When deciding how big to buy a gaming monitor, there are many factors to consider. Firstly, the size of monitor you purchase depends on the resolution you want to achieve, as resolution is heavily linked to monitor size. Secondly, the length of your gaming sessions and your budget should be taken into account. Thirdly, the type of game you play defines the size of monitor you need. Fourthly, where the monitor will be located will be important if considering space limitation. Finally, the aspect ratio of the gaming monitor is important too.
The Resolution of the Monitor
The resolution of the monitor mostly comes down to personal preference. Generally, the higher the resolution, the clearer the images will be. A higher-resolution monitor will also require a larger monitor size for the best image quality. If you prefer a more immersive gaming experience, a larger monitor can provide a better sense of a ‘wrap around’ effect. Bigger monitors with higher resolution are more expensive, so if you are on a budget, bear this in mind.
Length of Gaming Sessions
If you plan on gaming for long sessions, you may want a bigger monitor that’ll give you better visuals and a comfortable gaming experience. The size of monitor you choose will affect the size of image seen and how much detail can be seen. The bigger the monitor the more detail will be seen and the better the visuals will look. However, if you’re just playing a few games casually and not for long periods of time, a smaller size monitor may suffice.
Type of Games You Play
Different types of games require different sizes of monitor. For example, Real-time strategy games (RTS) with multiple elements on screen may require a bigger monitor for the best experience. For first-person shooters or other action-based games a smaller monitor will be enough if it supports higher refresh rate.
Location of the Monitor
Many gamers prefer to play on their TVs, since they are typically bigger, but it is worth taking into account how much space you have to work with. If you have limited space in your gaming room, you may wish to choose a smaller monitor. It may also be worth considering a wall mountable monitor if you are struggling for space where you intend to use the monitor.
Aspect Ratios
Aspect ratios play an important part when considering the size of a monitor. The most common aspect ratios for gaming monitors are 16:9, 21:9 and 32:9. 16:9 is the most popular aspect ratio and is typically used for gaming on a desktop or a laptop. 21:9 is a curved aspect ratio and is best used for car racing and flight simulator games but can be used to provide a more immersive experience while gaming. 32:9 is the biggest aspect ratio and is best used for games that require a large field of view, such as battle royale titles.
Response Time and Refresh Rate
Response times and refresh rates are also important when choosing a gaming monitor. Response times will affect how quickly the monitor can display an image; this is a crucial factor in fast-paced shooters and fighting games. Refresh rates measure how many times in a second the image is refreshed, generally the higher the better. A higher refresh rate is necessary for smoother gaming experience and should be considered when looking for the ideal gaming monitor.
Type of Connector
Most gaming monitors come with a range of connectors, such as HDMI, DisplayPort and DVI. HDMI and DisplayPort are the most common connectors for gaming monitors, but if you have an existing PC setup with accommodating ports, then it may be worth considering a monitor with appropriate connector.
Set-up Options
Most gaming monitors come with a variety of set-up options, such as adjustable stands and wall mounts. Adjustable stands are useful when you want to reposition the monitor, while wall mounts provide a space-saving solution if you are constrained for room. Some gaming monitors are even available as ‘zero clearance’ models to easily tuck away as space saving feature.
Graphics Card Requirements
It is worth considering the type of graphics card you have when purchasing a gaming monitor. Depending on the type of graphics card you have, you may need to get an additional piece of hardware to accommodate your needs. For example, a 4K gaming monitor with a higher resolution may require a powerful graphics card. Similarly, if you are running multiple monitors with the same graphics card, you may need to get a splitter to connect the multiple monitors.
Gamut and Color
Gamut and color settings play an important part when selecting a gaming monitor. Gamut is generally a measure of how much of the Full HD, Ultra HD or HDR color spectrum, the display is capable of showing. Therefore, it is worth looking into the color support have as it can have a significant impact on the quality of the images displayed. Another factor to look out for is color accuracy. Gaming monitors with poor color accuracy can lead to washed out images; this is why it is important to read reviews before choosing a monitor.
Contrast Ratio
Contrast ratio measures the difference between the darkest black and the lightest white on the monitor. For gaming monitors, the standard contrast ratio is 1000:1 and a higher contrast ratio will provide richer and more vibrant images. However, it is best to read reviews and check specifications thoroughly before settling on a gaming monitor.
Viewing Angle
Viewing Angle is another important factor to consider when buying a gaming monitor. Many gaming monitors come with an IPS panel, which provides a wide viewing angle, meaning you can view the monitor more naturally from any angle. A gaming monitor with an IPS panel is often ideal for multi-player games and will allow you to view the monitor from multiple angles with little or no distortion.
