The global revenue for PC sales has reached $39.5 billion, and one of the main reasons for this is the booming video game industry. With more people playing PC games than ever before, gamers have been looking to take their gaming experience to a new level. When it comes to leveling up the gaming experience, most people would consider the hardware and software the most important, and they would be right! But just as important is the monitor on which these games are played as it can make all the difference to the gaming experience. So, if you are building a gaming PC, don’t neglect the monitor. Here are some tips on what to look out for and 4 of the best gaming monitors you can buy.
What to Look for in a Gaming Monitor
A good monitor is one of the most important PC gaming components you should invest in, with the prices ranging from $125 to $3,000. So if you want to enrich the visual output of your PC, then these are the features that you should consider before investing in a gaming monitor.
1. Type of the Monitor
LCD monitors the most common type of computer monitor because they are lightweight, energy-efficient, and affordable. Gamers who are on a budget should consider an LED monitor, as modern designs will have a good picture quality and resolution. However, if you are a gamer looking for the ultimate experience a plasma screen or an OLED monitor would be a better investment. A plasma screen has better contrast and brightness for sharper display output, while an OLED monitor has a wider color range and has a bigger screen size. It is up to you how much you are willing to spend.
2. Display Panel
When it comes to displaying panels, a monitor with a Twisted Nematic (TN) Panel is a great budget option. A lot of gamers prefer TN panels because they are able to offer refresh rates at 144 Hz or even higher! This type of display panel is also best for those who enjoy first-person shooter games. An In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel has the better image quality and greater color accuracy compared to TN panels. However, it isn’t a great option for games with dark graphics or gamers who prefer faster response rates. On the other hand, monitors with vertical alignment (VA) panels can provide better graphics and wider viewing angles. Similar to IPS panels, this display panel has a low refresh rate which may cause more noticeable blurring during the gameplay.
3. Refresh Rate
A monitor’s refresh rate is crucial for competitive gamers. A higher monitor refresh rate allows you to follow the quick changes in the gameplay or to trace enemies who are constantly moving. A typical monitor’s refresh rate is at 60Hz, but that may cause blurring for video games that involve a lot of motion. For a more optimal gaming experience, you need to invest in monitors with refresh rates at 144 Hz, 240 Hz, or even 360 Hz.
Best Monitors for Gaming
1. Samsung 27-inch CRG5
This 27-inch gaming monitor features a VA panel, which means you’ll get to enjoy more vivid colors and contrasts. However, it still manages to have a high refresh rate at 240 Hz so you won’t encounter blurry or pixelated scenes.
2. Dell S3220DGF
The Dell S3220DGF can give you the best viewing experience while gaming. This 32-inch monitor has a 1440p resolution and displays images with high contrast and brightness.
3. Samsung 49″ Odyssey G9 Gaming Monitor
This gaming monitor gives you around 50% more horizontal screen space as compared to most monitors because of its wide 49-inch display. The Samsung 49″ Odyssey G9 Gaming Monitor is one of the best monitors you can buy if you want a more immersive gaming experience.
4. Acer Nitro XF243Y Pbmiiprx
If your budget is tight, then the Acer Nitro XF243Y Pbmiiprx can deliver fast refresh rates and sharp images without breaking the bank. This IPS panel features great viewing angles and high frame rates. However, this monitor compromises when it comes to image resolution.
Building your gaming PC can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Choose a monitor that can deliver exactly what you need so that you can witness better and smoother graphics that will make your video game feel more realistic.