What to look for in a gaming monitor: How to Choose

Choosing and complementing gaming devices is not easy nowadays. The variability of gaming platforms and features that they can provide is impressive. A gaming monitor is not only a device that shows an accurate image of a gaming process. It is a device that is compatible with both PC and gaming consoles, a piece of gaming equipment that greatly contributes to the image quality besides the video card. Among the numerous features, it is hard to choose an optimal monitor and not get confused by controversial arguments. In this guide, you will learn what to look for in a gaming monitor without unnecessary complexity.

Panel Type: Size and Resolution

The most common opinion concerning the monitor’s size is the bigger – the better. It may be true for TV screens because usually, people sit pretty far from them. However, it is not exactly what to look for in a gaming monitor. You don’t have to buy an ultra-wide monitor to see all of the game’s details or have great performance. Therefore, the size of a screen is a matter of aesthetic preferences and unraveling the hardware’s potential. 

Here a list of optimal sizes for each of the most widespread resolutions. Also, you should remember that the bigger a monitor is, the higher its price.

Monitor sizes

Most users find that size from 24 to 27 is the most optimal for gaming. You will see everything at once, a crucial component for competitive gaming. At the same time, you won’t be overwhelmed by the screen size or have to sacrifice the workspace on your desk.

Bigger diagonals usually require advanced hardware of your PC, and the monitor’s curvature is a purely personal preference choice.

The Difference between the Widescreen and Ultrawide monitors

Answering the question “How to Choose the Right Monitor for Gaming,” it is important to consider the size of the monitor as one of the first aspects. The real major difference between widescreen and ultrawide monitors is size: ultrawide monitors are bigger than widescreens. However, the matter is not only in diagonal inches. Widescreen monitors offer the opportunity to go beyond Full High-Definition (FHD), with a maximum resolution of 1920×1080. It is the best monitor size for gaming. Many of the newer 27 inches widescreen monitors are Wide, Quad High-Definition (WQHD) that have a maximum resolution of 2560×1440 pixels, but that’s not the ultrawide monitors yet. The more pixels on the screen, the sharper the image, the higher the quality. However, you must have a powerful video card to render all this quality, or there will be no sense in high-definition monitors.

 The next gradation step is Ultra-High-Definition monitors (UHD) with the max definition of 3840×2160 pixels. Finally, ultrawide monitors have 34 inches in diagonal, 21:9 aspect ratio (in contrast with regular 16:9), and provide full 4K resolution. Ultrawide monitors are massive and take a lot of space on a desk. They may be curved also. The curvature increases video games’ immersion. 

Therefore, before choosing between widescreen and ultrawide monitors, consider the room in your working space, the power of your hardware, and the budget limit. Ultrawide monitors provide the highest resolution and the most qualitative image, but they are the most costly option on the market.

Panel Technology: TN, IPS and VA. Which one is better?

Answering the question “how to choose a monitor,” it is necessary to overview the panel technologies. There are three LCD technologies used in modern PC monitors: in-plane switching (IPS), nematic (NM), and vertical alignment (VA). We won’t dive deep into the peculiarities of how each of the technologies works. Before choosing a monitor, you should know that each of them has specialization and unique features. The chart below shows the most important parameters.

This graph should help you to make a quick decision concerning a monitor. There are a few more details that shall be taken into account: 

• Contrast is the most important parameter in terms of image quality. For example, 5000:1 contrast is better than 1000:1. From this point, VA panels provide the most qualitative image. 
• The quality of the colors depends mostly on the price of a monitor. Usually, TN monitors provide poorer color quality in comparison with VA and IPS. However, some of the pricey TN models may fairly compete with VA and IPS devices. There is a high chance that you won’t notice the real difference in colors if you choose a qualitative TN monitor.

Refresh Rate

One of the most discussed parameters of what to look for in a gaming monitor is the refresh rate. The refresh rate shows how fast the monitor refreshes the image on the screen. In simple words – the higher the refresh rate, the smoother the image. Although the difference is milliseconds, it still influences the experience. A high refresh rate shows smooth and accurate images. 

Most monitors support next refresh rates: 60Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz, or 240Hz. These numbers may seem high, but the main point is how human eyes react to them. It is a personal trait, and each person sees refresh rate differently. One says that you should invest in refresh rate; the higher, the better. Others would not see the difference. It does not indicate any health issues, just a particularity of perception. Therefore, before investing in the refresh rate as the factor of “how to choose a monitor”, try it and see if you notice the difference. 

• 60Hz.The required minimum for a smooth gaming experience. All of the monitors have at least 60Hz. 
• 75Hz. It is slightly better than the bare minimum, but the real difference is marginal. 
• 120Hz. A serious leap into playability and quality. However, this rate is often surpassed by 144Hz displays. 
• 144Hz. A marginal difference with 120Hz but a more popular option among gaming monitors. Probably, the best bet in buying a gaming monitor. 
• 240Hz. Despite the highest number, the difference is not so noticeable as one between 60Hz and 144Hz. Besides, such monitors require the most advanced hardware to show the full potential.

G-Sync or FreeSync monitor

G-Sync and Freesync are what to look for in a gaming monitor. These technologies prevent the image from tearing up during intense sessions. Both of the technologies add to the price tag as well. Although, G-sync monitors are usually more costly than Freesync ones.

Another point to consider is the technologies’ compatible ports. G-Sync relies on the Display port only. At the same time, Freesync works with both HDMI and DisplayPort. Regardless of your budget or video card, you should monitor whether one of the two technologies work with the minimum refresh rate of your monitor.

To decide which of the two technologies to choose, you shall consider what hardware you already have. If you are a happy owner of a top-notch video card like Nvidia RTX 3080, G-Sync is an obvious choice.

Team Nvidia or Team AMD?

If you stick to one of the producers of video cards, you should not abandon your preferences for the sake of a certain monitor technology. G-sync and FreeSync are just additions to the monitor but not the answer on “how to choose a monitor.” The difference between G-Sync and Freesync is marginal, and they work approximately equal, with slight differences in certain aspects. G-Sync fits for Nvidia video cards, and Freesync works well with AMD. If you are looking for space for future upgrades, it would be wise to invest in a monitor that supports both technologies. 

Adaptive Sync lowest support rate

Adaptive sync is a parameter that shows the monitor’s capacity of refresh rate. G-Sync monitors work from a 30Hz refresh rate to the monitor’s limit; not all Freesync monitors can do so. Freesync can work for the monitor’s limit as well. The point here is the monitor’s minimum. Freesync monitors usually work from a 55Hz refresh rate. If your video card can’t support this refresh rate, then there could be problems. G-sync monitors have low framerate compensation (LFC), which is activated at a 30Hz refresh rate or lower. However, the technology will work only if the max refresh rate is 2.5 times bigger than the minimum. For example, if the max refresh rate is 100Hz, the minimum must be 40Hz for LFC to help. 

G-sync compatibility

A lot of FreeSync monitors support G-Sync as well. Nvidia has certified some of the monitors as G-Sync compatible. Therefore, if you are an AMD user but want to try G-Sync, you have such an opportunity. Non-certified monitors can run G-sync too, but comfortable performance is not guaranteed. If you are into competitive gaming, consider a G-Sync Ultimate or FreeSync Premium Pro display. Both of the features are certified for low input latency and include additional benefits for HDR titles.

The most important features

It is important to know what to look for in a gaming monitor and what experience you expect: smooth or pretty. 

For smooth gaming, consider the following: 

• Refresh rate no less than 120Hz. HD monitors with 1080p resolution are the best monitor size for gaming.
• Response time – no more than 3ms. 1ms is a perfect option. 
• G-Sync of FreeSync – will be nice and helpful. 
• HDR and deep color gaunt. This is optional. HDR isn’t always supported. 
• IPS – very optional.

On the other hand, if you want to maximize the image’s quality, you should have next priorities: 

• IPS is the most important. It gives better color reproduction and viewing angles. 
• HDR and deep color gamut. An expensive feature, but it contributes greatly to the image’s quality. 
• 4K resolution; is important for higher clarity. 
• Response time – no more than 5ms. Smoothness is not your priority, but you are still looking for a comfortable gaming experience. 
• G-Sync or FreeSync – optional.

Other things to consider

There are a lot of possible parameters in terms of “How to Choose the Right Monitor for Gaming.” We have enlisted the most important of the above. However, there are a few more points to which you may pay attention: 

• HDR. This feature is more common for modern televisions. It gives your monitor a higher dynamic range. In simple words, your games with HDR look amazing. 
• Variety of ports. Modern monitors use HDMI, VGA, DVI, and DisplayPort ports. Consider this if you want to use a monitor in multiple systems. 
• Response time. It is measured in milliseconds, but you still want to see the number as low as possible. You may look for monitors with a response time as little as 1ms for the perfect gaming experience. 
• Monitor types. Widescreen and Ultrawide monitors are the most widespread gaming options. They allow you to see more at once on a monitor. However, they may have a bit of a downside in a competitive edge and put black frames at the sides of the screen.
• If you are not looking for maximum performance, you may pay attention to 4K monitors with HDR support. They contribute greatly to the image quality and sharpness. However, they come with a high price tag and a significant workload of your hardware. Make sure that your system meets the monitor’s requirements.

Price

All the discussed features contribute to one side of the gaming experience and lack the other. However, while making a choice, the one thing that is always at a loss is your bank account. You may choose a high-end monitor with all the necessary features and see the price tag of $1000. At the same time, there is a possibility to buy a decent gaming monitor for a tenth of that price. Therefore, before buying the device, ask yourself, “what monitor do I have” and “what monitor do I want”? It all depends on your budget and your desires. 

The price tag of a monitor depends on the overall budget of your system also:

• If you are building a budget PC from $300 to $500 in total, then the monitor’s price tag shall not be bigger than $200. Don’t restrict yourself too much, and start your search with a $100 price tag. 
• If you are in a midrange build with $600 to $800 in total, then the most optimal price tag for a monitor would be between $200 and $400. 
• Finally, you may look for a $300-$400 monitor for the high-end build with a $1000 and bigger budget.

Conclusion

Upgrading a monitor is an investment not only in gaming but in your overall work with a PC. No matter if you are a casual gamer, a cyber-sportsman, or a professional – monitor is a vital part of a PC system. It is worth the investment, and the investment shall be right. Make sure that you don’t overpay for the excess features or buy a monitor without the specs you need to help your PC shine, and then ask, “what monitor do I have?”

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