Nowadays, the gaming experience is heavily dependent on the quality of the gaming screen. Choosing a gaming monitor is not as easy as it seems. From the size to the resolution and refresh rate, there are so many factors to consider. This article will cover some of the most important factors when looking for a gaming monitor to ensure that you have the best gaming experience possible.
What Type of Monitor Should You Choose?
The type of monitor you need for gaming depends on what kind of gaming you are doing. If you are a competitive esports gamer, then you probably want a monitor that will give you a very responsive gaming experience with a fast refresh rate. Monitor refresh rates measure how often a monitor refreshes the image and is measured in Hertz (Hz). This can be important for a smooth gaming experience, and will determine the responsiveness of your gaming experience. A 144Hz monitor is the standard refresh rate for gaming, while a 240Hz or higher is ideal if you want a faster, more responsive experience.
If you instead prefer immersive single-player or open world games, then you will want to be certain to choose a monitor with a good resolution. Resolution describes the sharpness of the image on the screen, and is measured in pixels. A higher resolution means the image will be sharper and more detailed. Most mid-range and high-end gaming monitors will have a resolution of 1080p (1920 x 1080); however, if you have a powerful enough system, then you may want to look into a 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution monitor for the best visuals.
What Sizes are Available?
Another important factor to consider when choosing a gaming monitor is the size. The size of a monitor affects two main things: the size of the display and the distance you need to be from it to experience the intended visuals.
Monitors come in a variety of sizes and are measured in inches, diagonal from corner to corner. A small 24-inch monitor is ideal for gaming in tight spots, while a 32-inch monitor is great for larger spaces. If you want the highest visual fidelity and a cinematic experience, then you should look into an ultra-wide monitor that offers a much larger display.
What Other Features Should You Look For?
When choosing the right gaming monitor, there are other features to consider aside from size and resolution. Different features will affect the visuals of your gaming experience and may also require more powerful hardware to run.
One feature to consider is the aspect ratio. Aspect ratio is the ratio of the width to the height of the display and is measured in numbers. Most gaming monitors have an aspect ratio of 16:9, but the more immersive gaming experience can be had with certain monitors that have an aspect ratio of 21:9 (ultra-wide) or 32:9 (super ultra-wide).
You should also consider the type of panel of your gaming monitor. There are three main types of panels: TN, IPS and VA. TN panels are the fastest and are best-suited for competitive gaming, while IPS and VA panels provide better viewing angles and vivid colours suitable for photo and video editing or creative work.
Response time is also important when choosing a gaming monitor. Response time is how long it takes for a pixel to change from one colour to another, and is measured in milliseconds (ms). It is important to consider the response time when choosing a gaming monitor as it can affect how fast the game will feel. Most gaming monitors will have a response time of 5ms or less, although those with higher refresh rates may have a lower response time.
Connector types should also be taken into consideration. Monitors have different ports for connecting them to your system, such as DisplayPort, HDMI and DVI. For the best performance and highest resolution, you should look for a monitor that supports DisplayPort 1.4 or higher. Some gaming monitors even offer additional features such as FreeSync and G-Sync support, which help reduce screen tearing, and height adjustability which can be useful for extended gaming sessions.
Finding the perfect gaming monitor for your gaming needs is not an easy task. Knowing the basics of what to look for and understanding the various factors to consider is key. By considering the size, resolution, refresh rate, panel type and response time of a gaming monitor, you can ensure that you have the best gaming experience possible. Additionally, take a look at extra features such as height adjustability, connectors, and FreeSync and G-Sync. With these tips, you should be able to find the perfect monitor for your gaming needs.
