Does the Acer Aspire 5 A515-57-53T2 Support Multiple External Monitors through HDMI or Thunderbolt 4

TonyinFL
TonyinFL Member Posts: 20 Networker
edited November 2022 in Aspire Laptops

I have an old Aspire E5-576G-5762 that has both an HDMI and VGA port and supports using two external monitors plus the LCD display simultaneously in extended desktop mode. The ability to use 3 monitors without the need for extra hardware is quite nice. I am considering upgrading to the A515-57-53T2 which sports a 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U with integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics, HDMI port, and a Thunderbolt 4 port. It seems this ought to be able to support 1 external monitor through HDMI and at least one 1 external monitor through the Thunderbolt 4 port along with the LCD display, thus supporting a 3 monitor configuration in extended desktop mode. Can anyone confirm this will work?

[Edited the thread to add issue detail]

Answers

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,871 Trailblazer

    Should work. But no 100% guarantees from me. You'll just have to try it. If not, an active USB-to-video signal converter should also be able to give you the 3rd independent external monitor capability from one of the other data-only USB ports, albeit at slower refresh rates.

    Jack E/NJ

  • TonyinFL
    TonyinFL Member Posts: 20 Networker

    I appreciate the feedback Jack!

    Hoping someone on the forum can chime in that has actually done a 2 (or more) external monitor configuration via the HDMI and Thunderbolt 4 ports on this laptop, as it would be nice to be sure on this point before purchasing.

  • TonyinFL
    TonyinFL Member Posts: 20 Networker

    Actually, in reviewing the laptop information on Amazon, it claims "And with a Thunderbolt 4 port, connect two 4K displays for multitasking". So I am guessing I can have at least 2 monitors and the integrated LCD and possibly add another monitor via HDMI.

    It would still be great to hear from someone who actually uses two or more external monitors with this laptop to try to get a feel for how well this works in practice.

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,871 Trailblazer

    Amazon's vendors are pretty good for returns if reviewers claim it can be done but for some reason doesn't work for you. Still no 100% guarantees that you'll succeed. You might have to wait a long long time before you'll get the kind of actual user experience you apparently need to feel comfortable enough pull the trigger on the 'proceed to checkout' button. 🙂 Good luck.

    Jack E/NJ