Can Surface Pro X power dual 4K external displays?

Dual USB-C ports set the Pro X up for the future

The Surface Pro X is a thinner, more portable version of the Pro lineup that's ARM-powered thanks to a custom Microsoft SQ1 processor. For connectivity, it includes two USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 ports, as well as Surface Connect and a Nano SIM slot for LTE.

As we saw in a Microsoft Mechanics video, the Pro X is capable of powering two 4K displays at a 60Hz refresh rate from one USB-C port, leaving the other open for a hub, dock, or other accessories. We haven't tested ourselves how well a setup with a monitor connected to each USB-C port works, but in theory this should be possible. If you'd rather run two displays from a single port, there are some things to keep in mind.

Like the Pro 7 and Laptop 3, you can technically drive two 4K displays at a 60Hz refresh rate from a single USB-C port, but not without some additional or specialized hardware. The easiest solution for a one-port output is to add an adapter. There are expected to be some USB-C adapters with native DP 1.4 and Multi-Stream Transport (MST) released later in 2019 or early 2020; one option from Cable Matters is already listed on Amazon, though it's not available to buy.

For the time being, we recommend checking out Plugable's USB-C to DisplayPort or USB-C to HDMI adapters. These should run two 4K display at 60Hz from a single USB-C port, though there will be a touch of latency. They're not ideal for gaming, though for productivity work they'll do.

There's also the option of investing in a monitor that natively supports DP 1.4 MST up (through DisplayPort or USB-C) and DP 1.2 or 1.4 down in order to start a daisy chain. The second monitor only needs to run DP 1.2 or DP 1.4 in order to connect back to the first display. Unfortunately, monitors that can act as the first in a daisy chain are currently tough to find, though it's expected that many new monitors with native support built in will also be coming in the future.

You might also consider a separate docking station, like Dell's D6000 Universal USB-C dock that offers extra video ports, 3.5mm audio, RJ45 Ethernet, and USB-A. You could also leave the other USB-C port free for charging. There will likely be a bit of latency found here as well, so it's not a great gaming solution. But if you're gaming with a Pro X on dual 4K displays at 60Hz, there are probably bigger issues to worry about.

What about the Surface Connect port?

The Surface Connect port could be used to hook up a Surface Dock, but the official hardware is quite outdated and in need of a refresh. It would leave both USB-C ports free on the Surface Pro X, but it tops out at dual 4K at a 30Hz refresh rate.

What 4K monitors do we recommend?

Until we can get our hands on some 4K monitors capable of a DP 1.4 MST daisy chain setup, one of our favorite 27-inchers — the HP Z27 — is still a great option. Combined with a Plugable USB-C to DisplayPort adapter, you'll be able to connect two of these displays back to your Pro 7 and get the full 4K at 60Hz experience. It has wide viewing angles thanks to an IPS panel, precise color, and an 8ms response time to go along with the 60Hz refresh rate.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.