Getting USB C DisplayPort to work with my new Acer Aspire 7 A715-43G laptop

Alobear

Hi,

Until recently I had a different laptop which I could connect via USB C to this USB Hub (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VFMVHSS?ref_=pe_27063361_487360311_302_E_DDE_dt_1) and then via VGA to a second monitor.

I've recently upgraded to an Acer Aspire 7 (A715-43G) and this configuration no longer works. Having done a bit of googling it's very difficult to be clear if this laptop supports DisplayPort or DisplayPort Alternative Mode on its USB C ver 3.2 gen 1 port.

Can you please confirm whether it's possible to connect a second display to the laptop via the USB C port and, if so, why my previously working configuration now has a problem.

Thanks.

[Edited the thread to add model name to the title]

a_happy_laptop_user

The Acer Aspire 7 (A715-43G) comes with USB Type-C port(s), but whether it supports DisplayPort over USB-C (Alternate Mode) can depend on the specific capabilities of that port and the laptop's design.

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

1. Check Laptop's USB-C Specifications:
   • Verify the specifications of the USB Type-C port on your Acer Aspire 7. Look for the technical specifications in the laptop's user manual or on the manufacturer's website. It should explicitly mention whether it supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode.
2. Update Drivers:
   • Ensure that your laptop's USB and graphics drivers are up to date. Sometimes, driver updates can improve compatibility with external displays.
3. Use a USB-C to DisplayPort Cable:
   • Instead of using a hub, try connecting your USB-C port directly to the second monitor using a USB-C to DisplayPort cable. This will help determine if the issue is with the hub or the laptop's compatibility.
4. Check USB Hub Compatibility:
   • Make sure the USB hub you're using is compatible with the USB-C specifications of your laptop. Some hubs may not be fully compatible with certain laptops, leading to connectivity issues.
5. Try Another USB-C Port:
   • If your laptop has multiple USB-C ports, try connecting the hub to a different port to see if the issue persists. It's possible that one port may have different capabilities than another.
6. Power Delivery (PD) Requirements:
   • Some USB-C hubs require power delivery from the laptop to function properly. Ensure that your hub is receiving adequate power, either from the laptop or an external power source if required by the hub.
7. BIOS/UEFI Update:
   • Check if there are any BIOS/UEFI updates available for your laptop on the Acer support website. Sometimes, firmware updates can address compatibility issues.
8. Contact Acer Support:
   • If the issue persists and you cannot find information in the laptop's documentation or online resources, consider reaching out to Acer's customer support for assistance. They may provide specific guidance based on your laptop model.

Remember to always consult the laptop's user manual and specifications for accurate information about the USB Type-C port capabilities. If DisplayPort Alternate Mode is not supported, you may need to explore other solutions, such as using an HDMI port or a different display connection method.

billsey

Spec says:

So, no support for Alt DP mode on the port. The Amazon page for your adapter doesn't specify whether it requires Alt DP mode, but it sounds like it must… It seems pretty expensive for one that does though, I'd have expected half that price.

Alobear

Thanks for the very quick response Billsey. When you wrote "spec" above did you mean the spec for that specific laptop model? I've not been able to find that - only the generic Aspire 7 very high-level one which just says "USB C 3.2 gen 1".

I'm trying to understand whether it's an issue in the USB C port on this specific laptop not supporting either DisplayPort or Alternate Mode DisplayPort or if it's the actual USB C 3.2 gen 1 spec.

Not that it really makes any difference either way I suppose as it doesn't sound like this brand new much more expensive laptop will support my external monitor in the way my 3 year old previous one did. Ho hum.

Cheers.

billsey

That is for the specific model, the A715-43G. There are hundreds of different SKUs within that model, but they all meet spec. That is from the service guide, which isn't publicly available, but Acer allows a few of us access to them, so we can post snippets such as the above. The USB-C 3.2 gen 1 spec doesn't require DP Alt mode support, but I believe they may have required in in gen 2.