Dual vs Ultrawide Monitors

RoadRippa

RoadRippa

RoadRippa

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Joined
28 Aug 2014
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Hi all,

Recently assembled an all new system (including a new GPU, not quite sure how I managed that one! :eek:) and inevitably, the upgrade itch is still with me so will be looking at upgrading my screens and some point in the near future.

What are people's thoughts on dual vs ultrawide monitors? I'd be using the monitor(s) for work (although with a work laptop and docking station) and would game on them with my personal PC as well as general browsing, etc.

Thanks! :)
 
I'd say Ultrawide over dual, but it'll depends on your personal scenario.
As I mostly game, the Ultrawide is a better option.
 
Depends on what you need for work as well.

I’m lucky that I have the best of both worlds.

Dual monitors for work and an ultrawide for gaming.

32” AOC C32G1 + a Dell 24”
MSI MPG341 CQR

For me I could work on an Ultrawide 90% of the time and if I was restricted on space I would go for a single ultrawide

PFA

hggwWl5.jpg
 
I have an UW myself which is my personal recommendation. Although I have had dual displays in the past I much prefer the tidier look and aesthetic of a single larger monitor than two monitors.
Plus as mentioned above, for gaming an UW is an excellent addition. I also use mine for working/productivity.
 
Definitely UW. Easier, looks better, big enough for 95% of work uses and sublime for gaming.

A lot of ultrawides, like LG’s come with screen split software, which lets you easily set the screen up as you wish. For example, 2 columns like a dual monitor setup, or even 4 smaller windows in each corner. As soon as you drag windows into these sections they auto snap to it.
 
Had both, recently moved to single 38” UW and would not go back to dual setup. Cleaner look and just better in every way IMHO

That said you do need more GPU power if you want to game at high res so cost is overall much higher.
 
robfosters said:
Just get a 34. I thought it would be too big, but because of the format, it doesn’t seem half as big as you think.
Click to expand...
It just won't fit in the space I have available unfortunately.
Max width I can use is about 74cm before I start intruding onto my wife's desk space, and there really isn't anywhere else it could go.
20210610_084944.jpg
 
PurePickage said:
Depends on what you need for work as well.

I’m lucky that I have the best of both worlds.

Dual monitors for work and an ultrawide for gaming.

32” AOC C32G1 + a Dell 24”
MSI MPG341 CQR

For me I could work on an Ultrawide 90% of the time and if I was restricted on space I would go for a single ultrawide

PFA
Click to expand...
That setup is epic! Any reason you don't have everything on the one desk and switch sources?

Anyway, after playing on my brothers Dell 34" 144hz UW I can say without a shadow of a doubt it will be the first thing i'll buy if I can ever get a GPU. Feels much more immersive and just a nicer experience, looks 10x better than the 2x27's that it replaced too. Much cleaner setup overall.
 
CvrPaddyCvr said:
That setup is epic! Any reason you don't have everything on the one desk and switch sources?

Anyway, after playing on my brothers Dell 34" 144hz UW I can say without a shadow of a doubt it will be the first thing i'll buy if I can ever get a GPU. Feels much more immersive and just a nicer experience, looks 10x better than the 2x27's that it replaced too. Much cleaner setup overall.
Click to expand...


Thanks mate appreciate it. I did try just working on one desk but it’s nice to split work and play. Plus there are some times with work where having the second portrait monitor is invaluable
 
Space dependant but I still found a 2nd monitor beside my 34" UW was useful on occasion. Both are mounted on VESA arms. Main monitor is wall mounted to declutter the desk and allow space for a sound bar and headphone DAC. 2nd monitor is a desk clamped VESA arm which means most of the time it's pushed back put of the way.
 
Minor necro, but needed to share.
I now have wife approval for a bigger monitor.
We were randomly talking about what we would like to do if we had the money and I mentioned converting the loft for a hobby space and that I would get a bigger monitor. She asked why I didn't get a bigger one now and as she doesn't use the whole of her desk, she is fine with a little overlap.
Just need to decide on and save for a nice 34 incher :)
 
Second necro and slight derailing, but I'm looking for a monitor setup to replace my current 1080p 27" 16:9. Will use it mainly for work but also some gaming. Need 1440p for sure, and 144Hz ideally too. I'm OK with VA panel.

I've considered the following:

  • Buy a second 27" ~ £230 [624 square inches total]
  • Ultrawide 34" ~ £350 [419 square inches]
  • Regular 32" ~ £260 [438 square inches]

First option is easy to discard as wife has said she'll happily use my current monitor (we're moving into a house with a home office finally), and a single monitor just appeals for being a neater solution.

I like the idea of an ultrawide, but I don't love the fact that you actually get less square inches than an equivalent 16:9, yet pay more. A 32" 16:9 is 438sqi, whereas a 34" 21:9 is 419sqi.

And if you managed to put black bars on a 32" 16:9 to turn it into a 21:9 aspect ratio, it's still actually the equivalent of a 30.2" panel.

Is there anything I'm missing?
 
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