How to Set Up Dual Monitors?

You don't need to buy any additional splitters from Amazon. Simply connect each monitor to your graphics card using available ports such as HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or USB-C. Once connected, navigate to your Windows settings and select "Extend these displays" to spread your desktop across all screens. This setup will instantly enhance your multitasking capabilities and create a more efficient workspace. Read on for a detailed guide and additional tips to optimize your multi-monitor configuration.

Start Small and Expand: We strongly recommend starting with a dual-screen setup. This typically meets the needs of most users, and you can always add a third monitor if you feel the need. Whether you're a gamer, day trader, photographer, or graphics artist, the applications you have in mind will influence the number and type of monitors you need.

Understand Resolution Demands: Adding monitors will increase your PC's resolution. For instance, combining two 4K monitors means your PC needs to power a 3840 x 4320 resolution instead of the standard 3840 x 2160. Not every app or game supports such custom resolutions, and this becomes even more apparent with three 4K displays, resulting in 3840 x 6480 pixels. Even with scaling, the additional processing load can be significant, so check compatibility with your applications to avoid performance bottlenecks

Opt for Multiple Inputs: Stick with reputable brands, as most models have multiple video inputs. Avoid cheap displays with only one or two connectors. You need monitors with HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI. USB-C is also an option but hasn't firmly established itself as a graphics connection yet.

Stick with Identical Models: For the best experience, use identical model monitors or, at the very least, displays with the same resolution. Mixing and matching can lead to a mess of issues, as Windows may struggle with scaling and games may not run correctly.

Check Port Availability: The connectors on each monitor need to correspond to the ports on your PC. Laptops are often limited to HDMI and USB-C, which makes them less ideal for hosting dual or multiple monitors.

Invest in a Good Graphics Card: A beefy desktop is recommended, with at least a mid-range discrete graphics card. Modern graphics cards like the AMD 7900XT and NVIDIA RTX 4090 come with multiple DisplayPort connectors and HDMI, which is sufficient for a dual or triple-screen setup.

Consider Dual GPUs for Gaming: For gaming on dual or multiple displays, consider dual graphics cards, as the rule of thumb is one GPU per screen. Using NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFire to link two graphics cards may be advisable if you're big on gaming.

Enable Integrated GPUs with Caution: You could combine discrete graphics cards and any onboard graphics by enabling the integrated GPU in the BIOS. This theoretically gives more ports and additional power but can lead to software conflicts, so we recommend using only discrete GPUs if possible.

If you're using a laptop, setting up multiple monitors can be more challenging due to limited ports. However, you can still achieve a multi-monitor setup by using a docking station or a USB-C hub that supports video output. Ensure your laptop's graphics card can handle the additional displays, and check that drivers are up to date. This setup allows you to connect multiple monitors through a single connection to your laptop, providing a more streamlined and portable solution.

Use Digital Connections: Stick to digital connections like HDMI and DisplayPort. These connections offer the best performance and compatibility for modern setups.

Daisy Chaining with DisplayPort: DisplayPort is especially well-suited for dual or multiple monitors, allowing daisy chaining since version 1.2. Daisy chaining means you can connect a single DisplayPort cable from your PC to a master monitor, and then connect additional monitors to the master. This setup reduces cable clutter and simplifies connections.

Avoid VGA: It's for legacy purposes and not suited for modern setups.

Be Wary of Splitters: If your PC has limited ports, resist the temptation to use a splitter, as it may introduce compatibility issues and degrade image quality.

Monitor Not Detected: Ensure all cables are securely connected. If a monitor isn't recognized, use the "Detect" button in Windows Display settings or check for driver updates.

Resolution Problems: If your monitors display incorrect resolutions, manually set the correct resolution in Display settings. Ensure your graphics card drivers are up-to-date to support the latest resolutions.

Scaling Issues: When using monitors with different resolutions, Windows may struggle with scaling. Adjust the scale settings for each monitor individually to improve clarity and consistency.

Configure Your OS: Once the hardware is in place, configure your operating system. In Windows 10, right-click the desktop, go to Display settings, and use the Identify button to recognize your monitors. You can extend the display to use all screens as one large image or duplicate the desktop across monitors.

Optimize for Gaming: Use windowed fullscreen mode to manage applications across monitors for gaming. Tools like AMD Catalyst Control Center and NVIDIA Control Panel can assist in fine-tuning your setup. Broadly speaking, setting up your displays via Windows 10 or your OS of choice is recommended for native-level settings.

BenQ offers a diverse range of monitors tailored to meet the needs of various users, ensuring you can set up dual or multiple monitors with ease and efficiency. No matter your profession or hobby, BenQ has a series designed for you:

GW Series (Eye Care Monitor): For home office users building a dual monitor setup, the GW Series offers ambient adaptive eye-care technology that ensures long hours of comfortable viewing. Whether you're running spreadsheets on one screen and video calls on the other, these monitors help reduce eye strain while keeping your productivity high.

EW Series (Entertainment): The EW Series is ideal for digital enthusiasts who want an immersive dual-display experience. With rich audio and vibrant visuals, it's perfect for splitting your setup between work and play—streaming content on one screen while browsing or light gaming on the other.

EX Series (Casual Gaming): If your setup includes a dual monitor rig for gaming, the EX Series is built for you. With high refresh rates and low response times, these monitors deliver smooth, vivid visuals—ideal for gamers who play 3A titles on one screen and stream or chat on the other.

RD Series (Programming): Programmers using multi-monitor setups will appreciate the RD Series for its superior text clarity and eye comfort. Designed for extended coding sessions, this series supports efficient multitasking with seamless readability across multiple screens.

MA Series (MAC Monitor): Mac users looking to build a dual monitor workspace will find the MA Series a perfect match. These monitors are designed for smooth compatibility with macOS, providing true Mac color matching and a clean, aesthetic workspace across two screens.

PD Series (Designer): Graphic designers and 3D artists can benefit from setting up a PD Series multi-monitor workstation. With precise color accuracy and cross-panel consistency, this series ensures your creative work looks flawless across all screens.

SW Series (Photographer): Photographers who demand color consistency across their setup will love the SW Series. Perfect for editing on one monitor while previewing print layouts on the other, this series offers true-to-life color accuracy from screen to print.

BenQ's comprehensive range of monitors ensures that no matter your specific requirements, you can find a series that supports your multi-monitor setup, enhancing your productivity and user experience.

You’ll be up and running in no time with your dual or triple monitor arrangement. Games will look bigger, your desktop will support greater productivity, and you’ll be ready for future generations of graphics cards to take advantage of that bigger pixel count. Multiple monitors may not be for everyone but once you make the plunge looking back will prove a challenge!