Whether you’re a computer geek or not, you’ll find it pretty simple to connect monitors to your desktop or laptop. The challenge is working out what you need and what budget you want to allocate. To give you an idea before you plan ahead, click here for more details on the top of the range computers for an optimal experience.
Assembling your 6 Monitor Setup
When working out your multi monitor system, there are some key themes you need to review as detailed below. Your first decision though is whether you want to use your 6 monitor setup for working or if you want to start playing games with it. This will help you determine if you need top of the range specifications or if you can settle for the midway point.
Of course, it’s a personal choice whether you go for dual monitor setups or go straight for a 6 monitor setup. Either way, review the following to determine what you need for your multiple monitors:
- Computer specifications
- Graphics cards or display adapters
- Input ports and cables
- Connect monitors
- Display settings
- Leverage shortcuts
Computer Specifications
Most multiple monitor setups can work with 16GB of RAM but obviously, 32GB will make everything that much easier. You also need to make sure you have a good processor with a CPU of at least 3.5Hz.
Another great point to note is that you can operate a 6 monitor setup with either a desktop or laptop. These days, laptops have comparable power and capacity although you might need an external power supply unit for an extra boost.
Graphics Cards or Display Adapters
Most motherboards come with an integrated graphics card but many users prefer to get a discrete graphics card for their 6 monitor setup. It really depends on how many games and movies you intend to play with your multi monitor setup.
A useful tip if you think you don’t have a powerful graphics card is to simply upgrade it first. This is free and can give you the power boost you need. Moreover, you’ll get extra features to enhance your experience when using your 6 monitor setup.
Connect Monitors
Most users choose the affordable TN panels for their 6 monitor setup rather than the higher resolution VPS or VA panels. That’s because TN panels are good value for money and give more than enough quality for most people. Only gamers might really consider spending the higher budget.
The most common 6 monitor setup has 1080 pixel resolution monitor screens with a 60Hz refresh rate. Of course, you can go higher up the range but it will cost you more and unless you’re a gamer, you probably don’t need it.
Another option when it comes to monitors is to get an ultra-wide curved screen. This can give you an immersive feeling when watching movies, for instance. You also avoid the bevel in between your screens that you get in a 6 monitor setup.
Input Ports and Cables
Once you’ve decided whether you keep your own computer or upgrade it, you’ll need to consider your ports. Most computers come with two video ports but a 6 monitor setup will need more. Either way, these come either as a USB, HDMI, DVI, VGA or DisplayPort connector.
If you don’t have enough ports, you can easily get an external adapter and some conversion cables. These come in all sorts of formats including DisplayPort to DVI, DVI to HDMI, VGA to DVI and so on. Although, take note that if you have a VGA you’ll definitely want to convert it to another port. That’s because it’s an analog connector that will give you a performance drop in your visuals.
Display Settings
Now that you have your equipment and it’s all connected, you’ll need to make some final adjustments in display settings. There you can tweak the resolution for your 6 monitor setup and determine your wallpaper amongst other things.
The main thing for you to do is to make sure that you click on ‘extend display’ if you want your 6 monitor setup to operate as one large screen. Otherwise, you have a ‘duplicate display’ which is useful for things like conferences. In those cases, you might need to have the same visuals displayed across a large room, for example.
Leverage Shortcuts
Working with a 6 monitor setup is an amazing experience and you’ll never look back. Nevertheless, you’ll need to slightly amend how you work. For instance, a common frustration at the start is losing your cursor all the time. So, you learn shortcuts. Although, you can also amend your settings to make your cursor large when you touch your mouse. In general, a good app to get you started is DisplayFusion.
Final Recommendations for a 6 Monitor Setup
Arranging a multi monitor system starts with working out what you need it for. From there, you can determine what kind of budget you need. Once you have the equipment, it’s easy to connect it all together and do some minor adjustments in display settings. Then, you’re all set for your awesome 6 monitor experience.
Discussion about this post