A good dual monitor gaming setup puts the screen you play on straight in front of you and the second screen, for chat, streams or guides, angled in beside it. Connect the gaming screen to the graphics card's fastest port, usually DisplayPort, and set its refresh rate in your display settings. Mount both at eye level on a dual arm or stand so the second screen does not crowd the desk.
New to two screens? Our dual monitor setup guide covers the basics for any use; this page covers what changes for gaming.
There are several factors to consider when setting up more than one monitor. Monitor placement, accessible ports, and screen resolution display settings are all important to create an optimal user experience, whether you have a dual or triple monitor setup. Once you’ve determined the area in your home where you want to set up your gaming center, map out the setup and see what adjustments may need to be made to maximize the space and keep it from looking too cluttered. How will you strategically position all of the monitors? Will you use monitor mounts or clunky pieces of furniture?
Like all the pro gamers that have come before, as you make the leap past the single monitor for your online activities, it’s tough to turn back. In the gaming industry especially, having more than one monitor is a key asset when learning how to successfully work from home.
Step #1: Choose the Right Equipment Placement
Not everyone has access to unlimited space to create a gaming setup that can accommodate super ultrawide monitors. Desks and shelves have limited space to begin with, so how to make room for two, let alone three or more monitors? Consider the advantages of computer monitor mounts, such as a dual monitor arm. A floating desktop or wall mount creates space for other equipment or accessories that require room. For example, if you don’t have the option of taking up more surface, try moving your equipment vertically with a wall mount. With the perfect mount, we can even show you how to use a computer monitor as a tv for gaming purposes.
The different styles of external monitor mounts give you the ability to adjust per your seating arrangement. A desktop mount allows you to angle multiple monitors to sit on the same level and adjust so you don’t have to crane your neck or lean forward. An ergonomic setup is essential, especially for marathon gaming sessions. Having everything within easy reach and at eye level helps you to maintain a healthy posture and also eases the strain on your eyes. When partaking in long gaming sessions, it’s important to consider which part of your body is affected by poor ergonomics so that you can keep up your momentum and stay focused, without putting stress on your body.
Additionally, features like a swivel or adjustable arms on the mount allow you to situate the multi-monitor set up at an optimal angle to remove any glare from lighting to improve the experience.
Step #2: Assess All Required Ports
Make sure your computer has enough of the right outputs for two or more screens. Today's common connections are HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C. VGA and DVI are older ports you will mostly find on older monitors and computers. On a desktop gaming PC, plug your main screen into the graphics card, not the motherboard, and use DisplayPort where both the card and the monitor have it, since it usually supports the highest refresh rates.
Once hooked up, it’s easy to go into your computer’s display settings to configure the orientation for how you want your standard or super ultrawide monitors set up. This may take a few tries to figure out what works best and can always be reconfigured if you want to make a switch in the future.
If you’ve already been using a single monitor mount, the Dual Monitor Mount Adapter easily turns the setup into two. You can rotate screens between portrait and landscape views and tilt to find the perfect angle. This is an affordable, easy-to-assemble option that can quickly transform your desk or shelf space into a streamlined gaming setup.
Step #3: Secure the Best Resolution Quality
Now that you’ve chosen the right placement for your gaming setup and have confirmed your primary monitor and extra monitors have the correct ports for connection, it’s time to configure the screen resolution for all screens. Once your computer recognizes the multiple monitor setup, go into the screen resolution setting or display settings depending on which program you’re using. It’ll show two boxes on the screen, each labeled by number.
The boxed labeled “one” is considered your main monitor. You can switch the positions by dragging the placement of each monitor you have plugged in. Extending the displays is typically the preferable option for a gaming setup. Rather than having your main screen stretch across all monitors and seeing the same content, you’ll want each to have a specific window that optimizes your gaming experience.
For example, you may play the game on your main monitor, but want to use the others to see a Livestream chat or pull up information regarding the game in real-time. Learning how to set up multiple monitors for gaming doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. After you’ve created space that’s ergonomically sound and makes the most of your area, you’ll wonder why you didn’t consider switching things up before.
Two, Three or More Screens for Gaming
For most players, two screens are plenty: one for the game, one for everything else. Gaming with multiple monitors beyond that pays off mainly in sim racing and flight sims, where side screens widen your view of the track or cockpit. If that is your plan, match the three screens in size and height, and look at mounts made for three monitors so the side screens can angle in evenly.
The addition of a monitor mount or monitor adapter to your setup can make all the difference and elevate your comfort and competitive level when it comes to gaming. Adjustable monitor desk mounts and wall mounts make it easier to customize a multi-monitor setup based on your preferences and capabilities. While the configuration of setting up a secondary monitor or multiple is similar for everyone, the way you personalize it to your specific space will create the perfect gaming setup.
Source: https://www.pcgamer.com/how-to-set-up-dual-monitors/