Having a screen is a requirement if you want to game at the highest skill level. It doesn’t matter if you play on Xbox, Playstation, PC or any other console, really. But in a lot of cases, the screen or monitor comes with the product, like in a Nintendo Switch. Other times, it’s very likely that you have owned that screen even before the console came along, like with an Xbox or a PlayStation, as many households already have TVs.
But when it comes to gaming on a PC the situation becomes a little more complicated. There are a lot of monitor sizes and brands, each with different qualities. It can get a little overwhelming if you don’t already know what you are looking for, here’s the ultimate guide to choosing a gaming monitor all in one place. Read it for yourself.
Best Monitor Size for Gaming
This one is insanely important! The size of your monitor will determine how much you are able to notice small details, how much blue light you see and how far away you can sit from your computer. But ultimately, it’ll determine the clarity and overall experience you will have while gaming on a PC. Some players love bigger monitors whereas other players suggest having a slightly smaller monitor in order to be able to focus on the game better. There are vastly different options when it comes to size, let’s take a look.
24 Inch Gaming Monitors
One of the most common sizes for gaming monitors is 24inch (or 60 centimeter) monitors. These are pretty small compared to others, but people still use them. They are pretty lightweight and budget friendly (in case you’re looking for gaming monitors with a budget), yet they still have pretty good visuals. Generally speaking, they are the “silver lining” between too little and too much. These monitors don’t take up too much space, so you will still be able to use your deskspace as normal without constantly bumping into the stand. If you have a bigger mouse and keyboard set up for gaming, 24inch monitors might be your best bet! It’s the perfect medium between having a great gaming monitor and saving space.
Some may think that 24inch monitors are a bit small but don’t be fooled, these monitors are sometimes the perfect fit for many. You can’t go wrong with a 24inch monitor as your first gaming monitor, especially if you’re looking for a monitor on a budget. These will get the job done, well too!
27 Inch Gaming Monitors
Now, these ones are beasts! They are absolutely perfect for any kind of gaming. If you prefer to use a controller (for example, while playing Super Meat Boy), then you can just lay back into your chair and you won’t have to lean in to see smaller details. It’s way more comfortable. But if you use a keyboard and a mouse then it’s fine too. Leaning in close to the screen won’t be too harmful to your eyes, so you can rest assured that your vision remains undamaged.
But the best part is that these monitors are usually very high definition. If you decide to buy one of these then you can be sure that the picture will be crystal clear. Plus, if you don’t want to spare your wallet then the colors will be absolutely astonishing. Although it’s not likely that you will have to break the bank, you can get monitors with amazing color quality for just a little more. These are typically the most common gaming monitor sizes that players will buy. Maybe it’s the perfect fit for you too.
32 Inch Gaming Monitors
This is as big as you should go. Even these might be a little over the top at times. It really depends on what you’re playing too if you’re playing FPS games, more than likely this size of a monitor is too much for you. You’d have to pay attention to the corners of your eyes and peripherals in order to land that one tap in Counter Strike. If you’re playing MMOs or MOBA games, this is generally okay. Maybe we’ll see you on Summoner’s Rift with a 32inch monitor.
A monitor of this size should be used from a little distance away. They are perfect if you have a large desk because then you can put it as far to the back as possible, then stay right at the other end. Otherwise, you will not be able to see the whole picture and you will need to turn your head around if you don’t want to miss any details. But if you prefer to use a controller (maybe you’re playing Rocket League or FIFA), then this is a pretty good choice. If you have a small or an average size room then there is also a good chance that you can just lay down and play like that. Sounds like paradise, right? Well, it kind of is. But such luxuries come at a pretty steep price.
You might even be better off with a TV, as these monitors can get crazy expensive. Especially the ones labeled “gaming monitors”, as the manufacturers expect people to jump on that title. Don’t take the bait, do your research!
What is Refresh Rate and Why is it Important?
The refresh rate is one of the most important factors in excelling in any game, especially FPS games. There’s a reason why many CS:GO professional players prefer 144hz as their benchmark refresh rate for playing the game. Basically the frame shows how many times your monitor refreshes the image on your screen within one second. Pretty simple if you ask us. However, let’s dig a bit deeper into why this is so important.
As a gamer, there is really just 1 important refresh rate that you should be mindful of and consider when purchasing a gaming monitor. It’s the 144hz refresh rate for monitors. People may also suggest 120hz monitors but we believe the happy medium is 144hz. The reason why you’d prefer such a high refresh rate compared to 60hz, for example, is that you’d want to see the enemy in realtime as much as possible. When playing very fast-paced games like FPS games, you’ll realize that if you have a lower refresh rate, you’ll find that the enemy may appear in one frame but in reality, they’re in another frame. There are many case studies and videos on Youtube of this occurring and ultimately making the player miss the crucial shot in Counter Strike, don’t be that player to miss because of low refresh rates.
If you want to take it up a notch further, a 240hz monitor exists too. However at this point, you will not realize any difference, the naked eye cannot process changes like this as fast as technology would. Whether you choose 144hz or 240hz, just know that your gaming ability is about to get that much better, especially for fast paced games.
What Brands have the Best Gaming Monitors?
We can’t tell you about exact models, because their specs differ way too much and everyone needs different things. But we can show you where to look for the right monitors. The brands we are about to tell you are reputable and we have had experience with them, so we highly recommend them! The most important and common one is Samsung. They are generally known for their phones and TVs, but they’re just as amazing with monitors and the technology behind them. The products they sell are of very high quality, efficient and durable—which is great for you as your monitor will last a long time. If you want something that will stay with you for years then this is definitely the brand you should go with, it’s hard to beat reliability.
The second is Alienware. Their items are pretty pricey, but for a very good reason. They make quality gaming gear that is designed to help you have the best experience. After all, they’re a dedicated gaming hardware company. Most of their monitors have a really high refresh rate as well (they know the needs players desire), so if motion blur is a problem for you then Alienware is here to help you out.
And the last one on our list is LG. They have the best prices out there, so if you don’t plan on playing competitively and want to save a little cash then they should be the first brand you look at. LG makes monitors (and TVs) that will show you crystal clear pictures that are budget friendly. They don’t settle for mediocre despite being a bit more competitive when it comes to pricing.
Having a good monitor is crucial if you want to be the best you can at gaming. It can make a significant difference and it might just be the thing that’s holding you back from playing competitively. But in the end, you will know what is best for you.
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