Enthusiast PC gamers typically demand the best gaming experience, and nothing affects the enjoyment of your gaming experience more than having the right gaming monitor.
The average gaming monitor size is between 21 and 24 inches. A 24-inch monitor is ideal for gaming, giving you the full 1080p HD visuals without taking up too much space in your setup. With a 24-inch monitor, you are able to easily monitor your progress in a game and make sure you’re getting the best performance possible.
While some gamers may consider a larger monitor for gaming, such as a 30-inch or even bigger, it can often be overkill. Bigger monitors require more pixels to display the same image which can cause your graphics card to strain. Additionally, you need to sit closer to a large monitor for a proper viewing experience, which can be uncomfortable for long gaming sessions.
It is possible to get a good gaming experience on a smaller monitor, such as 17 or 19-inch, but it won’t be the same as a 24-inch monitor. It won’t have the same resolution, detail, and depth. 21-inch is usually the smallest you can go and this can be used effectively to maximize the portability of your gaming setup.
When selecting a gaming monitor, consider the refresh rate and response time. Higher refresh rates reduce lag and motion blur. High response times also help reduce input lag. IPS panels are also recommended since they offer better viewing angles, providing more accurate color representation.
Be sure to also look for monitors with low blue light emission, as this can reduce eye fatigue and make gaming sessions more comfortable. Finally, make sure you have the budget to afford the gaming monitor you want. Higher end monitors can cost hundreds of dollars, so make sure you pick one that’s within your budget.
The Best Gaming Monitors
When it comes to selecting the best gaming monitor, there are a few key factors to consider. Picking the right size is the first step. A good 24-inch gaming monitor allows you to get the full HD experience without taking up too much space. Make sure the screen has an IPS panel to ensure the best viewing angles, and the monitor needs to have a refresh rate of at least 120Hz and a response time of 4ms or faster to reduce input lag.
You should also look for gaming monitors that have low blue light emission, to reduce eye fatigue when playing for extended sessions. If you’re willing to spend more money, you can get higher resolutions, better response times, and faster refresh rates. However, none of these are essential for standard gaming experiences.
Resolution and Refresh Rate
The resolution and refresh rate of your monitor are the two key factors to consider when buying a gaming monitor. Resolution is the number of pixels the monitor is displaying, with higher resolution leading to sharper images. Refresh rate is the number of times the monitor updates its display per second, measured in Hz. Higher refresh rates mean less visible ghosting and blur.
When choosing a monitor, select one with a resolution of at least 1080p or 1920 x 1080 pixels. Anything lower can be difficult to run and is likely to look poor. For refresh rates, look for at least 120Hz to eliminate the potential of ghosting and lag, although some gaming monitors can go even higher than that. Look for a monitor that supports adaptive sync technology, such as FreeSync or G-SYNC, as this can improve the gaming experience further.
Input Lag
The input lag of a gaming monitor is the delay you experience between pressing a button on your controller or keyboard and the response on the screen. It’s a common problem with cheaper or older monitors, but can be reduced with a good monitor. The response time of a monitor is the key factor in determining input lag, and most gaming monitors can have response times of 1 to 5 ms. Look for one with a response time of 4 ms or lower for minimal input lag.
Additionally, look for a monitor that supports the latest gaming technologies. Some gaming monitors come with special features designed to reduce input lag, such as pre-calibrated settings, game-specific settings, and motion blur reduction. All of these features can work together to reduce input lag and improve your gaming experience.
Screen Technologies
The type of panel used in a gaming monitor can also make a difference in your gaming experience. IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels offer better viewing angles, making it easier to see the details on the sides of the screen. They also provide more accurate colors, making them ideal for color-sensitive applications. TN (Twisted Nematic) panels offer faster response times and lower input lag, making them great for fast-paced gaming.
VA (Vertical Alignment) panels offer the best of both worlds. They have better image clarity and deep blacks than TN panels, and they usually have lower response times and input lag than IPS panels. If you want the full gaming experience, look for a gaming monitor that uses a VA panel.
Price Range
The final factor to consider when buying a gaming monitor is the price. Monitors can range from low-cost models to expensive gaming monitors. Fortunately, there are many high-quality gaming monitors available at an affordable price point. Generally, these monitors offer 1080p resolutions, decent response times, and good refresh rates. This should give you a great gaming experience without breaking the bank.
If you have more money to spend, you can invest in higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, and better panels. These will further increase the quality of your gaming experience. Some of the higher-end gaming monitors come with special features such as RGB lighting and G-SYNC compatibility, adding additional performance benefits.
