Choosing the right gaming monitor for your setup is essential for enjoying a seamless gaming experience. There are a few key elements that must be taken into consideration to ensure you find the perfect gaming monitor for your needs. The importance of selecting the best monitor should not be underestimated as it is one of the essential ingredients to a successful gaming experience. So, here’s how to pick the best gaming monitor.
Size Matters
The first thing to consider is size. The monitor you choose needs to fit comfortably in the space you intend to place it and still provide an optimal gaming experience. Monitors come in diversified sizes, ranging from 21 to 40 inches, so there’s an abundance of options to choose from. Before you opt for the largest available monitor, consider the size of your desk and the distance you will be sitting from the screen, because larger monitors can require you to sit further away for a comfortable viewing.
Screen Resolution
The resolution of the monitor you choose will determine their image quality. A high resolution allows for more detail to be visible on the screen, making it easier to spot your opponents in competitive gaming. The two most common options are HD and 4K, and while 4K offers superior image quality, it may also require more powerful hardware to run at its best. So, depending on the power of your graphics card, you may want to opt for HD instead.
Display Technology
Another important element to take into consideration is the display technology of the monitor; OLED or LED. OLED displays are often seen on high end gaming models while LED is commonplace on lower cost models. OLED offers better contrast, accuracy and viewing angles than LED, resulting in superior image quality, though LED will offer better image brightness and power efficiency.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a monitor can have a substantial impact on the gaming experience, particularly with fast-paced games. You’ll usually see refresh rates advertised as ‘Hz’, so a refresh rate of 144Hz will refresh the image 144 times per second. A higher refresh rate reduces screen tearing and stuttering, making for a smoother overall gaming experience. If you’re planning on keeping up with the competition, a higher refresh rate is highly recommended.
Response Time
Response time is a measure of how quickly the pixels of a display can change from one color to another. This is measured in milliseconds, and can be important in some types of gaming, as slow response times can result in noticeable ghosting. If you’re looking for a responsive monitor, aim for something that has a response time of between 1ms to 5ms.
Connections
Connections are often an overlooked aspect when shopping for a gaming monitor, but the right adapter or port can be critically important for some setups. If you just need basic connections such as HDMI and DVI, there’s plenty of options available, however if you plan to attach multiple peripherals, keep an eye out for monitors with additional USB ports.
G Sync/FreeSync Support
Finally, if your monitor is compatible with either G-Sync or Freesync technology, it will contribute substantially to your immersive gaming experience. G-Sync and FreeSync minimize screen tearing and stuttering and improves gaming refresh rates by synchronizing them with ultra-low latency. This is particularly important for gamers who are chasing their highest scores.
Panel Type
It’s important to consider the panel type of the monitor you choose, as it can impact image quality and viewing angle. The most common type of panel technology available today is IPS, which offers better colour accuracy and viewing angles than other panel types. However, if you’re playing fast-paced or competitive games, a TN panel may be preferable, as it has a faster response time.
Price Range
The cost of a gaming monitor can vary significantly, depending on the features you’re after. Generally, higher end monitors are more expensive but come with better image quality and faster refresh rates. Entry level monitors are often more affordable but may not provide the optimal gaming experience you may be hoping for. Consider your budget when looking for the perfect gaming monitor.
Viewing Angle
The viewing angle of a gaming monitor will depend on the panel type; IPS monitors generally offer better viewing angles than TN panels, while VA panels offer excellent viewing angles but unfortunately come with slow response times. The viewing angle is critical for IPS or VA monitors, as the image quality can be negatively impacted if viewed from the wrong angle. VA panels are best for those who tend to move their head often.
Aesthetics
The aesthetics of your gaming monitor are an important factor to consider, as you’ll be spending a lot of time looking at it. If you’re planning on using the monitor for hours on end, make sure you enjoy the look and feel of the monitor. Monitors come in a variety of colors and designs, so you should have no trouble finding the perfect one to match the look of your gaming setup.
Ports & Inputs
The number of ports and inputs on a monitor is also a crucial factor to take into consideration. If your monitor supports only basic connections like HDMI and DVI, you may want to consider selecting one with additional USB ports so you can connect all your peripherals to the monitor, such as a keyboard, mouse and headset. This can be a great way to minimize clutter, while still providing a seamless gaming experience.
