People who are avid gamers are often searching for the best time to invest in a new gaming monitor. Unbeknownst to many, there is no golden rule or authority that can definitively tell someone when is the best time to buy a gaming monitor, as what is most important is the individual’s budget and desired features. Despite that, it is possible to offer a few tips on how to evaluate the best timing for such purchases.
For starters, there are several types of gaming monitors available in today’s market. Some monitors are pre-built, coming with technical specs and options already decided by the manufacturer. Others are custom-built monitors where the buyer can switch out some of the components to make it just how they want it. Before making any purchase, it is important to evaluate the gaming monitor model and understand the features offered and the best budget for the specs.
Additionally, seasonality plays a large role in understanding when is the best time to buy a gaming monitor. Every season, manufacturers look for ways on how to differentiate their products from the competition. This often involves promotional periods such as end of season sales when price drops occur. Some of these sales can represent a great opportunity to purchase a high-spec monitor at a reduced cost, making them worth keeping an eye on.
Furthermore, manufacturers often unveil new models of monitors in order to further differentiate their products from the market. Usually, this is done during specialised events such as the Consumer Electronics Show or trade shows with a focus on gaming. It is possible to find great deals during these times, as the price of the older models usually gets reduced in order to achieve the desired sales.
On top of that, certain times of the year are better for certain types of gamers. In particular, for those who are competitive gamers or who play competitively as part of a team, there are certain tournaments throughout the year where competitive teams from around the world compete in various games. During such occasions, manufacturers often release special gaming monitors with features and upgrades which are aimed towards professional gaming, making them worth considering, depending on the needs of the individual.
Finally, depending on the availability of budget, it is possible to get great deals from second-hand marketplaces such as eBay or Craigslist. There are usually a number of people who are selling old gaming monitors at reduced prices, due to their need to upgrade or switch gaming platforms, which may result in great opportunities to get great deals.
Compare Gaming Monitors
When evaluating options for the best gaming monitor to buy, it pays to compare different offers on the market and consider each individual feature and technology. This can be achieved by searching online reviews, reading blog posts in gaming websites, or participating in forums and topics dedicated to the discussion of gaming monitors. By taking enough time to comprehend the specifications of every monitor, it is possible to make an informed decision.
For instance, some monitors offer very low response times and refresh rates. These features might be appealing for gamers who want to maximise their in-game performance. Meanwhile, other monitors might be tailored for a more whimsical needs, such as curved displays or monitors with an adjustable stand that allow the user to adjust the angle according to their preference. All such considerations should be taken into account in order to achieve the desired result.
It is worth mentioning that most monitors, even the ones with higher specs and resolutions, are now becoming much more affordable than before. While some specifications might command a premium price, certain gaming monitors can be purchased for a relatively inexpensive price if the user takes the time to thoroughly research the market to find constructive bargains.
In conclusion, when evaluating the best time to buy a gaming monitor, it is important to consider the budget and specifications of the monitor, take advantage of promotional sales, keep an eye out for new models released by manufacturers, search for discounted offerings on second-hand marketplaces, and evaluate features offered in the particular model.
Synthesise Relevant Features
When looking to buy a gaming monitor, the most important factor is to accurately determine which features are needed and relevant to the user’s needs. While all gaming monitors claim to offer the latest technology and image quality, it is important to identify which specs and features are actually fit for the user in terms of gaming. To this end, it is necessary to evaluate the specifications of the monitor and synthesise them with the game genre, as not all gaming genres are suited to every type of monitor.
For example, some games require high refresh rates and fast response times in order to enable fast-paced movement, frame rates, and an overall smooth gaming experience. In such cases, a gaming monitor with a higher refresh rate and response time would be an ideal choice for this specific type of game. However, for those playing strategy or puzzle oriented games, the same requirements would not necessarily be needed, thus a monitor with a lower refresh rate and response time might be a better fit.
It’s also worth considering whether the games that the user typically plays will benefit from higher resolutions. If the answer is yes, then it would be best to invest in a monitor that offers a higher resolution option. This will be especially beneficial for those looking to experience more detailed textures and sharp visuals while playing more graphically-demanding titles.
In any case, it is important to compare different gaming monitors before making a purchase. Compare the refresh rate, response time, resolution, and various features in order to determine which type of monitor best suits the user’s gaming experience. In certain cases, a monitor that offers lower specs might be better than one that offers higher specs, depending on the type of game being played.
Understand Panel Technologies
Another factor to consider when shopping for a gaming monitor is the panel technology it uses. In general, there are two main types of panel technology adopted by monitor manufacturers: TN and IPS. These two types of panels vary in terms of colour accuracy, viewing angles, and response times.
In particular, TN panels usually have the best response times, making them suitable for fast-paced games such as first-person shooters. On the other hand, IPS panels are the preferred choice for colour-accurate rendering, which is beneficial for games that require more precision and accuracy in terms of colour. For example, titles such as racing games or art games can really benefit from the extra depth provided by IPS panels.
It is important to keep in mind that these technologies are constantly being upgraded and improved. It is therefore important to stay up-to-date with the latest panel technologies in order to evaluate which technology would be the most beneficial for the particular type of game the user plays.
Furthermore, some manufacturers offer various additional features for their panels. For instance, some gaming monitors are equipped with anti-glare technology which helps reduce eye strain and improve visibility during dark scenes. Others include backlight-dimming settings and other customisation options that can improve the viewing experience. In any case, it is important to evaluate these additional features when shopping for a gaming monitor.
Understand Refresh Rates
When it comes to gaming monitors, refresh rates are always considered an important factor when deciding which panel is the best choice. Refresh rates dictate how quickly they panels update the image on the display, and their speed can vary greatly depending on the gaming monitor. Lower refresh rates can potentially introduce ghosting or motion blur, thus higher refresh rates are advisable for those that want to reduce latency and gameplay stutter.
Nowadays, most gaming monitors boast a refresh rate of at least 75Hz, with some models reaching 144Hz or even higher. This is especially important for those who are playing fast-paced games such as first-person shooters, as higher refresh rates can mean the difference between victory or defeat in an intense multiplayer match.
It is, however, important to note that the refresh rate is not the only factor that needs to be taken into consideration. It is essential to also consider the panel technology, as some TN panels can be capable of offering higher refresh rates than IPS panels, while some IPS panels may be able to provide better colours and viewing angles than TN panels.
In order to get the best gaming performance out of a gaming monitor, it is important to consider not only the refresh rate, but also the panel technologies, response times, and other features which can improve the experience while gaming.
