As a serious gamer, having the right monitor is key to getting the best gaming experiences possible. A monitor should provide excellent image quality, responsive gameplay and immersive sound reproduction for a truly immersive gaming experience. So, what do you need for a great gaming monitor?
To begin, resolution is a key factor in choosing a monitor. At a minimum, you’ll want a monitor with at least Full HD (1920×1080). But for the best picture quality, a monitor with Ultra HD 4K (3840×2160) resolution should provide an incredible viewing experience. Meanwhile, refresh rates should also be taken into account. Higher refresh rates, such as 144 Hz or even 240 Hz, reduce image blurring and provide smoother gameplay.
Next, response times are also important to consider. Response times indicate how quickly a monitor can update its display. Monitors with lower response times generally provide quicker and more consistent response times, which is great for fast-paced gaming. Similarly, contrast ratios also play a large role in image quality. A higher contrast ratio will provide more vibrant images, making it easier to locate items or enemies on a game’s map.
Finally, there are a few additional features that a gaming monitor should provide. Many gaming monitors come with ‘gaming modes’ which provide options such as user-defined image presets, image-in-image displays and low input lag. Curved monitors can also offer a more immersive experience, while built-in speakers provide clear in-game audio.
Connectivity
Beyond the basic features, it’s also important to consider the monitor’s connectivity options. Most gaming monitors will have at least one HDMI or DisplayPort connection, as well as USB ports for connecting devices such as controllers or headphones. At the same time, monitors should also support multiple input sources, allowing you to connect multiple consoles or PCs at the same time. This is great for a multi-monitor setup, where you can play one game on one monitor and watch content on the other.
Price
Price is another important factor to consider when purchasing a gaming monitor. Generally, gaming monitors can range from budget-oriented models to high-end models that can be very expensive. Thankfully, there are a range of models within this range, letting you find a monitor that meets your needs within your budget.
Build Quality
Finally, build quality should also be taken into account. After all, you don’t want to buy a monitor that will break easily during transport or needing frequent repairs. Look for monitors with good reviews and look for features such as adjustable stands and dust filters, which can help protect the monitor from damage.
Eye Comfort
Keeping one’s vision healthy is important, especially when gaming for long hours. To this end, some gaming monitors come with features that help reduce eye fatigue and provide a more comfortable viewing experience. Look for features such as blue light filters, flicker-free technology and narrow bezels.
FAQs
For more information about buying a gaming monitor, take a look at some of our frequently asked questions regarding gaming monitors.
Q: How do I know what type of monitor I need?
A: Generally, it depends on what type of games you want to play. If you’re a casual gamer, you can get away with a budget-oriented monitor with a low refresh rate and lower resolution. However, if you want to play competitively, then you should look for a monitor with more features such as a higher resolution, faster refresh rate and speedy response time.
Q: Is it worth spending more on a gaming monitor?
A: In most cases, it is worth it. Higher-end models will provide better image quality, more features and better gaming performance. The extra money spent can also pay off in terms of longevity, as higher-end models are built to last.
Summary
In summary, when choosing a gaming monitor, there’s a lot to take into account: resolution, refresh rate, contrast ratio, response time, connectivity, build quality, eye comfort and price. Fortunately, there are a wide range of monitors ranging from entry-level models to high-end models that can meet the demands of any gamer.
