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How To Use A Secondary Monitor While Gaming

ByTony Monzon
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Do you love gaming but have to share your computer with others in your household?

Do you want to be able to play your favorite games on a bigger screen without having to purchase an expensive gaming laptop or desktop?

If so, then using a secondary monitor while gaming on the primary is your solution!

In this blog post, we will teach you how to set up your computer and game controllers so that you can use two monitors while playing.

What Is A Secondary Monitor, And Why Would You Want One For Gaming?

A secondary monitor is an extra display that can be used in addition to your primary monitor.

It’s typically used to increase productivity by giving you more screen real estate to work with. For example, you could have your email open on one screen and your word processor on the other.

Or you could have a web browser open on one screen and a spreadsheet on the other.

Secondary monitors can also be used for gaming. Many gamers appreciate the added immersion that a second display provides.

For example, you could use one screen for the game and another for maps, chat windows, and inventory screens. Some gamers even use three or four monitors at once!

Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing A Secondary Monitor For Gaming

Multiple gaming monitors

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a secondary monitor for gaming:

  • Resolution: A higher resolution monitor will give you a sharper image, making it easier to spot enemy movements and react quickly.
  • Refresh rate: A higher refresh rate means that the image on your screen will update more frequently, reducing lag and ensuring that you see every frame of the action.
  • Size: A larger monitor will give you a wider field of view, but it can also be more difficult to fit multiple monitors on your desk.
  • Connectivity: Ensure your monitor has the correct ports for connecting to your computer or gaming console.

How To Set Up A Secondary Monitor For Gaming

Setting up a second monitor can be tricky, especially if you’re unsure where to start. Here’s a quick guide on how to set up a secondary monitor for gaming:

  • You’ll need to find a spot for your second monitor. If possible, try to put it at eye level, so you don’t have to strain your neck to see it.
  • Once you’ve found the perfect spot, it’s time to connect your second monitor to your PC. Most monitors will use HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort cables.
  • Once your monitor is connected, open up your graphics control panel (typically NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Catalyst Control Center) and head to the “Display” tab. From here, you should be able to enable or disable your second monitor.
  • Open up your game of choice and enjoy the extra screen space! You may need to adjust some in-game settings to get the best experience. For example, you may need to disable v-sync or lower your resolution.

The Benefits Of Using A Secondary Monitor While Gaming

Most gamers know the importance of having a good monitor. After all, the quality of your display can significantly impact your gaming experience. But what about using a second monitor? Is it worth the investment?

Here are just a few reasons why you might want to consider using a secondary monitor while gaming:

1. More Screen Real Estate:

A secondary monitor gives you more space to keep track of important information while gaming.

Whether checking your map in an MMO or keeping an eye on chat during a first-person shooter, having an extra display can be a real asset.

2. Improved multitasking:

A second monitor can also be helpful if you want to multitask while gaming. For example, you could use one screen for gaming and the other for browsing the web or watching a stream.

Just be sure not to take your eyes off the game for too long!

3. More Immersive Experiences:

Some games are designed to be played with multiple monitors. This can create a more immersive experience, giving you a wider field of view.

If you’re looking for a truly immersive gaming experience, a secondary monitor could be the way to go.

4. Increased Productivity:

A second monitor can also be helpful if you want to be productive while gaming. For example, you could have a document or spreadsheet open on one screen while you play on the other.

This can be helpful if you’re taking breaks between games or need to work in-between matches.

Games That Work Best With A Secondary Monitor

While most people consider using a second monitor for work-related purposes, some games take advantage of the extra screen real estate. Here are just a few examples:

  • First-person shooters: Games like Halo and Call of Duty benefit from the added field of view, giving players a better chance to spot enemies before they’re in shooting-range.
  • Real-time strategy games: The additional space can display game information, such as a playing field map or available resources.
  • RPG: Many role-playing games involve managing inventory, and a second monitor can be used to display items and equipment. This frees up the primary screen for other game elements, such as character stats or dialogue.
  • Racing games: A secondary monitor can display a race track map, providing valuable information for making strategic decisions on when to make pit stops or attempt passing maneuvers.

With the straight game, a second monitor can enhance the playing experience and give gamers an edge over their opponents.

So if you’ve been thinking about adding a second display to your setup, consider one of these titles to get the most out of your investment.

How To Customize Your Gaming Experience With A Secondary Monitor

A kid playing games on gaming monitors.

A secondary monitor can be a great way to add more immersion to your gaming experience by providing additional information and visuals.

Here are four ways to customize your gaming experience with a secondary monitor:

1. Use an app like Streamlabs OBS to display a real-time overlay of your game stats, incoming messages, and other information.

2. Use a second monitor to display a game world map. This can be especially helpful in open-world games where it can be easy to get lost.

3. Use a second monitor to display a companion app like Discord or Teamspeak. This way, you can easily stay in touch with fellow gamers without Alt+Tabbing out of your game.

4. Use a second monitor to extend your desktop so that you can have different applications open simultaneously. This can be useful for keeping an eye on chat programs or web browsers while gaming.

Troubleshooting Tips If You Have Problems Using A Secondary Monitor While Gaming

Many gamers use a second monitor while playing, but sometimes the game doesn’t display correctly on the second screen.

If you’re having trouble using a secondary monitor while gaming, here are some troubleshooting tips:

  • Make sure both monitors are turned on and set to the correct input.
  • Check your cable connections to make sure they’re secure.
  • If using an HDMI splitter, ensure it’s plugged in correctly.
  • If you’re using a DVI to HDMI adapter, ensure it’s plugged in correctly and that the DVI end is connected to the graphics card.
  • If you’re still having trouble, try updating your graphics drivers.

Conclusion

With creativity, a secondary monitor can be a great way to take your gaming setup to the next level.

So if you’re looking for ways to enhance your gaming experience, give some of these ideas a try. You might find that you can’t game without a second monitor!

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