The major advantage of two monitors isincreased workspace. Instead of splitting your screen or minimizing applications, you get an entire display for your secondary task.
Assuming you’re agamer and streamer, you may utilize the primary display to play the game and the secondary to check your chats. This applies toeditors,designers,students, andgeneral userstoo.
However, thecost doublesif you pick thesame modelas your second display. And if you go for a different monitor,calibrating it becomes a hassle.
You may even notice tinyFPSdropsand the setup leaves you withvery little desk space.
These drawbacks can be tackled easily and the pros outweigh them anyway. So, I wholeheartedly state thatrunning two monitorsisworth it for every user!
Perks of Dual Monitor Setup
Opting for two monitors is a small investment that will turn out fruitful in the long run.
My dual monitor journey began when I planned to upgrade from Redmi MI G24 toMSI Optix G24C4. Instead of storing the previous device, I have utilized it as my second screen.
Now, I use the primary monitor (MSI) for playing games, designing, and editing videos. And the extended screen (MI) for watching videos, taking notes, and general tasks.
In amulti-monitor setup, every taskbecomes more immersive. Here are the major advantages based on my experience:
Bigger Screen Space and Swift Multitasking
With a second monitor, you canaccommodate more windowsthat offerbetter visibilityandorganization.
Some tasks always call forfull screen, likegamingandediting videos. In such cases, there’s no other option than minimizing each when not in use.
Going for two monitors means picking one for primary use and another for secondary. you may evenswitch between themas per your needs.
For example, as a content creator, I watch videos on one monitor and brainstorm my ideas on the other.
Instead ofswitching between applications, simplydragging the cursorfrom the primary to the secondary screen will suffice.
Increased Productivity and Work Efficiency
Some believe that two screens can cause distractions while a single monitor setup lets you focus on your work better. However, that’scompletely subjective!
Personally, I only have improved results and positive stories since I opted for two displays. My work efficiency has doubled, as mytime to switch between two important tasks has reduced.
There’s also a myth that dual monitors lead topoor ergonomics. However, if you properlyposition the monitor’s heightandsit at a one-hand distance, you may easily overcome this.
Whether it’s opening your mail, replying to your colleague, taking notes, or watching an important video at work, all these can be done simultaneously.
Mix and Match Monitors For Specific Needs
It’s best that you use two monitors of the same model or pick at least a similar one. But that doesn’t mean you may’t mix two unidentical monitors.
For example, choose one that’s bestfor gaming(having a highrefresh rate). Then, the second display would be idealfor editing purposes(having better color accuracy andresolution).
This way, you’ll have two displays thatperform best in different use-case scenarios.
The second screen can even beused without a PC.For instance, I often connect my PlayStation and set-top box.
Diverse Applications
Maybe a triple orquad setupcould beoverkill for a general user. But getting two displays is worth an investment for anyone who spendsmaximum time on their computer.
The vast use case speaks for itself. Here are the most common fields where twin monitors are beneficial and how each one can be utilized:
Downsides of Getting Two Monitors
There are a few drawbacks, butthese aren’t worrying enoughto have second thoughts of getting two monitors. I’ve listed them below along withhow to overcome each problem.
Increased Cost
Opting for the same model as your second monitor willdouble your budget.
However, it’s not a compulsion and you may go for two different models as well. In fact, it’s more advantageous if you’re involved in different tasks (as explained before).
I’m pretty sure you’re going to use one display more than the other. So, there’s noneed to opt for an equally powerfulsecond monitor.
Get yourself a budget screen thataesthetically matches your setupand has all thefeatures/settingsyou crave.
Calibration Difficulties
When choosing distinct monitors, their resolution, refresh rate, aspect ratio, and color can be mismatched.
This can lead to issues like anundetected second monitororit keeps turning black. Sometimes,both displays might not get detectedor themouse lags/stutterswhen on the second screen.
First, trycalibrating your monitorbyadjustingbrightness,color,sharpness,size,refresh rate, display scaling, etc. This can take hours, yet there’sno guarantee of achieving the best results.
You’ve probably seen a vertical secondary screen setup or one where it is of a completely different size. Some even utilize their TVs as an additional monitor.
The thing is – you’ll eventuallyget used to your buildand color/size mismatch won’t be a big deal in the long run.
Slight FPS Drop
This is concerning for avid gamers but the FPS drop I’m referring to is onlyabout 5% to 8%, even in a worst-case scenario (where alow-end GPUis used).
Depending on what game you play, youmight not feel much difference(even whenintegrated graphics is used). It may benoticeable to enthusiaststhough, or if you’re gaming at a relativelylow frame rate.
Keep in mind that this happens only when both displays are utilized simultaneously and yourGPU usageis high. For example, gaming on one monitor and watching video on the other.
It’s surely a bad idea if you’re planning to use both monitors for gaming. Thebezel runs down the middleof the display and cankill your vibe.
Lack of Desk Space
If your physical workspaceis already too small, the addition of another monitor willfurther eat up your desk.
Assuming you’re going toplace your PC on the table, this makes the scenario worse. Maybe, put it onanother shelforwall mount it.
Don’t place it directly on the floor (especially, a carpeted one) as that accumulates more dust, which calls forfrequent cleaning.
Most of the time, a multi-monitor setup also calls for acomputer desk upgrade. Since two displays are going to be worth it,I wouldn’t mind spending a few extra buckstofuture-proof my setup.
Ultrawide Monitor: A Better Alternative?
To save desk space and still have abigger horizontal screen space, an ultrawide monitor is worth it. Even going for a large-sized monitor would be best for gaming.
This is also an ideal option for gamers who like to have anincreased field of view. With no bezel obstruction, yourexperience becomes much more immersive.
Note that some older games may not support ultrawide resolution. You’ll have tostretch the aspect ratioor juststick with the supported resolution. Here, instead of ultrawide, two standard 4K monitors would be worthwhile.
An ultrawide display can even cost equal to ormore than the combined price of two monitors. So, budget-wise, dual monitors would be the best bet.
Final Verdict
The only time two monitors won’t be beneficial is if you’re not much into computers or you’re only involved in basic tasks. A great alternative for such users is Windows Virtual Desktop.
But since you’ve landed in this article, I believe you’re someone who spends maximum time on your PC and looking toimprove your multitasking ability.
A dual monitor setupincreases your productivityand offersbigger screen space. So, you shoulddefinitely go for it!
Gamers, graphic designers, programmers, office users, students – all benefit from multiple screens. Once your muscle memory builds up, trust me,you won’t be ready to switch back!
