Are you looking to buy a new gaming monitor? Then pay attention to the following features when you want to buy a monitor.
Why are the features important? Monitors and screens, like graphics cards, processors, or game consoles, have attributes that play a role in purchasing.
Typically, you invest several hundred euros in a monitor and will use it for a few years. Therefore, you should do thorough research in advance about the model you would like to buy.
Just like game consoles, you cannot upgrade or retrofit your monitor. Once you have decided on a specific panel or resolution, you have to live with it or buy another model.
MeinMMO explains which features you should pay attention to before buying a monitor.
Resolution and Monitor Size
Currently, there are various resolutions you may encounter when buying a monitor:
- Full HD stands for a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, short 1080p.
- WQHD stands for 2560 × 1440, short 1440p.
- 4K stands for 3,840 x 2,160.
Additionally, there is also 8K and HD-Ready, the latter stands for 720p and is often the lowest resolution you can obtain in games.
Why is resolution important? The higher your monitor’s resolution, the better and sharper displayed content looks. However, this also has a disadvantage: The higher the resolution, the more performance you need. While Full HD still works with a budget graphics card, modern games in 4K already require one of the most powerful graphics cards available.
Some games require a minimum resolution and will not start below a certain minimum. For example, Empire: Total War requires a resolution of at least 1280 x 1024 pixels.
Resolution also has another significance. If your monitor size increases too much compared to the resolution, the image will become grainier. MeinMMO explains exactly what you should pay attention to.
Refresh Rate and Response Time
When looking for a gaming monitor, you should definitely pay attention to the refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz). This indicates how often the monitor updates the screen per second.
Higher values are better and mean that movements and actions are smoother. This is especially important for fast action games or shooters. For a simulation game like Anno 1800, a high refresh rate is nice but not strictly necessary.
For gamers, we would recommend an absolute minimum of 60 Hz. 144 Hz is advisable, and there are now models with 240 Hz available.
However, keep in mind: The higher you set your refresh rate, the more performance you need. Very high refresh rates combined with high resolution often require a high-end graphics card.
Flat or Curved
Many monitors are offered in a flat or curved version. Typically, both options use the same technology and the same panel.
The curve is indicated in “R”: The larger the number, the weaker the curve: A monitor with 2,300R is only slightly curved, whereas a monitor with 1,000R is strongly curved. Most curved monitors fall between 1,500R and 2,300R.
What are the advantages or disadvantages of curved? Curved monitors mimic the natural viewing of humans. For gaming, curved is considered more immersive, allowing you to dive deeper into the action. You see more overall and do not have to turn your head as much.
However, the disadvantage is that curved models are often less ergonomically adjustable and are only suitable as a secondary monitor to a limited extent. In certain programs, content may also appear slightly distorted.
Panel and Display Type
Currently, there are four types of screens: TN, IPS, VA, and OLED. TN, IPS, and VA are the most common, while OLED has been on the rise for some time, is very expensive, and is more commonly found in televisions.
- TN technology is suitable if you have a limited budget and are looking for a fast screen.
- An IPS panel is recommended if you have a larger budget and want immersive gaming. IPS provides better contrast and good color reproduction.
- VA offers excellent contrast ratios and a stable viewing angle. It is particularly suitable as an office monitor, where you do not need a fast panel.
- OLED displays are very expensive, but the investment can still be worth it. Thanks to self-illuminating pixels, OLED offers fantastic colors, high contrast, and perfect black levels.
Adaptive Sync (Variable Refresh Rate)
With little movement, the refresh rates shoot up, while they can drastically drop during high action. Without the help of intelligent technologies, this can lead to Screen Tearing
, which means that the image representation tears
and looks messy.
Vsync: The simplest solution is Vsync, which you can activate in many games. This commands the monitor to wait for the entire next frame before switching.
FreeSync or G-Sync: Two other ways to control Screen Tearing
on your monitor are technologies like G-Sync or FreeSync. G-Sync is Nvidia-exclusive, while FreeSync comes from AMD, but also works with Nvidia or Intel graphics cards.
- If you use an AMD graphics card, you should buy a FreeSync monitor.
- If you have an NVIDIA card in your computer, G-Sync is the better option. However, FreeSync monitors usually also work.
- Monitors with G-Sync are usually more expensive than models with FreeSync.
HDR
Nowadays, many monitors offer High Dynamic Range (HDR). HDR usually provides you with significantly stronger contrasts with brighter lights and deeper shadows. Additionally, the displayed colors appear much more vivid and saturated.
True HDR requires a certain maximum and minimum brightness to guarantee the promised dynamic range. However, this also means that you will almost never find true HDR in affordable devices.
Furthermore, both the operating system, hardware (PC and monitor), and game must support HDR. HDR can be a very good investment if you have the appropriate hardware for it.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of monitors are often overlooked when purchasing decisions are made. Many people prefer to invest in a height-adjustable desk or an office chair.
However, you should also ensure that a monitor can be adjusted. Ideally, it is height-adjustable, and you can rotate or even tilt the model. Alternatively, you can compensate for missing ergonomic features with a monitor arm from another manufacturer. The larger a monitor is, the fewer ergonomic options it typically offers.
If you don’t want to use a monitor arm or something similar, we would recommend a model that already comes with an adjustable stand from the factory.
Connections
Be sure to pay attention to the connections available on your desired monitor. With DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-A or USB-C, Thunderbolt, and audio jacks, there are numerous options to keep an eye on:
- With HDMI 2.0, you are already on the safe side, but 2.1 is more modern and supported by PS5 and Xbox.
- Most monitors offer DisplayPort 1.4, while DisplayPort 2.1 is currently only offered by a few models and manufacturers.
- Some devices rely on special versions, such as Micro-HDMI, Mini-HDMI, or Mini-Displayport. Make sure that the appropriate cables are either included in the package or you have them at home.
- Look for USB connections to which you can connect additional devices.
- Audio jacks can be practical if you want to connect headphones or a sound system, but do not want to use a sound card or the corresponding connection on your PC.
Pay particular attention to modern HDMI and DisplayPort connections. Options like USB or audio ports can also be used on a PC and often only serve as a nice added bonus.
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