UX501-DS71T | External 4Kp60 display connected via USB-C to DisplayPort

Hi

I just got this laptop today and tried connecting a few different 2K and 4K displays using USB-C to DP and I'm getting no video. I've tried 2 adapters and one Bizlink USB-C to DP cable. Nothing works.

Displays, adapters and cable have been tested on an HP laptop and work fine.

Anyone here have luck with the new model? If so, what adapter/cable and display were used?

Thanks
Jp

 

I've got it working now. I had wiped out the factory OS since it is home edition and moved directly to Win10 Enterprise and installed all drivers listed for this model from the ASUS site.

I ended up re-imaging back to factory install and confirmed it is working! Seems there is something missing or incompatible in their list of posted drivers. UGH.

Anyways it works and 4Kp60 on 31" looks great.

 

Huh, that's strange. Hopefully that's really all it was! Maybe play around a bit with the connection, just to ensure it's all copacetic.

I can imagine.

 

Can you test something now that you have it working?

I also used a usbc to dp adapter, and it only works when I have the laptop screen with the 4k monitor on the dp port in a 2 screen configuration.

If i try to hook up a 3rd screen to the hdmi port, the 4k monitor on the DP port either loses connection, or starts blinking on and off and shows corruption.

Please see what happens when you connect a third monitor.

 

Tried and get the same behaviour. Disappointing... I'm checking with Asus since it isn't mentioned otherwise in the documentation.

Any users of the previous model could confirm if this works?

 

I can only get 3 monitors to work using hdmi ports.

I have usb-c to hdmi 2.0 connected to 4k@60hz samsung UHD TV.
and second 4k monitor on the built-in hdmi port @30hz

This is the only stable configuration.

I think the graphics drivers are borked.
There's no reason why triple monitor works with hdmi, but not displayport.

Report this to asus tech support and tell them to test it out themselves.
and I'll do the same. The more people who report this, the sooner we might have a fix

 

I haven't been able to get 3 monitors working but, I did get a DELL UP2716 (2560x1440) connected via native HDMI and NEC PA241W (1920x1200) connected via USB-C to DP. If I attempted to enable the laptop screen then the 2 external displays would repeatedly flicker between black/corrupted screen and the desktop and none of the displays would stabilize.

Definitely seems like a SW driver issue. At first I was thinking the external ports may be sharing bandwidth via DP1.2 however, this is not the case if you can drive 2 4K, one at 60Hz and one at 30Hz. DP1.2 only has enough bandwidth to support 1 4K@60Hz. I've already started a case with ASUS but, they're asking me to replace the laptop with the supplier since I just received it. Nothing suggests HW defect except my USB-C port is very finicky.

I'll update when I get some more meaningful feedback from ASUS.

 

Don't accept asus customer support's stupid reply.
"Replace the laptop" is their default response.

I recently messaged asus that holding the power button does not force shutdown properly, and boots back up immediately upon releasing power button.
99% of laptops stay off after holding the power button. Asus CS response was to RMA as a hardware issue.
I said No, I'm not the only person with this issue, and it's not a hardware issue. Send this over to the Bios/software team.

Tell them you're not the only person with this displayport problem, and insist (kindly) that they test it on their own machines and they are guaranteed to see the problem.

It's either a bios problem or a graphics driver problem. I already reported the issue to Intel, but who knows when Intel will come out with a fix.
Asus and Intel will either create a solution individually or by working together.

 

They said this issue would be escalated. I'll give them a couple days before I start pushing.

What isn't clear with their design is whether Intel or Nvidia is used to drive the external displays. We use the Intel control panel but, they may be using some interface to communicate with the NV graphics driver.

On the HP system I've tested with USB-C, it is Intel + AMD and once external displays are connected to USB-C and HDMI, the AMD GPU is used to drive those displays and it works well.

So, it could be an issue with Intel or Nvidia drivers or perhaps SBIOS as you mentioned. I hope they take a serious look at this.

 

Intel guys say the nvidia and intel gpu work together in an optimus system, but the intel gpu alone can drive 3 monitors. So it is unclear when nvidia gpu turns on for desktop productivity applications.

I would actually prefer the nvidia gpu not be used to save power.

According to nvidia control panel when I use displayport and hdmi (and the displayport monitor keeps blinking), it all connects through the intel gpu.
see attached.

I also recorded what my triple display behaves like.


I hope others can report this to Asus so that they can prioritize the issue. It's ridiculous that crappier laptops can do triple display just fine, but this can't.

 

Thanks for posting the vid. You're actually achieving much better results than I am. I cannot get 3 displays working at all and cannot get 2 external displays working together period. I did get it once but, seems I cannot get it twice.

What is manufacturer for the USB-C adapter you're using?

 

it's branded under Cellet, but I'm sure it's just like any other generic dp passive adapter.

 

Ya it generally shouldn't matter for a passive adapter however, the Cables to Go adapter seems pretty flaky. The Bizlink cable and HP branded adapter have been reliable.

I've had quite hard time with their first level support so far. Seems my previous call was not logged and even though I was told the issue would be escalated nothing happened. I left some negative feedback and received a callback yesterday afternoon. I just explained that someone needs to take ownership and provide some follow-up. The rep assured me this would be addressed and I should hear back tomorrow. We'll see..

 

i never call. I send them email and keep bugging them that way.
here
https://vip.asus.com/VIP2/Services/QuestionForm?lang=en-us

This way there is a paper trail and I can just keep spamming them until they do something.

The Cellet DP adapter I had was totally unbranded. a black adapter with no markings on it, like the ones you buy on ebay.

It reliably connects 4k@60 by itself in a dual display configuration, so the adapter itself is fine.
it's the intel software, and maybe asus', that's acting wonky.

 

Just received a callback from Technical Support. They claim to have received feedback from the next level support tier and that the primary intention of the USB 3.1 port is not to drive an external display. WTF!

Also referred me to this article to educate myself on what is and is not possible:

https://blog.startech.com/post/what-you-need-to-know-about-thunderbolt-vs-mini-displayport/

The recommended solution is to purchase the ASUS universal docking station and connect to either the DVI or HDMI ports provided on that.

Seriously?

Link - Have you started a case with them? Any feedback?

 

i have emailed them. no reply yet.

Don't accept those idiots' response. They have no brains. and the startech.com website shows exactly what we're doing is supposed to work. A thunderbolt pc + dp cable = dp monitor works.
I would respond with...

I've already returned my usbc DP adapter, so I can't do any further testing, but I'm assuming since it was a passive adapter, it just carried the existing DP signals built into the thunderbolt 3 port.

So now we need to see if the 501JW owners can plug in hdmi and miniDP simultaneously and get triple display running.
If they can, then we should be able to do it too.

The only other computer that is similar to ours is the Dell 9550, which also has a thunderbolt 3 port. Let's see if those 9550 owners can run a triple display setup with hdmi + usb-c DP.



There is actually a product on startech website that is simply a usb-c to DP cable...
https://www.startech.com/AV/usb-c-video-adapters/usb-c-displayport~CDP2DPMM1MB

it's clearly passive and just carries the DP signal from the TB3 port.

 

Link: I want to confirm with you that running an HDMI + USB-C to DP (no laptop screen) is working OK?

In the video you posted there was flickering on DP when running triple output. Does the flicker go away if running just 2 external displays?

The startech cable looks identical to the cable I received from Bizlink (I know they supply a variety of cables/adapters/dongles to Startech). Yes, it is definitely a passive connection.

 

i was not able to turn off the laptop display during my testing.

Even if I closed the lid of the laptop, Windows wouldn't let me disable the laptop screen. It must have memorized my previous configuration attempts.

Actually, even if I disconnected everything, then made the external monitor the Main monitor, then connected the 2nd monitor, it didn't work for me. just flickering

Are you able to run just 2 external displays?

 

No I am not. That is all I am looking to do.

With single DP connected I can drive with or without laptop screen.

Once I connect HDMI I lose the DP and laptop screen will be re-enabled and cloned with HDMI. I can then extend those displays but, I can no longer enable DP at all until reboot and removing HDMI.

With single HDMI connected I can drive with or without laptop screen.

Once I connect DP, the HDMI, DP and laptop screen begin flickering and blink on an off endlessly until the DP is removed.

Ridiculous.

 

yeah. I already reported in detail to Intel. It looks like it will be a while before we have a solution, but I'll keep checking up on asus and intel. Bug the sh** out of them.

And no one with a 501jw wants to answer my other thread if they can get triple display.

is it that uncommon for people to have 2 extra monitors laying around?

and no one with a Dell xps 9550 wants to answer my question in the Dell forum either. I pretty much have to buy a Dell 9550 to test it myself.

 

I was notified by Intel that there are new beta drivers.
https://downloadcenter.intel.com/pr...-530-for-6th-Generation-Intel-Core-Processors

Can you install the latest beta driver and see if it helps?

I returned all of my adapters, so I can't do tests anymore with displayport

I installed the previous beta drivers, but they did not help. I can't test the new beta

 

Tested and no difference. Still no support from ASUS either.

 

double post

 

Got a response from asus regarding this issue.

At least they're on it. I'm patient.

 

https://www.asus.com/us/Notebooks/ASUS-ZenBook-Pro-UX501VW/HelpDesk_Download/

https://www.asus.com/ROG-Republic-Of-Gamers/ROG-G501VW/HelpDesk_Download/

Is this the new vbios update that fixes this problem?

 

I was able to get to the Egineering team in Taiwan via Servier BU contacts that I work with. Finally acknowledged the issue and confirmed a fix is ready. It will require sending the unit in for mainboard replacement.

"The technical team worked out a hardware solution to address this issue and the parts are on back order now. I am afraid it might take around 1 business week for the part to arrive."

 

oh crap. I was hoping for a software solution. That means I'll have to erase everything off my hard drive before sending it in. What a pain in the ass.

Since every unit is affected, I can't imagine how many people will go without fixes because they don't know about it. Not many people are using dual external monitors with displayport.

did you try the bios update above though?

 

Hah.. Yes, I'm getting ready to image and then restore original OS.

I did update to the latest BIOS and didn't see any improvement. I also have an issue where 50% of the time the single external DP monitor will not wake from sleep.

 

As i have a 2 year warranty, I am not really going to rush to RMA this. You can be the guinea pig and report back.

I just hope they don't scratch it up when they repair mine.

As for not waking up from sleep, i've had that happen once with the usb-c hdmi adapter. I had to unplug and replug.

But I can't imagine what kind of hardware flaw would result in single monitor working, but not dual monitor. Maybe a short circuit somewhere.
Sucks for asus they didn't fully test this thing.

 

I'm interested in this solution.

I am also running a triple monitor setup, I use 2 Dell u2515h, plus the embedded display.

I am using the HDMI port, and a USB Type C to HDMI adapter, the screen on the USB Type C, flickers when I am playing games, under normal use, no problem.

This is the adapter I have: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X4S5C7G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was thinking on buying this Thunderbolt 3 with Dual Display Port adapters to tryout: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B..._title_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3LGJ9ZB5RSN9T

One of the amazon reviews for the Thunderbolt 3 adapter says it works perfectly with a triple monitor setup.

 

emailed asus tech support, confirmed new motherboard, but it's going to take a long time for parts to come in, so no point to RMA now while the laptop is still mostly functional.

But there's also dual hdmi triple display problem that needs to be checked. 2 external hdmi monitors must be plugged in a specific order. If order reversed, one or both external monitors will fail.

I'm not RMAing my laptop until asus confirms that 2 external hdmi monitors can be plugged in any order.

 

http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/nb/N501VW/N501VW_G501VW_UX501VW_G60VW_TBT_NVM_v15_TI_v15.zip

https://www.asus.com/us/Notebooks/ASUS-ZenBook-Pro-UX501VW/HelpDesk_Download/

There's a thunderbolt firmware update on asus download page under Utilities.

See if anything changes.

 

luckily I work 10 mins away from ASUS. I just got the system back with the replacement motherboard - Dropped it off on Wednesday and only took 2 days for repair and just over one week to receive the part.

I can confirm that the system is indeed working as we would expect. I can connect monitors in any order and drive any 1, 2 or 3 combination with DP or HDMI. Problem solved!!

 

on my original factory mobo
With triple display, the external monitor hooked up to the usb-c hdmi adapter flickers and disconnects randomly, even with thicker hdmi cables and various adapters bought from walmart.
Makes me wonder if the usb-c port has a bad chip.

This is the flicker I get...



I asked Asus to test the new motherboard to see if this is still a problem.

Do you have a usb-c hdmi adapter to test?

If you're curious whether your laptop is entirely fixed, you can get any usb-c hdmi adapter from walmart.com (order for store pickup), and have a generous 90 days to test and return.

http://www.walmart.com/search/?query=usb type c hdmi adapter&cat_id=0&facet=retailer:Walmart.com

I just bought over $50 worth for free shipping. Gonna return them after testing

 

So I ended up buying this adapter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ANR4CYE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I updated the thunderbolt firmware and the laptop firmware, and I still got flickering with the third monitor.

However, I was able to solve my problem. With these Dell U2515H you can daisy chain through display port, so I disconnected the monitor that was flickering from the adapter and connected directly to the other monitor, so now two signals go through the port that doesn't flicker.

I have been running for a week without any issues.

It's definitely hardware or firmware issue with the motherboard, but since I got this solution working, I won't be sending the laptop for repair, since only in my office I use a triple monitor setup.

 

That's not really a solution.

You really should still email asus and describe your exact problem so they can test that adapter and create a solution.
It would help every owner of the UX/G501vw.
We bought this machine because it had thunderbolt 3. Do you want to find out later that it wasn't fully tested and that many thunderbolt accessories don't work?

https://vip.asus.com/VIP2/Services/QuestionForm/TechQuery?lang=en-us

You bought a $80 adapter and can only use half of it.
You could have done the same daisy chain with a cheap $18 adapter here.... http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cellet-Type-C-USB-C-to-DisplayPort-Adapter/50451511
or an even cheaper one from ebay.

Does that sound right to you?


Weird thing is that another review on amazon says the startech adapter works for the ux501vw

 

So from what I have gathered in this thread this problem with the UX501VW seems to be when using the following at the same time:
1. USB-C port DisplayPort Alt mode (to at least DP or HDMI)
2. Inbuilt HDMI port
3. Inbuilt screen
Please correct me if I am wrong.

I will be getting in a few weeks time the following hardware:
Asus MB169C+ monitor (USB-C DP alt mode 1920x1080)
GeChic 1303i monitor (connect via HDMI port 1920x1080)
StarTech CDPVGDVHDMDP (USB-C to VGA/HDMI/mDP/DVI-D all via alt mode)

I expect I will run into this problem if I connect both the Asus monitor to USB-C and GeChic monitor to HDMI and want to use the laptop's 4K screen. Note however that I have the UX501VW model with both the SSD and SATA HDD. Will update this thread when I get the hardware. I am really hoping it will all work together else seems will need to send it in for the fix.

 

I imagine some USB-C adapters may not use DP Alt Mode but instead something like the more cpu intensive DisplayLink solution so may not exhibit this behaviour?

 

I've tested numerous usb-c adapters, and currently I'm using a tripp-lite hdmi alt-mode adapter.
When I have two external hdmi monitors, the one on the usb-c hdmi adapter still blinks.

Only once have I been able to power 2 hdmi screens without blinking. That's when I had the Dell hdmi 2.0 adapter, powering a 4k TV, simultaneously with any other monitor on the native hdmi port.

So it's hit or miss.

However, yesterday, I installed Linux Mint, and I was able to use the same hdmi adapter in triple display configuration without any blinking or signal loss.

So it looks like the dual hdmi problem is a driver issue, and the dual hdmi+DP problem discussed in most of this thread is a hardware issue.

 

Few question to UX501VW owners:

• Can you confirm if the UX501VW still has a TOSLINK optical output inside the phones jack, or Asus does not use it anymore?

• From the picture in post #9 it might be suggested that the external video outputs are routed from Intel graphics, not from Nvidia. Can you turn off the Nvidia power (bbswitch on Linux) whilst the external monitor is connected via displayport? Does it work then?

• I saw some post about 2 SSD in this laptop. Are there more than one slot on board? I can see there is 2nd M.2 slot but used for WLAN (is there a space anyway to mount SSD in place of WLAN?).

 

Hey JP,

I think that I've just encountered same issue like you did.

I've bought this cable: http://www.ebay.com/itm/272560535907?afsrc=1&rmvSB=true

And poof - no video on dell u2414h

I cannot revert to original factory OS as i don't have image of it.

Have you managed to solve this issue by any other means except using displayport hub?

 

it's probably an incompatible usb-c displayport cable.

Some work, some don't.

I used a Cellet brand adapter, and it worked.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

I've ordered this one ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MCX92KR/ref=pe_385721_51767431_TE_dp_1), got it in less than 1 week from UK to Croatia and it works like a charm