I’m often asked what one should consider when looking for a gaming monitor, and it’s easy to understand why. With so many choices available, each touting its own special features, it can be hard to determine which one is best suited for your gaming needs. Fortunately, there are a few key points to consider that will help you find the best gaming monitor for you.
First and foremost, you need to decide on the display size. If you’re looking to get serious about gaming, you’re going to want at least a 21-inch display, which is the ideal size for gaming. If portability is a concern, then you can opt for a 27-inch or even a 32-inch monitor, albeit at the cost of image clarity.
Next, you’ll want to consider the resolution. Generally speaking, the higher the resolution the better, but it is also worth considering the type of games you are playing. If you are playing games with high movement such as first-person shooters and racing games, then a higher resolution monitor is great; if you prefer less intense games, then a lower resolution can be more than adequate.
Third, response time is key. If you are playing a game with fast-paced action, then it is important to get a monitor with a low response time. Response time is measured in milliseconds, and for gaming you should be looking for a monitor with a response time of 5ms or lower.
Fourth, consider the refresh rate. A monitor’s refresh rate tells you how many times the image on the screen is refreshed in a second. Most gaming monitors have a refresh rate of at least 60Hz, but if you want to reduce motion blur and get the most out of your games then you’ll want a monitor with a higher refresh rate.
Fifth, you’ll want to consider what type of connectivity is available. Almost all modern gaming monitors feature HDMI and DisplayPort, but some might have other connections such as old-school VGA or DVI. Be sure to check what type of connections your display will support, so you don’t miss out on any features.
Finally, it’s worthwhile considering the ergonomics. A good gaming monitor should have adjustable height, tilt, and swivel settings, as well as built-in speakers and a headphone jack. This will ensure that you’re able to adjust the monitor to a comfortable position and enjoy a more immersive experience.
Display Size
When choosing a gaming monitor, size matters. If portability is a top priority, 27-35 inch monitors are the way to go. They offer a more reasonable size for portable gaming, without sacrificing too much in terms of performance. On the other hand, serious gamers should consider a 21-inch display as it offers premium features such as G-Sync, FreeSync, and HDR. Keep in mind that a larger display will also have a higher resolution, so you can take full advantage of all the details in the game.
Resolution
The resolution of a monitor is another important factor when looking for a gaming monitor. What resolution do I need? That depends on both the type of games you play and the size of the display. HD monitors are perfect for casual gamers, but if you play more intense games, then you may want to opt for a more powerful resolution like 4K or even 8K. Also, keep in mind that a larger display, such as a 32-inch, will require a higher resolution to take full advantage of the display size.
Response Time
When it comes to faster paced games like first-person shooters, or racing games with quick movements, a low response time is key to a great gaming experience. A monitor with a response time of 5ms or less will offer an incredibly smooth gaming experience and reduce motion blur. Thankfully, most gaming monitors today have response times of 5ms and lower for a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of a monitor tells us how frequently the image on the screen is refreshed in a single second. A higher refresh rate will ensure a smoother image, and reduce any motion blur that might be caused by a lower refresh rate. Most gaming monitors come with a 60Hz rate, but more serious gamers may want to look for gaming monitors with a higher refresh rate such as 120Hz or 144Hz.
Connectivity
It’s also important to consider the type of connectivity options a gaming monitor offers. Most gaming monitors feature HDMI and DisplayPort, but you may want to make sure your monitor offers other connections such as old-school VGA or DVI. This way, you can be sure that you have access to all of the features your gaming monitor has to offer.
Ergonomics
Lastly, you’ll want to consider the ergonomics of your gaming monitor. Look for monitors that offer adjustable settings such as height, tilt, and swivel, as well as built-in speakers and a headphone jack. This way, you can be sure that you can customize the monitor to your preferences and make the most out of your gaming experience.
