MacBook Pro 2020 with 2 x Dell U2518D monitors

displaydockhdmimacbook pro

I looked thoroughly, but could not find a configuration for the 2020 MBP. Here is the setup:

  • 13" MacBook Pro 2020 (2 x USB-C ports)

  • 2 x Dell U2518D monitors (not Thunderbolt-equipped)

I tried connecting everything together with a Belkin Thunderbolt 2 Express Dock, but it does not seem to work, unfortunately. I connected one monitor via HDMI-HDMI cable to the dock, and the other monitor via Thunderbolt-DP cable (that came with the monitor), and then connected the dock via USB 2.0 to USB-C to the laptop.

I think the problem might be the link between the dock and the laptop, but I have no idea how I could connect it otherwise. Any ideas?

Best Answer

Your issue is very much like the one in this question about a MacBook with only two USB-C ports as well: MacBook 4K/60Hz adapter is working directly, but not via USB-C hub

While you have two Thunderbolt ports, the MacBook only had USB ports that supported DisplayPort. So, in your case, you have a couple of options:

  • Plug one display into one of the USB-C ports and use the USB-C Hub w/ Power Delivery as described in the answer in the above linked question to connect your devices and your charger.

  • Use a proper Thunderbolt 3 Dock. The problem that you're having with the Belkin Thunderbolt 2 dock is that while Thunderbolt is technically backward compatible, Thunderbolt 3 uses passive cables where as Thunderbolt 2 cables were active. A number of "high bandwidth" devices like storage and display require an active cable which the standard USB-C cables are not.

    I recently wrote an answer about this for the question LG UltraFine & replacement Belkin USB-C cable gives blurry text. Basically all (quality) USB-C cables are Thunderbolt 3 cables. However, not all are active. Active Thunderbolt 3 cables carry power and cost about $50USD more than regular ones. I believe this is why your Belkin dock isn't working properly.

I would go with the first option: using the USB-C hub with PD. This gives you a lot of options out of the gate without spending too much money. If/when your needs outgrow the hub, go for the Thunderbolt 3 dock as you'll have much more room for growth.

You can try getting the active TB3 cable, but to me, it's more of a bodge and I'm not convinced the Apple TB3 to TB2 adapter carries power. There are lots of folks looking for Thunderbolt 2 docks because they have 2017 and older MacBook Pro laptops they'd like to expand but can't because of product availability; it could fetch a nice price online and help pay for that Thunderbolt 3 dock.

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