[SOLVED] Dual Monitor Display for use with PC and laptop

Jan 8, 2019
1
0
10
Hi All,
Looking for help building a dual monitor setup that I can use for PC gaming as well as connecting my work laptop.

Given the intended dual usage of the hardware, I want to design a good system upfront that will let me fairly easily switch the monitors, keyboard, and mouse between them. This does not need to be a one-click solution per se, but I'd like to avoid unplugging and replugging multiple cables.

I intend to run 2 1080p 144hz monitors with a mid to high end GPU. These monitors have DP and HDMI inputs only and the gaming PC's GPU will have HDMI 2.0, DP1.4, and DVI-DL outputs. On the other side I'm using a Dell Precision 5510 laptop for work which has USB and HDMI. I have no special needs on the work/laptop other than connecting it to the other two monitors.

My two priorities then are:

1. Find a fairly easy way to switch the monitor, keyboard, mouse between the laptop and the
PC

2. Do 1 in a way that does not negatively impact the gaming capability of the PC, i.e. use a
display connector that caps at 60hz or something

Thanks!
 
Solution
This is my hypothetical suggestion due to the lack of exact information (brands and models of the devices):

The PC connects to the monitors via 2x DisplayPort cables.

The laptop connects to a dock via Thunderbolt 3 cable. The dock connects to the monitors via 2x HDMI cables. If the dock does not have two HDMI outputs, then a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter may be required.

The keyboard and mouse connect to a USB switch. The other end of the USB switch connects to the PC and laptop via USB cables.

The monitors will allow you to select the input source, PC (DisplayPort) or laptop (HDMI). The USB switch will allow you to switch between the PC and laptop.
This is my hypothetical suggestion due to the lack of exact information (brands and models of the devices):

The PC connects to the monitors via 2x DisplayPort cables.

The laptop connects to a dock via Thunderbolt 3 cable. The dock connects to the monitors via 2x HDMI cables. If the dock does not have two HDMI outputs, then a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter may be required.

The keyboard and mouse connect to a USB switch. The other end of the USB switch connects to the PC and laptop via USB cables.

The monitors will allow you to select the input source, PC (DisplayPort) or laptop (HDMI). The USB switch will allow you to switch between the PC and laptop.
 
Solution