When buying a gaming monitor, it’s important to consider the specs that best suit you, your budget and the type of games you will be playing. The term ‘spec’ refers to the performance and characteristics of the monitor. There are multiple specs to consider but these are the most important ones:
1. Display Size: Display size is the most important spec of a gaming monitor as this determines the width and height of the display. Larger displays will provide a better immersive experience, but also take up more desktop space. Determine the display size that fits your gaming needs and your desktop space.
2. Refresh rate: Refresh rate refers to how quickly the monitor updates what is on the screen. Higher refresh rates provide smoother gaming experiences, reduce eye strain and prevent motion blur. Look for gaming monitors with higher refresh rates of at least 144Hz or higher.
3. Response time: Response time is the time it takes for the monitor to change its colour from black to white and back to black again. If the response time is slow, you’re likely to experience ghosting and other artefacts while gaming. Look for monitors with lower response times of at least 1ms or lower.
4. Resolution: Resolution refers to the number of pixels included in the display. The higher resolution monitors will provide better image and video quality, but they do come at a cost. Look for monitors with at least 1080p resolution or higher if budget permits.
5. Panel technology: Panel technology refers to the type of panel used on the monitor. There are two main types of panel technology: TN (Twisted Nematic) and IPS (In-Plane Switching). Both offer different advantages and disadvantages based on your needs, which should be taken into account when deciding on the type of display.
6. Adaptive Sync: Adaptive Sync is a technology that is used to prevent screen tearing and stuttering. It allows the monitor to sync the refresh rate with the GPU, which helps ensure smooth gaming experiences. Look for monitors that use AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync as these are the two most popular technologies.
7. Inputs: Inputs refer to the type of connection that your gaming monitor uses. The most common inputs are HDMI, DisplayPort and DVI. Make sure the gaming monitor you choose has the correct input ports that are compatible with your computer or gaming console.
Other Considerations
When considering a gaming monitor, it’s important to also consider the other aspects it functions. Gamers should look for features such as adjustable stands, low blue light filter and flicker-free technology for eye comfort. For competitive gaming, a gaming monitor should include features such as pre-calibrated game modes and black stabilisation for improved visibility. Additionally, many gaming monitors come with additional features such as RGB lighting and built-in speakers that can add to your gaming experience.
Budget
Your budget is also an important factor to consider when choosing a gaming monitor. Generally, higher end gaming monitors come with a higher price tag, but don’t necessarily provide better gaming performance. Look for gaming monitors that offer the right set of specs at the best value. Monitors with lower response times, higher refresh rates, and high-quality resolution won’t necessarily be the most expensive.
Brand Quality
When it comes to gaming monitors, brand quality can often make a difference. Look for monitors from established brands such as ASUS, Acer, BenQ and Dell. These brands often provide better quality control and extended guarantees for their products. Avoid brands that are new to the market or don’t have good reviews.
Summary
When looking for a gaming monitor, the specs to consider include display size, refresh rate, response time, resolution, panel technology, Adaptive Sync and inputs. Other features to keep in mind are adjustable stands, low blue light filter and flicker-free technology. The budget and brand quality should also be factored in ultimately decide on the right monitor for you.
