When discussing gaming monitors, Reddit users have a lot to consider. It is important to have an understanding of the latest technologies, features, specs, and brands in order to make an informed decision. There are a few key qualities to look for when selecting a monitor that make the biggest impact in gaming experience, such as refresh rate, display resolution, port selection, and size.
Refresh Rate
It goes without saying that faster refresh rates result in smoother and faster gaming performance. Whereas traditional monitors might operate at a 60 Hz rate, monitors for gaming typically support up to 160 Hz or 240 Hz. Having a higher refresh rate is incredibly important for players who require a highly responsive experience. It is also helpful for reducing motion blur and jerks commonly seen in fast-paced games.
Display Resolution
Look for a display resolution of at least Full HD (1920×1080) when purchasing a gaming monitor. Generally, this is the minimum required for optimal gaming. Some advanced gamers may require ultra-high resolutions, such as 4K or QHD+ (2560×1440) to get the best visual experience; however, for most users Full HD should be sufficient. Keep in mind that higher resolutions require more advanced graphical processing power within the GPU.
Port Selection
Making sure that the monitor has the correct ports for all devices is also important. Commonly used ports for gaming such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI should be present. It is always advisable to double-check the type of ports before purchase. For example, if using VR the monitor should have either HDMI v2.0 or DisplayPort v1.0.
Size
The size of the monitor also plays a role in choosing the right gaming monitor. Traditionally, gamers opt for larger monitors with sizes ranging from 24 inches up to 49 inches and beyond. The more immersive the experience, the better the gaming experience. However, it is important to consider the available space and budget before deciding on a size.
Picture Quality and Brightness
Monitor picture quality is perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of a gaming monitor. Screen brightness and contrast should be taken into consideration. A monitor with the appropriate brightness and contrast will result in greater picture clarity and overall better gaming experience. Additionally, if the monitor has an option for ‘Picture-in-Picture’ (PiP), it can be quite handy for multitasking.
Response Time
Response time is another quality to look for when choosing a gaming monitor. Ideally, the response time should be below 5 ms, as this will decrease any stutter or ghosting on the screen. This can be critical for competitive gamers, as any delay in response time can result in a disadvantage.
Price and Warranty
Finally, the monitor should not break the bank. It is important to think of the cost/benefit ratio before purchasing a gaming monitor. Some higher end gaming monitors might come with extended warranties, and these can often be worth considering.
Summary
In conclusion, selecting the right monitor for gaming is an important decision. Reddit users should pay attention to the refresh rate, display resolution, port selection, size, picture quality, brightness, response time, and price when selecting a gaming monitor. Ultimately, the goal should be to provide the best gaming experience possible at a reasonable price.
Refresh Rate Enhancements
Besides the refresh rate, some gaming monitors may have additional features to further enhance the refresh rate for a faster and smoother gaming experience. One of the most common technologies are NVIDIA’s G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync. These technologies can sync the monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU’s frame rate and enable tear-free, stutter-free gaming.
Curved Gaming Monitors
Curved gaming monitors are on the rise and have gained great popularity in recent years. This type of monitor may provide a more immersive experience with its wider view. With such monitors, gamers can get a more ‘natural’ angle with the curved display and avoid the traditional ‘flat’ angle when gaming. This wider field of view may help to improve game play, however, this will vary from game to game.
Design Options
For players who care about the aesthetics, gaming monitors also come in different designs and shapes. The design should be in line with the user’s preferences and budget, as some designs and shapes may require the user to spend more. Common design options include stands and wall-mounts, with many modern designs being ultra-thin, thin-bezel and borderless.
Screen Technologies
Monitor screen technology also varies from one another and this should be taken into consideration when selecting a gaming monitor. For example, an IPS panel may provide better color accuracy, while certain TN panels may offer higher refresh rates. VA panels have both of these properties and may be preferable, depending on the situation. However, they may also have disadvantages such as gamma shift and motion blur.
