Choosing the right size gaming monitor for your needs can be a difficult decision. While gaming monitors are traditionally large, due to the high resolution and refresh rates recommended for gaming, there isn’t one single size that is the best and it depends on personal preference and the type of gaming you plan on doing. Let’s discuss the different sizes, their advantages and disadvantages, and what makes a good size gaming monitor.
The most common gaming monitor size is 22-27 inches. These sizes come with Full HD resolution and higher, and they generally don’t require scaling of the image unless you’re sitting father back than the recommended distance. Monitor size matters when it comes to gaming and a larger one will provide a better gaming experience. For esports you don’t need to go too large, as small size ones gives the gamer better control and accuracy. However, larger monitor sizes are ideal for playing strategy and open world games, as they provide more information on the screen and allow us to better enjoy the scenery.
Meanwhile, ultra wide gaming monitors offer an immersive gaming experience. The curved panels create a wraparound image that produces a greater sense of depth for games that use a large field of view or require split-screen games. These gaming monitors usually start at 25-inches and go up to 49-inch or larger. The downside of ultra-wide monitors is that they require a capable Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to drive them. Gaming performance on ultra-wide monitors is also limited by the GPU’s ability to drive high resolutions.
Finally, the most extreme type of gaming monitors are the high refresh rate gaming monitors. These displays come in sizes up to 35-inch, with resolutions as high as 4K, and they offer refresh rates up to 200 Hz, allowing for smooth and responsive gameplay. The higher the refresh rate, the better the gaming performance and the more fluid the gaming experience. Of course, these gaming monitors also require powerful GPUs and CPUs to properly utilize them.
Advantages of a Good Size Gaming Monitor
A good size gaming monitor will provide more than just visual pleasure. Larger monitors allow gamers to view all the menu options onscreen without having to squint, making navigation easier and faster. With the extra screen space, gamers can also have multiple windows open at once and stay updated with the latest news and rumors. Furthermore, gaming with a larger monitor means you can enjoy a more immersive experience with games that have a wide field of view or require split-screen play.
The size of your monitor also affects gaming performance. Smaller monitors will require scaling of the image, reducing the detail and clarity of the image. Thus, a larger monitor will provide a much better gaming performance, often resulting in smoother and more responsive gameplay. Meanwhile, ultra wide and high refresh rate gaming monitors make the gaming experience much more immersive, with deeper blacks and faster response times.
Bigger size monitors also affect the position of your gaming monitors. With a larger monitor, you can sit further away from the monitor and still enjoy a smooth gameplay. This prevents eye strain, allowing you to enjoy your gaming session longer. In addition, a large monitor also allows you to adjust the tilt of the monitor to reduce glare.
Lastly, larger gaming monitors can be used for multiple purposes. They can be used to watch movies and play games, for productivity and for creating content. Furthermore, gamers can connect multiple monitors for a larger workspace or for a multi-monitor gaming setup.
Disadvantages of a Good Size Gaming Monitor
On the downside, a good size gaming monitor can take up a lot of space on your desk. And while larger gaming monitors might provide improved visual quality, they can also be pricey. Additionally, the increased power consumption means higher electricity bills. Moreover, lighter monitors might be more comfortable to game with, but they are prone to wobbling and shaking during intense gaming sessions.
Furthermore, connecting multiple monitors can also present some problems. Multiple monitors can usually be connected together, but the graphics card might not have enough power to support the heavier resolution graphics. This means that you’ll need to downscale your graphics to a lower resolution in order to play games smoothly with multiple monitors. Also, the display of multiple monitors can be inconsistent and can be distracting in some cases.
Also, higher refresh rates are great for gaming, but for working, the faster refresh rates can be distracting. Furthermore, glare and reflection can be an issue with bigger size gaming monitors, especially in direct sunlight. The viewing angles can also be an issue, as the image can look distorted when viewed from the side. And gamers that prefer the cinematic experience of movies and television might find a gaming monitor too large.
Factors to Consider When Looking for a Good Size Gaming Monitor
When looking for a good size gaming monitor, there are a few factors to consider. First, decide on your budget and the size of your gaming monitor, as they both play an important role in performance and gaming enjoyment. Second, if you have a powerful PC, consider an ultra wide or high refresh rate gaming monitor for the best performance. Third, if you plan on using your monitor for gaming and watching movies or television, consider a monitor with an IPS panel for the best viewing angles and color accuracy.
It’s also important to consider the positioning of your gaming monitor. Place the monitor at a comfortable distance from your eyes and adjust the tilt to reduce glare. The monitor should also be at an angle that’s comfortable for your neck and back, as long gaming sessions can take a toll on your body. In addition, make sure there are no objects blocking the air vents of your monitor, as this can cause the monitor to overheat and reduce the life of the device.
Another factor to consider is the response time of the monitor. The longer the response time, the more input lag and motion blur you’ll experience in-game. This is especially true for games that require twitch reflex and rapid movements, such as first-person shooters or fighting games. Look for a monitor with a response time of 1 ms or lower for the best gaming performance.
Lastly, you should also consider the port selection of your monitor. Make sure that the monitor has the right ports for your peripherals, and enough USB ports for all your gaming peripherals. An HDMI port is also necessary to connect the monitor to your computer.
Conclusion
Selecting the right size gaming monitor is an important decision, as it affects gaming performance and gaming enjoyment. Larger monitors provide a more immersive gaming experience, while ultra wide and high refresh rate gaming monitors offer smoother and more responsive gameplay. Meanwhile, smaller monitors are better for esports, but they can be limiting for open world and strategy games. When looking for a good size gaming monitor, keep in mind the response time, IPS panel, port selection, and the distance you’ll be sitting from the monitor.