If you’re looking for a gaming monitor, there are several things to consider. You want to make sure you get good picture quality, and ideally one that can display your games at high frame rates. There’s also a wide range of sizes, resolution, and refresh rates to choose from. To make sure you get the best gaming experience, let’s run through what you should be looking for in a gaming monitor.
Size
When it comes to gaming monitors, size matters. Some of the most popular sizes are 24, 27, and 32 inches, and it really comes down to personal preference. The larger the monitor, the more space you’ll get to enjoy your games. However if you don’t have much room, smaller monitors with a higher resolution can work just as well.
Resolution
The resolution determines how sharp and detailed your games will look. Generally speaking, higher resolution means better image quality. The most common resolution for gaming monitors is 1080p or Full HD, but you can also find monitors with 4K or Ultra HD resolution. If you don’t plan on running high-end games with maxed out settings, you may be better off sticking to a 1080p monitor.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate measures how quickly the image refreshes on the screen. Most gaming monitors come with a 60Hz refresh rate, which is fine for most games. However if you plan on playing competitive or fast-paced games, then it’s worth looking for one with a higher refresh rate, like 144Hz or even 240Hz.
Response Time
The response time tells you how fast your monitor can update the image on the screen. Lower response times are better because they help reduce ghosting and blurring. For gaming monitors, a response time of at least 5 ms is a good rule of thumb.
Connectivity
It’s also important to consider the number of ports a monitor has. Most gaming monitors come with HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB ports, although the exact number and type of ports may vary depending on the model. It’s a good idea to make sure you have at least two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort, as these are the most common connection types.
What Else To Consider
Finally, there are a few other factors you should consider when buying a gaming monitor such as the viewing angle, aspect ratio, type of panel, and features like HDR or adaptive sync. Most monitors will come with all the features you need, so it really comes down to personal preference and budget.
Panel Type
The type of panel used in a gaming monitor is also important. Most gaming monitors use TN (Twisted Nematic) or IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels. TN panels are usually cheaper and offer faster response times, so they’re good for fast-paced games. IPS panels have better viewing angles and color accuracy, so they’re better for games with a lot of detail.
Viewing Angle
The viewing angle also plays a role in how well you can see the image on the monitor. With most gaming monitors, the viewing angle is usually between 170 and 178 degrees. Anything beyond that can cause visible distortion and color shifting, so you want to be sure the monitor you’re looking at has a wide viewing angle.
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the width-to-height ratio of the display. Most gaming monitors are widescreen and come in either 16:9 or 21:9. Monitors with a 21:9 aspect ratio will give you more ‘real estate’, but you may need to make sure your games support it.
HDR and Adaptive Sync
Finally, HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Adaptive Sync are some of the latest display technologies for gaming monitors. HDR allows for better color and contrast and can make games look more vibrant and lifelike, while Adaptive Sync can help reduce screen tearing and stuttering. Both features will come at a premium, and they may not be worth it if you don’t plan on playing any graphically intense games.
Conclusion
There are a lot of factors to consider when buying a gaming monitor, but the most important ones are resolution, refresh rate, and response time. You also want to make sure it has enough ports and the right type of panel for your needs. HDR and Adaptive Sync are nice features to have, but you don’t necessarily need them for every game.
