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Three monitors may seem excessive, but to hard-core gamers and office workers, the desktop space is indispensible. To make it work, you will need a graphics card for each new monitor, or a graphics card with double outlets and a second video card. Here's how to set up three monitors.
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Introduction
- Three monitors are definitely better than one, for people who use computers as a primary work space. The additional space offered by three independent screens is phenomenal and the set up with modern equipment is fairly easy.
Step 1: Buy the Monitors
- If you have monitors or laptops sitting in a closet somewhere, you may be able to repurpose them. Don't expect to be able to use three CRTs on a desktop; the desk may not handle the extra weight.
- Buy the same make and model if possible
- Buy monitors that are the same size and have similar builds
- Not necessary to buy the biggest monitor, since the expanded room on the windows will make work easier already
Step 2: Buy and Install the Graphics Cards
- On many laptops and some desktops, a second output from the existing graphics card is already available, so you may need to just buy one additional card to make three monitors work.
- Choose your graphics card based on your needs
- If you're using a laptop, you may need just one PCMCIA video card
- A second laptop can be wired into the system by simply networking it
- Install the graphics cards into your main computer using the computer's instructions
Step 3: Set up the Monitors
- Arrange the monitors on your desk and plug them into your main computer
- Set your main computer (with the keyboard) in the middle and arranged the others to parallel the screen on either side
- It will be best to have both new monitors just to the left and right so that you can access the information by simply turning your head
Step 4: Configure the Monitors
- Although you can use native Windows XP and Vista to set up multiple monitors, most websites—including Microsoft—suggest you configure the three monitors by using Ultramon
- Download and install Ultramon
- Configure it to have separate task bars for each monitor and separate hotkeys for frequently-used tools
Conclusion
- Buying new monitors and graphics cards may seem like a bit of an investment, but you can get used or refurbished monitors and old laptops for much less than new. The additional space of having three monitors to keep all of the things you work on simultaneously open and visible with the turn of your head may well be worth it to you.
- Epinions: How to Set Up Multiple Monitors on Desktops and Laptops! (in Layman's Terms!) (July 23, 2008)
- HP Forums: 3 monitors with dc7800 minitower (March 22, 2008)
- Daggle: My Multimonitor Setup: Three Screens For One Computer
- Microsoft: Using Multiple Monitors with Windows XP (July 26, 2004)
- Hanselman: Three Monitors - I can't go back
- UltraMon: Get the most out of multiple monitors with UltraMon
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