computer with three display screens brands
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For a long time, a dual monitor set-up was a clear indicator that a person was uniquely invested in their computer set-up. It still holds some of that cachet, but as a dual monitor set-up has become more attainable, both from the multi-tasking power of the average computer and the affordability of monitors, a new top spot has emerged: the triple monitor setup.
Screen Size: 23.8″ | Resolution: FullHD (1920 x 1080) | Panel Type: IPS | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Response Time: 1 ms | Refreshing rate: 144 hz | Brightness: 250 cd/m² | Contrast Ratio: 20000000:1 (dynamic) | Curved: No | Interfaces: DisplayPort, HDMI, VGA
If you’re going to go with a triple monitor setup, size and space are always going to be major considerations. As such, every monitor on our list is between 24 and 28 inches. This is measured horizontally and only includes the screen, so the exact amount of space you need on your desk can vary, even with otherwise identical screens.
On the other hand, if you’ve got a much larger monitor, especially an ultrawide three is going to literally be more screen than you’re able to visually process or likely even fit on your desk.
There might be exceptions to this, but you should only go significantly larger if you’re already familiar with how a triple monitor setup works in your space and with your work/gaming style.
AOC primarily makes screens. Mostly monitors but some TVs as well, and they have a number of high-profile partnerships and endorsements, especially in the sphere of gaming, so it should be no surprise that they appear at the top of our list.
At a glance, what makes this a top choice for multi-monitor setups is the minimalist, frameless design. Lined up next to one another, you’ll have extremely little space between the screens themselves. The absence of a frame also frees up precious inches if you’re working with relatively little desk space.
The monitor itself has a stylish, angular design, which is a plus if your computer desk is more centrally located or just if the aesthetics of your setup are a high priority. The whole body is 23.8” x 19.4” and 7.2” deep.
In terms of actual performance, you’re getting a full HD 1080p monitor that runs at 144hz. Let’s break that down real quick for people who might not be familiar with the terms.
Full HD and 1080p mean the same thing: the monitor has 1,920 horizontal pixels and 1,080 vertical pixels, with the latter being where the resolution gets its name. This, like most resolutions, is usually abbreviated to 1920×1080. You’ll also see this referred to as a 16:9 aspect ratio, which encompasses other resolutions, such as 1280×720 (720p) and 2560×1440 (1440p).
This is an IPS panel monitor, which, without getting into too much detail, is a more advanced version of an LCD screen. This allows for better viewing angles, a must-have for three monitor setups, and richer colors.
Older or cheaper LCD screens usually need to be viewed straight-on for optimal image quality. This IPS panel screen covers 126% of the sRGB color gamut, which is a slight to moderate oversaturation of color to give more vibrancy.
The AOC 24G2 uses Freesync technology, which means that if you have an AMD GPU, it will work with it to deliver a smoother framerate. If you have an NVIDIA GPU, the monitor will still work; you just won’t have the same advanced options for framerate smoothing.
There are some issues with ghosting, which is a shadowy afterimage that can appear to follow moving objects on screen, mostly noticeable in games or videos. Some users have also reported dead pixels out of the box, but this is covered by a 3-year warranty against dead pixels.
Multiple AV ports are extremely helpful when configuring a multi-monitor display, and this monitor has 1 HDMI port, 1 Display Port, and 1 VGA port. You probably won’t use the VGA port, but if you’re working off a machine with a dedicated GPU that can deliver a high framerate, the DisplayPort has greater bandwidth than the HDMI, so you’ll be able to make the most of the capabilities of both your monitor and PC.
Now, the monitor doesn’t have a speaker, which probably isn’t a huge loss. Built-in speakers can often be tinny and dull, and if you’re running a three-monitor setup, you probably have a speaker system in mind or use a headset for all your audio anyway. Although, if you’re used to using your monitor speakers, needing to invest in extra peripherals is kind of a bummer.
All things considered, the AOC 24G2 is a great all-around monitor and is going to be perfect for people who want a triple monitor setup but don’t want to end up spending as much on screens as they did on their PC. Casual to moderately serious gamers shouldn’t have any issues, but competitive gamers (especially those running NVIDIA) may want to consider a more premium option. With that being said, you will be hard-pressed to find a better monitor at this price range.
Screen Size: 27″ | Resolution: WQHD (2560 x 1440) | Panel Type: IPS | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Response Time: 1 ms | Refreshing rate: 144 hz | Brightness: 350 cd/m² native, 400 cd/m² peak (HDR Mode) | Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 | Curved: No | Interfaces: DisplayPort, 2x HDMI 2.0, 4x USB 3.0
If you’re looking for something a bit bigger, this 27” Acer Nitro is the way to go. Three of these will have you practically wall to wall with high-def image. If anything, you may want to take a moment to make sure all three screens (total dimensions 24” x 20.5”) will fit at your station.
Once you’ve got that in hand, get ready for an immersive high-def image experience. Acer has taken advantage of the extra screen space and increased the resolution to 2560×1440. This is commonly referred to as 1440p (or QHD) and is still a 16:9 ratio, so if you’re upgrading from a standard monitor (such as a 1920×1080 or 1366×768), you won’t notice any stretching or cropping in your images or applications. You will notice a huge jump in image quality, with almost twice as many pixels on your screen.
Like most LCD monitors currently on the market, this is also an IPS panel display. That’s a big plus for three monitor setups because it doesn’t require you to be dead center of your monitor to get the correct color and detail. In other words, you’ll be able to keep track of the other two screens in your periphery regardless of which one you’re looking at directly.
ACER has also performed some extra tweaking to minimize ghosting and motion blur. You might notice it on occasion with fast-paced, high-detail games, but it’s rare and more subtle than other monitors in the price range.
Like the AOC above, it’s also a frameless monitor, so there’s little to no bezel around the top and sides. This is pretty much a must-have if you’re going to have a multi-monitor setup; otherwise, you’ll have a lot of empty space between your screens. Depending on what you’re using it for, that can break the immersiveness, or just require even more desk space.
In terms of connections, this has a Display Port, 2 HDMI Ports, and 4 USB 3.0 ports. There’s no VGA port, but if you’re going for a triple monitor setup, you probably weren’t going to use that anyway.
This monitor also has two 2-watt speakers built-in, which is better than nothing. If you’re going to watch a lot of movies, listen to music, or prefer immersive audio when gaming, they’re probably not going to cut it for you. On the other hand, if you don’t plan on investing in an audio system any time soon or want to be able to hear notifications without putting on your headset, it’s there.
It does have one of the less permissive warranties we’ve come across, which can be frustrating if you wind up with a dead pixel or other issues that leave the monitor functional but with obvious defects.
Screen Size: 27″ | Resolution: QHD (2560 x 1440) | Panel Type: IPS | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Response Time: 1 ms | Refreshing rate: 144 hz | Brightness: 350 cd/m² | Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 | Curved: No | Interfaces: DisplayPort, 2x HDMI
LG is one of the ultimate “get what you pay for” brands. People who have experience with some of their lower-end or even middle-tier equipment might be skeptical about them being given such a high spot on our list. But their high-end equipment is very good, which is why the LG Ultragear is our pick for the best premium monitor for a triple monitor setup.
It’s not cheap; let’s get that out of the way. If you’re going to use this for all three of your monitors, you’ll probably be spending over a thousand bucks. But you will absolutely notice the quality if you go this route.
There is also a version that offers 240hz but decreases the resolution to 1920×1080. We recommend sticking with the 144hz version simply becauseoutside of some specific scenarios like high-level competitive gaming, you’re going to appreciate the higher resolution more than the increased refresh rate.
It also boasts a 1 millisecond GTG rate. The GTG, or grey to grey, rate refers to the response or reset time of individual pixels. This is important for games with high-end graphics, as it will reduce ghosting.
It’s a frameless monitor, which means less empty space between screens, though you may need to leave clearance to use the rotating feature. It’s on the slimmer side and a bit more stylish, but the real standout is the image quality.
Connectivity-wise, there are two HDMI ports, a Display Port, and a headphone jack. Unfortunately, there are no speakers, which we’re only counting as a slight negative because if you’re budgeting this much for your setup, you’ve probably set money aside for audio equipment as well.
Overall, the LG Ultragear is an excellent all-around monitor. With its frameless design, mobility, and perfectly smooth and sharp display, it is an excellent choice if you’re building a high-end triple monitor setup for gaming. But, the quality and performance are going to be appreciable to all types of users.
Screen Size: 23.8″ | Resolution: FullHD (1920 x 1080) | Panel Type: VA | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Response Time: 1 ms | Refreshing rate: 144 hz | Brightness: 350 cd/m² | Contrast Ratio: 4000:1 | Curved: No | Interfaces: DisplayPort, HDMI
It’s always a bit of a struggle to pick out our best value choice. There’s always going to be a cheaper monitor, so the intended goal is to find one with stable performance that hasn’t sacrificed too much to get to the price.
After all, you don’t want to spend more on monitors than you did on your computer. On the other hand, you could just save money by getting one or two good monitors instead of cutting quality, so getting the balance is important.
That’s where our second entry from AOC, the G2490VX, lives. It’s a functional, Full HD (1920×1080) monitor with a 144hz refresh rate, so there are going to be no issues with image quality, flickering, or stuttering. It also has AMD Freesync, so if you’re a gamer running an AMD GPU, this will deliver some extra performance, but ghosting is likely to be a small issue.
A big part of the savings comes from the fact that this uses a VA panel, whereas all our other entries thus far have had IPS panels. VA panels tend to have a good base level performance, often with equally high refresh rates, darker blacks, better contrast, and better GTG rates (the time it takes an individual pixel to reset) than IPS panels.
On a more positive note, it sports a frameless design, which is rare for monitors in the budget price range, but a huge plus for three-monitor setups.
Connectivity-wise, it features an HDMI port Display Port and one line-out audio jack but no speakers. Depending on your headset or speaker setup, a line-out port may not be able to be modulated or adjusted properly, so you may need a workaround for audio.
Like other AOC monitors, the G2490VX comes with a three-year warranty against dead pixels and other part failures, making this monitor even more of a value pick.
Overall, This is a great value monitor that will deliver good performance metrics across the board. If you’re a gamer, especially one who plays a lot of FPS games, you might have some issues with ghosting. But, if you simply don’t have a budget to afford higher-end monitors, this is going to be the least expensive way to get a triple 144hz monitor setup that won’t make you pull your hair out.
Screen Size: 24.5″ | Resolution: FullHD (1920 x 1080) | Panel Type: IPS | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Response Time: 1 ms | Refreshing rate: 240 hz | Brightness: 400 cd/m² | Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 | Curved: No | Interfaces: DisplayPort, 2x HDMI, 5x USB 3.0
Alienware is famously not a company that does things by halves, and you’ll find no exception here. It’s a 25-inch full HD (1920×1080) monitor with a 240hz refresh rate and a natural 1ms response time per individual pixel.
On top of that, it’s compatible with both Freesync and G-Sync, so no matter which side of the NVIDIA vs. AMD debate you come down on, this monitor will work for you. The resolution/pixel density is a little low, but that’s in the interest of keeping the response and refresh rates high.
It’s an IPS panel monitor with 99% sRGB coverage, which means it focuses on replicating colors precisely instead of oversaturating to enhance the range of colors available.
Of course, that level of performance eats a lot of power and can even start to overheat your monitor, so as we said, this comes with built-in vents and cooling to keep it at peak performance. This makes it a bit bulky, though not unattractive by any means. Also, the bezels are very thin, allowing for almost a seamless connection.
As far as connectivity goes, the AW2521HF has 4 USB ports, 2 HDMI ports, a Display Port, an upstream USB port, a headphone jack, and an audio line-out port. There are no speakers, but it’s designed with people who are using a headset or speaker system in mind.
Most of the monitors on this list have come with some degree of “also good for gamers” rating. This one is pretty much just for gamers. If you don’t need the accelerated performance, the (relatively) low resolution on a (relatively) larger monitor is going to feel like a bit of a waste, especially for the price.
Screen Size: 28″ | Resolution: 4k UHD (3840 x 2160) | Panel Type: IPS | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Response Time: 5 ms | Refreshing rate: 60 hz | Brightness: 350 cd/m² | Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 | Curved: No | Interfaces: DisplayPort, 2x HDMI
The image may be sharper, but it’s not going to be super noticeable on smaller screens. 27-28 inches is the size at which you really start to notice the differences in resolution.
So, with all that in mind, we introduce the ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q. It’s a 28-inch 4k IPS panel monitor that runs at 60hz. The image is absolutely gorgeous, especially on a screen this size. The refresh rate is high enough to avoid any issues.
As you might have guessed from its designation as a gaming monitor, it uses Freesync to reduce tearing, splitting, and motion blur but is also compatible with NVIDIA G-Sync. That said, FPS gamers and competitive gamers of all stripes may be frustrated with the lowered refresh rate.
Connectivity-wise, there are 2 HDMI ports, a display port, and a headset jack. It’s also one of the few monitors on our list that comes with speakers. They are pretty lackluster, though exceptions to that rule are even rarer.
All things considered, if you’re looking for a 4k monitor, this is going to be the best all-around value. It’s great for both gamers and creative professionals, though if you’re in the top percentile of either field might be frustrated with some of the minor drawbacks.
Screen Size: 27″ | Resolution: 4k UHD (3840 x 2160) | Panel Type: IPS | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Response Time: 5 ms | Refreshing rate: 60 hz | Brightness: 350 cd/m² | Contrast Ratio: 1300:1 | Curved: No | Interfaces: DisplayPort, 2x HDMI, 2x USB Type-C, 3xUSB 3.0
This is the monitor you get if you want virtually interfere with viewing your content in the highest quality possible. The 4K (3840×2160) resolution is the highest definition used for most TVs and high-definition monitors. More importantly, the IPS panel screen covers 99% of the sRGB and 97% of the DCI-P3 gamut (highest on the list), which means that it’s projecting colors as precisely as possible.
In addition, the stand on this monitor tilts, swivels, and pivots, allowing you to easily reorient for whatever project you might be working on, or how you’re situated when you are. The column of the stand has a hole through it to secure cables when the monitor is being moved, which makes cable management much easier. On top of that, the bezels are nice and thin, allowing for a professional multi-display setup from top to bottom.
It will connect with whatever devices you need it to, as it has 1 Display Port, 1 HDMI Port, 2 USB-C ports, 3 USB ports, and 1 audio line out. There are no speakers, so you’ll need to make other arrangements for audio.
Overall, the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q is an excellent value if you make your living on highly detailed content creation. The picture quality and accuracy are one of the best in this price range–most comparable monitors are even more expensive, and anything with an even higher resolution is going to triple or quadruple (or more) in price. Simply put, if you are a professional building a triple monitor setup, this should be on top of your list.
Screen Size: 27″ | Resolution: QHD (2560 x 1440) | Panel Type: IPS | Aspect Ratio: 16:9 | Response Time: 4 ms | Refreshing rate: 75 hz | Brightness: 350 cd/m² | Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 | Curved: No | Interfaces: DisplayPort, HDMI
If you’re an aspiring professional content creator or just more of a hobbyist, spending the money for an UltraSharp or similar setup might not feel justifiable or even feasible. For that reason, the Lenovo L27q-30 is an excellent choice. Lenovo overlaps heavily with IBM and supplies and services a lot of their tech, so you can expect something that has a decent baseline of professional quality and still be affordable.
The 75hz refresh rate is on the lower side for monitors on your list but is above the threshold for what you’ll typically be able to detect with the naked eye. The QHD resolution is a step down from the top-tier professional setups, but on a 27-inch screen, 1440p is still going to be extremely sharp.
This monitor is also (kind of) frameless, which means it’s going to integrate well into a three-monitor setup. That said, even though the bezel is extremely small, there is some dead space around the edge that doesn’t show up in most product photos. The articulation on the stand does leave something to be desired, as you can adjust the angle but not the height.
If you’re a gamer as well as a content creator, you’ll be pleased to know this monitor is compatible with AMD Freesync, and the 4ms individual response time will minimize ghosting to a better degree than many monitors in the price range, but not remove it entirely.
Overall, the Lenovo L27Q-30 is an excellent monitor for a variety of applications. It’s obviously geared more toward content creators, but you’ll also appreciate it if you play games every now and then. And the best part? Buying three of these will cost you just a little bit more than buying one of the Dell UltraSharp monitors.
As far as GPU syncing goes, This Acer monitor features AMD Freesync but no compatibility with NVIDIA. So while it will work with an NVIDIA GPU, you’ll lose some of the image enhancement features.
It advertises a frameless design but does have a fair bit of bezel between the edge and the screen itself, so it’s kind of a mixed bag in terms of space between screens. Also, the stand doesn’t allow much in the way of adjustment, another downside for this budget monitor.
Connectivity-wise, this monitor is equipped with two HDMI ports, one VGA port, one audio line-in port, and one audio out. The lack of a Display Port can limit your options for connection and cable management somewhat. On the bright side, it does come with speakers, which is especially surprising for the price. They aren’t great, which isn’t surprising, but if you’re saving money on your set-up or don’t feel like connecting your headset or speakers every time, it’s a nice bonus.
Overall, the Acer Nitro KG252Q is a decent-looking monitor and surprisingly functional for the price. If you’re using it for any professional or competitive tasks, you might find it comes up short, but if you’re looking to get a triple monitor setup and not drop the price of your computer all over again, this is going to be a solid choice.
The Sceptre E248W-FPT is a slim, tidy machine with all its parts in the right place. It’s a full HD (1920×1080) IPS panel monitor that refreshes at 75hz, typically above the visible threshold for the naked human eye. It covers 99% of the sRGB gamut, which means it focuses on reproducing colors accurately, while many monitors in this price range play with the saturation to increase color depth.
Now, it’s got a 5ms response time, which will most likely cause some ghosting issues if you play fast-paced games, but if you play around with the settings, you can minimize the damage – some custom settings can replicate the effect of higher responses.
Design-wise, it’s properly frameless, with a really thin bezel, which means three of them will line up easily side by side with almost no negative space. There will be around an inch of dead space around the bezels, but the overall design is a big plus for this budget monitor.
Overall, the Sceptre E248W-FPT is a decent offering that will mostly satisfy gamers on a tight budget. It is a perfectly functional monitor with a sharp display, rich colors, plenty of brightness, and a perfect design for a triple monitor setup. On the other hand, it does have some drawbacks, and the support isn’t among the best in the business. But for the money, you cannot go wrong with this one.
With a couple of exceptions, you could very reasonably pick one of the entries on the list above, put three of them in your cart, and be totally set. However, you’re naturally going to use one monitor (presumably the central one) far more frequently than the rest. So with that in mind, it may be a better use of money to pick the premium monitor that best fits your needs and pair it with two cheaper ones.
Using three of the same monitors is a simple solution to this, but you might be missing some key features or, as mentioned above, spend a lot more money.
It’s a 23.8-inch, full HD monitor, which means that it’s 1920×1080, overall a good size for the resolution, especially if it’s going to spend most of its time on your periphery. It refreshes at 60hz, which is, again, fine for a monitor that isn’t going to be the one displaying your most intensive activities. 60hz is not typically going to cause issues detectable to the naked eye.
It’s also an IPS with 100% sRGB coverage, which means it’s going to have a full range of rich colors that will not be affected by your viewing angle, something that absolutely does matter for your side monitor(s). The flicker-free and reduced blue-light filters will reduce the glare coming from the side as well.
Besides that, it’s a frameless monitor, so it will sit flush with your central monitor very easily. It is also compatible with VESA wall mounts, which unlocks even more options for how you arrange your monitors.
As far as the main monitor goes, we covered the Alienware AW2521HF above, but to hit the key point real quick: it’s a full HD monitor with a refresh rate of up to 240hz and compatibility with both AMD Freesync and NVIDIA G-sync. It’s going to deliver unmatched performance on your central monitor and have all the connection ports necessary for peripherals.
All things considered, this setup is great because you’ve got your premium gaming monitor in the center and then end up saving quite a bit on the side monitors. All three have a minimal bezel, so they’ll fit together nicely, and the fact that they all run 1920×1080 means your eyes won’t have nearly as much adjusting to do when you switch back and forth.
The P2719H has the same size and aspect ratio as the UltraSharp. Both are frameless 27-inch, 16:9 monitors, which will make moving between them a lot simpler. Them being the same brand means that a lot of the default visual settings (contrast, brightness, etc.) are going to be on the same sliding scale. The P2719H also rotates if you find yourself in a situation where having all three monitors vertically would be useful.
The monitor has HDMI, Display Port, and VGA connectors. There are still no speakers, and no support for G-Sync or FreeSync, so gamers are left out of the bundle as well.
There’s no one right choice for the monitor or monitors you use for a triple monitor setup. The best monitors for a triple monitor setup are the three that will work best for your needs.
At the same time, make sure that even if they are lower quality, they can still hold up their end and aren’t going to be a distraction when you switch screens.
Triple Monitor setups became popular in the early 2010’s when Nvidia released its Surround Technology that spans your computer’s output through three identical monitors. Playing games and working on a 5760 x 1080 was the rage when it first became possible, providing field of views and a seemingly unlimited workspace. In recent times, display manufacturers created the Ultrawide monitor to replace this setup with a single device for convenience and practicality.
Ultrawide displays offer a specific appeal which is headed by being bezel-free, producing a single image which is uninterrupted. There will be two divisions if you opt for triple monitor setups, but just like ultrawides, this route has a unique appeal that the other cannot match.
Connectivity – Triple monitor setups require a GPU with three video outputs such as HDMI or DisplayPort for it to function. For models with higher resolutions and refresh rates, you might need to check if your GPU has up to three high-bandwidth connectors to avoid issues in syncing all three displays.
GPU – As mentioned above, you will need three connectors and enough GPU power if you are considering a triple monitor setup. For 5760 x 1080, a GTX 1070 or an AMD Vega 56 may suffice, while 1440p and 4K will require top-end models in SLI or Crossfire.
Ergonomics and Dimensions – Users who want a triple monitor should also consider mounting options such as aftermarket armatures or displays that have adjustable stands. Dimensions are equally as important since three monitors side by side will require substantial desktop space for optimal positioning.
Game/App Compatibility – Not all titles and programs are optimized to function at the super-stretched aspect ratio and resolution of triple monitor setups. It is best to check and ask around for feedback because from experience, not all triple A games are multi-display friendly.
The HP Pavilion 22CWA is one of the cheapest IPS monitors you will find in the market that is suitable for an entry-level multi-monitor setup. This 22-inch display produces reasonable vibrancy and clarity for a price that regularly stays under a hundred bucks. The screen has flushed bezels that are thin enough to go unnoticed, while the slim profile allows convenient placement on a regular-sized desk.
The Asus VG249Q is one of the best value gaming monitors you can buy this year that doesn’t disappoint. Its got a vibrant and accurate IPS panel that is fast and smooth with thin bezels, making it perfect for triple head builds. The Asus VG249Q is also inexpensive so its an easy pick, but it doesn’t skimp on essential features like an adjustable stand that matters more in the long run.
The MSI G241 is the more affordable variant of the MAG251RX that has a lower refresh rate and price tag. The 24-inch monitor doesn’t have bezels, so you are left with the inner panel borders which are barely noticeable when two or three are side by side. Its capable of great performance, but what makes the G241 one of the best picks for this purpose is its sub $200 price tag.
The Asus PA278QV is a superb pick if you want an inexpensive triple monitor setup that is tuned for editing work and content creation. The IPS panel in this ProArt monitor comes pre-calibrated and it doesn’t have noticeable plastic borders on three sides. It can also go up to 75Hz for some casual gaming, plus it has a lot of connectivity options which opens up several possibilities for your setup and its
The Gigabyte G32QC is a large, 32-inch curved VA monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate along with rich colors and contrast. Its 1500r curvature and very affordable price make it a great pick if you want to immerse yourself in your games while enjoying vibrant colors and blur-free performance. This model also comes in 27-inch (G27QC) and 34-inch (G34WQC) which are also quite affordable so you get more choices for your dream build.
The BenQ EW3270U is designed for entertainment, but its 4K resolution and great image quality enables it to be effective in any type of use. The monitor’s large screen gives you a lot of space, but imagine what you can do with three of this model side by side. Triple 4K screens is the dream in our books, and it’s a good thing that the EW3270U is quite affordable if you consider its specs and size.
The MSI MAG251RX is a superb budget 240Hz monitor with great image quality and speed, plus a unique connectivity layout that includes USB-C. we saw excellent factory calibration and low input lag from this model so it will excel in hardcore gaming setups. The monitor’s stand isn’t fully adjustable, but it’s a great pick for triple monitor setups since its chassis’ shape and thickness area both ideal.
The AOC CQ27G2 is another great value monitor with excellent performance thanks to its rich colors and contrast, plus its FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility. Its also a 1500r monitor with very thin bezels so having three will provide an engrossing experience. AOC’s recent monitor releases like the CQ27Q2 all have excellent price points, so it isn’t surprising that they are dominating top charts and reviews.
Editor’s Note: Almost all of the available monitors in the market are effective solutions for triple monitor setups so the only difference you have to consider is design. We have chosen the best representatives regarding design, performance, and cost-effectiveness, but others such as those with thicker bezels than the examples above are suitable as well. If you think a specific gaming monitor should be added to the guide, let us know via email or in the comments.
Optimal triple-monitor productivity: a primary application in landscape mode flanked by supporting content in portrait mode. Portrait mode enables documents and web pages to be displayed in full without scrolling. The configuration also uses less desk space.
Want three monitors for better gaming or multitasking in Windows? You’ve come to the right place! After reading this article, you’ll know exactly what to do.
A lot of computers have a motherboard with video ports (called ‘integrated graphics’) AND a graphics card with video ports. If your computer has this setup, you’ll see two groups of video ports. But don’t be fooled by all those ports. Although you sometimes can run monitors off your integrated graphics and graphics card at the same time, you probably wouldn’t want to. Things will get pretty laggy – particularly when you switch between monitors.
Some graphics cards have more ports than you can use at once. E.g. Yours might have 3 ports, but you may only be able to use 2 at the same time. To determine how many of the ports you can use simultaneously, you’ll have to consult your graphics card’s documentation. Alternatively, you could Google it; search for the brand and model of your video card, and the number of monitors you want to run. (e.g. “Nvidia GTX 570 three monitors”).
It’s possible you have two, but it’s very unlikely you have three. So you won’t be able to run triple monitors unless you buy extra hardware, as explained below.
If your computer doesn’t have the required ports to run triple monitors, don’t give up. You may still be able to do it. ReadStep 2, below to find out how…
But before investing in a new graphics card, you should know that not all graphics cards are compatible with your PC’s motherboard. To see if a graphics card is compatible with your PC, you need to check your motherboard’s PCI Express slot, the size of your chosen graphics card and the power requirements.
There are different types of expansion slots on a motherboard. For a graphics card to be connected, you need a PCI Express x16 slot. The quickest way to find out if you have this slot is to Google your motherboard’s manufacturer and model. Alternatively, you can open up your computer case to check if you have the slot. (The PCI Express x16 slot should be the longest on the motherboard.)
You’ll need to be sure that your computer case has enough room for the new graphics card (they’re often quite bulky because they have an attached cooling fan).
If your PC doesn’t have enough power to support it, your computer may shut down unexpectedly or fail to turn on when you install the new graphics card.
Check your computer’s specifications to see how many watts the power supply unit (PSU) can provide. If you can’t find any specifications, you should be able to see the output on your computer’s power supply. You’ll need to look inside the case, for something like this:
An external multi-display adapter should be cheaper than a new graphics card – they retail for approx USD $150. They’re also much easier to install – you just plug one of the supplied cables into your USB port (this powers the adapter) and the other into your Mini DisplayPort or USB Type-C port (this sends the video signal from your computer to the adapter).
These adapters are great if you want a cheap way to get triple monitors (they cost around USD $50), but they don’t perform as well as a powerful graphics card or an external multi-display adapter. So they’re not a great choice for gaming or HD video playback.
A docking station like the one pictured above allows you to attach up to three additional monitors to your computer. You just connect your computer to the docking station with the supplied USB host cable, then connect your extra monitors to the docking station’s DisplayPort and HDMI ports.
Once you’ve confirmed that your computer has the necessary video ports to support triple monitors (or you’ve bought additional hardware to support them), you need to make sure you have all the necessary cables to connect everything.
Recall the video ports you identified on your computer in step 1. E.g. If you have two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort on your computer, you’ll need two HDMI cables and a DisplayPort cable to connect three monitors.
Next, you need to check the ports on your monitors. E.g. If you’re connecting to a computer with two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort, ideally you’ll have two monitors with an HDMI input, and one with a DisplayPort input.
If the ports on your monitors don’t match those on your computer, don’t panic. You can simply buy an adapter or an adapter cable. E.g. If your computer has a DisplayPort, but your monitor has only a VGA input, you can get either a DisplayPort-to-VGA adapter like the below, and then connect from the VGA input of the adapter to the VGA input of your monitor with a male-to-male VGA cable.
2) Click on one, then click Identify to see which illustrated monitor represents which monitor on your desk. E.g. Click on the monitor marked with a 1, and a number 1 will appear on one of the monitors on your desk.
4) If the arrangement on-screen doesn’t match how your monitors are arranged on your desk, just rearrange it by dragging and dropping with your mouse.
5)Click the drop-down menu next to Multiple displays and select Extend these displays. You’ll then seeone continuous display that stretches across all of your monitors (i.e. you can drag your mouse or windows from one screen to the other).
2) Click on one, then click Identify to see which illustrated monitor represents which monitor on your desk. E.g. Click on the monitor marked with a 1, and a number 1 will appear on one of the monitors on your desk.
4) If the arrangement on-screen doesn’t match how your monitors are arranged on your desk, just rearrange it by dragging and dropping with your mouse.
5) If you want, you can customize Scale and layoutto change the size of text, apps and other items on your screens. You can also adjust the resolution and orientation.
6)Click the drop-down menu next to Multiple displays and select Extend these displays. You’ll then see one continuous display that stretches across all of your monitors (i.e. you can drag your mouse or windows from one screen to the other).
To ensure your triple monitor setup runs smoothly, and to prevent problems like loss of signal and black screens, you should update the drivers for both your graphics card and your monitors. There are two ways you can do this:
If you don’t have the time, patience or computer skills to manually update the drivers for your monitors and your graphics card, you can do it automatically with
Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing.