The vibrant colors and sharp graphics of gaming monitors can dazzle gamers in a way that traditional TV or computer monitors cannot. As such, gamers should consider the number of milliseconds (MS) that their monitor has, as this can significantly affect their gaming experience. This article will explore how many MS is ideal and why.
Typically, gamers should aim for the lowest MS possible in their monitor, as this indicates that their monitor is capable of refreshing images quickly. The faster the refresh rate, the smoother the gaming experience. Response time is particularly critical in competitive gaming, as it determines how quickly the gaming input (e.g. mouse movement or controls) can register and respond onscreen.
Generally, most gamers should look to get somewhere around 1ms if they are aiming to have an edge over other gamers in terms of responsiveness. However, depending on the type of game, it may not be necessary to get a monitor with such a low MS. Some people may find that a slightly slower MS has no effect on their gaming performance.
Furthermore, there are two types of MS that gamers should be aware of. The first type is grey-to-grey (GTG) which indicates the time needed for a pixel to switch from one shade of grey to another. The second type is black-to-white (BTW), which indicates the time needed for a pixel to switch from black to white. Generally, since most gaming involves displaying different shades of grey, gamers should focus on the GTG MS rate and prioritize this over the BTW rate.
In addition, the type of panel may also influence the MS. Generally, budgets gaming monitors are usually of the TN panel type, which generally have a high MS rate. IPS panels, on the other hand, tend to have a lower MS rate, making them ideal for gamers who want the best performance. Meanwhile, VA panels usually provide a good balance between the two.
In conclusion, gamers should take into account the MS rate when purchasing a gaming monitor, as this can greatly affect their gaming experience. Usually, gamers should look to get a monitor with a low GTG MS rate, preferably around 1ms. Additionally, they should also pay attention to the type of panel to ensure they are getting the best performance.
Is a TN Panel a Good Option?
When selecting a gaming monitor, gamers often come across the TN panel type. However, it is important to note that TN panels have relatively high MS rates, often hovering around 8ms. Hence, gamers should only consider TN panels if they are satisfied with the 8ms response time or if they do not need a monitor with low MS for competitive gaming.
Furthermore, TN panel monitors often suffer from color shifting when viewed from certain angles. This means that gamers should pay close attention to the viewing angles before selecting a TN panel monitor. Generally, the maximum viewing angle should exceed 90 degrees in order for the colors to remain consistent from any angle.
Moreover, gamers should also consider the contrast ratio when selecting a TN panel monitor. Generally, gamers should aim for a contrast ratio of between 1000:1 and 3000:1. The higher the contrast ratio, the better the image quality, as it will allow the monitor to display vivid colors and sharp details.
In short, while TN panel monitors may seem like a good option, they do come with a few drawbacks. For instance, they often suffer from color shifting and have relatively high response times compared to other panel types. As such, gamers should consider whether these drawbacks are acceptable before making a purchase.
Are IPS Monitors Expensive?
When it comes to gaming monitors, one of the most popular panel types is IPS. IPS monitors offer good image quality, with vivid colors, true-to-life images and wide viewing angles. Additionally, they tend to have lower MS rates, usually around 2ms to 5ms, making them ideal for competitive gaming.
Of course, people may be deterred from IPS monitors due to their cost. While it is true that some IPS monitors may be more expensive than other panel types, there are still good deals to be found. Generally, gamers can find affordable IPS monitors for around the same price as a TN panel monitor or even less. It is just a matter of shopping around and being patient.
That said, it is also important to note that IPS monitors come in different types. The more expensive IPS displays tend to be higher-end models that offer features such as HDR support, higher refresh rates and FreeSync/G-Sync support. Meanwhile, the more affordable IPS monitors focus more on providing good image quality at lower refresh rates.
Overall, while IPS monitors may be more expensive than TN panel monitors, they offer a better gaming experience in terms of image quality and responsiveness. Gamers who are willing to invest in such a monitor can potentially benefit from a more immersive gaming experience.
What About VA Panel Monitors?
Another popular panel type for gaming monitors is VA, which stands for Vertical Alignment. VA monitors offer a good balance between image quality and response times, making them ideal for those who want the best of both worlds.
In terms of image quality, VA monitors usually offer higher contrast ratios and wider color gamuts than TN and IPS panels, allowing them to produce better visuals with a greater level of detail. In terms of response time, they usually have lower MS rates than TN panels, while still being faster than IPS panels.
The drawback of VA panels is that they have relatively narrow viewing angles compared to other panel types. This means that the images and colors can start to look distorted at certain angles, which can be a problem for some gamers. As such, gamers should consider this carefully before opting for a VA panel monitor.
Nevertheless, VA panel monitors offer a good balance between image quality and response times, making them a good choice for those who want a good gaming experience without having to break the bank.
Which Is the Best Panel For Gaming?
Ultimately, which panel is best for gaming depends on the individual’s needs and budget. For competitive gamers, a monitor with a low GTG MS rate is essential, as this will ensure a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
For those who are willing to invest in a good monitor, then IPS monitors tend to offer the best performance in terms of image quality and responsiveness. However, they may be more costly than other panel types. VA panels, on the other hand, offer a good compromise between image quality and response times, making them a good choice for gamers on a budget.
Meanwhile, TN panels are best suited for gamers who do not need a fast response time for their gaming needs. They are generally cheaper than other panel types and usually offer decent image quality. However, gamers should be aware of the drawbacks of TN panels, such as the narrow viewing angles and the higher MS rate.
In the end, it is important for gamers to research and compare the various panel types before selecting a gaming monitor so that they can find the right one for their gaming needs.
