Three Screen Video Games
Video games these days look better than real-life. Certainly, we now find ourselves galaxies away from the old Frogger or Pong programs.
The modern video game world is rich, robust, gorgeously crafted with an artistic devotion to detail. You don’t just explore these digital worlds, you experience them. But outstanding programming demands outstanding hardware as well.
A long time ago, the world of video games learned that one monitor doesn’t cut it any more. The dual screen set up has been good to us, but as the games continue to improve, so to must the hardware. That in mind, today we will be taking a look at how to add a third screen to your video game setup.
Step One: Be Mindful of Your Monitors
Obviously, the monitor itself is an extremely important aspect of this project. It probably goes without saying that not every monitor is going to be able to accommodate a tri-screen setup. The good news is that most games who are serious enough about their hobby to be reading this post are also likely devoted enough to already own the proper hardware.
However, if you are making your first foray into high-end gaming equipment and need to start from scratch, look for newer monitors.
Most screens made within the last few years should be able to work together cooperatively. And of course, it will help a lot if you can get three monitors of the same make and model. Why? Well, there are a few reasons it makes sense to get the same screen three times over. For one thing, monitors of the same make will be easy to arrange on the desk. Since they will all be the same size, it should be a breeze to position them squarely for optimal viewing.
It will also be easier to configure them for the proper color/resolution composition.
Other Hardware Concerns
It’s definitely nice that the screens are able to work well together, but you also need the computer itself to be up for the task. Not every machine will have what it takes to run three monitors at the same time. Make sure that your graphics card can comfortably run all three monitors at once. For this to be possible you will need three different HDMI ports.
The good news is that most graphics cards produced within the last several years have been manufactured with the understanding that many people will use multiple monitors at once. However, as they all say, taxes and death are the only guarantees that you get in life.
If you’re buying a graphics card specifically for the purposes of working with multiple screens, make sure that it has what it takes to get the job done right.
Start Hooking Everything Up
Pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Get your monitors plugged in. Check the ports out to make sure everything is looking good, and fire the equipment up.
Of course, during this part of the process you will also find out how well suited your desk is for the here monitor setups. Like many people who are trying to rock the three-screen approach you will probably quickly realize that your old desk setup doesn’t quite cut it. You want the screens to have room to breathe so that they aren’t at risk of spilling off the desk.
Consider investing in a desk especially equipped for a three-screen setup. The Jestik Horizon is an outstanding ergonomic piece of office equipment that will be well-equipped for giving you a great look at all three of your new screens.
Configure the Settings
As is always the case when installing a new monitor, you will need to configure the setup for optimal gaming settings. This configuration may require a little bit of manual tweaking to get things to your exact preferences but with a little bit of time and effort, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Beware:
Before you get too excited about your sweet new setup do keep in mind that there are some caveats. The same way that not every screen or computer is compatible with this multiple screen approach, some games may also not be suitable.
The good news is that the list of games that can work with multiple screens is pretty large. Almost everything that is coming out these days will be perfectly compatible. In fact, if the game you are dreaming of was produced within the last ten years or so, you shouldn’t have any problems.
However, there are some exceptions. The main exception is independent games. Most are made so well these days that they are indistinguishable from the big studio projects. However, some just aren’t made with multiple monitor technology in mind.
Older games might also have compatibility problems. You will of course still be able to play these games on your computer, you’ll just have to do it the old fashioned way with one monitor.
These exceptions aside, your new setup should work well with most programs. Without question, the majority of contemporary games will be perfectly compatible with a tri-screen setup.
Conclusion
Are multiple monitors right for you? If you like video games, the answer is a resounding yes. This upgrade to your system will be costly, especially if you find yourself needing an awesome new desk like the Jestik Horizon. However, for the dedicated gamer, this is going to be money well spent.
We are currently experiencing a genesis in the world of video games. Better graphics, more immersive worlds, and serious story lines told by artists that truly care about the products they are putting out. Don’t slug through this video game renaissance with mediocre gear. Invest in three screen setup that will maximize your enjoyment of gaming for years to come.