When looking for the best gaming monitor, certain criteria must be met. It’s essential to know what you need and want in a gaming monitor in order to pick the right one. To help, we’ll discuss the essential components and features of a gaming monitor that’ll suit your gaming needs.
Display Type
When it comes to display type, you have several options, including LCD/LED, OLED and plasma. LCD/LED and OLED are the most common and typically used for gaming. LCD and LED provide good brightness levels and usually come with a fast refresh rate. OLED is often pricier, but has a higher contrast ratio. Plasma, on the other hand, is not ideal for gaming as its refresh rate is slower.
Resolution
Resolution is a key feature when choosing a gaming monitor. Common resolution options for gaming are Full HD (1080p), Quad HD (1440p) and Ultra HD (4K). 1080p is the most widely used, but if your graphics card allows, then you may want to consider 1440p or higher – especially if you plan on playing high-definition games.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate is also very important when it comes to gaming. The refresh rate measures how often your display updates. It’s measured in Hertz (Hz), and the higher the refresh rate, the smoother the gaming experience. For competitive gaming, the minimum refresh rate should be at least 60Hz, but 144Hz is preferable.
Inputs & Connections
Having multiple inputs and connections is essential for a gaming monitor. It’s important to have at least one HDMI port and one DisplayPort, as these are typically the go-to ports for gaming monitors. If you plan on connecting multiple devices, then having multiple HDMI and/or DisplayPort ports is ideal.
Response Time
Response time is essential for gaming monitors, as it determines how quickly your display can respond to input. The lower the response time, the better the gaming experience. If you’re a competitive gamer, then you should look for a gaming monitor with a response time of 5ms or less.
Features
Other features you may want to consider include adjustable stand, VESA compatibility, and compatibility with gaming technologies such as NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. Additionally, you may also want a monitor with built-in speakers, HDR, and adjustable settings such as brightness and contrast.
Size and Cost
Finally, size and cost are also important factors when choosing a gaming monitor. Bigger isn’t always better, so it’s best to find a size that suits your needs. As for cost, you should set a budget and then find a monitor that meets your needs and falls within that budget.
Viewing Angles and Brightness
Monitor’s viewing angles are also important. Monitors with wide viewing angles will provide a better experience, while monitors with limited viewing angles will be limited in what they can do. On top of that, the brightness of a monitor is also an important factor. Monitors should have adequate brightness levels, so look for one with a decent peak brightness if you plan on gaming in bright environments.
Screen Technology and Color Profile
Screen technology and color profile are also important to consider when choosing a gaming monitor. Various screen technologies offer dynamic color and contrast, such as VA, IPS and TN. Additionally, your monitor should have a color profile that’s suitable for gaming. Professional monitors usually have an sRGB color profile, while gaming monitors usually have an extended color profile.
Response Time and Adaptive Sync
Response time and adaptive sync technology are two more factors to consider when choosing a gaming monitor. Response time is essential for gaming, as it determines how quickly your monitor can process input. Gaming monitors should have a response time that’s 5ms or lower. Adaptive sync technology helps reduce screen tearing and input lag, so look for a monitor with either AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-Sync if you plan on gaming at high-end settings.
Curved Vs Flat Displays
Finally, gamers must decide between flat and curved displays. Most people prefer curved displays, as they provide a more immersive experience and better viewing angles. However, flat displays are often cheaper, and they offer a more traditional and classic look. Ultimately, the choice is yours, so think about your needs and preferences before committing to either option.
