multi monitor setups

[thenewoc]

As the psu on my DGM monitor has finally died I'm considering options for a monitor upgrade...

I've not had multi monitor before except for at work when i had 2 plus laptop but i would prefer 3 monitors if going down this route at home and have a few questions... These would be for business applications, programming etc plus some gaming.

1. As the monitors on each side would be angled, should I primarily be looking at IPS panels?

2. I'm used to a 27" 1440p panel at present but is 3 x 27" monitors overkill? I'm just trying to imagine 3 more of the one I have in front of me. Therefore is 24" 1440p a better option, would that involve black bars on the screens or would the 1440p image fill the screens without it looking stretched?

3. Is 3 x 1440p overkill?

4. How important is 144Hz? If IPS is more important because of the viewing angles would 75Hz still be decent for gaming?

I'd be looking to go for one monitor initially and buy two more later in the year when I can do a new pc build.

Your thoughts please...

 

[bremen1874]

1. I'd say so. I'd always use IPS panels anyway.

2. Run matched monitors for the best experience. I'd only use 24" displays if you don't have room for something larger. 27" at 1440p is a nice combination to work on. Not sure what you're on about with black bars.

3. I wouldn't say so.

4. No idea, I don't really play games.

If you're buying monitors at different times don't leave it too long if you want them to physically match. Also, be aware that getting three displays to properly colour match without a calibrator can be tricky. Having monitors of different ages and from different batches isn't going to make life any easier.

 

[Double07]

1. It depends on if you care about the centre monitor being a 'bells and whistles' gaming monitor like a 144Hz TN panel. If you have 3 TN panels to match them then of course the 2 side panels will be at an angle and this could be an issue with viewing angles but not a given with good enough monitors.
2. Its best to run 3 matched displays, and if you want to run 3x displays in gaming then again its an advantage to have them be matched panels. If its purely for 1 panel in centre for gaming and 2 side panels for productivitiy its less of an issue and probably more down to looks/personal preference.
3. For productivity? Absolutely not, its great. For gaming on 1 panel its not an issue and is great, but 3x 1440p as one panel for gaming you would need some serious GPU grunt yo drive that.
4. 144Hz is great for twitch shooters and the like, but if this isnt a primary concern then gaming at 75Hz (which I do, also at 1440p) is absolutely great.

I have mismatched monitors as I bought them at different times, but this is fine for me as I use the other monitor(s) for other stuff, not gaming as a single panel. If you have the space then 27" monitors wouldnt be overkill, its a nice size @ 1440p for gaming and productivity.

 

[thenewoc]

thanks @bremen1874 @Double07

Giving it some more thought but yes I was thinking three of the same model that's why I was wondering if 3 x 1920 is enough real estate compared to a single 2560. The advantage I guess with 3 x 1440 is it gives you the option of also just using the middle one to game on if you want the two sides for productivity, that leans me towards 3 x 27". I think 75Hz is part of the sweet spot since the prices jump so much for 144Hz IPS and I feel as though those are expensive considering I've not seen any with Freesync 2.

When you say matched monitors do you just mean the same make and models? I guess i'll put a note on the order to explain they're all to be used together as one display.

If I go 3 x 1440 would a Radeon 7 be sufficient or would I need multiple GPU's? I'm also waiting to see what Navi and the rumoured special edition ones to come later are going to be like.


My short list so far, need to have another look at the 27" ones, not many here so far as I've also been considering the bezel sizes...

1080 IPS
75Hz DP Freesync

Acer Nitro VG240Ybmipcx (UM.QV0EE.004) 23.8" 1ms response time


1080 TN
75Hz DP Freesync

Iiyama G-Master G2530HSU-B1 24.5" Full HD


1440 IPS
75Hz DP Freesync

Acer Nitro VG240YU (UM.QV0EE.007) 23.8" 1ms response time
Acer Nitro VG270U (UM.HV0EE.007) 27" 1ms response time


144Hz DP Freesync

Acer Nitro VG270UP Pbmiipx 27" 1ms response time

Acer Nitro VG271UP Pbmiipx 27" same as following but with tilt only stand
Acer Nitro XV272U 27"

Acer XF270HUAbmiidprzx 27" 4ms response time


I'm stopping well short of listing any that are as much as the Gigabyte Aorus AD27QD as buying three gets expensive. I think one of the Acer's above also uses the same Innolux panel but have some more research to do on that.