Are you a professional gamer looking for a gaming setup or just an amateur gamer looking for a budget-friendly monitor? Whatever your gaming needs are, you must check some basic fundamentals before investing in a monitor for gaming.
Online gaming has seen drastic changes over the years. When it comes to gaming, having the right monitor for gaming can make a big difference! Just like you wouldn’t want to play soccer with a flat ball, you don’t want to play video games on a system that keeps hanging all the time.
Here’s a guide to pick the best monitor for your gaming needs.
a) Screen Size
When you choose the best monitor for gaming, the size of your screen matters a lot. Monitors vary in size, and this is expressed in inches, like a 24-inch or 27-inch monitor. A larger display size can display more of the game, and it’ll actually feel as if you are inside the game realm.
If you like to sit back and enjoy the details, then a larger screen size of 27 inches is preferable.
b) Resolution
Resolution means how much detail is resolved on the surface of a computer screen. It is composed of picture elements, which are called pixels. A higher number of pixels gives a better quality in the picture.
For example, the Full HD resolution is 1920p x 1080p. There are others such as 4K, which equals 3840p x 2160p and the picture looks extremely sharp and clear.
c) Refresh Rate
The refresh rate refers to how often per second your monitor redraws the picture on the screen. It’s measured in hertz (Hz). In gaming, the higher refresh rate equals smooth actions. If you have a low refresh rate then the game appears more jumpy when it comes to quick movement. So, look for a refresh rate of 60 Hz or higher
d) Response Time
Response time is how fast each pixel of the monitor takes to switch between two colours. Reduced response time simply entails faster colour shifting and refined game play. For instance, one millisecond of response time is quicker than 5 ms. You should look for a monitor with a response time of 5 ms or less.
e) Panel Type
Monitors use different types of panels. The three main types are IPS, TN, and VA:
- IPS (In-Plane Switching): This is colorful and appears well from any flank.
- TN (Twisted Nematic): Loads faster but the appearance might look unappealing.
- VA (Vertical Alignment): Takes time to display rich colours.
Special Features to Look For
While looking for a monitor for gaming, here are some features you should be looking for. Some monitors come with extra features that can make gaming even better.
a) G-Sync or FreeSync
These features assist the monitor align with your computer’s graphics card which enables you to avoid various issues, such as tearing or stuttering of the screen. There are two versions of this – G-Sync is compatible with NVIDIA graphics cards and FreeSync, is compatible with AMD cards.
b) Blue Light Filter
Indeed playing for long durations could be hard on your eyes. A blue light filter decreases the level of the blue light which causes eye fatigue. Some monitors can go even further and adjust night mode which makes blue light minimum which is awesome for gaming at night.
c) HDR (High Dynamic Range)
HDR tends to make colours appear even more realistic and just helps you see brighter whites alongside darker blacks. Some of these can make your game appear more improved.
d) Adjustable Stand
An adjustable stand lets you change the height and angle of your monitor for gaming. This is important to keep you comfortable while playing, especially if you play for a long time. Some monitors can even be turned sideways!
e) Screen Size
There are different types of monitor sizes and the sizes are expressed in inches this could range from 24 inches to 27-inch monitors and so on. The higher resolution means they can display more of the game at once. If you are a fan of adventure games and racing then the curved monitors will provide a better gaming experience.
Set a Budget
Gaming monitors come in a variety of price ranges, ranging from expensive to budget-friendly. Think about what features are most important to you. If you’re just starting out, then you should not spend on a high-end monitor.
Choosing the Right Monitor for Your Gaming Style
Different types of games need different kinds of monitors. Let’s take a look:
- Fast Games (like shooting or racing): Look for a high refresh rate (120 Hz or more) and a low response time (1 ms).
- Detailed Games (like role-playing or adventure): Look for a higher resolution and good color display, like IPS panels.
- Casual Games (like puzzles or strategy): A standard monitor for gaming with Full HD and a 60 Hz refresh rate is usually fine.
Try to See the Monitor in Person
If possible, visit the store in person. You can check all the available options that match your budget, colors that please you and features that you want. This way you can make a better decision.
Conclusion
You should not struggle when it comes to choosing the best monitor for gaming. Consider what types of games you are into, set a financial plan, and search for the most important characteristics for you. A good gaming monitor should enhance your viewing experience as well as the thrill of those games. Therefore, do not hurry up but instead consider all alternatives and shortly you will be ready to enjoy the best gaming experience ever!
