The USB type C connector was designed to be flexible and carry non-USB signals. In this case a USB type C connector is being used to deliver graphics to the monitor using alt-mode DisplayPort. USB-C also supports (although rarer) alt-mode HDMI. USB Alternate Modes, [..] allow for different (non-USB) signals to be carried over USB Type-C connector. While the physical connector does allow/limit what can be carried, it does not in itself specify what if carried. USB-C can carry (or not carry) USB data (ranging in speeds from 2.0's 380 Mb/s to 4.0's 40 Gb/s (upcoming)), power, or any one of the display-oriented "Alternate Modes" (DisplayPort, MHL, HDMI, and confusingly, Thunderbolt Alternate Use these ports with displays and other devices that connect using either a Thunderbolt 3 cable or USB-C cable. You can also connect a USB-C power adapter and cable to charge your laptop computer. If you have a device that doesn't connect to this port, you can use an adapter to connect it. USB-C. These Mac models have USB-C ports: USB-C Docking Monitors. With its universality, speed, power, and versatility, the USB-C port is a popular choice for computer monitors, opening a wealth of possibilities to increase productivity and efficiency at the office. The ViewSonic VG2456 Series monitors, for example, utilize USB-C to offer an all-in-one cable solution: Can I use USB-C for monitor? Yes, you can connect compatible laptops or smartphones to an external monitor and/or TV using a USB-C cable that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode. Ensure your devices and cable support this functionality for a seamless connection. It does mention back USB-C port is the only Thunderbolt combined one. PDF pg 20 (marked page 6) Block Diagram imply DP (DisplayPort) is only on the rear USB-C port. This I can only assume your Thunderbolt adapter/splitter is not a compatible 'DisplayPort hub' & suggest looking at another one. But there are certain things that we need to keep in mind while using it to connect a bigger display: We can either use a USB-C to HDMI cable or USB-C to HDMI adapter.; If we are using a USB-C to HDMI cable, it must be ensured that the USB-C port (smartphone/laptop) must have an Alt mode. Follow the steps below to connect the two Macs and setup Target Display Mode. Turn on both the display iMac and the source Mac. Connect the two Macs with either Thunderbolt or a Mini DisplayPort For gaming, since your system doesn’t have USB-C video, or Thunderbolt 3 support, it may be best to connect your displays directly to the laptop itself. This is because the aforementioned docks use virtual USB graphics devices, and aren’t capable of gaming at high enough performance (if at all, depending on the game). 7cptw.