I want to increase the number of screens and increase productivity, and I want more immersive feeling when playing PC games. If you think this way, why not make it a multi-display? If you increase the number of displays, it is extremely effective for multitasking, and it is not difficult to set.
However, there are some things to consider in advance. This is the same for Windows and Mac.
1. How many displays can be added
Most computers can use two monitors. If you want to add a third one, or if you want to use two 4K monitors, make sure your PC supports it.
Windows: If your graphics card has multiple ports, it’s likely that you can connect multiple monitors. However, I would like to confirm the number of displays and the upper limit of the resolution.
To see the graphics card installed, type “Device Manager” in the search bar to launch Device Manager, then open “Display Adapter”. You can find this information by looking for the spec on the graphics card maker’s website and looking for the item “Display Support.”
Mac: To increase the number of monitors on a Mac, go to “Apple Icon” → “About This Mac”, double-click the model name, and then press “Command (⌘) + C” on the keyboard to copy. Paste this into the search field on Apple’s website and search. You can check it from “Display Support” by going to the “Support” tab and clicking “Technical Specifications”.
2. Which screen size should you choose?
It’s possible to combine different displays in your workspace, but you’re likely to want uniformity. The typical size is 24 inches, but 27 inches are becoming more popular.
If you want the screen to be symmetrical, we recommend that you use the same size. Be careful about the resolution when you buy. A 27-inch monitor with only 1,080p resolution may be blurry and hard to see. I’ll cover how to set the orientation and placement of the display later, but I’d like to consider various combinations.
Personally, I combine a 34-inch ultra-wide display with a vertically oriented 27-inch display. As the name suggests, the Ultra Wide Display has a wide width, and it feels as if two screens are lined up and the bezel (screen frame) between them is removed. It is combined with a portrait display.
That way, thanks to the UltraWide display, there’s enough space for two full-size browser windows. Next to that, arrange a portrait display and use an app suitable for portrait orientation such as “Slack” or email.
3. Select a display stand
Display stands come in a variety of designs. If you plan to use the included stand, check the dimensions on the product page and choose the one that fits your desk size.
You can also attach the display to your desk and remove the attached stand. By doing so, you can use it widely on your desk (you can freely move the screen to various angles and positions).
Many displays support the VESA mount standard. VESA comes in a variety of sizes, with a fixed screen size and maximum weight that the monitor arm can handle. Make sure you check the product page of your display for VESA and make a note of the size of your VESA mount. When purchasing a display arm, make sure that it corresponds to the screen size and weight of the display to be installed.
4. Consider ports and cables
To get the most out of your PC and display specs, you need to consider the ports and cables you use. In the case of Windows, it is often either HDMI or DisplayPort, but it is not a simple story that the former is superior and the latter is inferior. There are several versions of both connection methods, each with different performance.
