Quad Gaming

Quad Gaming is what PC gamer's dream of, but not always achieve, due to time and money constraints.

Aim:

To install 4 monitors in a 1 x 3 configuration (1 over 3). Allowing for Triple monitor gaming, whilst having 1 dedicated monitor for browsing the web or watching movies.

Apparatus:

Quad Mount - Ergotech 100-D28-B13

($566)

Monitors - 4 x LG IPS234V-PN

($700)

Method:

Attach each monitor to the monitor adjustable swivel mounting module, then clip the adjustable swivel mounting module to the monitor mounting stand arm. Align monitors and use software to adjust bezel between monitors to allow for a seamless viewing experience.

Theory:

The Quad (3 x 1) configuration will allow for triple monitor gaming, whilst allowing for flexibility, allowing 1 monitor for dedicated web browsing/watching videos. using IPS display allow for a more acute angle whilst retaining video/picture quality.

Results:

N/A

Calculations:

N/A

Conclusion:

I have finally configured (1 x 3). the experience I am receiving is fantastic, the acute angles allow for a more enclosed and surround experience, allowing games to feel more vibrant and intense. The cost for this experience is worth it.

I am using Windows 8 and I have metro UI running on the below 3 monitors whilst still able to view/access the desktop on the top monitor.

The downside I have come across since setting up is, you need to define your primary monitor either the eyefinity (3 monitors) or the top monitor (extended) the issue is to play games with eyefinity, the bottom monitors need to be primary, which makes it awkward when loading up programs for the first time as they choose that display over the extended display. aside from that issue, this is a brilliant design.

see below for a current picture of the setup.

Custom Computer - Upgrade

One year and three months after my post for Custom Computer. It is time for an upgrade.

Aim:

To upgrade my computer so that I can run Quad monitors for gaming, 1 x 3 monitor configuration.

Apparatus:

Hard drive - Samsung 840 Series 250GB SSD

($209)

RAM - G.Skill Ripjaws X F3-12800CL10Q-32GBXL 32GB (4x8GB) DDR3

($199)

Video Card - ASUS Radeon HD7970 DirectCU II 3GB

($459)

Method:

Install the Hard drive, keeping the 500GB 7200RPM as a secondary, replace the RAM (2x4GB) as there are only 4 slots in the motherboard, replace the video card and sell to recuperate some of the cost.

Theory:

With the new video card which supports up to 6 monitors, this will allow for the Quad configuration I am after, the more RAM will allow for more programs to be open on multi screens without degraded computer quality.

Results:

N/A

Calculations:

N/A

Conclusion:

Although most games/programs do not support multi monitor gaming with eyefinity technology from AMD, the few games that do will look amazing. This technology is becoming more developed as the technology becomes cheaper. the cost/performance upgrade will be worth the experience I am after.

The only regret is that I have chosen a video card that supports displayport which means connectors are needed and can be a bit more costly. also that it is 3 x PCI slots in height, so you can only have 2 or max 3 of these for SLI/CROSSFIRE as opposed to a 2 height card having a maximum of 4 in SLI/CROSSFIRE.