Will a VGA Splitter Work for Dual Monitors?

Have you ever considered a dual monitor set-up? A dual monitor setup can improve your computer’s overall usability and function, whether for gaming or productivity purposes. It’s also perfect for multi-tasking, giving you more screen real estate for the programs you use. 

And if this is something you have already looked at previously, you might have seen the term VGA splitter pop up in an article or two. 

So, will a VGA splitter work for dual monitors? 

The answer is No, as a VGA splitter does not extend your screen real estate. Instead, VGA splitters just duplicate the screen you already have on your monitor.

If your purpose in having a dual-monitor setup is to increase screen space, you need to use an HDMI or USB-C port on your laptop/PC.

However, if you want to see what you can do with a VGA splitter, this article will explain everything you need to know. 

What is a VGA Splitter? 

In the late 1980s, the VGA (or video graphics array) was first released as a video connectivity port. Capable of supporting up to 1080p resolution, it quickly became the standard for computer monitors at the time, before eventually getting replaced. 

However, plenty of people has started preferring dual monitor set-ups over the standard one, creating a need for a cable that can support two screens simultaneously.

Because of this, cable splitters were born.

That said, you’re not limited to only two monitors. The number of times that a splitter replicates a signal depends on the type you end up getting, with the market offering provisions for anywhere between two to ten or more ports. 

When it comes to VGA splitters, the most commonly found is a dual splitter, letting you connect two monitors at once without taking all of your output ports.

The VGA splitter itself is designed in such a way that it bridges the gap between two monitors while only using a single port from your CPU.

That said, VGA splitters don’t have the capacity to increase your desktop real estate, and only replicate what your initial monitor is already showing.

Will a VGA Splitter Work with Dual Monitors?

No, as mentioned above, a VGA splitter  will only duplicate your screen into another monitor. 

But if that’s all you want (duplicate a screen), then follow us as below:

1. First, power off your computer (and monitors).
2. Connect the VGA splitter to your computer/laptop.
   • Plug the male end of the splitter into the female VGA port on your computer.
3. Connect your monitors to the VGA splitter using two VGA cables:
   •  Take any end of the VGA cable and connect it to one monitor, the other end of the VGA cable will connect to the splitter
   • Do similarly for your second monitor. 
4. Make sure the connections are straight and secure. You can use thumbscrews to secure them.
5. Turn your computer and monitors back on.

For a more detailed VGA splitter tutorial, you may check this video. 

 

If you’re looking to extend your desktop via a dual monitor set-up, it’s recommended to use HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI. Not only are these more modern and reliable, but they offer better resolution, refresh rates, and transmit both audio and video than VGA.

Benefits of Dual Monitors

Whether for gaming or professional use, there are plenty of advantages to a dual-screen setup, and the pros outweigh the cons by a landslide. 

For one thing, there’s the obvious benefit of more screen real estate, which lets you do more on your computer at the same time. This makes it ideal for multitaskers that often have to open multiple windows all at the same time. 

Research itself has even proved an impressive increase in workplace productivity, all while reducing the time you need to complete tasks. Of course, this can add up to a lot of time being saved throughout the long term. 

Additionally, a dual monitor also ensures a smoother workflow, making you feel good and pushing you to work more while feeling less tired. Research even shows that quality of life output is also improved when working in such a set-up.

All in all, if you’re looking for a way to ramp up your work output, then a dual-monitor set-up might be just what you’re looking for.

Final Thoughts

For a time, the VGA cable was the standard in video output. However, its splitter solution is only capable of duplicating a screen into another monitor. 

Because of this limitation, it was soon replaced with better alternatives like HDMI and DisplayPort. Today, these are the standard and are the go-to solution for multitaskers looking to extend their desktops for more productivity and gaming purposes.