The results of an experiment conducted by Gaming Simplified compared the performance of using one monitor when gaming against using two monitors at the same time. This is the method that they used.
After starting Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor using Steam, they proceeded to execute the benchmark a total of eight times while simultaneously focusing on other responsibilities on the second monitor. They were testing the game on the highest settings possible using a resolution of 3440 by 1440 and an overclocked version of the Asus GTX 1080Ti. In the meantime, the resolution of the second monitor was 2560 pixels by 1440.
They played the game with the graphical settings set to Ultra, which increased the amount of work that the GPU had to complete. Because the graphics card that was used is among the most powerful currently available, it was of great assistance to us when we were performing the test. The resolution that was described earlier was being displayed on the second monitor, which was an Asus PB277. There were four distinct kinds of testing. Two separate times were used for each test. These are the results of the tests that were carried out:
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With the second monitor not connected to the graphics card
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Playing a full-screen YouTube video
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Viewing an article in Chrome
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Streaming on Twitch in full-screen
After that, Gaming Simplified took the average score from both of the benchmarks and utilized that to determine their own average. Although having only one item open on the second monitor while using Chrome resulted in very identical frame rates, not having a second monitor resulted in the highest frame rate, which may not come as much of a surprise. In essence, it will not make any difference to your frames whether you have a second display to read things or whether you do not have a second monitor.
When it comes to video, watching a video on YouTube in full screen results in a tiny decrease in the frame rate per second. Although the difference was only 5 frames, it was the greatest dip that was recorded, and things only grew worse when viewing a full-screen feed on Twitch.
This is a very intriguing question, and the response is just as intriguing as the question itself. When you are using a second monitor, the graphics processing unit (GPU) will be hard at work decoding the videos that you are watching. As a result, your frame rate may fluctuate as a result. When you are only watching a portion of a movie on YouTube while playing a video game, your graphics card is juggling multiple tasks at once, which causes the frame rate of your game to decrease.
If you are not using a graphics card that is as powerful as the one that was used in the test conducted by Gaming Simplified, then you may need to reduce the graphics settings of your game in order to achieve a frame rate that is comfortable and playable while still being able to perform the other task on your second monitor. When you do this, the performance of your games will improve, and you may do this even while watching videos on your second monitor.
If you are set on purchasing a second monitor to add to your gaming setup, there are a couple of things that you should keep in mind.
Screen Size
While some folks may not have a problem with running two monitors of different sizes, it is generally better to get two monitors that are the same size so that your experience is more balanced. Thus, you must consider the size of the additional monitor you will be purchasing.
When it comes to the refresh rate, the vast majority of gamers won't have any issues operating two monitors, each of which has a different resolution and even a different refresh rate. Just keep in mind that for the performance to be at its peak, the two displays that you are using will need to be properly aligned.
Computer Connectivity
Before you go out and purchase a second monitor, you need to be sure that the graphics card you already have installed is capable of enabling the use of multiple displays. If it just has one video port, you will need to purchase an additional graphics card or one that has two video ports in order to be able to connect a second monitor to your computer and use it.
On the other hand, it is extremely unusual for modern graphics cards to only have one video port. This is because the vast majority of modern personal computers come equipped with a minimum of two ports, allowing them to connect to a pair of displays. It is irrelevant what kind of connectors are in question; they could be HDMI, Type-C, DVI, VGA, or DisplayPort. Because of this, you might require an adapter if the kind of connector on your primary monitor is different from the type on your secondary monitor.
Bezel Width
Another thing that you should consider when purchasing a second monitor (or even your first monitor) is the width of its bezels. Very narrow bezels are basically designed to be used in dual-monitor setups, and when placed next to one another, two monitors that have slim bezels will offer an unobstructed, unobtrusive viewing experience.
Even if you already have a monitor that does not have thin bezels, adding another thin-bezel monitor may provide you with a better view.
You can take advantage of the benefits of multitasking while playing video games on your personal computer by connecting it to two displays. You are free to surf the internet, watch videos, or view supplementary content related to the game that you are presently playing, such as walkthroughs and tutorials, on the additional screen that is at your disposal.
If you intend to stream on a service such as Twitch, then having at least two monitors is practically crucial to your workflow. This way, you'll be able to play the game on one of your monitors while simultaneously using the tools necessary to stream it on the other. You'll also be able to read the chat and swiftly answer to your audience in real time.
Running the same game on both displays at the same time provides another advantage in that it makes for a more immersive gaming experience. If you are a lover of racing games, rather than purchasing a single curved display, you should think about setting up a dual-monitor arrangement.
Final Thoughts
Does having a second monitor impact the performance of the computer during gaming? As can be seen, there are a great deal of advantages to having this configuration. At the end of the day, though, it all boils down to your individual choices, requirements, and the games you are playing.
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