If you want to buy a gaming monitor but are confused about what to look for in a gaming monitor. Then you have come to the right place. In this post, we will explain some of the most important factors that you should consider when buying a monitor for gaming.
A gaming monitor is not too different it is just like a normal monitor. But keep in mind it is more powerful than normal ones. Because it comes with a high refresh rate, high resolution, fast response time, and much more, which we discuss below.
It is specially designed for high-end tasks like gaming, graphics designing, video editing, etc. As you know there are a lot of different brands available in the market. Some of them provide great gaming monitors while others do not. Therefore choosing the right one can be a bit tricky.
That’s why we put together this guide that will help you to choose the best gaming monitor for your requirements. So let’s start.
Things to Consider When Buying a Gaming Monitor
Here are some of the most important things that you must consider when buying a gaming monitor.
1. Resolution
Resolution is the first and one of the most important features that you should consider when buying a monitor. Resolution refers to the number of each pixel that your monitor can display on the screen. It measures the height and width of the screen in pixels, which is the tiny particle that produces an image on the screen.
For example, a monitor with 1920 x 1080p (Full HD) resolution can contain 2073600 pixels. Obviously, the higher the resolution the better your picture quality. Some common resolutions are:
| 1920 x 1080p | Full HD | 2073600 pixels |
| 2560 × 1440p | Quad HD | 3686400 pixels |
| 3840 x 1080p | 4K Ultra HD | 4147200 pixels |
| 3440 x 1440p | UW-QHD | 4953600 pixels |
| 5120 x 1440p | DQHD | 7372800 pixels |
One of the greatest benefits of higher resolution is it can give you more desktop real estate to work with. Keep in mind that you can change the monitor’s native resolution. For example, if your display has 3840 x 1080p (4K) native resolution, you can change it to 2560 × 1440p or 1920 × 1080p.
When it comes to gaming, a monitor with 1080p or 1440p is a great option. On the other hand, when it comes to watching ultra HD movies like 4k, you need to get a monitor with 3440 x 1440p or 5120 x 1440p resolution.
2. Refresh Rate
Refresh rate is the number of times that a monitor takes to refresh its image in each second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). A monitor above 60 Hz is best for faced paced games. On the other hand, if you want to get a great gaming experience, especially in competitive games, you need to get a monitor above 120 Hz.
Most monitors come with a 60 Hz refresh rate, which is great for casual gamers but slow for completive gamers. If you want to play competitive games and also want to get an immersive gaming experience, then a monitor with 120 Hz or 144 Hz is a must for you. Both are affordable and give you a competitive edge and also allow you to see fast-paced action frame by frame.
A monitor with a high refresh rate is good. The higher the refresh rate the better your gaming experience. A lot of people can’t afford an expensive monitor, that’s why they are looking for a great and affordable monitor, the 120 Hz or 144 Hz is an ideal choice.
According to my experience, a monitor above 144 Hz is not worth it. Because they have no such difference compared to 120 Hz or 144 Hz. Therefore, a monitor with a 120 Hz adaptive sync refresh rate, is powered by G-Sync or FreeSync technology. Don’t be hassled about G-Sync or FreeSync, below we will discuss it in detail.
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3. Response Time
Response time is also one of the most important things that you should keep in mind when buying a gaming monitor. It is the number of times it takes a monitor to change color from one pixel to another and it is represented in milliseconds (ms).
A monitor with low or fast response time can lead to clearer images due to fast motion. Otherwise, a slow or higher response time can lead to ghosting and motion blur. So it is clear that the lower the response time the faster your monitor renders each pixel and transitions color.
According to my experience, competitive games need a fast response time while a faced paced games don’t need a much fast response time. From 1ms to 5ms is enough for competitive games. In faced paced games it will last up to 15ms.
Generally speaking, competitive games need a low response time while a faced paced game with a high response time can work fine. You can measure your monitor response time in motion picture response time (MRPT) as well as gray-to-gray (GTG). The most accurate way is MRPT as compared to GTG.
Overall, if you want to play competitive games you need to get a monitor with a low response time. Otherwise, in most games, especially faced-paced, a high response time may work fine.
4. Screen Size
Screen size is something that you should consider when it comes to buying a monitor for gaming. It totally depends on your personal need, but keep in mind it is most important. A monitor with a big screen size also comes with a high resolution which allows you a more usable screen and a great gaming experience.
As we discussed above in the resolution section that the higher the resolution the sharper and clearer the image will appear on the screen. So this is the advantage that a big screen comes with high resolution.
According to my experience, a monitor 24” or above is perfect for gaming or other high-end tasks. But keep in mind that the clearness and sharpness of the image totally depend on the resolution. That’s why you need to pay 100% attention to resolution.
A 27” or 32” monitor with 1440p or even 4k resolution is perfect for gaming, but they need more money. If you can afford a big screen with high resolution then they are worth it. On the other hand, if you are belonging to a poor family or don’t want to invest in a high-end monitor. Then I will highly recommend you buy a 24-inch monitor with and 1080p resolution.
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5. Aspect Ratios
Aspect ratio refers to the portion of height to width. For example, a 5:5 ratio means square. In the 1990s monitors comes with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Nowadays, the monitor comes with different aspect ratios 16:9, 21:9, 32:9, 32:10, etc.
All the latest games support a wide range of aspect ratios, which means you can play them on any aspect ratio monitor. Also, these games allow you to change it (aspect ratio) to your personal needs.
These days, most video content (movies, YouTube videos) and games come with a default 16:9 aspect ratio. That’s why you need to get a monitor with a minimum 16:9 aspect ratio or above.
Keep in mind, all monitors come with a 16:9 aspect ratio and this is not the most important feature of the monitor. But it counts among the monitor’s features, so I thought I’d share it with you.
6. Panel Type
Panel type is also one of the most important things that you must consider when buying a gaming monitor. There are three main types of display panels, which include Vertical Alignment (VA), Twisted Nematic (TN), and In-Plane-Switching (IPS).
TN and IPS are more suitable, especially for gaming while the other VA is not the best. It’s only my opinion. Otherwise, all panels have their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore you need to do complete research before decision. Below is some explanation of VA, IPS, and TN panels.
Vertical Alignment (VA)
VA (Vertical Alignment) panel is more powerful than both IPS and TN panels. It also has a wide viewing angle and high contrast ratio, which display deep black and bright white. It is specially used in flat screens such as monitors, TV, and other electronic device.
But there is one downside, the VA panel has a slower pixel response time, which occurs motion blur and ghosting, especially in faced paced games.
In-Plane Switching (IPS)
IPS (In-Plane Switching) offer a wide viewing angle which makes it one of the best option for high-end tasks such as video editing, graphics designing, photo editing, etc. IPS panels display more vibrant and accurate colors. It maintains consistent color reproduction when viewed from a different angle.
In addition IPS panel can display both bright white and deep black due to its high contrast ratio.
Twisted Nematic (TN)
TN (Twisted Nematic) panels have a fast response time, which means there is no ghosting occurring on the screen. But there is one downside of the TN panel, it has a narrow viewing angle therefore it may be difficult to see details in the dark light scenes.
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7. G-Sync & FreeSync Compatible
Both G-Sync and FreeSync are the most important factors when it comes to buying a monitor for gaming. G-Sync and FreeSync synchronize the refresh rate of the monitor to the frame rates of the graphics card.
Both are developed by NVidia and AMD, which helps you to eliminate screen tearing. FreeSync is made by AMD therefore it’s only compatible with AMD graphics cards. FreeSync is cheaper than G-Sync and it produces smooth and crisp graphics.
Keep in mind that FreeSync can’t be used with an NVidia graphics card and it can’t compatible with 4k gaming. On the other hand, G-Sync is only compatible with NVidia graphics cards. Also, G-Sync requires dedicated hardware built-in display for execution.
G-Sync monitors support 4k and other high-end games and also offer a powerful performance. It comes with low latency and eliminates screen tearing and stuttering. Overall, G-Sync is more powerful but they are expensive than FreeSync. Therefore you need to select one for your requirements as well as your budget.
8. Flicker-Free
Flicker-free technology is something that you should consider when buying a gaming monitor. It is a new technology that is especially used in LED monitors, which reduces or eliminates screen tearing and flickering. If you are a hardcore gamer and play games regularly 8 to 10 hours a day, you just need a monitor with flicker-free technology.
It also helps you to reduce eye strain and headaches. A monitor with flicker-free technology provides a great and immersive viewing experience by reducing eye strain, especially for those who work for an extended period of time.
9. Ergonomics Stand
Ergonomics stands allow you to position your display in the right place for your requirements. Some people ignore this but I think it is also one of the most important factors that you must consider when it comes to buying a gaming monitor.
Because the ergonomics stand to allow you a comfortable viewing experience on any table. It keeps the entire screen prevent from tipping over. It also allows you to angle, tilt, swivel, pivot, and even adjust the height of the monitor to set it to a more comfortable position.
Ergonomics stands are specially designed to keep your body in a neutral position by reducing the strain on your neck and shoulder. It also improves productivity by reducing fatigue and discomfort, which may cause by prolonged sitting.
That’s why investing in a monitor with a built-in ergonomics stand can be worth it. Not only does it feel comfortable but it also reduces the risk of long-term health problems.
Also Read: Buying Monitor: A Guide to Choose a Perfect Display 2023
10. Input Lag & Motion Blur Reduction
When it comes to buying a monitor for faced games, both the input lag and motion blur reduction are the most important factors that you must consider. A monitor with low input lag can help you to react more quickly to in-game events while motion blur reduction can help you see a faced moving scenes more clearly and accurately.
Generally, Input lag refers to the time delay, when you input an action or command through your mouse and keyboard and when it is displayed on the screen. In faced paced games it can affect your overall gaming performance when the reaction time is most important.
It is measured in milliseconds (ms). A high input lag can cause movements to feel sluggish or delayed, which makes it harder to play.
On the other hand, motion blur reduction is also one of the best features that you should consider. It helps you to reduce motion blur and ghosting when fast-moving objects appear on the screen.
11. Color Accuracy
Color accuracy is one of the most important parts of a monitor. It refers to a monitor’s ability to reproduce colors and shades. The higher the color accuracy the better your picture quality will be. There are several ways to evaluate color accuracy, including the measurement of important characteristics like gamma and white balance.
If your monitor has a fast refresh rate, high resolution, and high response time, but not the accurate color you will not get the most out of the content you are watching on your screen. There are too many factors that affect color accuracy, including color gamut, color space, panel type, and delta E.
12. Color Gamut
Both the size and coverage of the color gamut are important to consider when choosing a monitor if color accuracy and color reproduction are important for your work.
A color gamut defines is the range of colors that are identifiable by the human eye. Generally speaking, color gamut refers to the colors that a monitor can display on the screen. It is a term used to describe the extent to which a monitor can display colors within the visible color spectrum.
The more colors your monitor can produce the more realistic and vibrant your graphics will be. A monitor with a great color gamut can display a wide range of colors, which results in more vivid and accurate colors, images, videos, and other content.
Color gamut is measured in CIE color 1931 space. Some of the most commonly used color gamuts are sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3. sRGB is the standard color gamut for most consumer monitors and it is generally used for most general-purpose applications.
Adobe RGB has a wider color gamut than sRGB and it is used for professional photography and graphic designing. DCI-P3 has an even wider color gamut than both sRGB and Adobe RGB and it is used for digital cinema and HDR content.
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13. Brightness
The brightness affects your picture quality. It refers to the intensity of light emitted by a monitor display. The brightness of a monitor can have a significant impact on picture quality. It is one of the most important factors that you must consider when buying a monitor.
It is measured in units of candelas per square meter (cd/m²). The brightness of a monitor affects the color accuracy, image quality, and contrast ratio of a monitor. It also affects the lifespan and power consumption of a monitor.
For example, a monitor that is too dim is difficult to see in a brightly light room and a too-bright monitor causes eye strain or headaches. Most displays have an adjustable brightness level, which allows you to increase or decrease the brightness for your requirements.
In some cases, it can be done automatically or manually by monitor settings, software, or hardware. On the other hand, some displays come with an ambient light sensor, which automatically adjusts the brightness level of your monitor based on your environment.
According to my experience, a monitor with a brightness of 250 to 350 nits is enough for gaming or another high-end task. Keep in mind, that brightness should be balanced with contrast ratio, color accuracy, and other related factors.
14. Contrast Ratio
Generally, the contrast ratio is the difference between the minimum and maximum brightness of a monitor. For example, a monitor with a 500:1 contrast ratio means that a brighter monitor appears 500 brighter than the black image on a monitor.
A higher contrast ratio can produce deeper black. Basically, a high contrast ratio means that scene that is supposed to be dark are more lifelike. Keep in mind that the contrast ratio is one of the most important factors of a display.
The image quality is much better with a high contrast ratio. To be honest, you can see the difference between the high and low contrast ratios, when you are playing games or watching Netflix in a too-dark environment. A high contrast ratio monitor can display a wide range of colors, while a low contrast ratio displays a washed-out image.
As a result, a high contrast ratio provides a more vivid and lifelike image on the screen.
Related: Can a 4k 60hz monitor run 1440p at 144hz? 2023
15. HDR Compatible
HDR is a new technology, which stands for High Dynamic Range. HDR allows a monitor to display a wide range of colors and brightness compared to a normal monitor. HDR is something that you should consider when buying a gaming monitor.
Because it can improve your viewing experience, especially in gaming or watching movies. HDR video typically means additional data to clarify more intermediate results. This means it can display a very dark and bright portion of an image or video. Also, HDR images can achieve brightener highlights due to the high contrast ratio.
Keep in mind that an HDR monitor or TV has a wider color gamut, resulting in deeper and richer colors. But one downside is that it is more expensive than a normal monitor. So, make sure to choose one that fits your budget.
16. Rich Connectivity
Connectivity means connecting various devices. Rich connectivity refers to the ability to connect a wide variety of devices. A rich connectivity monitor includes a wide range of input ports such as DisplayPort, HDMI, USB port, headphone jack, etc.
Rich connectivity allows you to connect multiple devices (laptops, computers, gaming consoles, etc). If you are a hardcore gamer or one of those people who require a lot of connectivity options. For example, a man who works with multiple devices or needs to switch between different input sources.
17. Budget
And last but not least budget. It is the most important factor that you must consider when choosing a monitor for gaming. As you know, an expensive thing is always better than an affordable one. All gaming monitors are expensive.
There are some affordable options available but they need strong research. Make sure to do complete research before buying a gaming monitor. My opinion do your research and choose one that is feature-rich and affordable.
Is 144 Hz good for gaming?
144 Hz is more than enough for gaming and other high-end tasks. As you know refresh rate is the time that a monitor takes to refresh its image per second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). 144Hz means a monitor can refresh its image 144 times per second.
High refresh rate monitors are a little more expensive than normal monitors. Because it is specially designed for highly responsive tasks.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide On Monitor Response Time 2023
Are curved monitors better for gaming?
Yes, a curved monitor is better for gaming but it is more expensive than a flat one. If you are an avid gamer, a curved monitor is definitely worth it. Curved monitors not only give you an immersive viewing experience but also reduce eye strain and provide high resolution, high refresh rate, and fast response time.
The curved monitor is great for gaming but is not suitable for creative tasks such as graphics design, video editing, and other digital art. Therefore you need to choose one that is suited to your requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions?
Q1. What is the ideal refresh rate for a gaming monitor?
A refresh rate of 144Hz or higher is ideal for a gaming monitor, as it provides a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
Q2. What is response time and why is it important for gaming?
Response time is the time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another. A lower response time is important for gaming because it reduces motion blur and ghosting, making the gaming experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Q3. What is the difference between TN, IPS, and VA panel types?
TN panels are the cheapest and have the fastest response times, but they have limited viewing angles and color accuracy. IPS panels have wider viewing angles and better color accuracy, but can be more expensive. VA panels offer deep blacks and high contrast ratios but can suffer from ghosting.
Q4. What connectivity options should I look for in a gaming monitor?
Look for a monitor with the necessary connectivity options, such as HDMI or DisplayPort, to connect to your gaming devices. USB ports and headphone jacks also are useful features to consider.
Q5. Is a larger monitor always better for gaming?
Not necessarily, a larger monitor can provide a more immersive gaming experience, but it can also be more expensive and require more processing power.
Conclusion
As a gamer, you need to get a monitor with built-in high resolution, high refresh rate, and fast response time. A great gaming monitor can enhance your gaming experience. When it comes to buying a gaming monitor, there are a lot of features that you should keep in mind, which we described in this blog post.
If you are reading this post, you may know what the best gaming monitor is. In this article, we explained the basic and most important features that you should consider when buying a gaming monitor.
I hope you understand and learn something extra about gaming monitors. If you have any queries related to this post, leave them in the comment section. I will definitely reply to you in my busy schedule.
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