DisplayLink software utilizes the CPU (and in Vista, the GPU) to compress the screen data and send it across the USB link. When displaying relatively static content (e.g., web browsing, word processing, email, etc) the typical average CPU utilization is under 5%. Connecting additional DisplayLink devices (up to 6) does not affect CPU utilization if static or relatively static content is used.

For video playback, CPU utilization will fluctuate depending on the type of content that is used. On a typical Centrino Duo processor, the DisplayLink software will use about 20%-30% of the processor when playing back a full-screen DVD at 1680x1050.