Technical white paper

Multiple displays on
HP ZBook Mobile Workstations

Table of contents
Summary ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
HP ZBook docking solutions ......................................................................................................................................... 2
HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3 ...................................................................................................................... 2
HP UltraSlim Docking Station ................................................................................................................................. 2
HP ZBooks utilizing hybrid graphics ............................................................................................................................ 2
HP ZBooks utilizing iGPU ............................................................................................................................................... 4
HP ZBook 15u G4 ......................................................................................................................................................4
HP ZBook 15 G3 and HP ZBook 17 G3 .........................................................................................................................4
HP ZBooks with dGPU graphics .................................................................................................................................... 6
HP ZBook 15u G4 ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
HP ZBook 15 G3 and HP ZBook 17 G3 ................................................................................................................... 6
HP ZBook Studio G3 ................................................................................................................................................. 6
HP ZBooks and DP 1.2 “daisy-chain” feature ............................................................................................................. 7
Multiple displays management .................................................................................................................................... 8
Technical white paper | Multiple displays on HP ZBook Mobile Workstations

Summary
Utilizing display outputs from both the Integrated Graphics Processing Unit (iGPU) and the Discrete Graphics
Processing Unit (dGPU), the HP ZBook 15 G3 and the HP ZBook 17 G3 Mobile Workstations support up to a maximum
of six independent displays, and the HP ZBook Studio G3 Mobile Workstation supports up to a maximum of 5
independent displays with the use of a docking station. The HP ZBook 15u G4 Mobile Workstation supports up to a
maximum of three independent displays.

The number of independent displays supported on these four models depends on a number of factors, including
whether a docking station is used, whether a DisplayPortTM hub or “daisy-chain” capable display is being used, and
whether hybrid graphics is enabled.

The HP ZBook 15u supports display output from iGPU graphics only, while the HP ZBook Studio G3, HP ZBook 15 G3,
and HP ZBook 17 G3 support outputs from both the iGPU and the dGPU.

By leveraging display outputs from both the iGPU and the dGPU, HP ZBooks are able to support a large number of
independent displays. The usage of both Integrated iGPU and the dGPU is only available when hybrid graphics is
enabled.

HP ZBook docking solutions

HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3
The HP ZBook Studio G3, HP ZBook 15 G3, and HP ZBook 17 G3 use the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3 that allows
users to link up to 10 devices at once through ports that include Thunderbolt™ 3 (which also supports DisplayPortTM
1.2, USB 3.1 Gen 2 and PCIe), four USB 3.0, RJ-45, VGA, combo audio, and two additional DisplayPortTM ports. The HP
ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3 increases the maximum numbers of independent displays on the HP ZBook 15 G3
and 17 G3 to six and increases the maximum number of independent displays on the HP ZBook Studio G3 to five.

HP UltraSlim Docking Station

The HP ZBook 15u G4 uses the HP UltraSlim Docking Station, which has three display output connectors: a VGA and
two DP. When used together with the HP ZBook 15u G4, a maximum of three independent displays are supported.

Note: The VGA and DisplayPortTM connector on the HP ZBook 15u G4 is disabled when using the HP UltraSlim Docking Station.

HP ZBooks utilizing hybrid graphics

The HP ZBook 15 G3 and HP ZBook 17 G3 support up to a maximum of six independent displays with AMD or NVIDIA®
graphics when utilizing the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3. These six displays are a combination of the internal
panel, VGA, Thunderbolt™ 3 from the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3, and ports from the Shared Bandwidth Hub
on the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3 (including the VGA, DisplayPortTM 1 and DisplayPortTM 2). See Table 1 and
Figure 1 below for specific configurations.

The HP ZBook Studio G3 supports up to a maximum of five independent displays with AMD or NVIDIA® graphics
when utilizing the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3. These five displays can include a combination of the internal
panel, Thunderbolt™ 3 from the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3, and ports from the Shared Bandwidth Hub
on the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3 (including the VGA, DisplayPortTM 1 and DisplayPort™ 2). The HP ZBook
Studio G3 does not have a VGA on the system. See Table 1 and Figure 1 below for specific configurations.

The HP ZBook 15u does not enable additional display outputs from the discrete graphics controller. See the
“HP ZBooks utilizing iGPU” section for multiple display configurations on the HP ZBook 15u G4.

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Table 1. Multiple displays with hybrid graphics

HP ZBook Studio/15/17 G3 Mobile Workstations

Displays without HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3 Displays with HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3

Up to 2 of these are from group A and a maximum of 2 from Up to 2 of these are from system and a maximum of 4 from
group B, totalling no more than 3 (HP ZBook Studio) or 4 (HP dock (w/o 2 4K*). Up to 2 of these are from system and a
ZBook 15/17) displays. maximum of 2 from dock (w/ 2 4K*).

System: System:
• Group A: • Internal Panel (iGPU)
–– Internal Panel (iGPU) • VGA** (iGPU)
–– VGA** (iGPU) Docking Station:
• Thunderbolt™ 3 (dGPU)
• Group B:
• VGA* (disable for two 4Ks* with dock) (dGPU)
–– Thunderbolt™ 3 (dGPU)
• DP1 (supports a 4K* display when VGA and DP2
–– HDMI 1.4 (dGPU) are disabled) (dGPU)
• DP2 (disable for two 4Ks* with dock) (dGPU)

* 4K content required to view 4K resolution.

** Studio does not have VGA in system.

Figure 1. Multiple displays with hybrid graphics diagrams and recommended configurations

Special note on hybrid graphics during Pre-OS environment

With hybrid graphics on HP ZBooks, HP is using displays that may be connected to either one or both GPUs. Because the standard
industry support for Pre-OS session involves only one GPU, there is a standard industry limitation where only displays connected
to the integrated iGPU may be used during Pre-OS. As such, display(s) attached to the dGPU are not viewable during Pre-OS.
For example, if users boot with the panel closed and an external display attached to a DisplayPortTM connector driven by the
dGPU, that display cannot show any image during Pre-OS session such as during POST, when in BIOS setup, when running early
diagnosis, when using Power-On Password, and so on.
HP has implemented special support to resolve this limitation. On HP ZBooks with hybrid graphics, any one display whether it is
connected to the integrated or discrete GPU is usable (viewable) during Pre-OS.This feature is called “Hybrid Graphics Enhanced
Display” and is by default enabled in BIOS.

Recommended configurations: HP ZBook Studio/15/17 Reference Diagrams: HP ZBook Studio/15/17

No Dock
Configuration HP ZBook 15/17 HP ZBook Studio HDMI 1.4 1920 x 1200
Panel
Pick 2

Max displays 4 3 Studio

ThunderboltTM 3 **
no dock VGA* /15/17 4096 x 2160
ThunderboltTM 3 **
1920 x 1200

With Dock
Panel Dock ThunderboltTM 3 **
Configuration HP ZBook 15/17 HP ZBook Studio Studio
4096 x 2160
Max displays 6 5 VGA* /15/17
with dock Shared Bandwidth Hub
1920 x 1200

VGA DP1 DP2

VGA 4096 x 2160
DP1 2560 x 1600
DP2 1920 x 1200

Configuration HP ZBook 15/17 HP ZBook Studio Panel Dock ThunderboltTM 3 **

Studio
Two 4Ks 4 3 4096 x 2160
VGA* /15/17
with dock
Shared Bandwidth Hub
1920 x 1200

VGA DP1 DP2

4096 x 2160

iGPU dGPU *Studio does not have VGA in system

**ThunderboltTM 3 may require USB-C to DP dongle

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HP ZBooks utilizing iGPU

HP ZBook 15u G4
The HP ZBook 15u G4 supports up to a maximum of three independent displays graphics when utilizing iGPU graphics
with and without the use of the HP Ultraslim Docking Station.

When using the HP Ultraslim Docking Station, these three displays can include a combination of the internal panel,
VGA and either of the DisplayPortTM ports on the dock. See Table 2 and Figure 2 below for specific configurations.

Without the use of a dock, these three displays include the internal panel, VGA and DisplayPortTM. See Table 2 and
Figure 2 below for specific configurations.

HP ZBook 15 G3 and HP ZBook 17 G3

The HP ZBook 15 G3 and HP ZBook 17 G3 support up to a maximum of three independent displays when utilizing iGPU
graphics with and without the use of the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3. To support iGPU only mode, these
systems must be configured without a discrete graphics controller when ordering from the factory.

When using the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3, these three displays can include a combination of the internal
panel, VGA, Thunderbolt™ 3 from the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3, and ports from the Shared Bandwidth Hub
on the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3, including the VGA, DisplayPortTM 1 and DisplayPortTM 2. See Table 2 and
Figure 2 below for specific configurations.

Without the use of a dock, these three displays can include a combination of the internal panel, VGA (15 G3 and 17 G3
only), HDMI 1.4, and the two Thunderbolt™ 3 ports on the system. The HP ZBook Studio G3 does not have a VGA on
the system. See Table 2 and Figure 2 below for specific configurations.

Table 2. Displays supported with iGPU

HP ZBook 15u G4 Mobile Workstation HP ZBook 15/17 G3 Mobile Workstations

Displays without Displays with Ultraslim Displays without HP ZBook Displays with HP ZBook Dock
Ultraslim Dock Dock Dock with Thunderbolt 3 with Thunderbolt 3

Up to 3 of these displays may Up to 3 of these displays Up to 3 of these displays may Up to 3 of these displays may
be active: may be active: be active: be active:
Internal panel Up to 2 of these are from Up to 2 of these are from
Internal panel DP1 (dock) group A and a maximum of 2 group A and a maximum of 2
DisplayPort™ DP2 (dock) from group B, totalling no more from group B, totalling no
VGA VGA (dock) than 3 displays. more than 3 displays.
System: System:
• Group A: • Group A:
–– Internal Panel –– Internal Panel
–– VGA –– VGA
• Group B: • Group B:
–– Thunderbolt™ 3 –– Thunderbolt™ 3 (dock)
–– Thunderbolt™ 3 –– VGA (dock)
–– HDMI 1.4 –– DP1 (dock)
–– DP2 (dock)

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Figure 2. UMA* graphics diagrams and recommended configurations

Recommended Configurations: HP ZBook 15u Reference Diagrams: HP ZBook 15u

No Dock
Configuration HP ZBook 15u Panel
Max displays no dock 3 HP ZBook
1920 x 1200 VGA
15u
4096 x 2160 DP

With Dock
Configuration HP ZBook 15u Panel HP ZBook Dock
15u
Max displays with dock 3

VGA DP1
4096 x 2160 1920 x 1200

Configuration HP ZBook 15u

Max displays with dock 3 Panel HP ZBook Dock
15u

DP1 DP2
4096 x 2160 1920 x 1200
iGPU

Recommended Configurations: HP ZBook 15/17 Reference Diagrams: HP ZBook 15/17

No Dock HDMI 1.4 1920 x 1200

Panel
Pick 2

Configuration HP ZBook 15/17 HP ZBook

ThunderboltTM 3 **
VGA 15/17 4096 x 2160
Max displays no dock Pick any 3 ThunderboltTM 3 **
1920 x 1200

With Dock ThunderboltTM 3 **

Panel Dock
Configuration HP ZBook 15/17 HP ZBook
4096 x 2160
VGA 15/17
Max displays Pick any 3 Shared Bandwidth Hub
with dock #1 1920 x 1200

VGA DP1 DP2

VGA 4096 x 2160
DP1 2560 x 1600
DP2 1920 x 1200

Conguration HP ZBook 15/17 Panel Dock ThunderboltTM 3 **

HP ZBook
Two 4Ks with dock Pick any 3 4096 x 2160
VGA 15/17
Shared Bandwidth Hub
1920 x 1200

VGA DP1 DP2

4096 x 2160

iGPU *Studio does not have VGA in system

**ThunderboltTM 3 may require USB-C to DP dongle

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HP ZBooks with dGPU graphics

HP ZBook 15u G4
The HP ZBook 15u does not enable additional display outputs from the discrete graphics controller. See the
“HP ZBooks utilizing iGPU” section for multiple display configurations on the HP ZBook 15u G4.

HP ZBook 15 G3 and HP ZBook 17 G3

The HP ZBook 15 G3 and ZBook 17 G3 support up to a maximum of six independent displays with AMD graphics and
up to a maximum of four independent displays with NVIDIA® graphics when utilizing dGPU graphics and the HP ZBook
Dock with Thunderbolt 3. The HP ZBook 15 G3 and 17 G3 support up to a maximum of four independent displays with
AMD and NVIDIA® graphics without the use of the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3.

When using the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3 and AMD graphics, these six displays can include a combination
of six of the following: internal panel, VGA, Thunderbolt™ 3 from the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3, and ports
from the Shared Bandwidth Hub on the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3, including the VGA, DisplayPortTM 1 and
DisplayPortTM 2. See Table 3 and Figure 3 below for specific configurations.

When using the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3 and NVIDIA® graphics, these four displays can include a
combination of four of the following: internal panel, VGA, Thunderbolt™ 3, and ports from the Shared Bandwidth Hub
on the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3, including the VGA, DisplayPortTM 1 and DisplayPortTM 2. See Table 3 and
Figure 3 below for specific configurations.

Without the use of a dock, these four displays can include a combination of the internal panel, system VGA, HDMI 1.4,
and the two Thunderbolt™ 3 ports on the system. See Table 3 and Figure 3 below for specific configurations.

HP ZBook Studio G3
The HP ZBook Studio G3 does not have a VGA on the system and therefore supports a maximum of 4 independent
displays with the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3 and a maximum of 3 independent displays without the HP ZBook
Dock with Thunderbolt 3.

When using the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3, these four displays can include a combination of four of the
following: internal panel, Thunderbolt™ 3 from the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3, and ports from the Shared
Bandwidth Hub on the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3, including the VGA, DisplayPortTM 1 and DisplayPortTM 2. See
Table 3 and Figure 3 below for specific configurations.

Without the use of a dock, these three displays can include a combination of the internal panel, HDMI 1.4, and the two
Thunderbolt™ 3 ports on the system. See Table 3 and Figure 3 below for specific configurations.

Table 3. Displays supported with dGPU

HP ZBook Studio/15/17 G3 Mobile Workstations

Displays without HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3 Displays with HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3

Up to 2 of these are from group A and a maximum of 2 from Up to 2 of these are from system and a maximum of 4 from
group B, totalling no more than 3 displays. dock (w/o 2 4K*). Up to 2 of these are from system and a
maximum of 2 from dock (w/ 2 4K*).
System:
• Group A: System:
–– Internal Panel (iGPU) • Internal Panel (iGPU)
–– VGA** (iGPU) • VGA** (iGPU)
Docking Station:
• Group B:
• Thunderbolt™ 3 (dGPU)
–– Thunderbolt™ 3 (dGPU)
• VGA** (disable for two 4Ks* with dock) (dGPU)
–– HDMI 1.4 (dGPU) • DP1 (supports a 4K* display when VGA and DP2
are disabled) (dGPU)
• DP2 (disable for two 4Ks* with dock) (dGPU)

* 4K content required to view 4K resolution.

** Studio does not have VGA in system.

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Figure 3. dGPU diagrams and recommended configurations

Recommended Configurations: HP ZBook Studio/15/17 Reference Diagrams: HP ZBook Studio/15/17

No Dock 3840 x 2160

Configuration HP ZBook 15/17 HP ZBook Studio HDMI 1.4 1920 x 1200
Panel

Pick 2
Max displays NVIDIA® – 4 3 Studio
ThunderboltTM 3 **
no dock AMD – 4 VGA* /15/17 4096 x 2160
ThunderboltTM 3 **
1920 x 1200

With Dock
Panel Dock ThunderboltTM 3 **
Configuration HP ZBook 15/17 HP ZBook Studio Studio
4096 x 2160
Max displays NVIDIA® – Pick any 4 Pick any 4 VGA* /15/17
with dock #1 AMD - 6 Shared Bandwidth Hub
1920 x 1200

VGA DP1 DP2

VGA 4096 x 2160
DP1 2560 x 1600
DP2 1920 x 1200

3840 x 2160
Configuration HP ZBook 15/17 HP ZBook Studio Panel Dock ThunderboltTM 3 **
Studio
Two 4Ks NVIDIA® – 4 3 4096 x 2160
VGA* /15/17
with dock AMD – 4
Shared Bandwidth Hub
1920 x 1200

VGA DP1 DP2

4096 x 2160

dGPU *Studio does not have VGA in system

**ThunderboltTM 3 may require USB-C to DP dongle

HP ZBooks and DP 1.2 “daisy-chain” feature

DisplayPortTM v1.2 supports “Multi-Stream Transport,” which allows multiple video streams across a single
DisplayPortTM connection. This is commonly referred to as DP 1.2 “daisy-chain” feature where multiple displays may
be driven by a single DisplayPortTM connector.

The HP ZBooks, UltraSlim Docking Station, and the HP ZBook Dock with Thunderbolt 3 support the DisplayPortTM v1.2
“daisy-chain” feature. With the use of a DisplayPortTM 1.2 hub or a DisplayPortTM 1.2 display that supports Multi-Stream
Transport or “daisy-chaining,” a user may connect multiple external displays to a single DP connector on a supporting
docking station. A dongle is needed to connect Thunderbolt™ 3 port to a DisplayPortTM 1.2 hub or a DisplayPortTM 1.2
display for this feature.

On all HP ZBooks, this capability provides for more flexibility on the type of displays and an expansion of the number
of displays that may be used. For example, three DP displays may be connected with the use of a DP 1.2 hub with all
three DP monitors connected to the hub, and the hub connected to a supporting docking station.

On the HP ZBook 15 G3 and HP ZBook 17 G3, the maximum number of independent displays is increased to eight with
the use of DP 1.2 “daisy-chain” feature. This requires hybrid graphics to be enabled, one monitor connected to VGA,
and at least one “daisy-chain” connection on (a) system DP, (b) docking station DP 1, and (c) docking station DP 2.

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Multiple displays management

Users may use Windows Display Manager to setup and manage multiple displays. To launch Windows Display
Manager, right-click any empty area of your desktop, and then select Screen Resolution on Windows 8/8.1 or Display
Settings on Windows 10 or 7.

Tip: A quick way to enable all displays connected (up to the maximum supported) in extended desktop mode is to use Windows
presentation key and choose “Extend” mode. 1- Connect displays. 2- Press Windows logo key + P. 3- Select Extend.

Users may also use NVIDIA® Control Panel to manage multiple displays and resolutions on HP ZBook G3 Mobile
Workstations with NVIDIA® graphics.

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© Copyright 2017 HP Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP
products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be
construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

Intel and Thunderbolt are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of
the Microsoft group of companies.

4AA5-2657EEW, January 2017