Setting up displays on your CLX computer

Introduction

Setting up your monitors on a new CLX PC is usually straightforward. This guide covers connecting your monitor, troubleshooting a no-display issue, setting up multiple monitors, and configuring high refresh rates.

Connecting Your Monitor

The first thing to determine is where to connect your monitor.

If Your PC Has a Dedicated Graphics Card

If your CLX PC has a dedicated graphics card, such as an NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon GPU, connect your monitor directly to the video outputs on the graphics card.

Do not connect your monitor to the motherboard's video outputs when using a dedicated graphics card. The motherboard's display outputs may not be active on systems with a dedicated GPU.

If Your PC Uses Integrated Graphics

If your system does not have a dedicated graphics card and instead uses integrated graphics, connect your monitor to the compatible display output on the motherboard.

HDMI and DisplayPort

Modern CLX systems primarily use HDMI and DisplayPort for monitor connections.

When choosing a cable, make sure it supports the resolution and refresh rate you want to use. For example, a high-refresh-rate 1440p or 4K monitor may require a specific HDMI or DisplayPort standard to reach its maximum refresh rate.

If you're unsure which cable or connection you should use, contact CLX Support.

Select the Correct Monitor Input

After connecting your monitor:

1. Turn on the monitor.
2. Use the monitor's controls to open its input/source menu.
3. Select the input that matches the cable you connected.

For example, select DisplayPort when using a DisplayPort cable or HDMI when using an HDMI cable.

No Display or "No Signal"

If your PC turns on but your monitor displays No Signal, a black screen, or does not detect the computer, try the following steps.

1. Check the Cable Connection

Make sure the cable is securely connected to both the monitor and the PC.

If your PC has a dedicated graphics card, double-check that the cable is connected to the graphics card, not the motherboard.

2. Check the Monitor Input

Make sure the monitor is set to the correct input.

For example:

• DisplayPort cable → DisplayPort input
• HDMI cable → HDMI input

3. Try Another Port

If your graphics card or monitor has multiple compatible ports, try a different port.

If you have another compatible cable available, you can also test with that cable.

4. Power Cycle the PC

If the monitor still does not display an image:

1. Shut down Windows normally.
2. If Windows does not shut down normally, hold the PC's power button until it powers off.
3. Turn the power supply switch to the O position, if your power supply has one.
4. Unplug the power cable from the back of the PC.
5. Hold the PC's power button for approximately 20 seconds.
6. Reconnect the power cable.
7. Turn the power supply switch back to the I position.
8. Turn the PC back on and check the monitor.

If you still have no display, contact CLX Support for further assistance.

Setting Up Multiple Monitors

Most modern CLX gaming PCs can support multiple monitors. The exact number depends on your graphics card, integrated graphics, and the available display outputs.

Connect Your Monitors

Connect each monitor to a separate compatible HDMI or DisplayPort output on your graphics card.

If your graphics card has multiple display outputs, use those outputs rather than mixing connections between the graphics card and motherboard.

Once your monitors are connected and powered on, Windows should automatically detect them.

Detect a Monitor in Windows

If Windows does not detect one of your monitors:

1. Right-click an empty area of the Windows desktop.
2. Select Display settings.
3. Scroll down to Multiple displays.
4. Select Detect.

Arrange Your Monitors

Windows allows you to arrange your monitors so their positions match how they are physically placed on your desk.

1. Open Display settings.
2. Locate the Rearrange your displays section at the top.
3. Select Identify to display a number on each monitor.
4. Click and drag the numbered monitor boxes until they match your physical setup.
5. Select Apply.

Once configured, you should be able to move your mouse naturally between your monitors.

Extend or Duplicate Your Displays

Under Multiple displays, Windows provides several display modes:

• Extend these displays: Use each monitor as part of one larger desktop.
• Duplicate these displays: Show the same content on multiple monitors.
• Show only on 1: Use only the first monitor.
• Show only on 2: Use only the second monitor.

For most multi-monitor gaming and productivity setups, Extend these displays is the recommended option.

Setting Up a High Refresh Rate Monitor

A monitor's refresh rate determines how many times per second the screen can update its image. A higher refresh rate can provide smoother motion and a more responsive experience, particularly when gaming.

Common refresh rates include:

• 60 Hz
• 120 Hz
• 144 Hz
• 165 Hz
• 240 Hz
• 360 Hz
• 480 Hz

The maximum refresh rate available depends on your monitor, graphics card, resolution, connection type, and cable.

Check Your Monitor's Maximum Refresh Rate

Before changing your refresh rate, confirm the maximum supported refresh rate for your monitor. This information can usually be found in the monitor's manual or the manufacturer's specifications.

Change the Refresh Rate in Windows 11

1. Right-click an empty area of the Windows desktop.
2. Select Display settings.
3. If you have multiple monitors, select the monitor you want to configure.
4. Select Advanced display.
5. Locate Choose a refresh rate.
6. Select the refresh rate you want to use.
7. If Windows asks you to confirm the change, select Keep changes.

If Your Desired Refresh Rate Is Not Available

If your monitor supports a higher refresh rate but Windows does not show the option, check the following:

• Make sure the monitor is connected directly to your dedicated graphics card.
• Verify that your cable supports the desired resolution and refresh rate.
• Try another compatible HDMI or DisplayPort cable.
• Try another display output on the graphics card.
• Check the monitor's settings for any options required to enable its maximum refresh rate.
• Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date.
• Confirm that you are using a supported resolution.

Keep in mind that a monitor may support a higher refresh rate at one resolution but a lower refresh rate at another.

Still Having Trouble?

If you have followed the steps above and your monitor is still not displaying correctly, contact CLX Support.

When contacting us, provide your CLX serial number and as much of the following information as possible:

• Your monitor model
• Your graphics card model
• Whether you are using HDMI or DisplayPort
• The resolution you are trying to use
• The refresh rate you are trying to use
• Whether you are using one or multiple monitors
• Any error message or "No Signal" message displayed on the monitor

This information will help our support team quickly identify the issue and determine the best next steps.