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.
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719 COMMENTS

  2. I’d donate this equipment to my wife so she could use it as she works from home most of the time now. Nothing worse than watching her struggle switching between multiple browsers to check documents, spreadsheets, emails, video conferencing and her company’s website. Mega-points !

  4. I would use it for research and problem solving on the internet, being able to access 3 sites at one time.

  5. The wife would love this set up for grading exams/papers. All the necessary programs open in front of here all at once. Would save her a a lot of time.

  11. I would use all 3 monitors for a flight simulator experience. Especially since social distancing has me at home for unseeable future.

  13. I have always wanted a home flight simulator. This multiscreen ASUS setup would finally give me a immersive video setup to make that happen.

  14. This would be awesome to have!! I would use one for social media, one for contesting and one for emailing.

  16. With the extra space, I would be multitasking like crazy. My media player would be on one screen, my work space would be the center screen and the third monitor would be my time waster screen with something distracting being shown there.

  18. I would use one for everyday internet cruising and emails. Then use to watching my favourite sports

  19. Thanks for the opportunity to upgrade my monitor to a multi-option. I would use one screen for my email, one for gaming and one for research on my family history. I hate having to switch back and forth as I do things because I have gotten an email or it is taking time for something to pop up in either my game or my search so I minimize and open another program. This would save me lots of time and headaches of losing stuff because I accidentally close it.

  21. I’d be using these monitors for managing my financial spreadsheets: expenses, investments and the last for my broker statements.

  29. I’d have main content such as a game on the center one, social media on another, and email/browser on the third.

  30. Center, main stuff I’m working on.
    Right, secondary apps related to whatever I’m working on.
    Left, likely monitoring program.
    All three for immersive gaming when playing.
    The bezel addons look very interesting. I like it.

  31. Social media on one, content creation on another and email on the third. Gosh this setup is dreamy.

  33. Already using 2 smaller screens for video editing. The larger monitors would make life easier and a third would allow online conferencing with clients to share changes in real time. Awesome prize.

  34. One for Discord / Teams / Slack
    One for Visual Studio
    One for browser / mobile device emulator

  35. Main screen would be used for playing Doom (which I purchased from your store) and the rest of the real estate would be used for surfing (left monitor) and purchasing for the business would be on the right monitor. What a crazy nice setup.

  36. If I had this setup, the centre monitor would be the primary one, used for applications, browser, and email. The left monitor would be a reference monitor for quick lookups and calendar/to-do. The right monitor would be for instant messaging, social media, and music. This triple monitor setup, with the bezel-free kit, would be amazing for simulators and games that support it!

  39. I will use the screens to monitor stocks as well as programming at the same time. For leisure I will use the monitors for immersive movie watching and gaming experiences.

  42. Very interesting. For gaming, you can fully immerse yourself in a racing game, and for normal browsing/work, more screens helps when switching between tabs/applications.

    • One would be for email and communications, and the other two would be for my work! This would be amazing!

      Thanks for hosting this awesome contest!

  48. I would use the 3 screens for gaming, watching movies/tv shows, and the other one for social/email related activities.

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