Nowadays, several brands manufacture gaming monitors, and it can be challenging to choose the best gaming monitor with the right specifications.
If you are looking for a gaming monitor but don’t know what specs to be keen on? This article is for you.
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Gaming monitor specs at a glance:
There are many important factors to consider when purchasing a gaming monitor. But, what are the most important specs to look for? The following are some of the specs at a glance:
- Screen Resolution (1440p or WQHd is perfect for most gamers – strikes a balance between 1080p and 4k)
- Screen Size (27″ monitor -neither too big nor too small for gaming)
- Refresh Rate (at least 144Hz)
- Response Time (1ms)
- G-Sync or FreeSync (FreeSync for AMD graphics card and G-SYNC for NVIDIA graphics card)
- HDR (go for a monitor that supports HDR)
- Ports (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, and USB Type C/ Thunderbolt 3)
- Panel Type (IPS panels are way superior to TN and VA panels)
The ASUS ROG Swift 27″ 1440P Gaming Monitor is one of the monitors that have over 90% of the above specs
What is a Gaming Monitor?
A gaming monitor is designed to make the output of your CPU and graphics card look good while gaming. These monitors have fast refresh rates and sharp moving images. They also include various ports and base brackets to swivel, tilt, or pivot for improved viewing angles.
Best Specs for Gaming Monitor
There are several features to keep in mind when looking for a gaming monitor. Here are some crucial specs to look for when shopping for a monitor.
Screen Resolution
If you want the best images, you need a monitor with more pixels. However, extremely high pixels can slow down your monitor if you lack a quality graphics card. Currently, the best resolution seems to be 2560×1440 pixels.
If you’re looking for an optimal speed that doesn’t overstretch your GPU, go for 1920×1080 resolution. However, when considering the screen resolution, you need to be keen on the PC’s graphics card. A high graphics card will demand more processing power to change those pixels in a timely fashion.
Screen Size
The screen size you choose depends entirely on your desk space and the resolution you want. If you’re looking for something smaller or have limited desk space, a 24-inch Full HD display will work well. Most gaming enthusiasts prefer 24-inch, 27-inch or 32-inch monitors with greater resolution.
Refresh Rate
A monitor with a higher refresh rate promises smoother images, making your game feel more responsive. Most monitors come with either a 60Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz, or 360Hz refresh rate.
Although the numbers seem high, it still boils down to how fast your eyes can process the images on the screen. The best refresh rate should reduce ghosting and tearing, improve motion resolution, and better responsiveness.
Here are some common refresh rates and their impact on gaming:
- 60Hz– This is the minimum required for gaming, but it’s not the smoothest for competitive esports games.
- 75Hz– It’s slightly better than 60Hz but with a slight variation.
- 120Hz– There’s a huge difference in quality and playability, and it is most common in ultrawide monitors.
- 144Hz- This is more popular than 120Hz and a good bet when buying a gaming monitor. It’s the baseline for competitive gaming.
Response Time
A good response time is one of the most important specs for a gaming monitor. A shorter response time is always better in a gaming monitor. The monitor’s response time shows the time your screen takes to change pixels from black to white. A higher response time can cause motion blur in fast-paced videos or gaming. If you’re looking for a gaming monitor, choose one with the lowest response time possible. For most gaming monitors, the highest response time is 5ms, while the lowest is 0.5ms.
G-Sync/FreeSync
G-Sync and FreeSync were developed to try and eliminate screen tearing issues and improve performance. Each option has its own perks and drawbacks. Although both reduce screen tearing and stuttering, G-Sync monitors have a higher price tag than FreeSync ones.
Also, G-Sync depends on DisplayPort, while FreeSync functions with both DisplayPort and HDMI. Always keep in mind that FreeSync and G-Sync require your system to have AMD and NVIDIA GPUs, respectively.
HDR
High Dynamic Range (HDR) will make a huge difference to your image quality than more resolution. The more vivid colors and extra pop in HDR imagery represent a huge jump compared to older monitor systems. If you’re looking for a new gaming monitor, DisplayHDR 400 or higher is a great purchase and will help you achieve super-immersive gameplay.
Inputs/Outputs
This spec is usually overlooked, but it’s important when looking for a gaming monitor. These ports allow you to connect your monitor to your PC, and if you go wrong on this, you may need to look for a replacement. These ports include HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA, and USB Type C/ Thunderbolt 3. However, they come with multiple versions, so ensure you choose a monitor with the latest ports.
Panel Type
Today’s monitors come with three common LCD technologies, namely: vertical alignment (VA), twisted nematic (TN), and in-plane switching (IPS). The VA panel type offers a greater contrast ratio and deep blacks compared to IPS. In terms of viewing angles and color accuracy, the VA type is between the IPS and TN panels.
If you want an affordable monitor, a TN panel could be a good bet. Although the color accuracy and viewing angles are not as accurate as those in IPS panels, the TN panel has a fast response time, making it perfect for competitive and fast-paced games.
Lastly, IPS panels are the superior of the three and have a higher price tag. They have wider and better viewing angles and color accuracy than TN and VA panels. If you want smooth gameplay, go for a monitor with an IPS panel.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want your games to look good or you’re into competitive gaming, choosing a quality gaming monitor is crucial. A monitor is a worthy investment. Ensure you don’t waste your cash on a screen without the features you need or with excess features you don’t require.