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. One for gaming, one for email and one for Google search. Would love have a multi-display monitor.

  4. For work, such as video editing and typing I would use the right screen for reference material, the middle screen for productivity software, and the left screen for keeping File Explorer open to quickly access documents and clips.
    For gaming/streaming, right screen is for chat and notifications, middle screen is for the game, left screen is for social media and tools.

  5. I would use the extra screen space for video editing. 1 screen for script, 2 for premiere pro

  7. The extra sceen space would bring those games to a whole new level, especially with the new open end games.

  8. I plan on going back to school so I could definitely see myself using them to have different applications open…. Or use them for racing games for the full immersion experience 😛

  10. I will definitely use it for work and play. Would love to have 3 screens at the same time. It’d be nice for when I get my gaming rig. Thanks for the chance to win.

  12. Hi,
    I have already made a comment today but there was one thing I forgot to say. I wish that I could visit Best Buy to enter the contest for the those great speakers that you have a contest for but safety comes first.

    Wishing you all the best and stay safe.

  15. one screen for gaming and the other for youtube/twitch. Last one between work emails and spreadsheets

  16. I will dedicate one screen to gaming, one to streaming, and the third to web browsing/music/videos.

  17. I would love to use the extra space for keeping up my reference photos while drawing! Also I’m sure my husband and I would share it for gaming. Hubby would probably use it some how for codeing and make it took all neat.

  20. This would be wonderful for my eldest daughter who is really into digital art and animation. She is always flipping between her drawings, the animation, editing and sound. It would be really helpful for her to be able to work on all elements together. Thanks!

  21. Wow. As an academic under peer review this would help my work tremendously. One screen for my paper, the next for a live document under edits and the third screen to zoom meetings with my 2 editors. Thanks so much for the chance to win! 🙂

  24. These are so cool! I’d use one screen for email, one screen for spreadsheets and one screen would be reserved for games when I need a quick “fun break” while WFH.

  25. And to totally turn from occasional gamer into a big time gamer; Already spend so much time in front of computer screens, this would make it so much more enjoyable, with that amazing three screen display heightening the experience, and would be soo cool to win.

  27. My husband would love this! It’s the ultimate gaming monitor he’s always wanted. He currently has 2 but at different heights and in separate corners so it isn’t fluid. This would be the ultimate birthday gift I could give him if I won.

  30. Wow, I have never seen anything like this Dave. It would be amazing to play games on, do my mail and do video chats with family.

  33. Im not a gamer but after this review and with this monitor setup I may become one. I would use it for sorting photos and Photoshop while watching tutorials ..

  34. This system is gorgeous. wow! If I won this I would give it to my Tax Lady. She is a machine.
    Currently uses 2 small screens, not big enough. this would certainly WOW her.

  37. These are the perfect monitors for a flight simulator program, getting me one step closer to my pilot’s license!

  41. My son would use all three for gaming, for sure!
    I would use them constructively as email, browser, browser, media. and also when remote connecting into work. This screen configuration would be a godsend!

  46. My son would absolutely love this. He is definitely a multi tasker and would amazed to have this on his gaming desk. He is not a cart wheel kind of guy but I am pretty sure he would do one if I gifted him with this. This is such high quality.

  49. WOW, such a great idea, I would be able to not only multi task but, play games & watch movies or u-tube. I also have the space to set up 3 monitors. It would be interesting getting all this set up & figuring out the best way to get it to work for you.

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