What to Know before Buying a Gaming Monitor

Determining the level of detail and clarity, gaming resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed on the screen. The higher the resolution, the sharper the visuals are. The most common resolutions utilized in gaming monitors include:

• High-definition (HD). Although better than standard-definition (SD) resolutions, HD is now considered a relatively low resolution for gaming monitors.
• Full HD. Offering a good balance between image quality and performance, full HD gaming monitors are suitable for most gaming setups.
• Quad HD (QHD). Also referred to as wide QHD, sharper images and more detailed visuals are provided by the higher pixel density of a QHD gaming monitor.
• Ultra HD (UHD)/4K. Ultrawide 4K gaming monitors give you exceptional clarity and detail, offering a significant improvement in image quality.

A gaming monitor’s refresh rate refers to the number of times it refreshes the screen’s image per second, which is measured in hertz (Hz). Higher refresh rates reduce blur and help contribute to a more responsive gaming experience.

Refresh rates usually range between 60Hz and 360Hz. 60Hz gaming monitors display up to 60 frames per second, which is generally efficient enough for most games. However, displays provided by 144Hz gaming monitors and 240Hz gaming monitors have significantly enhanced visual qualities. Serious gamers might also want to consider 280Hz and 360Hz gaming monitors, which provide an exceptionally smooth and responsive gaming experience.

Panels refer to the display technology that is used in the gaming monitors. Having their own distinct characteristics that can affect image quality, response time, color accuracy and more, there are four main panel types:

• Twisted nematic (TN) panels. Popular in the competitive gaming world, TN panels offer high refresh rates, response times and a low input lag.
• In-plane switching (IPS) panels. IPS panels provide superior color accuracy and wider viewing angles compared to TN panels, but have slightly slower response times.
• Vertical alignment (VA) panels. VA panels offer better reproduction and contrast ratios than TN panels while providing faster response times than IPS panels. However, they may experience some motion blur in fast-paced gaming scenarios.
• Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels. Providing wide viewing angles and fast response times, OLED panels are known for their vibrant colors, high color accuracy and excellent depth.

Supporting both video and data transfer, USB-C also charges your computer and can act as a connectivity hub, allowing you to connect keyboards, mice or external storage directly to the monitor.

Older connectivity options, like digital visual interface (DVI) and video graphics array (VGA), both transmit video signals, but cannot support audio. Because of this and the superior image capabilities of the other connectivity options, DVI and VGA are being phased out of gaming monitors.

Gaming monitors come in a variety of sizes, with diagonal measurements usually ranging from around 22 inches all the way to 50 inches or more. The size of a gaming monitor depends on your personal preferences.

Smaller screens are great for solo gamers that casually enjoy playing now and then. Larger screens and curved gaming monitors are better suited for the serious gamer who craves a more enveloping experience. Benefits of a curved TV or monitor include more immersive viewing, enhanced depth and perception and wider viewing angles.

The aspect ratio of a gaming monitor represents the proportional relationship between the width and height of the display. Common aspect ratios include:

• Standard 16:9. The most widely used aspect ratio in PC gaming monitors, standard 16:9 offers a balance between immersion and practicality.
• Ultrawide 21.9. Ultrawide gaming monitors enhance immersion in gaming, providing a wider field of view that gives gamers more space for multitasking.
• Super ultrawide 32.9. Designed to mimic the experience of multiple monitors combined into one seamless display, ultrawide monitors are favored by serious gaming enthusiasts.

After considering factors such as resolution, refresh rate, response time, panel type, connectivity options and size and aspect ratio, it should be a little easier to find the best gaming monitor for you.

If you are new to video games, a good gaming monitor within your budget should be perfect. You might also benefit from researching what to know before buying a gaming PC, too. If you are a more serious or competitive gamer, investing in the best 4K gaming monitor with faster response times could be most beneficial. With the right gaming monitor, you can immerse yourself in captivating graphics and gain a competitive edge, all while enjoying smooth and reliable gameplay.