How to buy a gaming monitor

Are you wondering whether to opt for a 24, 27, or 34-inch monitor? Should you select a Full HD, QHD, or 4K resolution? Is a curved display preferable to a flat one? And what about HDMI 2.1 support and HDR capabilities? If you find yourself lost in the terrain of gaming monitor shopping, this guide will illuminate the path ahead.

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Purchasing a gaming monitor is more intricate than buying other types of displays, particularly if you are budget-conscious. It's essential to consider the games you enjoy and the performance of your GPU to make cost-effective decisions.

The Quick Summary

For those who want a straightforward recommendation, consider a 27-inch flat-screen IPS monitor with QHD (2560x1440) resolution and a refresh rate of 144Hz or higher, equipped with DisplayHDR 600. You typically can find numerous options in the $250 to $500 price range. If your budget is tighter, a 24-inch Full HD monitor (1920x1080) with a 144Hz refresh rate is available for between $150 and $250. However, for an exceptional viewing experience with a 32-inch or larger monitor featuring 4K and refresh rates of at least 120Hz, prepare to invest over $1,000.

In my opinion, 24-inch screens might seem small, particularly if used for multitasking or gaming expansive online environments. However, both sizes would accommodate most games effectively. For connectivity options involving both consoles and PCs, most recent monitors will suffice, although large models (42 inches and above) offer HDMI 2.1 features more explicitly, such as dynamic HDR and variable refresh rate support, typically costing more than $1,000.

To conserve funds initially, avoid overspending. If your three-year-old system powers your favorite games at 90 frames per second at Full HD and you do not plan on an upgrade shortly, opting for a 240Hz model may be an unnecessary luxury.

Read more: The Best Monitors According to the CNET Staff Who Use Them

Essential Recommendations

• Within your budget and space limitations, choose the largest monitor possible. Rarely will you regret acquiring a large display, while you may often regret selecting a smaller one. Ultra-wide options with a 21:9 aspect ratio are available, typically at 34-inch sizes with lower than 4K resolution.
• Consider the aspect ratios that your favorite games support, as using non-optimized ratios can lead to frustration.
• Minimum recommended resolutions depend on screen size: 24 inches should be at least 1920x1080 pixels; for 27 to 32 inches, go for 2560x1440 pixels; and for 34 to 39 inches, 3440x1440 pixels is ideal; lastly, for 43 to 49 inches, aim for 3840x2160 pixels.
• Ensure the monitor stand can adjust to suitable heights for comfortable viewing and tilting; swivel capabilities may be useful for multi-monitor setups too.
• Select a visually appealing monitor because you’ll spend ample time in front of it. Models that support lighting coordination across devices, such as Razer's Chroma or ASUS' Aura Sync, could be appealing.
• When considering Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5, look for monitors with an HDMI 2.1 port with explicit claims of supporting 4K at 120Hz with variable refresh rate support.
• If assembling a multi-monitor setup, prioritize thin bezels. Curved displays often create an engaging viewing experience.
• Keep refresh rates in line with your GPU's capabilities; a higher refresh rate may be worthwhile with potential future upgrades.
• A gray-to-gray pixel response time of 5ms or lower is good for gaming, with 1ms being ideal for fast-paced scenarios.
• For many games, HDR might not be crucial. Still, if it enriches visual experience, based on HDR 600 is a balanced choice.
• The bigger the color gamut, the better—aim for 100% sRGB at minimum, with 90% or higher P3 being ideal.
• Contrast specifications should ideally measure higher than 1,000:1, but ensure the number is a practical result.

What Size Screen Suits Me?

Generally, if you have the space and budget, bigger screens are preferable. The measured size refers to the diagonal; in a wide range of aspect ratios, this may complicate cross-size comparisons.

Read more: Best gaming laptops

Using geometry, you can calculate the display's dimensions based on known aspect ratios. It's also crucial to account for the physical dimensions, including bezels, to ensure your monitor fits your intended space.

Can I Use a TV Instead?

Hooking up a TV to your computer is doable, but usually, TVs are designed for distant viewing while monitors serve closer work more effectively. As televisions evolve with gaming support, maintaining a dedicated computer display for work with a secondary TV for gaming may be viable. Look for the Best gaming TV.

Although some monitors cater specifically to console gamers, the landscape is shifting as TVs boast improved gaming features. OLED TVs remain the optimal choice for brightness and color accuracy, although smaller desk-friendly OLED monitors are slowly emerging.

Resolution Types: 4K, QHD, FHD, or…?

Resolution—representing vertical by horizontal pixels—plays a significant role alongside screen size. The emphasis should be on pixel density, which is pivotal for screen sharpness and interface readability, particularly for more extensive gaming sessions.

For example, reviewing text on a 32-inch screen at 1080p from a distance may yield frustration.

Common Screen Resolutions

Understanding HDR: What’s in It for Me?

HDR stands for high dynamic range, producing visually appealing images through brighter highlights and broader color ranges, enhancing gameplay visibility. The Xbox Series X/S and upcoming Windows 11 will introduce Auto HDR features, improving visuals for non-HDR games.

Decoding HDMI Details

The HDMI landscape is labyrinthine, making potential pitfalls likely. To ensure compatibility with 4K and dynamic refresh capabilities, investigate each model’s specifications critically.

Curved or Flat: Which is Best?

Curved screens provide a broader visual field while keeping users at a comfortable distance, making them ideal for desktop setups. However, a high curvature may not always contribute to immersion in gaming.

One Large Screen vs Multiple Small Screens: What’s The Verdict?

Choosing between a vast monitor and multiple smaller ones relies on purpose and personal preference. Dual high-performing displays can be more versatile for distinct tasks.

Screen Technologies: Do They Matter?

When shopping for monitors, knowing about panel types (VA, IPS) facilitates informed choices, especially alongside other essential specifications.

Determining The Right Refresh Rate

Refresh rate (measured in Hertz) reflects how often your monitor refreshes its display, pertinent for gaming fluidity. Pairing low pixel response times with optimal refresh rates will yield excellent gaming performance.

Do I Need Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync?

Such technologies help synchronize the display refresh rate with frame rates from gaming, preventing visual artifacts. Being aware of generic VRR technology will set you on the right path to match graphics with a smooth gaming experience.

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