Benefits of a Dual Monitor Setup

Have you ever considered how adding a second monitor could change the way you game? Whether you’re competing, streaming, or just playing for fun, extending your screen real estate gives you all the extra space you need and makes the time you spend behind the screen more enjoyable. With that said, let’s explore the key benefits of a dual monitor setup and how you can easily set it up for yourself.

More Fun

Not all the tasks you do on your computer require your full attention. This means you can easily have something running on one screen while you focus on something else on the other. For example, imagine browsing the web on one screen while keeping an eye on a Twitch stream on the other. It’s a great way to make mundane internet sessions more engaging and fun.

Also, let’s say you’re watching something casually, you could easily use the second monitor to play poker without interrupting your viewing. If this sounds like your kind of fun, you can check out poker sites listed at SportsCasting. All of the websites listed provide a range of interesting games and promotions for new players.

Another way you can use your second screen is to stay connected with friends while gaming. For example, you can keep Discord open on the second monitor and see your friends while you strategize during a co-op game, while the main screen is dedicated to the action. Being able to coordinate with your teammates without having to switch between windows can level up your teamwork and ultimately get you more wins.

Lastly, your seconds monitor can help you keep up with all the gaming-related content you want. Want to read the latest patch notes? Just open them on your second screen and read them while you’re waiting for your game to load. Similarly, if you want to follow a tutorial on YouTube, you can play on your main screen while watching the instructions on the second.

How to Set up Dual Monitors

Look at the back of your PC and identify available outputs. The most common options are two HDMI outputs or one HDMI and one DisplayPort output. The important thing to keep in mind here is to use your GPU outputs - not the motherboard’s.

The next step involves getting your new monitor and adding it to your setup. When buying your second monitor, always consider the size of the one you already have. Dual monitor setups work the best with screens of the same size and resolution. This helps avoid any inconsistencies in image quality and results in the ultimate gaming experience.

After you buy your new monitor it’s time to position it properly. Always keep the top edges and aligned and make sure the distance is comfortable to your eyes.

When physically connecting your monitors, remember that the first one you connect will act as the main one.

Once both monitors are hooked up to your PC, it’s time to configure them. Use the following path to locate the Display settings on Windows:

Start
Settings
System
Display

In the Display window, you’ll be able to rearrange your two monitors by dragging them to get your desired arrangement. The screens can be placed side to side, on top of each other, or any other way you want. Just remember that this will impact the direction you’ll scroll between them.

In the same window, you’ll find the Multiple Displays section. This is where you can choose the way in which you want to use your new monitor. While the “Extend these displays” is the most logical option, you can also choose to duplicate the screen depending on what you’re aiming at.

Enjoy the Extra Space

Setting up your dual monitors was just the beginning and this is where all the fun starts. Now it’s time to make the most of your new setup and play with two screens at your disposal.

Once you start gaming this way for the first time, keep an eye on how the graphics look and consider tweaking refresh rates and resolution settings until everything looks the way you want.

You can also consider playing games with multi-monitor support for the ultimate experience with your new setup.

In no time you’ll wonder how you ever got by with just one monitor connected to your computer!