What is a tri-screen setup?
Most people wonder why they need a three-screen setup when a single screen can get the job done. The answer simply lies in the experience. You cannot enjoy the experience a three-screen setup offers with a single-screen setup.
From comfort to aesthetics, a three-screen setup offers several advantages over a single or even dual-screen setup. We will look at all you need to know about tri-screen or three-screen setups, but first: what is a tri-screen setup?
A three-screen setup or a triple-screen setup is simply a setup that comprises three different display devices. This typically increases the amount of available real estate the user has to run different applications simultaneously. These screens are often connected via cables such as DisplayPort, HDMI, Thunderbolt 3, or VGA.
The uses of the three-screen setup are almost limitless, as you can use them in different applications such as gaming, programming, video editing, trading, and other professional undertakings. More importantly, it can significantly improve your productivity and provide a great experience.
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Benefits of a Three-Screen Setup
The major benefit a three-screen setup offers users is more screen space, but what does that mean? More digital screen space means several other benefits. Here are some benefits a three-screen setup offers you.
Increased Productivity
One of the biggest benefits users can get from a three-screen setup is increased productivity. Working on three screens allows you to work on different applications simultaneously, even while working on the same task. It also makes it easier for you to easily transition from one screen to the other.
Increased productivity means you spend less time completing tasks, and the chances of getting distracted, unmotivated, or sidetracked are lower. This is because the amount of time spent closing one window and opening another or minimizing one window for another is significantly reduced. While the amount of time spent doing this might not seem much, when accumulated across the working period, it can be quite significant.
Seamless Multitasking
In addition to increased productivity, you can enjoy seamless multitasking when using a three-screen setup. Depending on your specific needs, you can have different applications open that allow you to work on different tasks or different aspects of the same task.
This makes it easier to focus on a primary task and work on other tasks on your other screens when needed. This is an excellent way to boost your creativity. Another benefit a three-screen setup offers in terms of seamless multitasking is seamless connectivity.
Working on multiple screens offers you the luxury of collaborating with your peers or work colleagues. This allows you to share ideas and knowledge with them while comfortably working on the other screens. You can even dedicate one of your screens to note-taking.
Enhanced Gaming Experience
A three-screen setup can be incredibly beneficial to gamers, especially those who play first-person shooter games. This setup improves your gaming experience by expanding your overall perspective of the game. This gives you a more realistic feel of the actual game environment.
Thanks to your peripheral vision, you don't even have to actively look directly at the other screens when gaming. The three-screen setup offers an immersive gaming experience due to minimal physical interaction between screens. This is a lot better than the experience you get with a dual-screen laptop setup.
Aesthetics
In addition, a three-screen setup is simply gorgeous to look at. With a three-screen setup, your workstation’s aesthetics are significantly improved. Watching movies also becomes a pleasure with this setup.
Three-Screen Setup Installation
Regardless of what you want to use your tri-screen setup for, you can enjoy these numerous benefits. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, it can boost your productivity and multitasking skills. However, these benefits can only be best enjoyed when you properly install your setup. Here's how to install your three-screen setup:
Find Out if Your Computer Supports a Tri-Screen Setup
While many people would love to convert their single-screen setups to triple-screen setups, not every computer is capable of supporting a triple-screen setup. As such, this step is the first thing you should do when planning to convert your setup.
Note: The older your computer, the less likely it is to support a tri-screen setup. So, you want to find out if your computer has 3 video ports and what type of ports they are. You should also check if the three video ports can be used simultaneously.
To convert your single-screen setup, your computer must have three video ports, and your computer must allow all three to be used simultaneously.
If you use a desktop, you want to look behind your desktop or system unit. Both your integrated graphics and your graphics card could have video ports. Find out which of them has three video ports so you can pick which one to use, preferably the one that supports simultaneous use. You want to avoid combining their ports, so your setup doesn't lag.
If you use a laptop, you most likely won't have more than two video ports. Generally, it's usually impossible to run a three-screen setup on a laptop. To run a three-screen setup with a laptop, you will need additional hardware.
Get the Necessary Additional Hardware
If you have a computer that doesn't support the three-screen setup, all you need to do is get this list of additional hardware that helps you run three screens simultaneously.
Graphics Card
For a desktop, you will need to get a graphics card that allows for a three-screen setup. The graphics card you get must be compatible with your computer's motherboard. In doing this, you must consider the size of the graphics card, power requirements, and available PCI slot.
Laptop Screen Extender
To run a three-screen setup with a laptop, getting a laptop screen extender is best. This will allow you to easily convert your laptop into a three-screen setup. A great choice when it comes to a portable monitor for laptops is the Screen Laptop Extender.
Docking Station
A docking station offers several types of video ports such as HDMI ports and DisplayPort. This allows you to easily connect the additional monitors.
USB to HDMI Adapter
An alternative to the docking station is the USB to HDMI adapter. This allows you to plug an HDMI cable into one of your regular USB ports. Note, however, that the video quality is usually not as good.
External Multi-display Adapter
The external multi-display adapter allows you to extend the functionality of one port to service up to three ports. This is the most cost-effective way to power three displays simultaneously.
Necessary Cables
You must get all the cables required for your setup. You need the cables that match the ports you use.
Configure Your Display Settings
Once your additional displays are connected to your computer, you are good to go. However, you must first configure your display settings.
Windows Three-Screen Computer Settings
If you use a PC, the following steps will help you configure your Windows settings properly:
- Go to your desktop, right-click, and click on display settings. You should find diagrams of monitors with numbers on them.
- Identify your monitors by clicking on each one. The appropriate screen should show the number.
- If you cannot find any of your monitors, simply look for it by clicking on "Detect."
- If you are not pleased with the arrangement of the screens on your computer, you can rearrange it by dragging and dropping the screen.
- Next, click on multiple displays. You can extend your screen or duplicate your original computer or use different options for different screens.
Apple Three-Screen Computer Settings
Here's how to configure your computer settings if you use a Mac.
- Click the Apple icon and open your system preferences from the menu. Alternatively, you can use the icon on your dock to access it.
- Click on Displays
- Select arrangement. You can rearrange your displays to your taste.
- Leave the mirror displays option checked to mirror your screen or uncheck it to extend your screen. You can also choose to mirror on one screen and extend on the other
Update Your Drivers
If the drivers on your displays are not updated, your tri-screen setup might experience lag and black screens. The same goes for the drivers of your graphics card. As such, it is important you update your drivers. There are two ways to do this:
- You can manually download the latest update from your display and graphics card manufacturer's website. Ensure you download the proper version and that it is compatible with the version of the OS you use.
- Alternatively, you can automatically update them with a driver updater. This will simply scan for the drivers for your hardware and install them jointly or selectively, depending on your choice.
Conclusion
With the numerous benefits it offers, from increased productivity and easier multitasking to comfort and aesthetics, the three-screen setup is well worth it. Ensure you follow all the necessary steps in installing and configuring your setup or our best portable monitor.
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