When running a gaming PC with power-packed blazing specifications and graphics, you are bound to search for the best parts. This brings us to the most essential fuel to an OP system, which is a solid monitor. This can be quite confusing when choosing the right pick for your PC. But what should you look for in a gaming monitor when buying one? Would it be an ultrawide or a curved display? What about its refresh rate?
While there are many factors to consider, we have narrowed down the most important ones for an ideal gaming monitor. So, here are the key features you need to know before buying one.
Things to Consider When Buying a Gaming Monitor
Resolution
Starting, the resolution is the most crucial factor before buying an ideal monitor. However, this depends on how adept and capable your PC’s graphics card is. If you are running a potato PC and planning to upgrade later, there is no point in getting a 4k monitor. Most monitors have a standard resolution of 1920×1080 pixels which is enough to run a wide range of affordable graphics cards. If you want to level up from 1080p, you can also go for 1440p with a resolution of 2560×1440 pixels.
That said, 4k which is also known as ultra-high definition (UHD) can also be the right choice. With a resolution of 3860×2160 pixels, this can break your budget or build you an ultimate gaming setup. If you want to go a notch up, you can also consider 8k with a resolution of 7680×4320.
But as an alternate variant of Uncle Ben said, with great resolution comes a great graphics card. For a 4k resolution, you would require a higher-end graphics card such as GeForce RTX 3090 or even higher. For an 8K-res, you will require a more powerful graphics card ranging at GeForce RTX 4060 or higher.
Display Size
The display size for a gaming monitor always depends on your personal choice. For a more immersive gaming experience, it is better to have a bigger screen. This is more suitable for the players or users who are into live-streaming and serious gaming. However, if you are a casual gamer, a smaller screen can also be suitable for you.
Refresh Rate
Here’s one of the most crucial factors before you buy a gaming monitor. A refresh rate is the number of times your monitor refreshes the image per second. This can be most pivotal while playing first-person shooter games like Valorant, Dota 2, or CS2.
Even though higher refresh rates won’t magically let you win any matches, they can give you an edge against other players suffering from frame drops. The more responsive your refresh rate is, the better and smoother your gameplay will be. We highly recommend choosing at least 144 Hz for a decent and seamless gaming experience.
Connectivity Options
While this aspect is often overlooked, it is crucial for players looking to connect their monitors to consoles or other devices. But this depends on the manufacturer and the model of a gaming monitor. Here are some crucial connectivity options in monitors you shouldn’t miss out:
- HDMI
- DisplayPort
- VGA
- Dual-Link DVI (for higher refresh rates)
Budget
Ultimately, it all comes down to your budget when buying a solid gaming monitor. If you are new to gaming, a decent monitor that comes within your budget should be perfect for a start. That being said, we recommend researching more before you purchase an ideal gaming monitor.
That’s everything covered about what to look for in a Gaming Monitor. If you found it helpful and enjoyed reading this, check out the best gaming monitors, and the best gaming headphones, and explore more Hardware-related content right here in our dedicated section right here on Technclub.