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 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!
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.
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.
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.
I would use it for so many things! Now that I think of it I couldn’t list them all, but gaming while watching youtube for sure.
I would use this to have email one one screen, my applications in the middle and videconference on the other
Now that I’m forced to work from home this would be perfect, as I use multi monitors at the office.
If I had this set up I would use it half the time for editing and sorting photos and the other half gaming. I am thinking once I started gaming on this I wouldn’t get much photography work done though.
Damn that looks sweet. So much real estate – photos, youtube, Bestbuy sales!!
to help multitask for work!
What a futuristic product! Would love to game on this as well as netflix while I work!
Hahaha I would dedicate all monitors to gaming!
I’m pretty sure that I would dedicate one screen to a browser, one for email and one for our work database server!
oh wow. Look at all that real state! Left: Adobe Creative Cloud, center: for chrome to don’t miss emails and video calls from the team and right: docs, note-taking, video tuts.
I’d watch my investments on one screen TV on another, and e-mail on the third.
I’d game with all 3 if I could make it work.
Gees these are rad. I have been using my two different monitors for 15 years, one warm, one cool and it sucks. This could finally help my video editing.
I’d love to be online shopping, watching movies and checking social media simultaneously. So cool!
Will use all 3 to get better at racing simulation.
Great way to be at the top of the ladder in productivity and catching up on some serious streaming/gaming!
I would try all three in one big seamless gaming monitor
I’d use all that space for gaming, email, and business.
Email, conferencing, spreadsheets
Wow wow wow this would be a dream come true! It would be perfect for fun and work!
I would use one screen for catching up on my social media, the second screen for streaming movies and the third screen for gaming ! So awesome !
3 simultaneous cat videos or 1 ultrawide cat video?
this is amazing.. I know what I will be dreaming of tonight.. The bezel free kit is awesomesauce!
I would give this yo my daughter so she could have notes on 1 screen@, chat with her group on another and access ref. Msterials on the third…when she wasn’t gaming
Firstly, you are SO lucky!!!! I would work my business on one screen, email on another and a little Animal Crossing on the third because I’m not all work
Nice review.
3 monitors all for gaming, if my computer can handle it.
I would use the 3 monitors for my ministry. One monitor would be dedicated to historical commentary and other to language exegesis that would be greek and hebrew and the screen in front of me would be for my work and development of the message
This is such an epic screen for gaming as well as to watch movies…..great for an office atmosphere
This would be great for stock trading
I would use it for email, movie, and gaming.
I get frustrated working on my photos with only a single screen. I think 3 screens would take a bit of getting used to but now I would have a screen just dedicated to the virus.
I would use the extra space to spread out the palettes for the ultimate photoshop and premier setup.
One screen for security cameras, 2 for gaming.
I am more interested in the free bezel kit and the future of this kind of accessory against large-size monitors.
I would watch Youtube videos on one, zoom call my family on the other, and on the final screen, I would have BEST BUY’s website open so I can shop online!
The multi monitor would be great for my game streaming and video recording needs.
I think I would watch a streemer on the right, have my email on the left and gaming on the centre monitor. This would be amazing!
This looks spectacular! My kid would be thrilled to set this up for his games!
One monitor for all my music and lighting. One monitor to browse the web, email etc.. the last and final monitor would be for social/gaming and music editing as I enjoy to do that!
Netflix on one, email on another, and working on the other one.
I am sure my two teen sons would use all screens for gaming.
i think i would use one screen for my recipes one for email/chat and one for browsing
i would use one each for tv, email and random browsing!
Just like a bed, your screen can never be too big! My mind reels with this design and would love to use it for casino gaming, work would be easier doing graphic design, wowow! Can you be in love with a monitor? I think I just fell hard.
For work and play.
Brilliant! I’d use it for gaming, browsing and e-mail!!
If I win, I would give this to my Son – game creator and gamer for sure.
I’d keep all the Photoshop palettes I need readily available.
I’d get great use out of this monitor since I spent my money on a good GPU but can’t afford a good monitor yet. I think the size itself will definitely help with multi-tasking with multiple screens when working form home.
I can see the extra screen real estate being useful for photo editing, video editing, and maybe some online tutorials on the third screen.
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