visunext Buyers Guide To Gaming Monitors

Gaming, a passion shared by millions around the world, has evolved far beyond mere entertainment. It has become a realm where reflexes, strategy, and immersion are paramount. Within this digital arena, one piece of hardware stands as a gateway to otherworldly adventures and competitive triumphs: the gaming monitor.

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Gaming monitors have evolved significantly, offering a wide range of features to cater to gamers of all types. In 2024, choosing the best gaming monitor can be a daunting task due to the plethora of options available. To help you make an informed decision, we've created this comprehensive gaming monitors buyer's guide. It covers the key factors to consider when purchasing a gaming monitor and highlights some of the top models in 2024.

What is the ideal monitor size for gaming?

The ideal monitor size for gaming can vary depending on your personal preferences, the type of games you play, and the available space in your gaming setup. Here are some considerations to help you determine the ideal monitor size for your gaming needs:

24 to 27 inches

Monitors in this size range are popular choices for many gamers. They offer a good balance between screen real estate and pixel density, making it easier to see details in games. A 24-inch monitor at 1080p resolution is common and provides a clear image. A 27-inch monitor at 1440p resolution is also a great choice for those who want a larger display without sacrificing pixel density.

Larger Than 27 Inches

If you have a larger gaming space and enjoy immersive experiences, you might consider monitors larger than 27 inches. 32-inch and 34-inch ultrawide monitors are becoming increasingly popular. These larger screens can provide a more cinematic and immersive gaming experience, especially for open-world games and simulations.

Compact and Portable

For gamers who value portability, there are smaller gaming monitors available, often in the 15 to 17-inch range. These monitors are suitable for gamers on the go, such as those who attend LAN parties or travel frequently.

Ultra-large displays

Some gamers opt for massive displays, such as 43-inch or 49-inch monitors. These are often used for sim racing setups or as TV replacements for console gaming. Keep in mind that these larger displays may require more desk or wall space.

Multi-monitor setup

Another consideration is using multiple monitors. Many gamers enjoy the immersive experience of a multi-monitor setup, where two or more monitors are arranged side by side or in an array. This can provide a wider field of view for certain games but requires careful setup and compatibility considerations.

Before making a purchase, consider your gaming habits, the types of games you play, and your setup constraints. It can be helpful to speak to one of our advisors or read reviews to get a feel for different monitor sizes and determine which one best suits your gaming needs.

What is the difference between TN, IPS, and VA panels?

TN (Twisted Nematic), IPS (In-Plane Switching), and VA (Vertical Alignment) are three common panel technologies used in LCD monitors and screens, each with its own set of characteristics and advantages. Here are the key differences between them:

1. Colour Reproduction

TN Panel

TN panels typically have the weakest colour reproduction among the three. They offer limited colour accuracy and narrower colour gamuts, which can result in less vibrant and less accurate colours. This can be noticeable when viewing images or videos that require precise colour representation.

IPS panel

IPS panels excel in colour accuracy and consistency. They produce rich and accurate colours with wide viewing angles, making them ideal for tasks like photo and video editing where colour precision is crucial.

VA Panel

VA panels offer good colour reproduction, falling between TN and IPS panels in terms of colour accuracy. They can display vibrant colours, but they may not be as consistent as IPS panels across different viewing angles.

2. Viewing Angles

TN Panel

TN panels have limited viewing angles. Colours and brightness may shift when viewed from angles other than head-on, which can be a drawback for multi-person gaming or when the monitor is not at eye level.

IPS panel

IPS panels have wide viewing angles, ensuring consistent colours and brightness even when viewed from the side. This makes them suitable for collaborative work and gaming setups where multiple viewers are involved.

VA Panel

VA panels offer decent viewing angles, but they are not as wide as IPS panels. You may notice some colour shifts when viewing from extreme angles, but they are generally better than TN panels.

3. Response time

TN Panel

TN panels typically have the fastest response times, with some monitors offering 1ms response times. This makes them well-suited for fast-paced gaming, as they can minimise motion blur and ghosting.

IPS panel

IPS panels traditionally had slower response times compared to TN panels, but modern IPS gaming monitors often have response times as low as 1ms, making them suitable for gaming.

VA Panel

VA panels generally have response times between TN and IPS panels. While they may not be as fast as TN panels, they can still provide a smooth gaming experience with minimal motion artefacts.

4. Contrast Ratio

TN Panel

TN panels tend to have lower contrast ratios compared to IPS and VA panels, resulting in less distinct differentiation between dark and light areas of the screen.

IPS panel

IPS panels offer good contrast ratios, which enhances the visibility of details in dark and bright scenes.

VA Panel

VA panels typically have the highest contrast ratios among the three, providing deep blacks and bright whites for an immersive viewing experience.

5. Price

TN Panel

TN monitors are often the most budget-friendly option, making them appealing to cost-conscious consumers.

IPS panel

IPS monitors tend to be more expensive than TN panels due to their superior colour accuracy and wider viewing angles.

VA Panel

VA monitors are usually priced between TN and IPS monitors, offering a balance between cost and performance.

In summary, the choice between TN, IPS, and VA panels depends on your specific needs and preferences. TN panels are suitable for budget-conscious gamers, while IPS panels are ideal for those who prioritise colour accuracy and wide viewing angles. VA panels strike a balance between the two, offering good performance at a reasonable price. Consider your use case, such as gaming, content creation, or general productivity, when selecting the panel type that best suits your needs.

What is refresh rate, and how does it affect gaming?

Refresh rate is the number of times a monitor refreshes its image per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz or 240Hz, provides smoother and more fluid gameplay, reducing motion blur. It's especially beneficial for fast-paced and competitive gaming.

Here's how refresh rate affects gaming:

	Higher refresh rate	Lower Refresh Rate
Smoother Motion	Monitors with higher refresh rates, such as 144Hz or 240Hz, can display more frames per second. This results in smoother and more fluid motion in games, making fast-paced actions, like aiming or tracking targets, feel more responsive and natural.	Monitors with lower refresh rates, like 60Hz, can still provide a decent gaming experience but may exhibit more motion blur and less fluid motion, especially in fast-moving games
Reduced motion blur	A higher refresh rate reduces motion blur. This is particularly important in fast-paced games where objects and characters are in constant motion. Gaming monitors with high refresh rates help minimise the blurriness associated with rapidly changing scenes.	Lower refresh rates can result in more noticeable motion blur, which can affect your ability to track moving targets accurately.
Competitive Advantage	In competitive gaming, where split-second reactions matter, a higher refresh rate can provide a competitive advantage. The smoother and more responsive gameplay offered by high-refresh-rate monitors can make it easier to aim precisely and react quickly to in-game events.
Hardware Compatibility	To take full advantage of a high-refresh-rate monitor, you'll need a powerful graphics card that can consistently deliver a high frame rate (FPS) in games. Otherwise, you may not fully benefit from the monitor's capabilities.	Monitors with lower refresh rates are generally more forgiving in terms of hardware requirements, as they don't demand as high a frame rate from your GPU.
Personal preference	Your preference for refresh rate can also depend on the types of games you play and your gaming style. Some gamers may prioritise high refresh rates for fast-paced shooters, while others may be satisfied with standard refresh rates for slower-paced games or single-player experiences.	While lower refresh rates are still playable, they may put you at a disadvantage in fast-paced, competitive games where every millisecond counts.

FAQ - The most important questions about Gaming Monitors

G-Sync (NVIDIA) and FreeSync (AMD) are adaptive sync technologies that synchronise the monitor's refresh rate with the GPU's frame rate. They eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in a smoother gaming experience. To use them, you'll need a compatible graphics card and monitor.

4K gaming monitors offer incredibly sharp visuals but require a powerful graphics card to run games at high settings. They are ideal for immersive single-player experiences and content consumption. If you prioritise resolution, a 4K monitor may be worth it.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) enhances a monitor's ability to display a broader range of colours and higher contrast. Monitors with HDR support offer more vivid and lifelike visuals. Consider HDR if you value image quality, but ensure the monitor has at least DisplayHDR 400 certification for noticeable improvements.

Response time, measured in milliseconds (ms), indicates how quickly pixels can change from one colour to another. Lower response times, such as 1ms or 2ms, reduce ghosting and motion blur in fast-paced games. It's essential for competitive gamers but may be less critical for casual gaming.

Ensure the monitor has the necessary ports for your devices, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB. Consider future-proofing by choosing a monitor with the latest connection standards.

Input lag is the delay between when you perform an action (e.g., clicking a mouse button) and when it's reflected on the screen. Lower input lag is crucial for responsive gaming. Look for monitors with low input lag for a more competitive edge.

Curved monitors provide a more immersive viewing experience by wrapping the screen around your field of vision. Whether they're better depends on personal preference. Curved monitors can be ideal for ultrawide displays, but flat monitors are still popular for traditional setups.

Remember that the best gaming monitor for you depends on your specific gaming preferences, budget, and setup. Consider your gaming PC's capabilities and the types of games you play when making your selection. Reading reviews and user feedback can also be invaluable in making your final decision.

In conclusion, investing in a high-quality gaming monitor can significantly enhance your gaming experience. Prioritise the features that matter most to you, and you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect gaming monitor to level up your gaming adventures.

Tobias Berg and Oliver Stenzel - contact persons in Purchasing and Sales - write on glass pane

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