Which second PC works with which video fuser
A fuser can only show a mode your second computer can send, and both computers have to send the same one. So your second computer's video output decides which fuser works for you, and at what refresh rate.
What each fuser asks of the second computer
| 10th Gen HDMI | 10th Gen DP | 4K Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second computer plugs in with | HDMI | HDMI | DisplayPort |
| Graphics it needs | Anything that can send your mode | Anything that can send your mode | At least an AMD RX 470, an NVIDIA RTX 2060 or Radeon 780M |
The 10th Gen DP model's name is about its outputs. Its inputs are HDMI, the same as the HDMI model's.
The used mini PCs we suggest
These are the machines from What to buy, with the video ports their makers list.
| Model | Video out | For a 10th Gen fuser |
|---|---|---|
| Dell OptiPlex 7060 Micro | 2 DisplayPort, plus an optional port that can be DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0b, VGA or USB-C | The HDMI option if it's fitted, otherwise an adapter |
| Dell OptiPlex 7070 Micro | 2 DisplayPort 1.2, plus an optional VGA, DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0 or USB-C port | The HDMI option if it's fitted, otherwise an adapter |
| Dell OptiPlex 7080 Micro | 2 DisplayPort 1.4, plus an optional VGA, DisplayPort, HDMI 2.0b or USB-C port | The HDMI option if it's fitted, otherwise an adapter |
| Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q | 1 HDMI 1.4, 1 DisplayPort 1.2, plus an optional port | HDMI 1.4 for lower modes, an adapter on the DisplayPort for higher ones |
| ThinkCentre M80q, N100 and N150 mini PCs | Differs by generation and maker | Check the photos of the back in the listing |
None of these have the graphics the 4K Pro needs.
"Optional" means the port was a factory extra, so it's only there if the listing's photos show it. Without it, these Dells only have DisplayPort.
Getting HDMI out of a DisplayPort computer
- A plain DisplayPort to HDMI cable or adapter.
About $10 and fine for an ordinary 60Hz monitor, but it tops out around 1080p at 144Hz. Most cheap ones are this kind, also called passive. - An active DisplayPort to HDMI adapter.
It converts the signal itself, so it isn't held to the plain cable's limit. Get one rated for HDMI 2.0 for the 10th Gen models' higher modes. Which model to buy and what it costs: TBD. - An HDMI 2.0 port on the computer.
The easiest answer, if the optional port on an OptiPlex is HDMI. The M720q's HDMI port is the older 1.4 version, so for higher modes use its DisplayPort with an active adapter. - A USB-C port with video.
Some of the optional ports are USB-C with DisplayPort over it. A USB-C to HDMI adapter rated for HDMI 2.0 works the same way as an active adapter.
Can office graphics send high refresh rates?
Whether these mini PCs' built-in Intel graphics can send 1080p at 240Hz or 1440p at 144Hz through these ports: TBD. You can test your own before you buy a fuser. Plug the second computer straight into your monitor, then open Settings, System, Display, Advanced display, and look at Choose a refresh rate. Windows only lists rates your graphics and monitor support over that connection, so if 240Hz isn't there, a fuser won't get it either.
For the 4K Pro
You need the graphics in the table and a DisplayPort output. That leaves two options:
- A desktop with a graphics card at that level or better, with a DisplayPort output.
- A mini PC built on a Ryzen 7 7840HS or 8845HS.
AMD lists Radeon 780M graphics for both. Check the listing for a DisplayPort output, or a USB-C port that carries DisplayPort.
Either way it still has to meet the usual second PC needs.
Done
Which fuser fits your monitor is in Video fusers, and Video fuser setup covers the wiring. Not sure about a machine you've found? Post the listing on the support forum before you buy.
No account needed. It tells us what to write more of.