Swift 3 SF314-58G not connecting to external display via USB-C port

Hi there,

I bought an Acer Swift 3 SF314-58G this week and set up my workplace today. I use an external Dell monitor with a DisplayPort (DP) cable and a DP to USB-C connector. I have used this without any problems over the past year with my previous laptop (HP Envy series).
When I connected the USB-C connector to my Acer laptop it did not connect to my external display (no signal) and showed me an error message:

"The last USB-device that was connected to this computer caused an error. Windows does not recognise the device. Recommendation: Try reconnecting the device, when it still doesn't work, it is probably faulty." (translated from Dutch - see screenshot).

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6029997/uploads/editor/gr/4z6qdfd0sr8g.png

According to the specifications the USB-C port in my new laptop should be 3.1 and Gen 2, so should be able to support display (DP) signals, but apparently this isn't working. I have restarted and disconnected both my laptop and the display, but also no success.

I eventually did get my external display to work with a DVI-cable and a DVI to HDMI connector. That, together with the fact that I've been using the display for over a year with DP + USB-C tells me that there is nothing wrong with the display.

I'd love to use the DP + USB-C cable, since the DVI alternative I have is of low quality. I obviously prefer not having to buy any new cables.

Can someone help me out / point me in the right direction or has any clue what might be wrong?

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,
Leon

Accepted answers

Leostat

USB 3.1 gen 2 may still not support Displayport. I dont belive your port has the displayport alt mode available. When you compare your manual (pages 10 and 53):

https://global-download.acer.com/GDFiles/Document/User Manual/User Manual_Acer_1.0_A_A.pdf?acerid=637048936313694465&Step1=ULTRA-THIN&Step2=SWIFT&Step3=SF314-58G&OS=ALL&LC=en&BC=ACER&SC=EMEA_27

When compared to the 57G (page 11):
https://gzhls.at/blob/ldb/f/c/0/3/26ab5e2c66b2a4251439c734eaefcfd4c525.pdf

Its missing the display port tag. A display Link adapter should work though, although that requires a driver and a new cable which you didnt want

All comments

Leostat

USB 3.1 gen 2 may still not support Displayport. I dont belive your port has the displayport alt mode available. When you compare your manual (pages 10 and 53):

https://global-download.acer.com/GDFiles/Document/User Manual/User Manual_Acer_1.0_A_A.pdf?acerid=637048936313694465&Step1=ULTRA-THIN&Step2=SWIFT&Step3=SF314-58G&OS=ALL&LC=en&BC=ACER&SC=EMEA_27

When compared to the 57G (page 11):
https://gzhls.at/blob/ldb/f/c/0/3/26ab5e2c66b2a4251439c734eaefcfd4c525.pdf

Its missing the display port tag. A display Link adapter should work though, although that requires a driver and a new cable which you didnt want

Leon94

Hey Leostat,

Thanks for the swift reply! (pun intended)

Ah, that's a shame, but it indeed looks like it's not supported - so many differences in these USB ports... I'll then see how it works with the DVI or eventually buy a display link adapter.

Thanks for your help!

billsey

Yes, the SF314-58G models don't support DP over USB-C. You can put a USB-C dock on that gives a video output though, it just won't likely be fast enough for gaming. There are reasonably priced docks and hubs that will give you a better display than the DVI.

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