Gaming has always been a popular hobby among all types of gamers. But having a good gaming monitor is an essential piece of equipment that can make all the difference between an enjoyable gaming experience and a frustrating, lag-filled one. So, how much should you pay for a good gaming monitor?
The answer to this question depends on how serious a gamer you are, as well as what type of games you are playing. For the casual gamer, there are many monitors available for under $100 that will provide a perfectly acceptable gaming experience. For the more serious gamer, however, it is necessary to invest in a monitor with more advanced features such as improved refresh rate, high resolution, multiple HDMI ports and more.
It is important to consider the size of the monitor too. Monitor sizes range from 17-inches all the way up to 50-inches, so you’ll want to ensure that you choose a monitor that fits your gaming setup and available space. Generally speaking, larger monitors often provide a better gaming experience.
Another major factor to consider is the resolution of the monitor. Most of the standard and mid-range monitors will provide a HD resolution of 1920 x 1080, but for serious gamers and those looking for an immersive gaming experience, it is recommended that you go for the full Ultra HD 4K resolution.
Finally, there is the matter of refresh rate. A monitor’s refresh rate is essentially how many times per second it can update the image on the display. For serious gamers, a monitor with a high refresh rate (at least 120), can make all the difference, reducing lag and providing a smoother gaming experience.
To summarize, the cost of a good gaming monitor depends on what type of games you are playing and how serious a gamer you are. For casual gamers, there are plenty of budget-friendly models to choose from. For more serious gamers, you’ll need to invest in a monitor with advanced features and a higher price tag.
Resolution
The resolution of a gaming monitor is one of the key factors that determines the quality of gaming experience. Generally, 1080p (HD) is the minimum resolution most gamers should opt for, but serious gamers should consider upgrading to 4K Ultra HD for an even better experience. A higher-resolution monitor will produce a sharper image, providing a much more immersive experience.
However, higher resolutions usually require more powerful graphics cards and processors. So, if you don’t have a powerful system, you should consider sticking to lower resolutions like 1080p, or opt for solutions like adaptive sync, which can help to maintain smooth and stable performance in more taxing games.
It’s also important to consider the size of the monitor. Larger monitors can make all the difference, as they allow you to fit more information on the screen and increase your field of view, allowing you to take in more of the game.
Finally, there are other features to consider. For instance, Twitch streamers and those playing multi-player games should consider monitors with built-in speakers and microphone ports, while those playing competitively should opt for monitors with G-Sync or FreeSync technologies.
Panel Type
Another important factor to consider when choosing a good gaming monitor is the panel type. The two main types of display panels used in gaming monitors are LCD/IPS and OLED. Each has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to consider which will best suit your gaming needs.
LCD/IPS panels generally offer great image quality, with wide viewing angles, accurate colors and impressive contrast. However, they typically lack the deep blacks of OLED panels and suffer from more input lag.
On the other hand, OLED panels can provide an unparalleled gaming experience, with deep, inky blacks and brighter colors. They also have lower input lag, making them ideal for competitive gaming. However, OLED panels are typically more expensive and have shorter lifespans than LCD/IPS panels.
Ultimately, the decision of which panel type to opt for will depend on your gaming needs, budget and preferences. If you’re a serious gamer, and have the budget for it, you should consider investing in an OLED panel. Alternatively, if you’re collecting on a budget, or are more casual gamer, then a good-quality LCD/IPS panel should suffice.
Refresh Rate
A monitor’s refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz), and it indicates how many times per second the display is updated with new information. A higher refresh rate means the screen can be updated faster and smoother, resulting in reduced lag, improved responsiveness and better gaming performance.
For most gamers, a standard 60Hz monitor is usually sufficient. However, if you’re a serious gamer or a competitive e-sports player, then you should look for a monitor with a higher refresh rate. Monitors with 144Hz are popular and provide a noticeable performance boost, while those with even higher refresh rates such as 240Hz and even 360Hz are available on more expensive models.
However, keep in mind that to take advantage of these higher refresh rates, you will need both a powerful GPU and a compatible display cable such as DisplayPort or HDMI. Additionally, not all games are optimized for higher refresh rates, so it’s important to check the specifications of your games before buying a new monitor.
Connections and ports
In addition to the panel type, resolution and refresh rate, it’s important to consider the connections and ports available on a monitor. Monitors with multiple connection ports can be a great asset, as they can make it easy to connect multiple gaming devices, such as your console, PC and gaming accessories.
If you’re using multiple monitors, make sure to find out if the monitor supports picture-in-picture or picture-by-picture modes, which can allow you to have multiple screens open at the same time. Additionally, some monitors may even include extra ports for accessories like speakers, headphones and webcams.
Finally, it’s important to consider the type of cable you’re using, as this will affect the maximum resolution and refresh rate you can achieve. HDMI 2.0 cables are usually the best option for gaming, as they can support ultra-high resolutions and high refresh rates such as 4K 120Hz or 1440p 240Hz.
