What’s the simplest way to connect a USB-C monitor to a desktop PC?

How to Connect a USB-C Monitor to Your Desktop PC: A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s increasingly connected workspace, seamless integration of peripherals like monitors is essential for maximizing productivity and ensuring a clean setup. For users aiming to connect a USB-C monitor to their desktop PC—especially those seeking a straightforward, cable-efficient solution—the question often arises: what is the simplest way to establish this connection?

This guide will explore the most effective methods to connect a USB-C monitor to a desktop PC, focusing on achieving a direct, native display signal without the need for mirroring or complex configurations.

Understanding Your Requirements and Hardware

Before diving into connection methods, let’s review the common specifications involved:

• Motherboard: Gigabyte X670 Aorus Elite
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA RTX 5080 Founders Edition
• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7800X3D
• Monitor: Dasung Paperlike 103 – an innovative e-ink display with USB-C connectivity, capable of receiving power and video signals via a single cable.

Your goal is to have the monitor operate as a primary, native display—meaning it functions as an independent monitor rather than a mirrored extension of another display.

Key Considerations for Connecting a USB-C Monitor

1. Native Support for Display over USB-C
   The monitor and graphics card must support DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C. This allows video and power delivery through a single cable, simplifying your setup.

2. Power Delivery (PD)
   While your monitor has a second power port, ideally, the USB-C connection supplies both data and power. Confirm whether the monitor supports power delivery over USB-C, and if your PC can provide sufficient wattage.

3. Compatibility of Ports
   Ensure your graphics card’s HDMI and DisplayPort outputs are available if the USB-C port is limited; using an appropriate adapter or cable may be necessary.

Connecting Your USB-C Monitor

Method 1: Direct Connection with a USB-C Cable
If your graphics card’s your RTX 5080 supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C (which many modern high-end GPUs do), then connecting the monitor directly with a high-quality USB-C cable is the simplest solution:

• Use a certified USB-C to USB-C cable compatible with DisplayPort Alt Mode.
• Plug one end into the monitor’s USB-C port.
• Connect the other end to a USB-C port on your graphics card or a Thunderbolt