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Dual monitors - Are they worth it?

post #1 of 28
Thread Starter 
Will I be able to game on only one monitor?

And what are the benefits of two monitors?
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post #2 of 28
multi-tasking capabilities. but you cant game on two it wouldnt work well cause the centering would suck. so you would be happy with multitasking but gaming no go
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post #3 of 28
I have 3. They are different so I don't use them to game but it is incredibly useful for a long of things. I honestly don't know how I got by with just one. It is handy for me because when I type papers sometimes I need notes and other references open on full screens at the same time, or when I need multiple browsers windows open or just have two many tabs for one monitor. When I was gaming I used to leave aida64 on one monitor. I like using it with Photoshop because I can have tools and layers on one monitor and have the full screen workspace on the other.
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post #4 of 28
If you are a RTS gamer, there are games(Starcraft II) that don't support multi-montior surrond because it gives a unfair advantage in MP play(as you see more of the map). If you are playing FPS or other game that support it or need to multitask, they are useful in that scenario.
     
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post #5 of 28
I make constant use of multiple monitors, only disable them for "serious" gaming. The amount of productivity I can gain by having that much more screen space is worth a lot more than the price of the monitor. It depends on what you do, though.
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post #6 of 28
I also have three and don't game on them. I did try it but I really didn't like it.

I use them for a whole lot of tasks. I For example, I like to have Steam, chat windows, Teamspeak/vent open on one, game in the middle and use the right hand side one for web browsing, youtube, programs any windows that I may be using at that time.

I don't struggle when using a single screen but I do feel a little squashed and constantly have to switch windows all the time. It's by no means a necessity for me but I do enjoy the extra screen real estate. I would say if it's just going to be for the fun of it, make it one of your last upgrades but if it will increase your productivity for work use or something similar then go for it!
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post #7 of 28
Pretty much what everyone has said so far.

It is one of those things....once you try it...you will never want to go back. They can be useful for everyday tasks.....working with programs like Premiere Pro...After Effects....it's a completely night and day difference.

If you can afford it and make use of your system enough; I'd say give it a try thumb.gif
 
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Murc
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post #8 of 28
Like jtheby said if you do Video editing, coding or many other creating tasks,
Having two screens is fantastic and you will never want to go back
post #9 of 28
Thread Starter 
I wouldn't want to game on more than one monitor. What if I'm playing on one monitor and scroll the other side of the screen where the second monitor is? Will the cursor move over, and what if it's an FPS, how will that work out? How would you do stuff with the second monitor while gaming on the first? Also, will I have to disable the second one every time I want to play? That would be annoying. Could I perhaps assign a button on a keyboard to switch monitor control?


My monitor is asus VG236h. What would be a good cheap monitor to use as a second? Would you advise against getting a monitor of a different size?
Edited by Nebster - 10/14/12 at 5:26pm
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G.SKILL 8GB Ripjaws X DDR3 1600MHz Corsair Force 3 120GB WD Caviar Black 1TB WD Caviar Green 2TB 
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post #10 of 28
3 is a bit overkill - and im the type of guy that has DOZENS of tabs open in Chrome. Even when being productive - Visual Studio, SQL Management Studio, E-mail, IM, Internet, iTunes, etc - 3 monitors isnt that much better than 2.

But 2 over 1 is pretty good.
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