Windows’ Display control panel is where the set-up takes place. With multiple monitors being such a popular option, modern operating systems make it easy to configure the setup. With the hardware in place, the next step is configuration. When it comes to PC gaming, the added wrinkle is making certain the game you choose actually supports multi-monitor gaming. On the Mac front, the same holds true for Thunderbolt. Speaking of DisplayPort, if your computer has a DisplayPort 1.2 port and you have multiple monitors supporting DisplayPort 1.2, you may be able to daisy chain those monitors together and connect them to the single port in your computer. Other common connection types include DVI and VGA. You may be able to buy an adapter, but the easiest setup is to pair HDMI to HDMI or DisplayPort to DisplayPort, for example. The second technical issue is making sure your monitor’s connectivity matches up to those video outputs. Most PCs with at least a mid-range graphics card from the past few years are capable of driving two or even three monitors and with laptops it’s pretty easy: you’ll almost always see a single video output port. The first hint of whether it can support multiple monitors is how many video output ports are on your computer. The first is the PC’s graphics card (or built-in graphics). In each case, there are two critical technical issues that will determine whether you can or can’t use multiple monitors. You may have a gaming rig and want to experience a surround setup-or use a second monitor to display tactical information.Īnd probably the most common scenario is the laptop owner who enjoys the portability but wants a much bigger display (or two) than the built-in screen when working from their home desk. You may have a traditional desktop or tower PC that you want to connect to two or more monitors to take advantage of productivity gains (like having one entire monitor dedicated to running Excel while you display e-mail and social media feeds on the other). There are all sorts of multiple monitor scenarios. Multiple Monitors: The Basic Requirements And gaming also gets a big boost with a multiple monitor setup. Being able to make use of maximized windows, less switching between windows and less clicking. I wrote an entire post about the science of why two or three monitors are better than one (you can read it here) but much of it boils down to improved productivity. However, the benefits are even bigger when you use multiple monitors instead of a single big one. Obviously, having more screen real estate and more pixels is a good thing.

Computer monitors at best buy