The ability of our PC’s to run multiple programs and present a variety of information simultaneously has an enormous effect on our own productivity. However, our capacity to interface with all of this stimuli at the same time often corresponds to the amount of actual PC monitor screen real estate we have available to us. As a result, one of the ways we can really boost our productivity is with a multi-display desktop setup like the ASUS VG279QM three-monitor display that I have been testing this week.
Long gone are the days when using our PC’s and other devices or browsing the internet meant focusing on a single window for an extended time. Today we are constantly conditioning ourselves to multitask. Having multiple programs and windows on the go at any given time is simply the norm. Here are a few ways in which a multi-display desktop can help you get the most out of your PC.
Enough space
For this look into multi-display desktops setups I am lucky to be using three very nice ASUS gaming monitors. TheĀ ASUS 27″ VG279QM TUF gaming monitor is a real gem. It features an HD screen, 280 Hz refresh rate, G-SYNC compatibility, and more.
You’ll learn very quickly (as I did) that for this sort of setup you’ll want to have ample space. A large desk or other spaciously robust solution is a must. Since my own home PC desk is otherwise occupied, I tested this multi-display desktop setup on my kitchen table. It takes up the entire spaceābut it sure does look amazing.
You’ll also want to ensure you have not only enough desk space to house a multi-display monitor setup, but enough distance as well. In early testing I had the monitors pushed a bit too close to my seat. The result was something almost intrusively immersive, with the vast display area resulting in uncomfortable viewing angles.
Once I set the monitors back a ways, the result was night and day. The enormous expanse of screen space is still immersive and sublime, but without requiring significant craning of the neck to reach the edges. The lesson here is that with this much viewing area, it’s ideal to ensure the proper distance for optimal vision.
Multi-display desktop compatibility
Another key factor to consider from the outset when planning for a multi-display desktop setup is GPU (graphics processing unit) compatibility. In order to support multiple displays your PC’s GPU (or video card) must have enough display outputs. These can be made up of a variety of connection types, so long as they are compatible with the monitor(s) you are using.
For example, my GPU for this setup has 3 outputsā(1) HDMI, (1) DisplayPort, and (1) DVI. The ASUS monitors I am using accept only HDMI and DisplayPort, so for the third connection, I am using a DVI-to-HDMI converter cable. The good news is that it doesn’t matter that each connection is of a different type, so long as each monitor has its own connection to the GPU.
Of course while I used multiple types of connections, your setup may be different depending on your GPU. Many GPU’s are manufactured with multi-display desktop setups in mind, and come with 3-4 HDMI outputs, as an example.
The good news is that the process is really as simple as just plugging your monitors in. Once the connections are made Windows will automatically detect each monitor. From there it’s just a simple matter of tweaking the display settings to ensure the monitors are recognized in the proper order, and you should be all set to go with an incredible multi-monitor display!
Going bezel-free
For this multi-display monitor setup I have also incorporated the ASUS ROG Bezel-Free Kit. This neat accessory uses reflective angles to give the illusion of a seamless appearance between each individual monitor. It’s a very impressive trick to say the least.
I have to admit: while the bezel-free kit is easy to install initially, it took me quite a bit of tweaking to get it just right. For the kit to work, the monitors have to line up just perfectly. Even the slightest angle being askew will cause warping or black bezel reflections.
While it takes a patient and steady hand, once the kit is properly aligned it does look quite amazing. It’s worth noting that the viewing angle is reduced; you must sit directly in line with the angle of the kit. Moving too far out of the optimal area will cause those imperfect reflections and lines to appear.
In truth I believe the bezel-free kit will be a matter of personal preference for most. It has its own strengths and drawbacksāat the end of the day it isn’t exactly invisible itself. The trade-off for a seamless screen is a small amount of screen warp right where the monitors meet. Nevertheless, while some may still prefer to simply see the bezel, others will surely be impressed by the bezel-free kit’s vanishing act.
Boosting productivity
With your multi-display desktop up and running, the results can be outstanding when it comes to productivity. With so much screen real estate at your disposal, it’s simply easier to juggle multiple windows and programs at the same time. No more digging and hunting through endlessly layered tabs and windows to find what you are looking for!
I myself tend to have multiple windows open on my PC when I am working my day job. Spreadsheets, web portals, virtual machinesāthese are all windows I am juggling at any given time. With a multi-display desktop setup such as this however, my productivity no doubt gains a huge benefit.
Instead of constantly flipping through windows, I am able to stretch all my active tasks across the screen. So much time is saved by simply having to traverse the horizontal expanse of my viewing area as opposed to regularly minimizing or burying each active program or task.
Be productive at work, and at play
Of course our jobs are important, but so is our leisure time, and that may just be when I enjoy my multi-display desktop setup the most. As a gamer I don’t just use my PC to play. I also enjoy streaming, watching other players on platforms such as Twitch, checking out videos and guides, and much more.
With three monitors I can comfortably play a game while simultaneously watching my favourite speedrunner, and even following along with a walkthrough guide all at once. It’s amazing the amount of entertainment multi-tasking one can do with enough screen space to host games, media stream, web pages, and more all at the same time.
Of course the truly bold may even wish to format a custom resolution for their multiple display setup that will allow a single game to take advantage of all three screens. Imagine how immersive the experience of a racing game might be when the cockpit of your racer is spread across not one, not two, but three impressive 27″ gaming monitors such as these. Just make sure you have a healthy GPU that’s up to the task!
With the proper setup, a multi-display desktop can really improve performance and productivity
In an age where information and accessibility are at an all time high, the benefits of having multiple PC monitors really can’t be overstated. We have become so accustomed to bouncing between web browsers, office programs, media players, and much, much more. Having more space to manage and view everything at once can not only boost productivity, but overall enjoyment as well.
Having three gorgeous 27″ ASUS gaming monitors linking together with a bezel-free kit is a pure joy. The immersive experience really improves my time at the computer, both in regard to work and to leisure. I definitely would recommend a multi-display desktop setup to anyone looking to gain more from their PC in the home or office.
play play play
It is so nice to be working on 3 screens that are connected seamlessly to make it easier to multitask. Working and entertainment will can now work together better.
One for multimedia editing, other to use Microsoft Office apps, and last one for web browsing
This would help so much with productivity. Now that I’m imagining about working on these monitors, I would need an awesome desktop PC to go with it.
Will defintely use the extra space to work from home and multi task and check different servers at the same time!
1 for photo editing, 1 for MSO Apps and 1 for research
That extra space will definitely help me see people trying to sneak up on my in COD!
one screen for photoshop for sure, Facetime and one for everyday browsing
Open multiple Microsoft Office applications at once without having to minimise them.
Definitely one for spreadsheets, one for email and one for ERP application
This would be awsome for working on my emails, but being able to edit some of my art at the same time!
This would be great for work as I would have my desktop on 1 screen, and programs on the other 2 screens.
This amount of screen has one best use for me – gaming! Without VR, this is the next best for a deep immersive experience!
I would use one for excel, one for software and another for music/emails
I’ve only ever used one monitor so to have another one would be a dream come true! I would love to have an extra monitor for streaming stuff! š
One for email and one for face time with my family!
Like many people, I am working from home now and I am stuck with one small monitor. I would love to be able to have this set-up! I would have one screen for Outlook, one for Excel, and the third for PDFs I have to review. And once the work day is done Iād definitely try some gaming on it!
Would look amazing playing Doom eternal in wide screen
I work in Cinema4d,Photoshop,illustrator,after effects and premiere and constantly have multiple windows open while working and constantly have to tab between them since i only have one monitor. Having these would increase the speed i can work at and also would be awesome for when i game. Example of how id use it would be one for my timeline, one for render preview and the other for effects and animation splines.
I would actually give this as a “Gift” to my Dad š …..he currently uses 2 older, different size monitors, and then a 3rd on that is a TV up in the corner as well. So, being able to put everything in front of him in a “clean” setup would be so nice for him š So, thanks for the opportunity, Best Buy, Martin, and Dave š Another amazing contest. Good luck everyone!
I will for sure use one for Blender, another for Unity and the last one for mails and YouTube or learning activities.
As a Mixer streamer, I would dedicate space for my gameplay as well as my chat to stay connected and engage with my viewers!
I will use one for e-mail, one for windows, and one for linux. My work productivity will skyrocket!!
As a teacher, this would be perfect for the countless windows I have open while leading online distance learning. That would be an absolute dream setup. My wife spends countless hours each in her online course and has been begging for a way to have all her course instruction up while using the multiple Excel files she needs for her assignments. Not to mention, the perfect gaming and streaming setup as I experiment with e-sports for my students.
Thanks for these great contests.
So nice !!!
I want this setup for managing my home business. One screen to research information online, one screen to manage my social media for my business and the third screen for billings my client.
Awesome post. Great to see the use for this type of setup. Would definitely love to have a setup like this in my home.
This would be amazing for me to give my husband to keep him from driving me completely batty while #stayinghome
Thanks for the amazing opportunity
I would definetly use this for gaming
Awesome! Would use this for screen casting how to educational apps, editing photos, and gaming!
I would def play games on this and My wife would certainly work.
for playing games and talking to friends!
Gaming and flight simulator.
I would definitely use these for my gaming. Thanks for the chance
These beauties would enhance my gaming/streaming and take it to the next level.
1st monitor Xbox X
2nd monitor OBS/Stream Labs
3rd monitor stream chat
I would find use for all 3 screens between personal work, social media and gaming with my children. I love the Bezel-free kit, makes for an awesome display! Great article! š
I’m a software engineer and a gamer. Even in my office I work on 2 monitors since we have to support the entire office IT infrastructure. I will set these 3 monitors in my home office when I work remotely. Also this will be a perfect setup for my Call of duty gaming which requires a expanded point of view to play better.
I would use all the screens to play my game, Gears 5.
This looks awesome, perfect for gaming
Lots of good info. This would be a good choice
This is a good review, my son would love this for gaming
I would use one screen for emails/twitter, one screen for editing media and one screen for YouTube!
Oh my goodness this looks fantastic. Now that Iām teleworking almost full-time, I could multitask and have webex on one, email on one, and our case management on the other.
I would use this prize for work, streaming, and social media!!
I would use it for Office programs, streaming and web thank you
I am not sure but I would have fun figuring it out
This would be great for gaming or media streaming thank you
id use it for youtube and runescape
I am a graphic arts student so this would be amazing for my projects, presentations and also streaming and anything else such as emails or instagram thank you
I would love to use the extra work space for document comparison, and maybe a little extra fun after work hours
I would definitely have some type of streaming service going on one of the screens for sure.
This is so cool Dave, but it makes me wish I could play Breath of the Wild on those screens!
Comments are closed.