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Gaming PC.

Gaming Monitor Buying Guide

If you are serious about gaming, then a gaming monitor is a worthwhile investment. Gaming monitors typically have faster response times and higher refresh rates than traditional monitors, making them ideal for fast-paced games. A good gaming monitor will improve the look and feel of your games, giving you a competitive edge.

         
   
Gaming Monitor.

What is a Gaming Monitor?

A gaming monitor is a type of computer monitor that is specifically designed for gaming. It typically has features that make it better suited for gaming than a regular monitor, such as higher refresh rate, lower response time and wider viewing angles. In addition to these features, gaming monitors often have other features that make them more appealing to gamers, such as HDR support, G-Sync or FreeSync compatibility and ergonomic design.

Gaming Monitor.
   

Why do I need a gaming monitor?

A gaming monitor is a type of computer monitor that is specifically designed for gaming. It typically has features that make it better suited for gaming than a regular monitor, such as higher refresh rate, lower response time and wider viewing angles. In addition to these features, gaming monitors often have other features that make them more appealing to gamers, such as HDR support, G-Sync or FreeSync compatibility and ergonomic design.

Types of Gaming Monitors

Monitors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Three of the most popular types of monitors are flat, ultrawide, and curved.

Gaming Monitor.

Flat Monitors

Flat monitors are the most common type of monitor. They are typically rectangular in shape and have a flat screen. Flat monitors are a good choice for general use, as they offer a wide viewing angle and good image quality.

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Ultrawide Gaming Monitor.

Ultrawide

Ultrawide monitors are wider than traditional monitors and a great way to get the benefits of a multi-monitor setup without taking up as much desk space. They offer a more immersive viewing experience, making them ideal for gaming and productivity. Ultrawide monitors can be either curved or flat.

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Curved Gaming Monitor.

Curved

Curved monitors offer a wider field of view than flat monitors, which can provide a more immersive viewing experience. The curvature of a monitor is measured in "R" units, with lower numbers indicating a greater curve. Curved monitors wrap around your field of vision, which can help to reduce eye strain during gameplay.

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Stand out features

Monitor Screen Size.

Screen Size

Monitor screen dimensions are determined by measuring the diagonal distance from one corner to the opposite corner. Monitors come in various sizes, ranging from 15 inches to 34 inches, with gamers frequently choosing a 24-inch model, while 28 inches is the most popular. A larger screen provides more flexibility, including wider viewing angles, more advanced designs with additional features, and a broader selection of connection ports. When choosing a monitor, it's crucial to consider the available space.

Monitor Resolution.

Resolution

The sharpness and clarity of a displayed image are determined by the monitor's resolution, which represents the total number of distinct pixels that can be shown along each axis. A higher resolution translates to a sharper picture quality. While 1920x1080 (Full HD) remains the most prevalent resolution, gamers and professionals may find greater benefit in a monitor with a higher resolution, such as 4k (3,840 × 2,160). Quad High Definition (QHD), also known as WQHD (Wide Quad High Definition), is a display resolution measuring 2560 x 1440 pixels. This resolution surpasses the pixel count of standard HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) by four times, and doubles that of Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels). Consequently, QHD screens can display more pixels per inch (PPI) than HD or Full HD screens, resulting in sharper and more detailed images.

Monitor Response Time.

Response Time

Response time is the time it takes for a monitor's pixels to change from one color to another. A lower response time is better, as it will reduce image ghosting, minimize distortion and blurring, and allow for sharp pictures during fast-paced gameplay. A response time of 1ms or less is ideal for fast-paced games.

Monitor Refresh Rate.

Refresh Rate

The refresh rate of a monitor is the number of times per second that the image on the screen is updated. This is measured in hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate means that the image on the screen is updated more often, resulting in smoother and less choppy images. While a refresh rate of 60Hz is usually enough for everyday use, a higher refresh rate is recommended for gaming. A refresh rate of 120Hz or higher can provide a significant improvement in smoothness and responsiveness, which can be especially beneficial for competitive gamers.

   
Gaming Monitor.

Panel Type

If you're an avid gamer, a TN panel with a swift response time is an excellent option. If you prioritize exceptional image quality, an OLED panel is a compelling choice. For a balanced approach combining image quality and response time, a VA panel is a viable option. IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels, renowned for their wide viewing angles, precise colour reproduction, and rapid response times, excel as gaming monitor displays, fostering an immersive and responsive gaming experience.

Monitor Ports.

Ports

When choosing a gaming monitor, one of the most important factors to consider is the ports it has. The ports that a gaming monitor needs depend on the specific console or PC that you are using, as well as your own personal preferences. However, there are some ports that are generally considered to be essential for gaming monitors.

  • HDMI: HDMI is the most common port for connecting gaming monitors to consoles and PCs. HDMI 2.1 is the latest version of HDMI, and it supports resolutions up to 4K at 120Hz.
  • DisplayPort: DisplayPort is another popular port for connecting gaming monitors. DisplayPort 1.4 supports resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz.
  • USB: USB ports can be used to connect peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and headsets. Some gaming monitors also have USB ports that can be used to charge devices.
  • Audio: Most gaming monitors have built-in speakers, but some gamers prefer to use external speakers or headphones. If you plan on using external speakers or headphones, you will need a monitor with an audio output port.
     
Built-in Speakers.

Built-in Speakers

Some gaming monitors have built-in speakers, which means you can enjoy your games without having to connect external speakers.

Adaptive Sync.

G-Sync or FreeSync

G-Sync and FreeSync are technologies that synchronize the monitor's refresh rate with the graphics card, which can eliminate screen tearing and stuttering.

OLED Monitors.

OLED and Mini LED

OLED and Mini LED gaming monitors are both excellent choices for gamers. OLED monitors offer perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and wide color gamut. Mini LED monitors offer high brightness, excellent contrast, wide color gamut, and long lifespans.

HDR Monitor.

HDR Support

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. It is a technology that enhances the contrast and color range of a display. This results in images that are more realistic and immersive. We highly recommend looking for a gaming monitor that features HDR technology..

Console Gaming Monitors.

Console Gaming

A console monitor is a type of monitor that is specifically designed for use with gaming consoles. Console monitors typically have a high refresh rate and low response time, which are important for gaming. They also often have a wider viewing angle than traditional monitors, which is important for playing games with friends or family.

What makes a monitor suited for consoles?

  • Great connectivity: The latest gaming consoles are easy to connect to a gaming monitor. Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S support HDMI 2.1, which is the latest version of the HDMI standard and allows for high resolutions and refresh rates.
  • High refresh rates: Many gaming monitors are able to support refresh rates over 120Hz. This means that the image on the screen is updated more often, resulting in smoother and more responsive gameplay.
  • 4K resolution: There is a wide choice of gaming monitors that have 4K resolution which provide incredibly sharp and detailed images. These are perfect to connect a Xbox Series X/S or PS5 to, as both these consoles are capable of 4K gaming.
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Refurbished Monitor.

Refurbished Gaming Monitors

Refurbished gaming monitors are a great way to save money on high-quality monitors without sacrificing performance. They are typically much cheaper than new monitors, have the same features and specifications, are backed by a warranty, and help to reduce your environmental impact.

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Shop by brand

Cooler Master.

Cooler Master

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Gigabyte.

Gigabyte

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Samsung.

Samsung

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Philips.

Philips

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Iiyama.

Iiyama

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Frequently asked questions

  • What is the best refresh rate for gaming?

      The best refresh rate for gaming depends on your budget, the type of games you play, and your personal preferences. A refresh rate of at least 120Hz is recommended for most gamers. If you're playing fast-paced games, a 144Hz monitor is a good option. If you're a competitive gamer, a 240Hz monitor may be worth considering.

      Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing a refresh rate for gaming:

      • Your graphics card: Your graphics card needs to be able to output enough frames per second (FPS) to match the refresh rate of your monitor.
      • Your budget: Refresh rates can vary in price, so you'll need to decide how much you're willing to spend.
      • Your personal preferences: Some people prefer a smoother gaming experience, while others prefer a higher resolution. Ultimately, the best refresh rate for you is the one that you're most comfortable with.

      When choosing a monitor, it's important to consider your budget, the type of games you play, and your personal preferences.

  • What’s the best monitor to use for a PS5?

      The PS5 can output 4K resolution at 120 frames per second (fps). To get the most out of this, you'll need a monitor with a 4K resolution and a refresh rate of at least 120Hz.

      HDMI 2.1 is the most recent version of the HDMI standard, and it's required for 4K 120Hz output. If you use a monitor with an older HDMI version, you'll be limited to a lower resolution or refresh rate.

      In addition to 4K 120Hz output, HDMI 2.1 also supports other features that are beneficial for gaming, such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). VRR allows the monitor and the PS5 to synchronize their refresh rates, which can help to reduce screen tearing. ALLM automatically switches the monitor to a low-latency mode when gaming, which can improve input lag.

      So, if you're looking for the best monitor to use with your PS5, you should look for a monitor with a 4K resolution, a refresh rate of at least 120Hz, and HDMI 2.1 support.

  • What’s the best monitor to use for an Xbox Series X/S?

      When buying a monitor for Xbox gaming, it's essential to look for a monitor with a high refresh rate, ideally 120Hz or above. This will ensure smoother motion and reduce screen tearing. Additionally, a low response time, preferably 1ms or lower, will minimize input lag, allowing for quick and precise gameplay.

      The display resolution is also crucial. QHD or 4K (Ultra HD) are the most common options, and they will provide sharper visuals. HDR (High Dynamic Range) support is also worth considering, as it enhances color accuracy and contrast, resulting in more vibrant and realistic images.

      Connectivity options like HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 will enable compatibility with the latest Xbox consoles and offer features such as variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM) for a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. For Xbox Series X, 4K @ 120Hz can be reached via HDMI 2.1. The Xbox Series S operates slightly lower at QHD/1440p @ 120Hz via HDMI 2.1.

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