Hence the MBP would be limited to 2 monitors. "It" here is the dock.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com