External monitor support on the Framework Laptop
July 12 2022 6:31pmThe Framework Laptop supports up to four displays simultaneously. This means you can use the built-in display along with three external monitors, or you can disable the internal display in Windows or by closing the laptop lid to use four external monitors.
DisplayPort Expansion Card
The DisplayPort Expansion Card supports DP 1.4, letting you use a monitor up to 8k 60Hz. If you'd like to use multiple external displays, they can each be up to 4k 60hz.
The maximum supported resolutions are:
- 5120x3200 60Hz uncompressed
- 8192x4320 60Hz uncompressed dual-port
- 8192x4320 60Hz DSC compressed
- 5120x3200 120Hz DSC compressed
Lower resolutions can support higher refresh rates like 144Hz or higher, or higher bit depths, like 10bpc or 12bpc.
Note that DP++, which is a technology to passively route HDMI over a DisplayPort connector is not supported. If you'd like to connect a monitor over HDMI, either use an HDMI Expansion Card or an active HDMI to DisplayPort adapter. Similarly, monitors that interface over DVI won't work with a passive DisplayPort to DVI cable, since DVI is electrically the same as HDMI. You can use an HDMI Expansion Card with an HDMI to DVI cable instead.
USB-C Expansion Card
You can connect monitors over USB-C at the same supported resolutions as the DisplayPort Expansion Card.
HDMI Expansion Card
You also have the option to use the HDMI Expansion Card to connect monitors, TVs, and projectors to the Framework Laptop. The HDMI Expansion Card supports HDMI 2.0b for resolutions of up to 4k 60Hz.