I’ve always loved immersive VR and simulation games, but the experience on a single monitor can feel limiting. Recently, I decided to build my own multi-display rig to take my VR gaming to the next level. In this article, I’ll walk through the entire process of researching, planning, buying components, and constructing a custom DIY multi-display setup for the ultimate immersive experience.
Choosing the Right Displays
The displays are arguably the most important part of a multi-monitor rig, so I wanted to choose carefully. Here are some key factors I considered:
Resolution
Higher resolution displays can render more detail and visual information. 1440p or 4K resolutions provide a good balance between visual fidelity and cost.
Refresh Rate
Higher refresh rates (120Hz+) make motion look smoother and gameplay more responsive. This is especially important for fast-paced games.
Panel Type
IPS panels provide the best color accuracy and viewing angles. VA panels offer high contrast ratios. I preferred IPS for color accuracy.
Size
27″ to 32″ screens give an immersive experience without being overwhelming at close viewing distances.
Budget
With 3+ displays, costs add up quickly. I set a $300-400 per monitor budget to balance performance and value.
After extensive research, I chose three Acer Predator XB273K monitors for their 4K 144Hz IPS panels within my budget.
Selecting the Right GPU(s)
To power multiple high-resolution displays at high frame rates, serious graphics horsepower is a must. I considered two options:
Single Ultra-Powerful GPU
A single top-tier card like the RTX 3090 can drive multiple monitors. However, it carries a hefty price tag.
Multiple Mid-range GPUs
Using two RTX 3070 cards in SLI allows excellent performance across multiple monitors at a more reasonable cost.
I opted for two RTX 3070 cards in SLI configuration to provide outstanding multi-monitor performance for around the price of a single 3090.
Planning the Display Configuration
With displays and GPUs selected, I had to decide how to arrange the three monitors for maximum immersion:
Angle/Curvature
Angling the side monitors 20-30 degrees towards the viewer provides good peripheral vision coverage.
Height/Positioning
Mounting the displays at eye-level using monitor arms allows optimal viewing position.
Bezel Size
Thin bezel monitors like my Acer Predators (<3mm bezels) help minimize gaps between screens for a seamless image.
After setting up several configurations, I found a 30 degree side angle and centered eye-level mounting worked best for full immersion.
Constructing the Rig
With planning complete, it was time to build the actual multi-display rig. This involved:
- Mountingbrackets to hold 3 monitors
- Monitor arms for adjustable positioning
- A large, sturdy base for stability
- Height adjustment mechanisms
I used heavy-duty metal VESA mounts with full articulating monitor arms to allow flexibility in positioning the displays. The base was made from 2″ steel tubing welded into a triangle frame for maximum sturdiness.
Connecting and Configuring the System
With the physical setup complete, the final step was wiring everything together and configuring the software:
- DisplayPort and HDMI cables for connecting monitors
- SLI bridge to link both GPUs
- Configuring Nvidia Surround for multi-display gaming
- Tweaking display positioning and angles for optimal visibility
Proper cable management ensured minimal clutter. I also updated graphics drivers and enabled G-Sync for buttery smooth gameplay.
Results – Immersive VR-Like Experience
After many hours of work, I finally had a fully functional DIY multi-display sim rig. With carefully configured triple 4K monitors wrapped around the field of vision and SLI RTX 3070s delivering high frame rates, even fast-paced titles felt amazingly immersive. It really elevated VR classics like Elite Dangerous to new levels of realism and spatial awareness.
Though not cheap or easy, building my own custom multi-monitor setup was an extremely rewarding do-it-yourself project that took my VR gaming experience to the next level. The ability to fully customize the display configuration, positioning, components and more opened up possibilities far beyond pre-built rigs. For any VR enthusiast looking for the ultimate immersive experience, I highly recommend undertaking a similar DIY multi-display build!
