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

  1. I think I would become a streamer I’d I had three monitors. One for work, one for games and one for bit of both!

  3. Wow! I would use 2 for editing photos in Adobe Lightroom and 1 for email and browsing. Amazing!

  4. I think it’d be an amazing gaming set up but I’d also multitask by being able to do paperwork while video conferencing

  8. Besides being able to do emails, spreadsheets and watch Netflix at the same time, this setup would rock for using all three screens to explore Azeroth!

  12. It’s pretty impressive to see how ASUS aims at creating this giant single display that covers so much visible area. Obviously not completely seamless but still cool! I think it would help to have more real estate while i’m working so I can have all my communications in one area, performance monitoring in another, and then active work space on another. Lots of possibilities here.

  14. This would be wonderful as a birthday gift for our son who is really into gaming and is also working from home as systems support during COVID-19.

  16. This would be amazing for going through emails, social media, and doing some research at the same time. Also perfect for gaming!!

  17. I like being able to have multiple apps visible at once, being able to refer to one while using another, or having a virtual machine or remote session on a separate screen. Using one for media (video, TV, etc) while working on the other is also good.

  20. Because I’m working from home right now, this setup would be perfect for me. And make my life so much easier.

  21. I would use them for playing computer games, checking social media posts, and the last for watching movies

  22. I’d love to use this set up for gaming. Otherwise 1 for email, 1 for pictures, 1 for surfing the web.

  25. I would use the screens for multiple spreadsheets, watch video, edit photos, and monitor emails.

  27. One screen for work related applications, second screen streaming news and the third for my personal applications such as email and social media.

  29. I would game on one, dialog with opponents on the other and do regular internet stuff on the other. Multi tasking is good.

  34. Work on Youtube course on one and the practical end of the course on the other.

    Thanks…

  36. This would make coding so much better. Most of the time I would have my IDE open and a web browser for reference in the back ground and have to keep toggling between the two. Multiple monitors means I can see them both at the same time and avoid that.

    The 3rd I would have my teams/skype chats open when working with the team.

  41. I would use one screen for productivity such as school work, I would use another one for a task list and I would use the last one for Discord.

  44. I’m a web developer, so I’d love to have my code on one screen, my current project/website on another, and email and chat on the third! I also love gaming, so that bezel-free kit would make everything look amazing!

  45. I would love this! All the extra screen space would be super useful now that I am working from home due to covid. I would have my work stuff displayed as well as my email, and music playlist.

  47. This would be awesome with no bezel! I would use one for my personal email and chats and the other 2 to split between work chats and work programs!

  48. I will use these screens to multitask like I do at work with my multi-screen setup. Could be anything from grocery flyers on my screen and list on another, to working out bills with bank accounts on one screen and spreadsheets on another, to helping with doing my taxes with several forms open at once etc. This is an awesome review and prize Dave! Good luck everyone!!

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