When considering what to purchase for the ultimate gaming experience, it’s important to consider investing in a high-quality gaming monitor. Not all monitors are created equal and there are several factors to consider before making that investment, so here’s a guide on what to look out for.
The first and most important question to answer is what size monitor is best for your needs. Gaming monitors come in different sizes depending on the type of game you are playing and the size of your gaming space. Generally, larger monitors are better for playing modern games as they provide larger field of view. Plus, with a wider screen, you are more likely to become immersed in the gaming world.
Another factor to consider is the resolution of the gaming monitor. The higher the resolution, the better image quality you can expect and the more modern games you can play. High-resolution monitors will usually be more expensive, but they are well worth the investment, as they will allow you to see all the details when playing the newest and most challenging games.
Also, be sure to check the refresh rate of a gaming monitor. The faster the refresh rate, the smoother the game will appear and run. For an immersive gaming experience, look for a monitor with at least a 120Hz refresh rate.
The response time of a gaming monitor is also important. The lower the response time, the less “smearing” or “ghosting” effect you will have when playing. This is especially important for fast-paced games.
Finally, don’t forget to check for additional features such as built-in speakers, USB ports and multiple input/output ports. These extra options can come in handy for connecting multiple devices, such as a headphone or game controller.
Display Features
When shopping for a gaming monitor, keep an eye out for extra display features. Displays with a fast refresh rate can help players keep up in fast-paced gaming situations and those with multiple input/output ports make it easier to connect various devices. Gamers may also want to consider looking for displays with adjustable lighting and color scheme settings, as well as anti-glare technology.
The size of the gaming monitor can also affect gaming performance and experience. If space is limited, a 24-inch monitor should suffice, but gamers with plenty of room should go for a larger model. The resolution of the gaming monitor is arguably the most important aspect and there are three options to choose from; 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. The higher the resolution, the better the visuals, but higher resolution models will also be more expensive.
Gamers should also bear in mind their budget when choosing a gaming monitor. Different types of models come with different features, so gamers should bear this in mind when looking to make a purchase. If a gamer wants a high-quality display but is working to a tight budget, they should consider buying a used display. Used monitors are often available at a fraction of the cost of a new model.
Mesh Refresh Rate
The refresh rate is an important feature to bear in mind when buying a gaming monitor, as it controls how quickly the picture refreshes on the display. A fast refresh rate can make the difference between winning and losing in a fast-paced gaming situation and the ideal refresh rate for gamers is 120Hz or more. Most gaming monitors come with a refresh rate of 144Hz or higher, but some cheaper models may have refresh rates as low as 48Hz.
Another factor to bear in mind when shopping for a gaming monitor is the response time. The response time is the time it takes for a pixel to turn from one color to another, and the quicker the response time, the better the picture quality. Response time usually ranges from 1-5ms, and those seeking the best picture quality should look for a response time of 5ms or less.
The aspect ratio of the display is also a key consideration. This is the ratio of the width to the height of the display, and a 4:3 ratio is preferable for gaming. This ratio has become increasingly popular as it allows for more desktop real estate and avoids stretching of the picture.
Finally, this feature isn’t as important as the rest, but it is still worth considering. The panel type of a display, such as IPS or TN, will affect the picture quality and color accuracy. IPS panels provide better image quality, but they are usually more expensive and have slower response times than TN panels. TN panels tend to be cheaper and have better response times, but their picture quality can’t match that of an IPS panel.
Gsync and FreeSync Technology
When browsing for a gaming monitor, gamers may notice that some models have NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. These technologies help reduce stuttering and screen tearing when gaming, with G-Sync being the more expensive of the two. G-Sync-enabled monitors are generally more expensive but they offer superior performance and image quality. FreeSync monitors are cheaper, but they do not provide the same level of quality as G-Sync monitors.
FreeSync monitors are often more attractive to those on a budget, but G-Sync monitors can provide a smoother gaming experience and prevent screen tearing, so gamers should always factor in the cost when deciding between the two technologies.
G-Sync monitors are specially designed to work with NVIDIA graphics cards while FreeSync monitors are designed to work with AMD graphics cards. As such, it is important to check the specifications of the gaming monitor before purchasing to make sure it will be compatible with your graphics card.
When shopping for a gaming monitor, gamers should always bear in mind the refresh rate and response time, as well as the extra features such as G-Sync and FreeSync technology. It is important to factor in your budget and choose a display with a suitable resolution, size and panel type. Used displays can offer great savings but make sure to check the specs before making the purchase.
Ergonomic Design
Gamers spend hours at their setup and ergonomic design is key to ensure its comfortable use. Ergonomic gaming monitors are specially designed to offer a comfortable gaming experience and reduce risk of injury or fatigue. Ergonomic gaming monitors usually come with features such as adjustable height, tilt, and swivel, making it easier to find the best position and reduce neck strain.
Gaming monitors also come with features such as anti-glare technology, which helps reduce eye strain when gaming for long periods of time. Some gaming monitors even come with built-in eye tracking software, which can be a great help for those who are sight impaired.
The design of the gaming monitor is also important for its aesthetic appeal. The look and feel of a monitor can greatly affect the gaming experience, so gamers should take the time to look around for a monitor that suits their taste. Modern gaming monitors come with sleek designs and modern features such as RGB lighting, which can really add to the atmosphere of a gaming setup.
When shopping for a gaming monitor, make sure to consider the ergonomic design and features, such as adjustable height and tilt, anti-glare technology, and RGB lighting. The design of the gaming monitor can also make a big difference to the gaming experience and it should be based on personal preference.
Other Considerations
When shopping for a gaming monitor, there are a few more things to consider. Gaming monitors with a curved design provide an immersive viewing experience and can be great for gamers with plenty of desktop real estate. On the other hand, gaming monitors with a flat design offer a more traditional viewing experience and are often cheaper than curved models.
The connectivity of the gaming monitor is also important. Monitors with multiple input/output jacks make it easier to connect various gaming consoles, PCs and other devices. It’s worth checking which ports a monitor has before making a purchase. Lastly, some gaming monitors come with special features such as picture in picture, which can be great for watching movies while gaming or playing a game on one half of the screen and watching a Twitch stream on the other.
When it comes to buying a gaming monitor, gamers should consider the size, resolution and refresh rate, as well as the extra features such as G-Sync and FreeSync technology. They should also take the time to consider the ergonomic design and connectivity, and look for extra features such as picture in picture. Ultimately, the best gaming monitor is the one that provides the best balance between performance and price, so gamers should shop around before making a purchase.
