How to Set Up 4 Monitors

Do you want to boost your productivity, gaming, or entertainment experience? Then consider setting up multiple monitors. 

With multiple monitors, you can open different windows on each screen, making it easy to reference different materials or multitask. Plus, it’s just cool to have four screens side-by-side! 

In this article, we’ll show you how to set up 4 monitors for the ultimate multi-screen experience. 

Keep reading to find out more. 

What Is a Quad Monitor Setup? 

A quad monitor setup is when you set up four monitors next to each other to create one giant display. This allows you to switch between the monitors to create a seamless experience where you can drag windows from one screen to another. 

The monitors can be placed side-by-side or above one another to create a letterbox setup. The letterbox setup is most commonly used for productivity and is also known as an Exhibition or Picture-in-Picture (PiP) setup. 

To have a quad monitor setup, you will need four monitors, enough space for each, and enough ports to connect them. 

However, to have a seamless display, the only requirement is for all four monitors to be the same size and resolution. 

How to Set Up 4 Monitors? 

To hook up four monitors, you’ll need to follow these steps.

Check if Your System Has Four Output Video Ports 

To check if your system can support a quad monitor setup, you’ll need to identify how many video output ports it has. The most common video ports are HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, and VGA. 

If your system has four of any combination of these ports, then it should be able to support four monitors.

If you’re unsure what types of video ports your system has, you can usually find this information in the specifications section of your computer’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. 

Alternatively, you can look for the port symbols on your computer itself. 

Once you know what types of ports your system has, research what kind of cables or adapters you’ll need to connect the four monitors. 

Enable Multiple Displays on BIOS 

BIOS stands for Basic Input Output System. It’s a firmware embedded on a small memory chip on the motherboard. Its main purpose is to load and start the operating system. 

The BIOS also provides an abstraction layer for the hardware, i.e., it allows the operating system to interact with the hardware without needing to know its low-level details.

If you’re unsure how to access your BIOS, consult the manual. Different computers use different methods to enter the BIOS, but the most common is to press a key during startup. The key differs depending on the manufacturer but is usually one of the following: F1, F2, F10, Esc, or Delete. 

Once you’ve accessed the BIOS, look for an option that says something like “Multiple Display,“Multi-Monitor,” or “Enable Dual Monitor.” If you don’t see these options, try looking under the “Video” or “Display” settings.

Once you’ve found the correct setting, use the arrow keys to navigate it. Select “Enabled” from the menu and then press enter. Don’t forget to save your changes before exiting the BIOS. 

Daisy Chain Your Monitors 

A daisy chain is a technique used to connect multiple devices in series. The term comes from the analogy of linking daisy flowers by their stems, creating a chain.

To daisy chain your monitors, you will need to have the following: 

  • DisplayPort cable;
  • DisplayPort 1.2 compatible monitor;
  • Graphics card that supports DisplayPort 1.2.

First, connect the DisplayPort cable from the graphics card’s DisplayPort output to the first monitor’s DisplayPort input. Then, connect the second monitor’s DisplayPort input to the first monitor’s DisplayPort output. Repeat this process for the third and fourth monitors. 

Once all of the monitors are connected, you will need to adjust the display settings. In Windows, go to Control Panel > All Control Panel Items > Display > Screen Resolution. Under “Multiple displays,” select “Extend these displays.” This will allow you to use all four monitors as one extended display. 

If you use a Mac computer, go to System Preferences > Displays. Click on the “Arrangement tab” and check the box next to “Mirror Displays.” This will allow you to use all four monitors as one extended display. 

Now that your monitors are set up, you can start using them! 

Manage Your Display Settings 

The first thing you want to do on your connected monitors is pick a primary display and arrange it in the order you want it to appear. To do this, go to your display settings and select the “Multiple Displays” drop-down menu. From there, choose the arrangement that best suits your needs. 

Next, set your primary display. This display will show your desktop icons and windows by default. To do this, go to your display settings and select the “Primary Display” drop-down menu. Select the display you want to be primary from the list. 

Use a Docking Station 

If you have a laptop with limited video ports, or if you want to connect multiple monitors without juggling multiple cables, consider using a docking station. Docking stations provide a convenient way to expand the capabilities of your laptop. Plus, they often come with additional features such as extra USB ports, Ethernet connections, and audio jacks. 

Why Is a Quad Monitor Setup Good for Gaming? 

If you love gaming, you may have considered getting a quad monitor setup, as it’s becoming quite popular. But before you spend a lot of money on this setup, you might want to know why a quad monitor setup is better than the mainstream dual monitor setup. Or why you should consider getting a multiple-monitor setup in the first place. 

There are two main reasons why a quad monitor setup is excellent for gaming. 

First, you’ll get a wider field of view. The quad monitor setup gives you a wider field of view than a dual monitor setup. This means you can see more of the game and better understand what is going on. 

Second, you’ll get better immersion. The quad monitor setup helps you immerse yourself in the game and feel like you are part of the action. 

Making the Most of Your Multi-Monitor Setup

Tips for Productivity 

If you’re looking to boost your productivity, there are a few things you can do to make the most of your multi-monitor setup. Here are a few tips. 

First, you can use one monitor for reference material and the other for active work. This will help you avoid distractions and keep your focus on the task at hand. Additionally, you can take advantage of screen space by using multiple monitors side-by-side (horizontal setup). This is especially useful if you often have to compare or reference two pieces of information simultaneously.

Second, you can separate your apps based on usage frequency. Keep your most-used applications open on one monitor and less-used apps on the others. This way, you can quickly access your needs without searching through multiple windows. 

Third, you can use different monitors for different types of tasks. For example, use one monitor for email and web browsing and another for document editing or video conferencing. This can help you stay organized and efficient.

Fourth, invest in a good quality stand or mount to hold your monitors in place – this will make it easier to adjust their positions and angles as needed and prevent them from taking up too much desk space. Another thing you can do is you can use monitor arms or stands to raise the monitors off your desk, which can help reduce neck and eye strain.

 

Finally, make sure your monitors are correctly calibrated so that colors are consistent across all of them – this will ensure that how you see things on one screen will be how you’ll see them on the others.

Tips for Gaming 

If you’re a gamer, you know that having multiple monitors can give you a serious advantage. So here are a few tips to help you make the most of your gaming setup. 

First, you can use one monitor for gameplay and the other for chat windows, maps, or additional information. This way, you can stay focused on the game while still being able to access important information. 

Second, mount your monitors side-by-side to create a more immersive gaming experience. This will reduce distractions and allow you to get into the game. 

Third, if your graphics card supports it, you can use multiple monitors to run different games at the same time – this is great for multitasking or if you want to be able to quickly switch between games without alt-tabbing out. Of course, this only works for less dynamic, turn-based games, or there’s a lot of waiting time. 

Fourth, invest in a good quality headset to hear audio cues from the game and communicate with the other players more clearly. 

A Few Words Before You Go… 

The bottom line is that having multiple monitors at your desk can help you stay more organized and productive. In addition, this will make your work easier and less stressful. 

Thanks to our guide, you can now hook up four monitors on your own. Simply follow our tips to experience all the benefits of having multiple monitors, whether for gaming or working purposes.

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