Tips for Choosing a Gaming Monitor
So, you have a fancy new computer that pushes bleeding-edge graphics and is a beast in performance. Well, if you want to enjoy gaming in all its glory, you'll need a proper gaming monitor. However, with the sea of monitors out there with varying features, looks and from different brands, it can be hard to tell just what matters, what is a welcome addition and what you don't need. In this read, we are going to give you the ultimate checklist when shopping for a gaming monitor.
The Refresh Rate
Many might argue that resolution is the primary aspect to look at, and while it is essential, most gaming monitors come in a resolution that you would be happy with, be it Full HD, 2k or 4K. However, the refresh rate is a vital factor as it can make or break your gaming experience, especially in fast-paced titles. The higher the refresh rate, the better.
A gaming monitor with at least a 144Hz refresh rate can push out a lot of frames per second, depending on the performance of your computer. If you own a top of the line PC, the settling for 60 or 90Hz will only limit your experience. Also, when your PC pushes, for instance, 120fps, but your monitor can only handle 60 fps, the sync will be delayed, which can lead to screen tear ups.
So, before you ask yourself whether you need a Full HD or Quad HD monitor, ask whether the monitor features at least 144hz. Of course, there are several great 240hz gaming monitors out there, but given the current state of the industry, you will not need it. Also, 240Hz monitors are way more expensive compared to their counterparts , and so, it doesn't make sense to pay for something you will not end up leveraging, for now, at least.
If you own a gaming console like PS4 or Xbox One, a 120hz or 60hz display will be adequate as these mostly process games at 60 frames per second.
To recap, a higher refresh rate is essential as it leads to lower input lag and latency, which are necessities for hardcore or pro gamers.
4K or UHD Resolution is Not Vital
Unless graphics are everything to you, 4K resolution should be secondary when it comes to buying a gaming monitor. While 4K is excellent for those graphically intense games, it will not be as appealing when dealing with a low refresh rate.
The issue with gaming is that the higher the resolution, the lower the refresh rate. So, you are going to shed away a significant amount of money for a 4K monitor with a 144hz refresh rate. As such, it is best to go for a Full HD or 2K gaming monitor with an excellent refresh rate.
The Size is Just as Important
Monitors are not TVs and so, larger is not always better. More often than not, 27inch is the ideal size for most people sitting on a desk in front of a monitor. This is the ideal scale for your eyes to look at everything within the monitor without moving the head. Anything above this size and you are bound to have an underwhelming experience, especially if you like to game for hours on end.
You will come across a wide array of curved monitors that go beyond this size and they are usually up for debate. More often than not, they are ideal for multitasking during streaming or working rather than gaming. A monitor that doesn't force your head to move a lot or eyes to squit is the best for gaming, especially for titles such as Call of Duty, Apex Legends and Overwatch.
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And there you have it, the most important things to consider when shopping for a gaming monitor. Of course, there are other details such as the bezels, panel type, etc., but all those come after handling the elements mentioned above.