10 Important Factors To Consider When Buying A Gaming Monitor

If you’re in the market for a new gaming monitor, you’ve probably come across some that are specifically marketed as being the best gaming monitor for the money.

However, this usually doesn’t tell you much about the specifications of the product or what features to look out for when shopping around.

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, you need to do more research and follow these 10 important factors to consider when buying a gaming monitor.

If you’re looking to improve your game, it may seem like the best gaming monitor will help you do that. In reality, the best gaming monitor depends on more than just its specs and features,

It depends on the factors you’re concerned with most in your gaming setup and what kind of games you enjoy playing.

If you’re looking to make an informed decision about which gaming monitor to buy, here are 10 important factors to consider when buying a gaming monitor.

As PC gaming grows in popularity, so does the demand for gaming monitors to meet this ever-increasing need.

But with the wide variety of models on the market today, it can be difficult to find the right monitor if you’re on a tight budget or looking for specific features like fast response times and low input lag.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the most important factors to consider when buying a gaming monitor, allowing you to make an informed decision when it comes time to invest in one that meets your needs.

1) Screen Size

One of the first things to look at when deciding which monitor is best for you is screen size. Remember, bigger isn’t always better and smaller monitors might be a better fit for your desk space.

The ideal size varies by person, but generally speaking, you want it to be at least as big as your computer’s desktop resolution.

And if you’re looking for something with extra real estate (maybe because you want two windows open at once), consider something larger than 24 inches.

2) Resolution

Resolution refers to how many pixels are on your screen. In a nutshell, it’s important to look for a monitor with a high resolution because it means you can see finer details in your game or movie. You might not think higher resolution matters if you’re just playing Angry Birds,

But believe us it makes a difference. Typically, a gaming monitor will have at least 1080p (Full HD) resolution and probably 1440p (QHD).

If possible, look for something with 4K resolution (UHD) which is four times better than 1080p and provides extra-crisp detail.

3) Refresh Rate

Refresh rate refers to how many times per second a display refreshes its image. The higher a monitor’s refresh rate, the more frames per second you can expect to see on your screen and that means smoother motion and fewer instances of motion blur.

In most cases, a higher refresh rate is preferred, especially if you’re playing competitive games where every frame counts.

The standard refresh rate range for gaming monitors (and computer displays in general) is between 60Hz and 144Hz; anything outside of that range is considered high-end or professional-grade. For example, it’s not uncommon for high-end monitors with frameless designs to run at 240Hz.

4) Input Lag

The amount of time it takes a display to process what you’re seeing is referred to as input lag, and it can make gameplay feel sluggish.

The lower your monitor’s input lag, the more responsive your gaming experience will be. Some display panels are marketed as gaming panels specifically because they have low input lag ratings.

5) Panel Technology

There are three types of monitor panel technology: twisted nematic (TN), in-plane switching (IPS), and vertical alignment (VA). IPS and VA panels offer color accuracy, better response times, and wider viewing angles.

However, they’re also more expensive. TN monitors tend to be less expensive and have faster response times for gamers.

For an all-around gaming experience fast frame rates, high resolution, and a stunning picture look for a TN panel with LED backlighting.

If you want color accuracy or wide viewing angles but don’t care as much about fast frame rates or your budget is limited, go with an IPS or VA display instead.

6) Adaptive Sync

If you’re going to spend a decent amount of money on a gaming monitor, you don’t want to have to worry about whether or not your graphics card will work with it.

Look for an adaptive sync technology, like AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync, that syncs up with your computer’s graphics card and adapts its refresh rate accordingly.

7) VESA Mounting Interface Standard
This is a feature you’ll want to consider if you intend to mount your monitor on a wall. Most mounting interfaces are VESA-compliant, so you can easily find an attachment to fit your setup.

8) Curved Screen Option

Curved screens are preferred by many gamers and esports players, but they aren’t an essential feature.

They offer a greater field of view, allowing you to see more without having to move your head—which could be useful in-game.

Of course, there are downsides: curved screens have less space between pixels and can distort images if you look at them from too close or too far away.

Be sure to consider what kind of gaming monitor will work best for your needs before making a purchase.

9) HDR Support

HDR support is a big deal for gaming monitors. If you plan on using your PC or console with an HDR-compatible TV or monitor, it’s nice to have a display that can keep up. Otherwise, your picture may look dull and washed out.

10) Price Point

High-end gaming monitors are expensive, ranging from $300 to upwards of $1,000. If you’re a serious gamer on a budget, you can opt for something in the lower price range like BenQ’s RL2455HM ($160).

It isn’t considered an elite gaming monitor but it still has some powerful features that give it a solid edge over standard high-definition displays.