multi-display desktop

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. The 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 space—but 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

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 outputs—(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!

multi-display desktop

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 drawbacks—at 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.

multi-display desktop

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 machines—these 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.

multi-display desktop

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!

multi-display desktop

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.

Dave Neufeld
Dave Neufeld
Dave is an avid gamer, a musician/songwriter/recording artist, and an ardent reader with a degree in the Classics but a love for comics too. When he's not gigging with the band or pulling books at his local comic shop, he can usually be found gaming on any platform, from consoles to PC to his self-built personal arcade cabinet.
Twitter

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

719 COMMENTS

  1. Work and play. Work one screen email, one screen browsing, one screen excel. Play all three screens for gaming. These are really nice pieces of kit I hope I am lucky enough to win. Thanks for the opportunity, stay safe out there.

  3. The gamer in me let out a squeal seeing this set up. During work hours, this would be put to good use, spreadsheets, email and data entry. Then after hours and weekends, its literally GAME ON!

  9. This is great way of watching guitar lessons in youtube, after checking your emails and from a pause on your favourite online gaming. Hope i’ll have the chance to win!

  12. My son being a gamer has recently acquired his gaming pc and is in the beginning stages of setting up. He wants for streaming, gaming and editing and so many other things he has mentioned that I cannot keep up. This would be great for him with his set up and would be definitely in his glory considering the costs to acquire the equipment needed to have his perfect setup, and not able to with everything going on at this time. Good luck everyone.

  13. I would use one screen for gaming (for sure!!), one for my emails, and the other for my homework.

  16. My wife is working on treatments for Coronavirus, I would like to win this awesome prize for her! On the left screen she would have the Coronavirus structure, on the right screen she would have the data analysis and the middle screen she would be typing information on treatments and vaccines for Coronavirus.
    Thank you
    Mitch

  18. I would use one extra screen to keep tabs on news and the other for documents while I work on the main screen.

  19. I would use the extra screen space to make photo editing and development work easier. Work on one screen, results on another, and the 3rd as a scratch space.

  20. This would be a great setup as I could dedicate one screen to whatever I am working on be it a spreadsheet or writing while another could be dedicated to research and the last to media for more research or entertainment while I am working

  21. I will use this screen for gaming for sure the way for you to be in the game with this beauty, then I also can use this to boost my creativity and productivity on my recipe creation, one for word docs, one for email so I will not miss anything and then one for photos of my food creations.

  23. Ok most days So many options and combinations!!!….. I guess 1st screen for work related 2nd for college courses and 3rd to satisfy my Pinterest interest! Thank you for the chance! BUT I cloud see some serious gaming in my future!

  25. I’d use this the centre screen for game testing/production (my job), the right for social media/communication, and the left for my own creative projects

  26. Would be fantastic to use all 3 for gaming, what a view. Would check out email and youtube/netflix once and a while

  27. Would love to use all 3 screens for gaming. Would be amazing. But some of the time would check my email and youtube.

  28. he extra screen space would be great for youtube, a game, and other web browsing all on their own displays

  29. Photoshop and Social Media Websites to help me study my Social Media Content Mamanger

  30. I would primarily use these screens for gaming, but would also like to up my editing game while in quarantine!

  33. Left browser
    center gaming
    right..monitoring systems…I have rdc to check on my fold@home machines

  38. It would be great to have multiple applications open side by side as I deliver my content online to my High School Students during this Coronavirus thingy.

  39. Thanks for the review! LOoks like a fun set up! I’d use one for work, one for gaming and one for checking emails/social media/movies.

  42. I am a big multitasker, so multiple monitors are a necessity! I would use one with a browser, one for gaming, and one to watch twitch streams or for discord.

  43. Perfect for gaming on the first screen, streaming video on the second and browsing internet on the third.

  44. Would really like to win this! I’ve only had a 13″ laptop and with a 3 screen rig, I’d like to use it for streaming, gaming and work!

  45. Wow WFM and studying from home is tough with a laptop screen.
    During the day I would run my conference calls on one screen, my email on the 2nd and the files i’m working on on the 3rd screen.
    At nigth I could definitely use that setup for gaming.

« Older Comments Newer Comments »

Comments are closed.