As a gamer, investing in a gaming monitor can be a daunting task due to the plethora of features and specifications available in the market today. In order to make an informed decision, it is important to understand the things to consider when selecting a gaming monitor and how much one should be willing to spend.
Prior to selecting a gaming monitor, one of the most important things to consider is the type of gaming monitor that aligns with the user’s needs. For those interested in competitive gaming, it is important to opt for a gaming monitor with a higher refresh rate and a low response time to ensure smoothness in fast-paced gameplay. On the other hand, for those who are focused on visual quality, models with higher resolution and better color accuracy can provide a better overall experience.
Once the type of gaming monitor has been identified, the budget should be set to ensure proper spend without excessive investment. Generally speaking, gaming monitors can range from $100 up to $3000, and the amount one should be willing to spend is generally based on their needs and wants. Professional gamers and those looking for a competitive edge should consider spending towards the higher end of the spectrum to ensure the right features are included, while casual enthusiasts should opt for more affordable models that still provide a great visual experience.
When thinking about spending, other than the upfront cost, there are additional important factors to take into account. For example, it is important to look at energy consumption rating and other features such as adaptive-sync technology, built-in speakers, and USB ports. Depending on these features, a seemingly “cheap” monitor can actually be more expensive in the long run.
Finally, when it comes to warranty, read the fine print and, if it is applicable, think about extending the monitor’s warranty to further protect your investment. Most manufacturers provide warranties of up to 1 year, and some gaming monitors come with options to extend the warranty to up to 3 years – something that could be beneficial in the long run.
Room Lighting Considerations
In addition to the previously mentioned criteria, it is important to account for the room lighting of the gaming space. Different brightness levels and hues can affect visibility and contrast, making a seemingly perfect gaming monitor inferior due to the gaming room’s lighting. To ensure the best experience, gamers should consider the lighting in the space to ensure their gaming monitor of choice can handle the lighting.
Budget Balance
Another important aspect to keep in mind is finding the right balance between features and budget. It is important to get the best features within your budget, preventing excessive investment that could be used towards games instead. To do so, read reviews and compare different gaming monitor options to ensure one is getting the best for their money. Additionally, look for deals and discounts that could help lower the cost but without sacrificing the quality of the gaming experience.
Testing Aspect
If possible, gamers should also take the time to test out the gaming monitor before making a purchase. Most retailers offer the possibility of testing a gaming monitor and, when possible, gamers should take this into account to see if the gaming monitor is suitable for their needs. Additionally, when trying out a gaming monitor, one should account for the type of game they usually play to ensure the features are up to par with their gaming stylings.
Research and Review
Finally, to make an informed decision, gamers should take some time to do research and read reviews. Reviews can help with identifying which features are important, as well as provide an idea of how the gaming monitor behaves in different scenarios – such as gaming, movies, and multitasking. Additionally, reviews can help alert gamers of any issues they should be aware of in order to ensure longevity with the product.
Comparison Shopping
Furthermore, when it comes to saving money, it is important to shop around to ensure gamers get the best deal possible. Prices for gaming monitors may vary depending on the store or platform on which it is purchased, and comparison shopping can help identify different options that fit into one’s budget. It is also important to make sure the retailer is reputable and to double-check the return and exchange policy to ensure gamers are properly protected in case anything goes wrong.
Taking into Account Preferences
Finally, it is important to account for one’s own personal preferences. Gaming monitors come in many shapes and sizes, and it is important to ensure the monitor of choice fits into the space where it will be used. Additionally, features such as design and stand ergonomics can make a world of a difference in terms of overall gaming experience, and thus should be taken into account to ensure the best gaming monitor for the job is placed in the gaming space.
