Many consumers have begun adopting a dual monitor setup when it comes to their personal computers. Why would folks be doing this? There are a number of key advantages to a dual monitor setup. Here’s how you can maximize use of the best monitors and get more done in the process.
Benefits of a Dual Monitor Setup
Having two displays instead of one can offer a number of benefits to both casual and professional users. These advantages can make life easier for creatives, business owners, and those who just use their computers to play video games or stream movies like having one monitor be your monitor for Xbox Series X while the other can display a streaming chat. If you’re an avid gamer who’s new to the idea to two monitors, consider reading our guide that explains the benefits of dual monitor gaming.
Advantages of Two Displays
While you may be considering the reasons for having two monitors vs ultrawide, or two monitors vs three, there are numerous advantages to having two displays running simultaneously, especially if you’re just learning how to set up dual monitors in Windows 10. Here are some that we have come up with.
Easy Setup
Casual computer users might be turned off by dual monitor setups, including the VESA monitor standards, as they might think it could be difficult to pull off. This could not be further from the truth. Most modern desktop PCs boast a pair of HDMI ports, so it is simply a matter of arranging the monitors how you like and then plugging them in. Once you understand the different monitor connection types and how to use them, it’s easier than it looks. With three monitors, you can run into even more issues, like if the third monitor isn’t being detected by your computer, while with two monitors, you’ll have less to worry about. There could be some simple fiddling with the settings, but that is about it.
Tip: Most modern desktop PCs boast a pair of HDMI ports, so it is simply a matter of arranging the monitors how you like and then plugging them in
Warning: There could be some simple fiddling with the settings, but that is about it
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Live Streaming
If you are a live streamer on Twitch or another platform, having a dual monitor setup can greatly increase your overall efficiency. Having two monitors going at the same time allows you to display your camera feed on one, while using the other to play a game, interact with fans, read your Twitter feed, or just about anything else.
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Programming
Coders and programmers have long adopted dual monitor setups. Using two displays allows coders to keep their programming software on one monitor and a working prototype of the end result on the other. Many programmers like to have one monitor resting vertically, to better fit more of their chosen programming language on the screen at one time.
Gaming
It should go without saying that gamers approve of dual monitor setups, for one simple reason. Having two monitors allows for increased immersion, as it lets gamers spread the game’s visual information across both screens at once. Some hardcore gamers even opt for using three monitors at once or they purchase an ultrawide monitor panel.
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Multitasking and Productivity
There have been a number of studies throughout the years that indicate the use of a dual monitor setup offers increased productivity in the business world. According to a study done by the Jon Peddie Research Group, productivity increases an average of 42% when using multiple displays. Why would this be? Using a dual monitor setup is a boon for multitasking, as computer users can essentially run two programs and do two things at once.
Disadvantages to Using a Dual Monitor Setup
There are a couple of disadvantages to having two displays instead of one, though none important enough to dissuade most modern computer users.
Desk Space
Those who work from a cramped home office may simply not have enough room on their desk to accommodate a dual monitor setup, although some of the more modern computer monitor accessories can help with this. You may have to rearrange your desk, purchase a larger desk, or figure out some other way to make it work. This is becoming less of a concern, however, as newer flat panel and LCD displays use up much less space than their predecessors.
Warning: You may have to rearrange your desk, purchase a larger desk, or figure out some other way to make it work
Tip: This is becoming less of a concern, however, as newer flat panel and LCD displays use up much less space than their predecessors
Taxing the Video Card
Using two monitors could tax the resources available from your computer’s GPU and video card. The visual information will have to be split across two displays, so one could suffer from slight technical issues if their computer is on the older side.
Warning: Using two monitors could tax the resources available from your computer’s GPU and video card
Increased Cost
If you want to upgrade to a dual monitor setup, you will have to purchase a second display. This will essentially double your monitor budget. Modern LCD displays have gotten much cheaper in recent years, but this could still be a sticking point for some consumers. Worries over cost is a barrier that prevents many consumers from adopting a dual display setup.
Warning: This will essentially double your monitor budget
STAT:
According to a study done by the Jon Peddie Research Group, productivity increases an average of 42% when using multiple displays.
A study conducted by the University of Utah and NEC found a 10% increase in productivity and a 20% reduction in errors (plus reduced stress) for test workers that were using multiple monitors.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_monitor
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-monitor
https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Dual-monitor&redirect=no
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDiGyGLHUMs
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1071181312561299
