Answer

USB Type-C refers to a type of USB connector that may support different functions, such as data transfer, power delivery, and video output. On MSI laptops, the functions supported by a USB Type-C port may vary depending on the model. To identify the functions supported by the USB Type-C port on your laptop, follow the steps below.



This article applies to all MSI laptops.



A. Check the Laptop Specifications




  1. Go to the MSI official website and enter the complete model name of your laptop in the search bar at the upper-right corner to locate its product page.

  2. Open the product page and select the Specifications tab.

  3. Locate the I/O Ports section in the specification table.

  4. Check the description listed next to Type-C to identify the functions supported by the port.



B. Understand Common USB Type-C Functions



The following descriptions may appear in the specification table and indicate the additional functions supported by the USB Type-C port.




  1. DisplayPort Video Output

    Specification example: Type-C (USB3.2 Gen2 / DisplayPort™)



    In addition to standard USB data transfer, this port supports video output. You can connect an external DisplayPort or HDMI monitor using a compatible USB Type-C adapter or cable. You can also use a docking station that supports video output.

  2. Power Delivery Charging

    Specification example: Type-C USB3.2 Gen2 with PD charging



    In addition to standard USB data transfer, this port supports Power Delivery input. This allows a compatible USB Type-C charger or USB Type-C power bank to provide power to and charge the laptop. The supported charging wattage and voltage may vary by model. Refer to the product specifications and user manual before selecting a charger, power bank, or cable.

  3. Thunderbolt™

    Specification example: Thunderbolt™ 5 (DisplayPort™/ Power Delivery 3.1)



    Thunderbolt is a high-speed connectivity technology that uses the USB Type-C connector. It supports high-speed data transfer, DisplayPort video output, and compatible Thunderbolt expansion devices.



FAQ



Q: Why do USB Type-C ports with the same connector support different functions?



A: USB Type-C only defines the physical shape of the connector. The internal circuitry, controller, and motherboard design vary by laptop model. Therefore, a USB Type-C port may support only data transfer, or it may also support video output, Power Delivery charging, Thunderbolt, or other functions.



Q: What should I do if the USB Type-C port supports video output but the external monitor has no display?



A: First, make sure that the USB Type-C port, cable, adapter, or docking station supports video output. On some laptop models, the USB Type-C video output is connected directly to either the integrated GPU (iGPU) or the discrete GPU (dGPU). If the currently selected graphics mode does not match the GPU connected to that port, video output may be unavailable.

For detailed information about the graphics mode and external display connections supported by each model, refer to: [Product Information] What's the external display support on MSI notebooks?



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[Product Information] USB Type-C Power Delivery (PD) Power Banks for MSI Laptops