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Can I use Luna Display with my custom desktop PC?

Important compatibility information for using Luna Display with desktop PCs

Updated over 2 weeks ago

Quick answer

🖥️ Where to connect Luna Display on custom PCs? Luna Display must be plugged directly into your graphics card (GPU) to guarantee functionality. Most custom PCs work best with the HDMI Luna Display because of this.

💡 Key connection rules:

  • Connect to GPU: Plug into dedicated graphics card, not motherboard

  • No PCI-e cards: Thunderbolt/USB-C expansion cards won't work

  • HDMI recommended: Best option for most custom PC builds

  • No daisy chaining: Cannot connect through other monitors

  • No adapters: Direct connection required

📊 Understanding Graphics Processing

🎮 Dedicated vs Integrated Graphics

Understanding your graphics setup helps ensure proper Luna Display connection:

Dedicated Graphics (GPU):

  • Separate graphics card installed in your PC

  • Better performance for gaming, design, and video work

  • Luna Display connects directly to GPU ports

  • Compatible port usually located on back of graphics card

Integrated Graphics (iGPU):

  • Built into your CPU (processor)

  • Uses system memory for graphics processing

  • Luna Display connects to motherboard ports (less likely to function)

  • Common in budget builds and laptops

💡 Best Performance: Luna Display works best when connected to a dedicated GPU rather than integrated graphics.

📋 Connection Guidelines for Custom PCs

🔌 Recommended Connection: HDMI

For most custom PC builds:

  • HDMI Luna Display is the best choice

  • Most dedicated GPUs have multiple HDMI ports

  • Reliable connection with broad compatibility

  • Direct connection to graphics processing

USB-C Limitations:

  • Most GPUs do not have USB-C ports

  • USB-C Luna Display mainly for newer systems

  • Check your graphics card specifications first

🚫 What NOT to Use

PCI-e Expansion Cards

Do not use Luna Display with:

  • Thunderbolt PCI-e cards

  • USB-C expansion cards

  • Any add-in cards that provide additional ports

Why this doesn't work: These cards are not typically directly connected to your graphics card, so Luna Display cannot access the graphics processing it needs.

⚠️ Important note: If you are able to get your expansion card connected directly to your dedicated GPU, a Thunderbolt PCI-e card may work. However, this is not something our support team can assist you with.

Other Unsupported Connections

  • Daisy chaining: Cannot connect Luna Display through another monitor

  • Adapters: No HDMI-to-USB-C or other adapter connections

  • Motherboard ports: Only use if you have compatible integrated graphics with a display-capable port (no dedicated GPU)

🎞️ How to Identify Your Graphics Setup

🔍 Finding Your Graphics Connection

If you have a dedicated graphics card:

  1. Look for ports on the back of your graphics card (usually lower on the PC)

  2. Ignore motherboard video ports (usually higher up)

  3. Connect Luna Display to graphics card HDMI port

If you only have integrated graphics:

  1. Use the motherboard video ports (no graphics card installed)

  2. Connect Luna Display to motherboard HDMI port

💡 Quick check: If you're gaming or doing graphics work, you likely have a dedicated GPU. If it's a basic office computer, you might only have integrated graphics.

🛠️Troubleshooting Connection Issues

🔧 Connection Problems?

If Luna Display isn't working properly:

  1. Verify GPU connection: Make sure you're plugged into the graphics card, not motherboard

  2. Check for adapters: Remove any adapters or dongles

  3. Try different GPU port: Use another HDMI port on your graphics card

  4. Update GPU drivers: Ensure your graphics drivers are current

⚠️ Important: Luna Display requires the hardware unit to be connected for all connection types. The software alone will not work.

Additional Compatibility Notes

📋 System Requirements

Remember that Luna Display for Windows requires:

  • Windows 10 (64-bit, Build 1809 or newer) or later

  • Compatible graphics card with DirectX 11 support

  • Direct connection to graphics processing hardware

🔗 Need more help?

Check our full system requirements for complete compatibility information:

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