Modern gaming monitors are becoming increasingly important for gamers looking to get the best performance and experience from their gaming rig. The good news is that there’s a wide range of monitor options on the market, so gamers can choose the one that best suits their needs. But what exactly is a ‘good’ monitor for gaming? Let’s take a look.
When it comes to gaming monitors, the two most important features to consider are refresh rate and response time. The refresh rate measures how many times the screen refreshes in a second, while the response time measures how quickly the monitor responds to the commands of your computer. A good gaming monitor will usually have a refresh rate of at least 144Hz and 4ms response time.
In addition, it’s important that the monitor comes with HDR and FreeSync/G-sync technologies, both of which can significantly enhance your gaming experience. HDR technology improves the brightness and range of colours on-screen, while FreeSync/G-sync reduces screen-tearing and input lag. Both are essential for an immersive gaming session.
It’s also important to consider the panel type and size of the monitor. TN and IPS panels are the two most common types, with TN panels offering lower latency but limited viewing angles. IPS panels, on the other hand, have better colours and viewing angles but higher latency. Lastly, the size of the monitor should correspond to your gaming setup and seating distance.
Lastly, gamers should ensure that their monitor is equipped with the right ports, so they can easily connect their gaming rig and enjoy a detailed, immersive gaming experience. HDMI, DisplayPort and dual-link DVI are the most popular ports, so make sure your monitor has the ones you need.
Refresh Rate
Refresh rate is the most important specification you should be concerned with when selecting a monitor for gaming. Refresh rate refers to the number of times the display refreshes in a second, and if the refresh rate is too low, you may experience input lag and stuttering. A good gaming monitor will have a refresh rate of at least 144Hz, and some monitors can even reach refresh rates of 240 Hz or greater.
Having a monitor with a high refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay, with no stuttering or tearing. This is especially important for FPS gamers, as it can help improve accuracy and reduce reaction time. Additionally, a higher refresh rate can also reduce the strain on your eyes from the intense and fast-paced gaming sessions.
However, while refresh rate is very important, it is only one of the specifications to consider when purchasing a monitor for gaming. It’s also important to consider other factors such as response time, panel type, and port selection.
Response Time
Response time is another important specification to look out for when choosing a gaming monitor. Response time refers to how quickly the monitor responds to the commands of your computer. A good gaming monitor will usually have a response time of 4 ms or less, with some monitors even offering a 1ms response time.
In general, the higher the response time, the better the overall gaming experience. A low response time means that there will be less input lag, which is especially important for FPS gamers. It also means that the monitor will be more responsive, making it easier to control your game.
However, it’s worth noting that response time isn’t always the most reliable specification, as some manufacturers may overstate the response time of their monitors. To be sure, you should check user reviews and look for monitors that have consistently low response times.
HDR and FreeSync/G-Sync Technologies
HDR and FreeSync/G-sync technologies are some of the most important features to look for when buying a gaming monitor. HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, and it is a technology that can significantly improve the range and brightness of colours on the monitor. This makes for a better looking gaming experience, with vibrant and detailed visuals.
Meanwhile, FreeSync/G-sync technologies are used to prevent screen-tearing and input lag. Screen-tearing occurs when two frames are being rendered at the same time, resulting in a jarring and distracting image. FreeSync and G-Sync technology prevents this by synchronizing the frame rate of the display to the frame rate of the graphics card.
Both the HDR and FreeSync/G-Sync technologies are essential features to look out for when buying a gaming monitor, as they can drastically improve your gaming experience. However, it’s worth noting that not all monitors come with these technologies, so you should make sure your monitor has them before purchasing.
Panel Type and Size
When choosing a gaming monitor, it’s important to consider the panel type and size. TN and IPS panels are the two most common types, with TN panels offering lower latency but limited viewing angles. IPS panels have better colors and viewing angles but have a higher latency.
The size of the monitor should also be taken into consideration, as it will determine how immersive the gaming experience will be. If the monitor is too small, the visuals won’t be as immersive and you won’t be able to appreciate the detail of the game. Similarly, if the monitor is too large, you may experience eye-strain from the extended viewing.
In general, it’s best to match the monitor size to your seating distance, as this will provide the most comfortable viewing experience. For instance, if you are sitting 1 meter away from the monitor, a 27” monitor is usually the ideal size. However, this is highly dependent on personal preference, so you should choose a size that feels most comfortable to you.
Port Selection
Finally, you should also make sure that your monitor is equipped with the right ports. HDMI, DisplayPort, and dual-link DVI are the most popular ports for gaming monitors, and if the monitor doesn’t come with the necessary ports you won’t be able to connect your gaming rig. This means you won’t be able to enjoy a detailed and immersive gaming experience.
Additionally, some gaming monitors may come with additional ports such as USB Type-A, USB Type-C, or 3.5mm audio ports. These ports can be very useful, as they can be used to connect peripherals such as mouse, keyboards, controllers, and headset. These features can help you create a more immersive gaming setup.
In conclusion, there are many features to consider when buying a gaming monitor. Refresh rate, response time, panel type, and port selection are some of the most important ones, but there are also technology features such as HDR and FreeSync/G-Sync that are essential for a good gaming experience. When selecting a monitor it’s important to take all these factors into consideration to ensure you get the best monitor for your gaming setup.
