Dual Monitor Setup Diagram: 2-Monitor Setup Guide

Dual monitor setups have become incredibly popular in the past few years among many people, such as gamers, web developers, and graphic designers. However, few people know how to build these innovative setups as typical computers only have one screen. 

Regular computer setups are okay for most everyday tasks. Still, once you discover all the benefits of having multiple monitors, you aren't going to want to have anything less than that.

Dual monitor setups are a fantastic addition to your battle station or home office, as they make several tasks much easier. Moreover, they look incredibly cool, as they give you that high-tech aesthetic that many gamers love. 

If you're interested in getting a dual monitor setup, please keep reading the following DIY guide with all the steps you need to follow to set up your screens. 

We know that dual monitors are highly popular nowadays, but there are several things you must know before installing your own setup. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to create the best dual monitor setup. Let’s learn how to connect two monitors with us!

Which Monitors Should You Choose?

Most people believe that any monitor can easily suit their computers, but finding the right ones is more complicated than it seems. The first thing you need to be aware of is whether it has the correct input type, as this is going to determine if it is compatible with your computer. However, several other aspects are crucial to make sure you get the best possible monitors for your setup. 

Size

One of the main things you need to be aware of is the size of your monitors, as they need to fit perfectly on your table. Moreover, you can opt to buy two monitors of the same size, but you can also use a smaller monitor for less important background tasks. 

Aspect Ratio

This is an essential feature you must pay special attention to if you wish to upgrade your battle station. Most monitors on the market are going to have a 16:9 aspect ratio, but you can also find ultrawide monitors that allow you to have a much greater gaming experience. 

You can also check out this article to learn the difference between a curved vs. a flat monitor.

Resolution

When you have two monitors, it is common for them to have different resolutions, but this is usually a bad idea for your eyesight and overall gaming experience. Therefore, if you have a 1080p screen, you shouldn't get a 4K one, as you are going to end up having a drastic visual difference between them. 

Color

Another crucial aspect you must consider is the color profile of the monitors, as sometimes, they have different colors that make them look odd when they're placed side by side. This is especially true if you have an older monitor and decide to add a new one. Please make sure not to overlook this detail, as it could severely damage your eyesight. 

Input Types

Finally, the last thing you need to be aware of is the several input types available among monitors. You can find HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, and several other connectors that are going to determine whether your monitor is compatible with your computer or not. However, you can always get an adaptor to make them work even though they're incompatible. 

Be Creative

Once you know all the previously disclosed technical aspects of monitors, we want you to know it is also okay to be creative with your setup and mix as many types of monitors as you wish to create the battle station of your dreams. 

Some people like the balanced look of getting two monitors of the same brand, but this doesn't have to be your case, and that's completely okay. Just work with what's best for you. 

How to Mount a Two-monitor Setup

Mounting a monitor is pretty straightforward, especially if it comes with its own stand, but once you add a second monitor, a whole world of opportunities opens for you. Simple monitor stands may lack the desired aesthetic most gamers aim for, so you should highly consider getting one of our best monitor arms or wall mount. 

You don't need these accessories to set up your dual monitor setup. Still, they are highly visually appealing and incredibly sturdy, ensuring that your monitors are going to stay safe over time. 

Our Autonomous monitor stand deals are fantastic, so we highly encourage you to check out our store and find one with the right dimensions for your monitor and the correct mounting bracket. You are most likely to get a VESA mount, but don't limit yourself; check out several options before committing to one. 

Is My Device Compatible with Dual Screens?

Another crucial aspect you need to keep an eye on is whether your computer is compatible with dual screens or not. This is because dual screens are highly popular, but not all computers were designed to support them, so you might end up with two monitors that can't be used simultaneously. 

The first thing you need to know to determine this is the type of device you have. Some of the most common are the following. 

Desktop PCs

Most desktop PCs are compatible with dual screens, including macOS and Windows. Nonetheless, you are going to need an extra graphics card to make both monitors work correctly, but you also have the option to get USB monitors that don't need these cards. 

Laptops

Laptops have pre-installed screens, but most feature an extra display output so that you can connect an additional monitor through a Type-C USB connector. 

Smartphones & Tablets

It may be a bit trickier to find mobile devices compatible with additional monitors, but most Android and iOS smartphones can support extra monitors. Still, you are likely to need several adaptors and cables unless you have wireless devices that can connect through Bluetooth. 

How to Set up Dual Monitors with Laptop

Now that you know the basics of dual monitors and all the technical aspects, you must be aware of them before purchasing them. We can guide you through the steps you need to take to properly install your dual monitor setup. However, keep in mind that you must keep all your cables and tools around so that the process becomes much more straightforward. 

Nevertheless, remember that this guide isn't set in stone, and you can switch any step to make it more appropriate for your devices. 

1. Setting up the Dual Monitor Positioning

The first thing you must do when installing your stacked monitor setup is to find the perfect position for both screens. Most desks aren't designed to hold two monitors, so you are going to need to be a bit creative and shift around all the other elements of your battle station until you're satisfied with it. Remember that you can always get extra monitor stands to help with this arrangement process. 

2. Plugging in Your Monitors

The next step is ensuring all your cables are in the correct position. In order to do this, you can get several cable management features that allow you to keep your workspace as tidy as possible. Then, once everything is set in place, you must plug all cables into their respective outlets, but please make sure all of them are strongly connected so that you don't lose power in the middle of your gaming or working sessions. 

Finally, you can turn on your device and ensure everything is working correctly. 

3. Setting up Your Monitors in Windows

If you have a Windows device, you can easily set up a second monitor, as you only need to find the built-in taskbar, which is going to guide you through a simple setup process. You only need to follow certain steps to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible. 

Once you make sure your computer recognizes both monitors, you must go to the desktop section and find its display settings. Then, you are going to find a window with several controls that are going to allow you to use your monitors and decide among several display options. Some of the most common types of display are the following. 

4. Identify Monitors

This is the most common type of display, and it simply identifies each monitor with a one and a two, respectively, so that you know which one you're using at all times. 

5. Multiple Displays

The multiple displays option is highly versatile, allowing you to show one of the following displays. 

• Show the same image on both monitors
• Extend the image and make both screens act as one
• Only use one of the monitors 

6. Positioning

Now it is time to adjust the positioning of your monitors by using the box at the top of the window. This allows you to move your mouse between them, so it is best if you lay your monitors to match your display position, as this is going to make it much more intuitive for you and shorten the learning curve. 

Nonetheless, if you ever want to change the positioning again, you can do it by dragging the boxes until you find a comfortable position. 

7. Primary Monitor

Finally, the last display setting is determining a default monitor as the primary one in which all applications are going to be displayed. Moreover, it is also going to feature all your gadgets, such as your clock and other taskbar icons. 

You can still use your regular monitor settings by mixing them with dual-monitor options. Therefore, both monitors can have different resolutions and general settings to suit your preferred visual experience. 

8. Setting up Third-Party Software

If you don't have a Windows device for dual monitor setup, you can use other third-party software to set up your dual monitors with laptop. Some of the most common ways of doing this are through graphic card companies and similar programs that allow you to install several settings on your monitors to ensure they're working correctly. 

9. Setting up Other Operating Systems

Finally, we know that not everyone has Windows devices, so we want you to know that it is possible to install dual-monitor setups on Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux devices. Moreover, the installation process is pretty similar in these operating systems, although you may have to follow a few additional steps depending on which device you're using. 

Nevertheless, suppose you're using smartphones or other similar devices. In that case, you can use Bluetooth to connect the monitors wirelessly, but you are going to lack all of the options that are usually available on desktop devices. Therefore, all you can do is hope that both devices are compatible and work well together without adjusting any settings.

Advantages of Using a Dual Monitor Setup

Having two monitors gives you several benefits, such as having a wider space for working and gaming. Moreover, it gives you the feeling of using a much more advanced setup, which is a fantastic perk for those gamers who have always dreamt of having a battle station like the ones they see on Twitch. 

Moreover, many people have started to integrate two monitors into their workspace, as it helps to improve their performance, especially if they're web developers or graphic designers. The extra screen space gives them a wide enough working area to manipulate graphics and other applications. In addition, some of its most relevant benefits are the following. 

• It reduces downtime and allows you to continue working even though something happens to one of the monitors. Moreover, this prevents you from losing important data.
• You can increase the speed of your workflow by running multiple applications on both screens, making it easier to multitask.
• In general, having two monitors makes workers more productive, reducing distractions and preventing you from constantly switching between tabs. 

Bottom Line 

Having a dual-monitor gaming setup can have several benefits, and now you know everything you need to make your own battle station with two monitors. Moreover, if you're looking for any office accessories or gaming furniture, please check out the rest of our store to find out about the incredible deals we have for you, such as the Pixio Monitor or the PX275C Prime by Pixio.