Multi Monitor Mount - How to set up a Quad Monitor Stand

Using a quad monitor stand is a great way to increase your productivity. Having more screen space available allows you to view large amounts of data and work with multiple applications simultaneously. Multiple monitors can allow you to use your computer move effectively by taking advantage of all those cores your CPU has to offer.

You can also save a substantial amount of money by combining smaller monitors instead of using one large display. A single 30 inch monitor can easily cost anywhere from $1200 to $2000. Instead you can purchase four 20 inch monitors and join them to create a display that is less expensive and more versatile. Monitor stands also allow you to slightly curve the displays to create a more ergonomic viewing angle. If you spend a good part of your day staring at a computer monitor you want to reduce eye strain as much as possible.

Who can benefit from a multi-monitor display?

• Gamers
• Multitaskers
• Stock Traders
• Publishers / Editors
• Graphics Designers
  

When choosing a monitor stand you want one that is strong, sturdy, and high quality. After all this stand is going to hold several hundred dollars worth of displays so you don't want one that might collapse.

There are several different vendors that sell monitor stands but I highly recommend Ergotron stands. Ergotron has a reputation for producing very high quality monitor stands that will last for years. Built using steel and aluminum Ergotron stands are designed to be very stable and won't tip over.

In this hub we'll be taking a look at the DS100 quad mount but Ergotron offers a plethora of different multi-monitor stand and mount options. So if a quad stand isn't what you're looking for you might want to check out a dual, or triple monitor stand.

Before you purchase a monitor stand you should make sure your monitor has a compatible mounting system. Most monitors and stands use the VESA mounting standard. In order install a monitor on a different mount it must be removable from the factory stand. Remove your monitor from its stand and look for a pattern of four screw holes.

The typical spacing between the holes is 100mm, or 75mm. Compare the mounting holes to the specifications of the stand you are looking at purchasing to see if they match up. Most Ergotron stands include adapters that can be used for adapting most monitors to fit their stand.

It you want your computer to run several monitors you also need to make sure you have enough ports on your video card to connect them. Most modern PC's have support for two video cards but some still only provide one video output. The good news is the monitors do not have to be connected to the same card. For example you could install two dual port video cards in your computer to connect four monitors.

If you plan on connecting more than four displays you might considering using quad port video cards. These cards can support four monitors while only taking up a single PCIe slot in your machine.

You can mix video cards from different manufactures such as ATI and NVidia but it's best to use cards from the same company when possible. Sometimes using more than one driver will cause issues to occur.

Ergotron provides everything you need to assemble their monitor stands in the box so all you need is a flat working surface to work on. You may need a phillips screwdriver to remove the base from your monitors.

Step 1 - Secure the pole to the base

Once the pole is in place tighten the two hex head screws using the included allen wrench

Step 2 - Place both arms on the pole

Place both of the arms on the pole and tighen the bolt to secure it. For now just estimate the approximate height the arms should be at.

Step 3 - Secure the brackets to the back of the monitors

Next go ahead and mount the bracket to the back of each monitor. I recommend using the enclosed thumbscrews, this will make things much easier.

On the top of each bracket you will see a plus and a minus sign, this indicates the direction the monitor will tilt. If you want the monitors to tilt slightly inward towards you then you will mount the brackets so the minus sign's meet in the middle. You an also mount the brackets so the monitors tilt slightly up or down as well.

Step 4 - Place the monitors on the arms

Before you place the monitors on the stand go ahead and attach the power and video cables, its much easier to do while the monitors are off of the stand. Mount the bottom two monitors first so the stand remains stable, adjust the height of the arm as needed.

After connecting the monitors and starting your PC there are a couple of things to do.

1. Install video card drivers

If you added a new video card to your computer you need to install the drivers in order for it to function. While you can install them using the CD in the box I recommending download the newest version from the manufacturers website.

2. Arrange the monitors in the control panel

Finally you need to arrange the location of the displays using the control panel. To do this in Windows 7 right click on the desktop and select 'Screen Resolution', this will open the control panel in the screenshot below.

Click on the identify button, this will display a number on each of the monitors. Click on the monitors to move then around so that the arrangement of the monitors matches what you saw when you clicked identify.

Troubleshooting

If you don't see all of your displays listed check the connections, make sure they are all turned on, then click the detect button.

If they still don't show up try rebooting your computer, if you installed a new driver it may require a reboot to take effect.

After using your quad monitor stand for a few weeks you will find it hard to use a computer with only one screen. You will also find that your web browsing habits change since you can now have several different applications within view at the same time. I usually keep my email on one screen so I can keep an eye out for new messages and run web browsers in the other screens.

If you like to play computer games you can have a lot of fun with your new creation. Most popular games are capable of running on multiple displays to provide you with an awesome gaming experience.

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