Have you resolved to upgrade your gaming set-up with a new computer monitor? If so, you’re definitely not alone. The global gaming monitor market is expected to nearly double from $9.8 billion in 2023 to $18.4 billion in 2033. That’s a lot of new computer monitors – and a lot of companies looking to capture your buying dollar with new tech, faster performance, and crystal-clear graphics.
But what is the best monitor for gaming? And what makes a good gaming monitor? For those searching to find out, we’ve pulled together a quick guide below that you’ll definitely want to consult before making any purchasing decisions.
Assessing Your Gaming Needs
Gaming without a proper PC desktop monitor is a drag – literally and figuratively. But not all gamers need the same performance from their monitors. If you’re a casual gamer who’s not interested in competitive/first-person shooter (FPS) games, you might not need the same high refresh rate that others do. However, you’re going to still want to go for the highest resolution you can afford, regardless of which type of games you enjoy. Scroll down to dive in further…
Understanding the Importance of a Gaming Monitor
There’s no question that a new computer monitor can bring your gaming experience to the next level. Today’s games are intense and fast-moving, and if your desktop monitor resolution or refresh rate can’t keep up, you’ll quickly lose competitive advantage. In simple terms: the higher the refresh rate, the smoother your gaming will be.
So, if you’re looking to build the best gaming setup you can this year, you’re going to want to set aside a decent part of that budget for a monitor that can keep up with all the latest advances. If you don’t, your experience will be marred by lags, flickers, or even monitor ghosting, which happens when the pixels can’t keep up with the speed of the game and create a shadowy trail on your screen.
Identifying Personal Gaming Preferences
As with anything, it’s important to balance your personal preferences (and budget) with what’s available on the market. The most expensive gaming monitor on the market may be fantastic – but it also may be too much for your space or setup. You don’t need to figure out what is the best monitor for gaming, you need to figure out what is the best monitor for gaming for you. Don’t be fooled into thinking that only the highest end will do.
Consideration of Game Genres and Graphic Demands
As briefly mentioned above, the definition of what makes a good gaming monitor also differs depending on which types of games you play. In general, the simpler the game, the less times per second (measured in Hertz or Hz) your display will need to draw a new image. If you primarily play slower-paced games like Minecraft, for instance, you can get away with a 60 Hz gaming PC monitor. If you prefer high-intensity FPS games, you will definitely need 120+ Hz.
Exploring New Computer Monitor Options
Every year, gaming monitor manufacturers and retailers will try their hardest to convince you that only the newest options will do. While you’ll definitely want to familiarize yourself with the latest technology, you’ll be able to pop off without the largest, shiniest, and most expensive monitor you can find – though they sure are tempting. Scroll down to see the latest and greatest on the market today, and what’s coming tomorrow.
Latest Trends in PC Desktop Monitors
The newest PC desktop monitor technologies shown at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) included some exciting developments, including:
- Monitors with dual refresh rates, such as the LG UltraGear that lets you easily switch between 240Hz and 480Hz
- 3-D monitors that don’t need glasses, led by the Samsung 2D/3D
- Foldable screens, like the one on the Asus ZenScreen Fold OLED MQ17QH
Of course, new doesn’t mean all the kinks are worked out – or that it’s even available on the market yet, so it’s best to exercise caution…at least for a little while. The best PC hardware of 2023 will likely fit the bill well past 2024.
Desktop Monitor Resolutions Demystified
While we mentioned desktop monitor resolutions above, we haven’t really explained what they are or why they’re so important. In simple terms, screens with more pixels have higher resolutions. The higher the resolution, the more the screen will be able to display and the less you’ll have to scroll. Monitors with higher resolutions also have sharper pictures and more details.
Understanding Common Resolutions
ing monitors come in three basic resolution types, all of which have pros and cons.
- Full HD (1920×1080) is a common resolution type that offers 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 vertically. Gamers who don’t need or want the highest resolution graphics possible are generally pleased with this choice.
- Quad HD (2560×1440) offers much clearer visuals than the Full HD thanks to its increased pixel density. If you’re in the market for high-end graphics without breaking the bank on hardware, this might be the choice for you.
- 4K UHD (3840×2160) really can’t be beat in terms of sharpness, detail, and realism. Gamers who want a top-of-the-line experience settle for nothing less than 4K resolution – but also need to invest in top-of-the-line hardware to make for the best experience.
Impact of Resolution on Gaming Experience
The impact your chosen resolution will have on your gaming experience really depends on you and the types of games you prefer. People that play games without a lot of motion don’t require all the bells and whistles. In other words, don’t buy a Ferrari to drop the kids off at school.
On the other hand, if you primarily play FPS games and want the most stunning and lifelike experience possible – as well as the most competitive advantage – only the higher resolution options will do. If you try to play with lower resolutions, you’ll likely be frustrated by hiccups and poor performance.
Balancing Performance and Visual Fidelity
Figuring out the best graphics setting for your gaming experience is all about striking a balance between performance and fidelity. The level of fidelity refers to how accurate the image is. For most gamers, the more accurate the better but choosing a high fidelity setting can make for performance lags. Similarly, choosing a high performance setting can make for poorer quality images.
To find the best balance, you’ll need to explore which makes for the better gaming experience for you. Check online forums for good insight about the advantages and disadvantages of various settings for individual games.
What Makes the Best Monitor for Gaming
What makes the best monitor for thee may not for me, so you’ll certainly want to consider what moves the needle for you personally. Your gaming experience should be fun, above all, but it also should be a good fit for your lifestyle. There’s no reason to blow the budget on new computer monitors, gaming chairs or hardware if they don’t fit how you like to game.
Key Features to Look For
However, if you are in the market for a new computer monitor, the key features to look for are size, cost, resolution, response time, luminance (i.e., brightness), and contrast. While size and cost depend greatly on the space and money you have to devote to gaming, the rest are really up to personal preference and gaming style. Our top advice is to do your research and figure out which compromises you can live with and which are non-negotiables before you set foot in the store.
Gaming-Specific Features and Customization
There are all sorts of features available for PC desktop monitors. Want an ultrawide monitor? A curved screen? Adaptive sync? Motion blur reduction? These, and more, are readily available if you’ve got the money to spend on them.
Customization, on the other hand, is something you can do on your own by adjusting your display’s color temperature, gamma, black equalizer, and saturation. Play around with the settings to find the best fit for your personal preferences and gaming setup.
Budget Considerations and Value for Money
Last but not least, you will likely need to take the amount of money you can spend into consideration. If you’re in the market for a new computer monitor, do your research, compare prices, and start slowly. You don’t need to have the perfect setup from day one. Instead, strike a balance between what you need, what you want, and what you can afford so that you don’t get too far over your head from the get-go. We also suggest you read reviews and ask for advice in online forums. Your fellow gamers will have better – and more unbiased – advice than any store clerk. They’ve been there, done that, and can help you do it too.
