A good cheap gaming monitor is one that offers the best performance without breaking the bank. It can be difficult to find a monitor that fits the criteria of both affordability and performance, but there are certain features you should look for that can help you narrow down your search.
When looking for a gaming monitor, size is important. A larger monitor, typically 27-inch, offers the best gaming experience. However, smaller monitors can be more affordable. Either way, look for a monitor with a refresh rate of at least 144 Hz, so that your games are able to run smoothly without lag.
Another important feature to consider is the resolution. Most gaming monitors will support resolutions of 1920×1080 or 2560×1440. The higher the resolution, the more detailed images you will see on the screen. Look for monitors with NVIDIA G-SYNC or AMD FreeSync– these are technologies that reduce screen tearing and help eliminate stuttering.
The panel type will also affect the quality of your gaming experience. TN panels are the most common, and they offer the lowest response times. IPS panels tend to offer improved viewing angles, but they come with higher response times. VA panels offer the best picture quality, but they often have the highest response times, so they aren’t ideal for fast-paced gaming.
Finally, make sure the monitor has adequate ports. Most gaming monitors these days come with HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB ports. Look for a monitor with multiple ports, so that you can connect multiple devices without having to invest in an adapter.
The Panel Type
The panel type is essential in a good cheap gaming monitor. TN panels are the most common and typically have the lowest response times. Sometimes, this type of panel may also have a fast refresh rate, making them the ideal solution for fast-paced action gaming. IPS panels are a bit more expensive due to the improved viewing angles and accuracy, but they also come with higher response times. That being said, for the best possible picture quality, VA panels are the way to go – although you should be prepared to pay a higher price for these too.
The drawback of a VA panel is its slower response time, which could limit the gaming experience – so they are best avoided by gamers who prefer fast-paced action titles. However, if you’re looking for a more immersive gaming experience and don’t mind sacrificing frame rate, a VA panel could be a good choice. Be sure to check the manufacturer specification for the monitor to make sure it has the ports you need to connect your other devices.
Another option for gamers is the hybrid panel, which combines the best of both worlds – giving gamers the low response times of the TN panel, combined with the higher accuracy and wider viewing angles of the IPS panel. Though these panels tend to be more expensive, their blend of features can be well worth the extra money.
No matter what type of panel you choose, make sure it has the features and ports that you need, and that it can handle the resolutions your games support. And don’t forget to compare prices to ensure you get the best value for your money. With these considerations in mind, you should be able to find a good cheap gaming monitor that meets all your needs.
The Refresh Rate
The refresh rate is a key factor when it comes to getting a good cheap gaming monitor. Refresh rates are usually measured in hertz (Hz), and they determine how often the display refreshes, or redraws the image. Higher refresh rates lead to smoother motion, less blur, and fewer stutters in games. Most gamers should look for a monitor with a refresh rate of at least 144Hz, although some gaming monitors can reach up to 240Hz.
It’s important to note that the refresh rate will only be as fast as the GPU’s frames per second (FPS) rate can allow. Make sure the refresh rate is not too high for the game’s frame rate, or else the image may look distorted. Similarly, it is a good idea to invest in a powerful graphics card that can provide a higher frame rate, and therefore make use of the faster refresh rates.
High refresh rates are particularly important for competitive gamers, as they provide a smoother experience and can even give gamers an edge over their opponents. However, they are also useful to regular gamers looking for an immersive experience, as they remove the blur and create a more realistic environment.
Keep an eye out for monitors that include NVIDIA G-SYNC or AMD FreeSync, which are technologies that can eliminate stuttering and screen tearing if used in conjunction with compatible graphics cards. This will result in a smoother and more impressive gaming experience.
The Resolution
The resolution of a monitor affects how detailed images appear on the screen, and is also an important factor when searching for a good cheap gaming monitor. Higher resolutions provide better image quality, but they can also significantly impact the price. Among the commonly available resolutions are 1920×1080 (also known as Full HD) and 2560×1440 (WQHD). The latter is the better option for gamers, as it provides a sharper image, with more pixels and better contrast.
If you have the budget, it may be worth investing in a monitor with a higher resolution such as 4K. These are the best monitors available – they offer the sharpest images and the best viewing angles. However, they can be expensive and may not be necessary for most gamers, as lower resolutions can provide adequate gaming experiences.
If you are looking for a good cheap gaming monitor, make sure that you consider the resolution. Higher resolutions offer better image quality, but they will also be more expensive. If you are willing to compromise on the resolution, you can get a good quality monitor at an affordable price.
Response Time
The response time of a monitor is an important feature that many gamers overlook. It is measured in milliseconds (ms), and is essentially the time it takes for a pixel to transition from one color to another. Lower response times are better, as they provide smoother images and help to reduce blurring in games.
TN monitors typically offer the lowest response times, but they can also be limited in terms of colour accuracy and viewing angles. IPS monitors can offer better viewing angles and accuracy while also providing decent response times, but they often come with higher prices. VA panels have the best picture quality but tend to have slower response times, making them unsuitable for fast-paced gaming.
If you are looking for a gaming monitor, make sure to spend some time researching monitors so that you can figure out which type is best for you. TN monitors provided the lowest response times, but also suffer from poor colour accuracy and viewing angles. IPS panels offer more accurate colours and better viewing angles, but tend to have higher response times. VA panels offer the best picture quality but may have too slow of a response time to be ideal for gaming.
Ports
Having enough ports is essential for any gaming monitor, as it allows you to connect all your devices. Look for monitors that offer HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB ports, as these are the most commonly used. Some monitors will include additional ports, such as a headphone jack, or audio-out/in ports. If you plan on using multiple devices, it is a good idea to invest in a monitor with multiple ports so that you can avoid having to invest in an additional adapter.
When looking for a good cheap gaming monitor, bear in mind that the ports it offers might be limited. Keep an eye out for how many ports are available and whether they are the right type for your gaming setup. If you need specific ports, such as HDMI 2.1, check the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure the monitor has them.
Finally, make sure the monitor is VESA-compliant. This ensures that you can mount the monitor on a wall or stand. VESA-compliance also allows for more space-saving options, such as a monitor arm or stand.
Connectivity
In addition to a monitor’s ports, consider what type of connectivity it offers. Most gaming monitors will offer either wired or wireless connections. Wired connections typically offer faster performance and lower latency, but they require a physical connection to the PC. Wireless connections don’t require a physical connection, and they offer more flexibility, but performance can suffer as a result.
Make sure the monitor supports all of the inputs you need – some gaming monitors include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, which can be useful for connecting to wireless gaming accessories or streaming media. If you plan on tethering your laptop or mobile phone to your gaming monitor, make sure it supports the wireless protocols you need.
No matter what type of connection you choose, make sure your monitor runs at the speed you need it to. Most gaming monitors will offer at least 60Hz, although some newer models can support higher refresh rates. If your gaming setup requires higher refresh rates, such as 240Hz, be sure to check the monitor’s specifications.
Lastly, if you are planning to purchase a gaming monitor, consider the available ports and connections, as well as the resolution, refresh rate, response time, and panel type. Doing your research and comparing prices can help you find a good cheap gaming monitor that meets all your needs.
