What Type of Gaming Monitor Should I Get?
When it comes to gaming monitors, there are a few things to consider before you make a purchase. Firstly, the refresh rate should be looked at since it is arguably the most important component that determines how smooth your gaming experience is. The refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz) and for gaming, a higher refresh rate of at least 120Hz is recommended.
Secondly, the aspect ratio should also be taken into consideration. Standard monitors usually have a 16:9 aspect ratio, while ult-wide monitors have a 21:9 aspect ratio. Your choice here is dependent on what kind of games you are planning to play, as some games only support certain aspect ratios.
Thirdly, the panel type can influence both input lag and the visual quality of your gaming experience. Generally speaking, IPS panels have higher visual quality and TN panels have lower input lag. However, newer IPS panels have closing the gap in terms of input lag and should not be overlooked.
Fourthly, the resolution of the monitor should also be looked at. The standard resolution for gaming monitors is Full HD (1920×1080) although higher resolutions such as Quad HD (2560×1440) and 4K (3840×2160) can provide higher visual quality and clarity.
Fifthly, the size of the monitor should also be considered. While 24-27 inches is the most popular size, larger screens such as 32-inches or bigger tend to offer a more immersive gaming experience. However, bear in mind that the size of the monitor is also determined by the distance between you and the monitor.
Lastly, the response time should not be overlooked. This is an important factor when it comes to a monitor’s performance and is measured in milliseconds (ms). For gaming, you want a response time as low as possible – ideally 1ms.
Response Time
Response time is the amount of time it takes for a pixel to change from one shade to another. It is measured in milliseconds (ms), and for gamers, a response time of 1ms is the optimal value. Lower response times usually indicate smoother gameplay and can reduce motion blur. However, lower response time usually comes with a higher price tag.
FreeSync and G-SYNC
FreeSync and G-SYNC are two technologies that are designed to improve your gaming experience by introducing synchronization between display and graphics card. FreeSync is a fast-paced technology developed by AMD while G-SYNC is a fast-paced technology developed by NVIDIA. Essentially, these technologies eliminate screen tearing and stuttering while providing a smoother gaming experience.
Refresh Rate & Frame Rates
Monitor refresh rate and frame rates are two facets of gaming performance that should not be overlooked. Refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz) and the higher it is, the smoother the gaming experience. In terms of frame rates, it is important to ensure that your graphics card is capable of maintaining stable frame rates for the monitors resolution you are using. The optimal frame rate for most games is around 60 frames per second (fps).
Input Lag & Ghosting
Input lag is the time it takes for your monitor to respond to your commands. High input lag can be rather frustrating, especially when it comes to competitive gaming. Ghosting refers to the phenomenon of the image trailing behind an obscured object on the screen. This can be rather irritating and can be significantly reduced by using a monitor with a low response time.
Connector Types & Adaptive Sync
It is important to look at the connectors that the gaming monitor uses. Monitors typically use either HDMI or DisplayPort connections, and you should ensure that your graphics card is compatible with the type the monitor is using. Additionally, it is important to look at the monitor’s adaptive sync technology, as this is necessary for graphics cards that support FreeSync and G-SYNC technologies.
