Best triple monitor setup in 2024 and how to set up 3 monitors

Let's take your gaming setup to the next level with a 3 monitor setup

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Despite gaming monitors now bigger and better than ever, there is still high demand for great 3 monitor setups amongst both productivity and gaming users. That’s why we’ve put together this best 3 monitor setup guide to help you find the right display(s) for you while explaining just how to set up 3 monitors. For many, a 3 monitor setup is the perfect way to improve their gaming and productivity experience. However, going from a single monitor to a triple monitor setup can be more difficult than you first thought. Luckily, we’ve got a ton of experience when it comes to multi-screen configurations, so we can explain everything you need to know about triple monitor setups. We’ll make sure to keep this page updated whenever better monitors come along!

Three monitor setups have been growing in popularity over the years, with many of the best racing sim setups utilizing a 3 monitor setup. It isn’t all about gaming, though. Twitch streamers, multitaskers, and everyday users will all find benefits in using more than one monitor – effectively tripling the amount of desktop real estate they previously had. Even more than what the current best ultrawide monitors can offer. If you’ve got no time to waste, we’d recommend the ASUS VG279QM or Acer B287K as 1080p and 4K options, respectively.

Today’s best monitor deals

Everything said, we’re here to discuss everything you need to know when it comes to a 3-monitor setup. We’ll be explaining how to construct a triple monitor setup, what monitors are great for multi-screen usage, comparing 3 monitor setups to dual monitor setups, and more in this simple guide.

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What is a 3-monitor setup?

A three-monitor setup is a computer setup in which three monitors are used at the same time. In 3 monitor setups, the monitors in question can be oriented in any formation, attached by HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, DVI, or USB-C / Thunderbolt 3.

As you can imagine, a three monitor setup can be incredibly versatile. Whether you’re into gaming, content consumption, productivity, or editing, most people can find benefits from using a triple monitor setup. They’re particularly handy for individuals who like to have numerous tabs and processes running at the same time, allowing them to maintain high levels of productivity on a 2nd or 3rd screen.

For gaming, the racing sim is arguably the most common use case for a 3 monitor setup. Many games support a multi-screen setup, though, allowing you to experience your virtual world from a completely different angle.

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Triple monitor setup vs dual monitor setup

So, do you go dual monitor setup or three monitor setup? Of course, the three monitor setup is much more versatile than the dual as it comes equipped with an additional 24 inches (minimum) of screen real estate. However, you may not need that additional workspace.

If you feel you can be more productive with a dual monitor setup, you will save yourself a few bucks in the process. Of course, if you’re only getting two monitors, you’ll be able to splash out on slightly more premium options – allowing you to get a better experience on a monitor-by-monitor basis.

Furthermore, two monitors only require two input cables from the GPU. Let’s not forget that not every GPU offers three video inputs – meaning you may actually be limited to a dual monitor setup.

Best 3 monitor setup for gaming: ASUS VG279QM

ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM

Size

27″

Refresh Rate

280Hz

Response Time

1ms

Panel

IPS

Maximum Resolution

1920 x 1080

How We Review

Hands-on Review

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Pros

• Large 27″ screen size for this resolution
• IPS panel offers wide viewing angle
• 280Hz refresh rate & 1ms response time perfect for gaming
• Good value for money

Cons

• Average 1080p resolution

If you’re interested in a more versatile multi-monitor setup, you’re probably wondering what the best monitors are for that job. We’re going to start off with the best triple monitor setup for gaming. The ASUS VG279QM offers good value for money and top-notch gaming performance for your triple monitor setup. It offers a high 280Hz refresh rate, low 1ms response time, and IPS panel technology. All of this together makes it an ideal choice for a trio of 1080p displays that perform brilliantly. See our ASUS VG279QM review for more info!

If you’re going to be buying a total of three fresh monitors, then this is a decent choice if you want to save some cash, as it offers solid value for money, but not the very best. As an alternative, you can opt for the cheaper VG279Q, which features great gaming specs of its own such as a 144Hz refresh rate.

Best 3 monitor setup for work: Acer B287K

Acer B287K Monitor

Refresh Rate

60Hz

Response Time

4ms

Screen size

28″

Resolution

3840 x 2160

How We Review

Hands-on Review

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Pros

• High-fidelity 4K screen resolution
• Large 28″ screen size
• Ideal for work & productivity
• IPS panel for great colors and wide viewing angle

Cons

• 60Hz refresh rate & 4ms response time sub-par for gaming

Fortunately, we have a lot of experience when it comes to monitors, allowing us to recommend displays for all scenarios. This time, we can take a look at the best for work and general productivity – we’re jumping up to 4K with this display.

The Acer B287K is a great monitor for a dual/triple monitor setup. It offers good coverage of the sRGB spectrum, decent colors right out of the box, and an sRGB emulation preset that is incredibly accurate. While it only has a 4ms response time and low 60Hz refresh rate, it does bring a 4K resolution to the party. See our Acer B287K monitor review here.

Best value 3 monitor setup: Acer SB242Y EBI

Acer SB242Y EBI

Screen Size

23.8″

Refresh Rate

100Hz

Response Time

1ms

Panel Type

IPS

Resolution

1920 x 1080

How We Review

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Pros

• 100Hz refresh rate is excellent for this price tag
• Wide viewing angle thanks to IPS panel
• Borderless design ideal for 3 monitor setup
• 1ms response time minimizes ghosting

Cons

• Smaller screen size

Buying up to three monitors is obviously going to come at an expense. If you want a great triple monitor setup all with the same monitor, and you want to save some pennies, then a budget monitor could be a great option for you. You’re not getting the very best gaming performance or highest resolution here, though.

The Acer SB242Y EBI is a budget monitor that, despite its price tag, still ticks a lot of the right boxes. It may not be as big as the previous two mentions at just 23.8″. However, it still provides enough screen real estate when it comes to a 3-monitor setup. It features an IPS panel, low 1ms response time, and 1080p screen resolution – not a bad combination of specifications for everyday use. The 100Hz refresh rate is more than welcome for a cheap display like this, too, much higher than your basic 60Hz.

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How to set up 3 monitors on one computer

If you’re all in on an 3 monitor setup, let’s take a closer look at how to set one up. Luckily, the process of setting up 3 monitors on your computer is incredibly easy. However, there are some preliminary checks you need to do.

Step

1

Check your GPU for video inputs

One of the first things you need to do before, well, even buying the monitors is to check whether your GPU can accommodate a triple monitor setup.

Check the rear of your GPU to see if it has three inputs available. If it does, then we’re off to the races.

Step

2

Make sure you have enough cables

The next thing you need to do is ensure you have all the relevant cables for your new setup. You’ll need to match your cables with the inputs found at the rear of your GPU – as not all GPUs offer three HDMI or DisplayPort options.

Instead, you’ll often find each GPU with a mix of inputs (HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, DVI).

Step

3

Check for available plug sockets

Again, while this might sound basic, it’s something people often overlook. Make sure you have all the available plug sockets before starting.

Step

4

Start connecting your monitors to the GPU

If you have all the available cables, inputs, and sockets, start connecting your displays to the GPU at the back of your PC, usually with HDMI or DisplayPort cables.

At this stage, it might be worth labelling (sticky label) each cable with numbers so you can easily determine which cable goes to which monitor.

While this might sound stupid, it does help if you need to change monitors, cables, or are just reorganising your setup.

Step

5

Switch on each monitor and make sure they’re registering with the PC

At this stage, each monitor should turn on and display either a black screen or your desktop background. If your monitor’s standby light isn’t active or you see the monitor cycling through the display inputs, chances are, it isn’t being recognized by the PC.

If this happens, you may have to skip to the next step and try to manually get the monitor to register. Of course, a monitor not working with a PC is fairly slim, so I wouldn’t worry a great deal.

Step

6

Configure your 3 monitor setup in Windows Display Settings

At this stage, you’ll want to head into your Windows Display Settings (Right-click desktop and select if from the options) to configure them properly. Unless you’re lucky, you’ll often find that the orientation of the monitors is out.

For example, the monitor on the far left has actually been assigned the centre position – and so forth.

Inside Windows Display Settings you’ll be able to drag and drop the monitors into the correct orientation.

If you don’t know which monitor is which, simply ‘Identify‘ the monitors by pressing the ‘Identify’ button underneath the screen configuration section of Windows Display settings.

Step

7

Save your monitor configuration settings and you’re finished

You can apply the settings at the bottom of the window. If it asks you to confirm the settings, simply confirm them by selecting ‘Keep changes’ before the timer expires.

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3 monitor setup: best practices

For anyone looking to make a 3 monitor setup, here are our quick dos and don’ts to ensure you get the absolute best experience.

• Get the same monitor: While possible, we would not recommend using three different monitors in a 3 monitor setup. Some resolution problems can occur, and the general experience in day-to-day usage is less desirable.
• Try to use the same resolution: This ties in with the above point, but using different resolutions across a number of monitors can result in some pretty annoying screen artifacts.
• Make sure your hardware can handle a 3-monitor setup: This seems obvious, but ensuring your GPU can accommodate 3 monitors is one of the first things you should do. Make sure you have the available ports before purchasing what could be an expensive setup.

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Best 3 monitor setup video

Best 3 monitor setup FAQs

Are 3 monitor setups worth it?

That all depends on what you plan to do when you’re on your PC. If you’re the sort of person that likes to play competitive games but does a little bit of work on the side, chances are you probably won’t reap the full rewards of a triple monitor setup. That said, for individuals that use Twitch, a triple monitor setup can be extremely versatile.

Popular streamers will use 2 or even 3 monitors to ensure they’re not only interacting with their audience but also allowing them the freedom to seamlessly flick between their streaming software and other applications. Having a dedicated third monitor for your Twitch chat is also incredibly handy as it means you can interact with a larger percentage of your audience.

Twitch streaming aside, a 3 monitor setup is also great for productivity users and traders. If you’re looking to keep a keen eye on a number of different stocks or currencies, the best way of doing so might be with several screens. Some people love having Bitcoin prices visible at all times – especially when you consider the volatility of cryptocurrency.

Below we have listed the most common scenarios which would benefit from a three monitor setup:

• Racing simulator/gamer
• Trader
• Video/photo editor
• Productivity user
• Individual working within social media
• Twitch Streamer
• Journalist

Is there a size limit to three monitor setups?

Strictly speaking, no – you can theoretically use any monitor as part of a 3 monitor setup. That being said, with 4K monitors now offering up high refresh rates, not all GPUs will be able to accommodate a large 3 monitor setup. For many, the perfect specifications for a 3 monitor setup seem to be 24-27 inches per panel, with a 144Hz refresh rate across the three.

Is a 3 monitor setup better than ultrawide?

3 monitor setups have plenty of benefits, even over something like an ultrawide monitor. While you will have to deal with bezels in between displays (unlike an ultrawide), triple monitors offer even more screen space which can be configured to your liking – whether that’s vertical, horizontal, or a mix of both. This makes a 3 monitor setup more versatile, though you will have to deal with more cable management while making sure you have enough ports.

Is a 3 monitor setup expensive?

That all depends on the monitors you plan to use. There are plenty of smaller, budget-tailored 24 inch monitors that are great for triple monitor setups. You don’t have to get the best gaming monitors for a multi-screen configuration – you can use something much less premium.

That said, if you want a great gaming experience, you will have to prioritize high refresh rates and low response times. This way you won’t be riddled with screen artifacts like tear and smearing.

Overall, you can create a 3 monitor setup for any budget. If you want the cheapest possible setup and don’t prioritize gaming, you can grab yourself three budget 60hz monitors and away you go. However, if you plan on gaming quite regularly, you will likely have to pay a premium for atleast one of the screens in your setup.

Final word

So, there you have it, our comprehensive guide to 3 monitor setups. Hopefully, we’ve explained everything you need to know if you are considering upgrading your current gaming setup. Whether you’re looking for the best panel to triple-up on or just need some help setting everything up correctly, we hope we’ve been some valuable help!