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The Ultimate Gaming Monitor Buying Guide - 10 Essential Factors (Part 1/2)

January 11

When searching for the perfect gaming monitor amidst a plethora of choices, potential buyers often ponder:

• What distinguishes a gaming monitor from a standard monitor?
• There's an abundance of specifications! How can I make sense of them?

The dedicated AORUS editorial team has noted your inquiries. In this article, we’ve compiled the top 10 essential factors to weigh when selecting a gaming monitor. By the end, you’ll grasp the meaning behind each specification and discover which monitor aligns with your gaming preferences, enabling you to make an informed choice.

Identifying Your Gamer Persona: AAA Enthusiast, Role-Player, or Competitive eSports Player?

Begin your journey to purchase a gaming monitor by determining what type of gamer you are.

Your gaming preferences influence your desired gaming experience and dictate which specifications matter most to you.

Typically, gamers who gravitate towards AAA titles appreciate breathtaking visuals and detailed graphics. They seek monitors that offer larger sizes, higher resolutions, and rich color vibrancy.

In contrast, competitive gamers require monitors with quick response times and high refresh rates to keep pace with fast-changing scenes and moving adversaries. For these gamers, smaller screens, ideally between 24 and 27 inches, are often the most beneficial.

In fast-paced games, players must rapidly shift their perspectives. Game: Overwatch

The visuals of AAA games are consistently stunning. Game: ASSASSIN'S CREED: ORIGINS

1. Choosing the Right Monitor Size - Align It With Your Gameplay

When selecting a monitor, size takes precedence. This refers to the diagonal length of the display, expressed in inches.

The ideal size for gaming monitors typically ranges from 24 to 32 inches; bigger isn’t always better. Evaluate your desk space and the types of games you intend to play to determine the optimal size.

If you primarily engage in MMORPGs such as The Elder Scrolls Online and World of Warcraft, a larger monitor, between 27 and 32 inches, could enhance your immersive experience—provided the resolution is sufficiently high to prevent picture degradation.

Conversely, competitive gamers, engaged in fast-paced games like PUBG or League of Legends, may benefit from a 24 to 27-inch monitor, as vital game information is often positioned at the corners of the screen, which could strain the neck if the display is overly large.

Key game information is often displayed at the edges of the screen. Game: League of Legends

2. Understanding Resolution - Don’t Skimp on Quality!

Resolution defines the sharpness and clarity of the screen. Lower-resolution displays will appear grainy, while higher resolutions offer clearer, more detailed images.

Most monitors on the market operate on a 16:9 aspect ratio, with common resolutions including:

• x (FHD/ p)
• x (QHD/ 2K)
• x (UHD/ 4K), with 4K monitors still gaining traction.

While higher resolutions deliver exquisite visuals, they also come at a premium cost, requiring a powerful graphics card to handle the increased load. Without the right hardware, you’ll miss out on the monitor’s full potential.

We recommend budget-conscious gamers select a p (x) monitor for sizes under 27 inches, while 2K resolution (x) is advisable for displays above this size. If budget isn’t a concern, opt for the highest resolution available.

For those pursuing 32-inch displays, reconsider a low resolution, as graininess is likely; choose a 2K resolution instead.

Grainy visuals are common at p resolution

The fine details on a 2K resolution monitor are impressive

3. Refresh Rate - Aim for 144Hz for Optimal Enjoyment

Refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz), signifies how many images can refresh per second.

If your graphics card can output 100 frames per second but you’re using a 60Hz monitor, you’ll only view the displayed 60 frames. Thus, a higher refresh rate translates to smoother visuals. Conversely, if your graphics can only render 60 frames, owning a 144Hz monitor won’t improve your experience; you’ll stick to 60 frames.

It’s easy to feel the difference in smoothness; a gaming monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz or higher offers a significant upgrade over a standard 60Hz display. Trying out a 144Hz monitor firsthand will exemplify this enhancement, especially for FPS (First Person Shooter) gamers who need to track moving targets effectively.

Looking for a capable 27-inch gaming all-in-one PC? Reach out to us today!

How much refresh rate suffices? Standard gaming monitors generally sport 144Hz, which we suggest for first-time buyers. Hardcore gamers might consider 180Hz monitors; however, distinguishing refresh rates beyond 180Hz is often challenging for most gamers.

Higher refresh rates yield more frames; hence, graphics will be smoother.

4. Ensure a Response Time Below 4ms for Optimal Performance

Many confuse the term “response time” with output latency, yet they are distinct. Response time refers to how swiftly a crystal in an LCD panel can adjust to display the next image, effectively indicating how quick the panel can transition from one frame to another.

A slow response time can result in ghosting, which can be detrimental in fast-paced gaming scenarios where clarity is crucial. Gamers aiming for crisp visuals should target monitor response times below 1ms. For those whose focus leans towards color performance, a response time around 4ms is acceptable.

While quicker response times are generally preferred, it will depend on the panel type utilized in the monitor. Some panels may sacrifice response speed for enhanced color accuracy, and vice versa.

The clarity of moving objects is contingent on the response time.

5. Selecting the Right Panel Type to Suit Your Gaming Needs

Panels can be categorized into three types: TN, VA, and IPS. Each type has unique properties based on how the crystals shift within the LCD panel:

• **TN (Twisted Nematic)** - Optimal for FPS enthusiasts

  TN panels are characterized by quick response times and affordability; however, they lag in color fidelity and viewing angles. FPS gamers often favor this type due to its high refresh rate and fast response times, making it exceptionally suitable for their gaming needs.

• **IPS (In-Plane Switching)** - Ideal for designers and gamers requiring superior color accuracy.

  IPS panels excel in color performance, attracting designers. If FPS gaming isn’t your main focus, IPS panels offer stunning visual quality.

• **VA (Vertical Alignment)** - Perfect for film buffs and detail-oriented gamers.

  VA panels provide high contrast ratios and exceptional black levels. Their improved capacity to portray dark colors ensures richer details in shadowy scenes, enhancing the viewing experience for those who enjoy cinematic content or ambiance-rich games.

Refer to the comparison below to clarify:

Response time: TN > IPS, VA
Contrast Ratio: VA > TN, IPS
Color Performance: IPS > VA > TN

Stay tuned for the next installment where we will explore five more crucial considerations for selecting a gaming monitor:

• Contrast Ratio
• Should I invest in a curved monitor?
• Differences between FreeSync and G-Sync
• Don't forget to check depth
• Budget constraints are important

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