Setting up a dual monitor for gaming allows you to expand your screen real estate and enhance your gaming experience. Here's how you can do it:
- Check your computer's graphics card compatibility: Before getting started, ensure that your graphics card supports multiple monitors. Most modern GPUs have multiple video outputs.
- Connect the monitors to your computer: Identify the video outputs on your graphics card and connect the monitors accordingly. If you have two identical monitors, connecting them using the same video output will yield the best results.
- Adjust display settings: Once the monitors are connected, you will need to adjust the display settings on your computer. Right-click on the desktop and select the "Display settings" option.
- Configure display mode: Under the display settings, you can choose how you want the dual monitors to function. There are typically four display modes to choose from:
Extend these displays: This mode allows you to use both monitors as one extended desktop. It's ideal for gaming as you can utilize the extra screen space.
Duplicate these displays: This mode mirrors the content of your primary monitor onto the second one. It's not commonly used for gaming, but can be helpful for presentations or streaming.
Show only on 1: This mode turns off the second monitor, displaying content only on the primary monitor.
Show only on 2: This mode is the opposite of "Show only on 1," with content displayed only on the second monitor.
- Adjust resolution and orientation: You may need to adjust the resolution and orientation of the monitors to ensure a seamless gaming experience. Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings" again. From there, you can modify the resolution, orientation (landscape or portrait), and position of the monitors.
- Test and customize: Launch your game and ensure it spans across both monitors smoothly. In some cases, you may need to adjust the game's display settings for optimal performance. Additionally, you can customize your setup further by changing the primary monitor, changing the taskbar settings, or adjusting the monitor alignment.
Remember to update your graphics card drivers to ensure compatibility and maximize performance. Enjoy gaming on your dual monitor setup!
Best Gaming Monitors of 2024
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Rating is 5 out of 5
LG UltraGear QHD 34-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor 34GP63A-B, VA with HDR 10 Compatibility and AMD FreeSync Premium, 160Hz, Black
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Great for gaming, this ultra-wide QHD (3440 x 1440, 21:9 aspect ratio) curved monitor immerses you in the action and increases your field of view, allowing you to see more on-screen.Specific uses for product - Gaming
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A high native 160Hz refresh rate with 1-millisecond Motion Blur Reduction (MBR) keeps you firmly in the action while reducing blur and ghosting, helping you to respond to opponents quickly
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With HDR10 support and color performance with 99% coverage of the sRGB spectrum, you'll see the game as the developers intend, with accurate and vivid color
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AMD FreeSync Premium manages refresh rate, reducing screen tearing, flicker, and stuttering for an effortlessly smooth gaming experience with supported video cards such as the AMD Radeon series
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Dynamic Action Sync helps reduce input lag to help you respond to on-screen action quickly. Black Stabilizer dynamically brightens dark scenes to help you find enemies in the dark. Enhance your accuracy in firefights with the Crosshair feature
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
MSI G271CP, 27" Gaming Monitor, 1920 x 1080 (FHD), VA, 165Hz, FreeSync Premium, HDMI, Displayport, Tilt, Swivel, Height Adjustable,Pivot,Black
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27" LCD panel LED backlight (1920 x 1080 FHD)
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165Hz refresh rate - Display without after image.
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1ms response time helps eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates
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Gaming OSD App – Create the ultimate viewing settings for your game
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1000R
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Sceptre 30-inch Curved Gaming Monitor 21:9 2560x1080 Ultra Wide/ Slim HDMI DisplayPort up to 200Hz Build-in Speakers, Metal Black (C305B-200UN1)
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30" Curved Gaming Monitor 2560 x 1080 Full HD Resolution. Response Time- 5ms GTG.Aspect Ratio: 21:9. Viewing Angle is 170° (H) / 170° (V). Brightness(typ) is 250. Without Stand (W x H x D)-27.82 x 12.64 x 3.69 inches
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DP Up to 200Hz Refresh Rate / HDMI 2. 0 Up to 120Hz Refresh Rate: More than double the standard refresh rate, 200Hz gives gamers an edge in visibility as frames transition instantly, leaving behind no blurred images
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AMD Free Sync With Free Sync, gamers now enjoy smooth video and seamless on the spot movement through their fast paced games. Free Sync is an AMD technology that nearly eliminates tearing and stuttering due to differences between a graphics card's frame rate and a monitor's refresh rate.
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FPS-RTS FPS and RTS are Scepter's custom set display settings built for an enhanced gaming experience. FPS (First Person Shooter) , RTS (Real-Time Strategy).
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Blue Light Shift Reduce your monitors blue light to protect you from eye fatigue, irritation and strains. This enables you to work on you documents, watch movies, or play games more comfortably for extended periods.
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Gaming LED Light
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VESA Wall Mount Pattern Using the VESA wall mount pattern, easily mount your Scepter LED monitor on the wall in a manner that is both aesthetically pleasing and conveniently practical. You will be able to save ample space and view the screen in a position that affords the greatest visibility possible.
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Built-in Speakers With built-in speakers, the monitor delivers office level audio for conference calls and internet workshops. Similarly, enjoy engaging audio while listening to your favorite tunes.
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Thin Bezel Savor every inch of the large screen as the bezel is a mere . 80 cm wide.
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Anti-Flicker Provides a crisper picture by preventing the backlight from flickering periodically
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Rating is 4.7 out of 5
SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey G55A QHD 165Hz 1ms FreeSync Curved Gaming Monitor with HDR 10, Futuristic Design for Any Desktop, LS32AG550ENXZA
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HANDPICKED BY AMAZON: They did the research so you don’t have to..
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STUNNING WQHD: Your gaming world, now astoundingly lifelike; Packing in 1.7 times the pixel density of Full HD, WQHD resolution boasts incredibly detailed, pin-sharp images; Experience a fuller view with more space to take in all the action.Mounting Type:Wall Mount 75 x 75.Aspect Ratio 16:9
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165HZ REFRESH RATE: Ready to conquer enemies, lag, and blur; The ultra fast 165Hz refresh rate handles even the most exhilarating scenes and super quick visuals
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1MS RESPONSE TIME: Make every move count with a 1ms response time; Jump on enemies as soon as you see them and stay ahead with precise mouse movements; Your on-screen performance is as swift as your own reflexes
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AMD FREESYNC PREMIUM: Effortlessly smooth gameplay; AMD FreeSync Premium features adaptive sync technology which reduces screen tearing, stutter, and input latency; Low framerate compensation ensures every scene flows seamlessly
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TRULY REALISTIC HDR: Awe-inspiring graphics with HDR10; A kaleidoscope of shades brings game scenes to life more vibrantly than ever before; Uncover the secrets hiding in the shadows with deep dark blacks, luminous whites, and outstandingly detailed resolution
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FUTURISTIC DESIGN: The Odyssey G55A Gaming Monitor’s futuristic design looks attractive in any desktop setting
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Rating is 4.6 out of 5
LG UltraGear QHD 27-Inch Gaming Monitor 27GL83A-B - IPS 1ms (GtG), with HDR 10 Compatibility, NVIDIA G-SYNC, and AMD FreeSync, 144Hz, Black
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Designed for gaming, this monitor with a 1-millisecond (GtG) response time delivers all of the benefits of IPS (In-Plane Switching), delivering responsive, crisp visuals with sharp clarity to immerse you in gameplay.Aspect ratio:16:9.Specific uses for product - Gaming
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Color accuracy with sRGB 99% and wide viewing angles (up to 178° horizontal / 178° vertical) from IPS reproduce colors with high fidelity to being vivid scenes to life
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A high native 144Hz refresh rate with 1-millisecond Motion Blur Reduction keeps you firmly in the action while reducing blur and ghosting, rendering screen objects more clearly
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With compatible video cards, NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium virtually eliminate screen tearing and minimize stutter in high-resolution and fast-paced games for a fast and fluid gaming experience
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Dynamic Action Sync helps reduce input lag to help you respond to on-screen action quickly. Black Stabilizer dynamically brightens dark scenes to help you find enemies in the dark. Enhance your accuracy in firefights with the Crosshair feature
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming 32" 1440P HDR Curved Monitor (VG32VQ1B) - QHD (2560 x 1440), 165Hz (Supports 144Hz), 1ms, Extreme Low Motion Blur, Speaker, FreeSync Premium, VESA Mountable, DisplayPort, HDMI,BLACK
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31.5-inch WQHD (2560x1440) 1500R gaming monitor with ultrafast 165Hz refresh rate (supports 144Hz) designed for professional gamers and immersive gameplay.Specific uses for product - Gaming
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ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technology enables a 1ms response time (MPRT) together with Adaptive-sync, eliminating ghosting and tearing for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates
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FreeSync Premium technology supported through DisplayPort and HDMI ports providing variable refresh rates for low latency, stuttering-free and tearing-free while gaming
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Shadow Boost enhances image details in dark areas, brightening scenes without over-exposing bright areas
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Supports HDR-10 to enhance bright and dark area, delivers lifelike gaming experience
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Robust connectivity with HDMI (v2.0) x2 and DisplayPort 1.2
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Pixel Pitch : 0.272mm
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Acer Nitro XZ270 Xbmiipx 27" 1500R Curved Full HD (1920 x 1080) VA Zero-Frame Gaming Monitor with Adaptive Sync, 240Hz Refresh Rate and 1ms VRB (Display Port & 2 x HDMI 2.0 Ports) , Black
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27.0" Full HD (1920 x 1080) 1500R Curved Widescreen VA Gaming Monitor
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Adaptive-Sync Technology | Zero-Frame Design | 2 Speakers, 2 Watts per Speaker
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Refresh Rate: 240Hz | Response Time: 1ms VRB | Pixel Pitch: 0.3114mm
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Ergonomic Tilt: -5° to 25° | Height Adjustment Range: 4.7" | Swivel: plus/minus 180°
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Ports: 1 x Display Port & 2 x HDMI 2.0 (HDMI Cable Included)
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Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Dell Curved Gaming Monitor 27 Inch Curved with 165Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560 x 1440) Display, Black - S2722DGM
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A NEW VIEW: This 1500R curved gaming monitor provides a truly immersive experience that offers more realistic visuals and comfortable viewing.Specific uses for product - Gaming
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SEE EVERY DETAIL: A QHD (Quad HD) curved monitor screen provides a display resolution of 2560 x 1440 on a 27-inch panel
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A SMOOTHER EXPERIENCE: A 165Hz refresh rate allows fast-moving visuals to be seen with incredible clarity for faster reaction times
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REMARKABLE CLARITY: AMD FreeSync premium technology allows gamers to stay engaged during battle with swift, responsive, stutter-free gameplay
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WIN FROM ANY ANGLE: Game in comfort for extended periods due to a new slim, tapered stand with easy height and tilt adjustability
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
SAMSUNG 24" Odyssey G32A FHD 1ms 165Hz Gaming Monitor with Eye Saver Mode, Free-Sync Premium, Height Adjustable Screen for Gamer Comfort, VESA Mount Capability, LS24AG320NNXZA
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165HZ REFRESH RATE: Conquer every enemy, even at soaring speeds; 165Hz refresh rate eliminates lag and motion blur for exhilarating gameplay with ultra smooth action
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1MS RESPONSE TIME (MPRT): Make every move count with a 1ms(MPRT) response time; Screen pixels change colors with near instant response, enabling fast-paced action to flow with real-world accuracy; Your on-screen performance is as swift as your own reflexes
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AMD FREESYNC PREMIUM: Effortlessly smooth gameplay; AMD FreeSync Premium features adaptive sync technology which reduces screen tearing, stutter, and input latency; Low framerate compensation ensures every scene flows seamlessly
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ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Reach the height of winning; Swivel, tilt, and adjust your monitor until all enemies are in perfect view; Your display can be moved freely so you can find total gaming comfort
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3-SIDED BORDERLESS DESIGN: Your legacy has no boundaries; The 3-sided borderless design unveils maximum space for bigger, bolder gameplay; Line up two displays precisely in a dual monitor setup, so no enemies slip through the crack
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INFINITY CORE LIGHTING: Odyssey’s Infinity Core is a striking addition to any desktop, matching world firsts in technology, with stunning visual design
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LIGHTNING FAST 1ms(MPRT) RESPONSE TIMES: A fraction of a second can be the difference between your destruction, or your enemy’s; Odyssey’s grey to grey 1ms(MPRT) response time ensures that you’re receiving information as fast as technologically possible
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CUTTING EDGE QLED TECHNOLOGY: Utilizing Quantum Dot technology, Samsung QLED creates more vivid colors with 125% more color space compared to sRGB, ensuring the highest class of color reproduction
What is screen tearing and how to prevent it on dual monitors while gaming?
Screen tearing occurs when the display on your monitor shows multiple frames at the same time, causing a visible horizontal line to appear on the screen. This issue commonly occurs during gaming, especially when the graphics card's frame rate does not sync with the monitor's refresh rate.
To prevent screen tearing on dual monitors while gaming, you can try the following methods:
- Enable V-Sync: Vertical Sync (V-Sync) is a setting available in most games. Enabling V-Sync will synchronize the frame rate of the game with the monitor's refresh rate, reducing or eliminating screen tearing. However, it might introduce input lag.
- Use Adaptive Sync technology: If your monitor and graphics card support Adaptive Sync technologies like G-Sync (for Nvidia GPUs) or FreeSync (for AMD GPUs), enable them. These technologies dynamically adjust the monitor's refresh rate to match the frame rate produced by the graphics card, preventing screen tearing without introducing much input lag.
- Limit the frame rate: You can also limit the frame rate of your games to match or be slightly below the monitor's refresh rate. This can be done through the game settings or by using third-party software such as RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS).
- Set the primary monitor: If one of your monitors is used primarily for gaming, set it as the primary monitor. Some games may have issues with dual monitors, and setting the gaming monitor as primary might help prevent screen tearing.
- Upgrade your hardware: If you consistently experience screen tearing and none of the above solutions help, consider upgrading your graphics card, monitor, or both. A more powerful GPU or a monitor with a higher refresh rate can reduce the occurrence of screen tearing.
Note that implementing these solutions may vary depending on your specific hardware and software configuration, so consult the user manuals or relevant support documentation for more specific instructions.
How to select the right monitors for a dual setup?
When selecting monitors for a dual setup, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you choose the right ones. Here are some steps to follow:
- Determine the purpose: Identify what you will be using the dual monitors for. Do you need them mainly for work, gaming, graphic design, or general multitasking? Different purposes may require different features and specifications.
- Size and Resolution: Decide on the size and resolution of the monitors. Consider the space available, your preference, and your usage requirements. Larger screens provide more workspace, while higher resolutions (such as 1080p, 1440p, or 4K) offer sharper images and more detailed visuals.
- Compatibility: Check the compatibility of the monitors with your computer or laptop. Ensure that the monitors have the appropriate ports (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA) that match the outputs on your computer. Additionally, confirm that your computer's graphics card can support dual monitors.
- Monitor Stand/Mounting Options: Determine if you would like to use a monitor stand or mount for your dual setup. This will help in organizing and positioning the monitors efficiently. Make sure to check if the monitors have VESA mounting holes if you plan to use a stand or mount.
- Panel Type: Consider the panel type of the monitors – commonly, there are three types: TN (Twisted Nematic), IPS (In-Plane Switching), and VA (Vertical Alignment). Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. TN panels offer fast response times, IPS panels provide better color accuracy and wider viewing angles, while VA panels offer deep blacks and high contrast ratios.
- Budget: Set a budget and look for monitors that offer the best features and specifications within that range. Consider the price-performance ratio and the value the monitors provide in relation to your requirements.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Look for reviews, ratings, and recommendations from trusted sources or websites to gather information about the monitors you are considering. This will help you make an informed decision by understanding the experiences of other users.
By considering these factors, you can select the right monitors that meet your needs and preferences for a dual setup.
What is the recommended monitor size for dual gaming setup?
The recommended monitor size for a dual gaming setup typically depends on personal preference and the available desk space. However, a commonly suggested size is around 24-27 inches for each monitor. This size provides a good balance between screen real estate for immersive gaming and maintaining an optimal viewing distance from the display. Ultimately, it is advisable to choose a size that allows for comfortable gameplay, suits your preferences, and fits well on your desk.
