Purchasing a gaming monitor can be a daunting task, especially with the overwhelming number of options available in the market. With different sizes, resolutions, refresh rates, and technologies, choosing the right monitor for your gaming setup can be challenging. To make the process easier, we write this comprehensive gaming monitor buying guide in hope that it will help you understand the important factors you need to consider before making a purchase.
Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up the display on a screen.
When you're looking for the perfect gaming monitor, the resolution is an important factor to think. In the context of gaming monitors, higher resolution means that the screen is made up of more pixels, resulting in sharper and more detailed images. Basically the higher the resolution is, the more beautiful the gaming artworks you'll see.
The most common resolutions in the market are Full HD (1920 x 1080), Quad HD (2560 x 1440), and 4K (3840 x 2160).
Full HD is the standard resolution for many monitors and is still a great choice for many gamers. It offers good image quality and is capable of displaying games with smooth frame rates. However, if you're looking for a more immersive gaming experience, a higher resolution monitor may be a better choice.
Quad HD is a step up from Full HD and offers a resolution of 2560 x 1440. This resolution provides a noticeable improvement in image quality and allows you to enjoy your games with more detail and clarity. It is a great option for those who want a balance between performance and visual quality.
4K is the highest resolution currently available for gaming monitors. It offers a resolution of 3840 x 2160, which is four times the resolution of Full HD. The images on a 4K monitor are incredibly sharp and detailed, providing a truly immersive gaming experience. However, it's important to note that running games smoothly at 4K may require a powerful graphics card. If your computer doesn't meet the recommended specifications, you may experience slow frame rates or lag. But if you truly care about your ultimate gaming experience, the higher the resolution the better!
Refresh Rate
Refresh rate means the number of times a monitor can refresh the display in a second.
A higher refresh rate results in a smoother visual display. It is important to consider when choosing a gaming monitor as it affects the smoothness and fluidity of your gaming experience.
A refresh rate of 60Hz is suitable for casual gaming and general use. If you enjoy playing less fast-paced games such as puzzle games or strategy games, a 60Hz refresh rate should suffice. However, if you're a fan of fast-paced games such as first-person shooters or racing games, a higher refresh rate can provide a noticeable improvement in your gaming experience. A monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz or 240Hz can make a big difference in fast-paced games, allowing you to react quickly and accurately to on-screen events. With a higher refresh rate, you'll experience less motion blur, leading to a smoother and more responsive visual display.
However, refresh rate is just one aspect to consider when choosing the right gaming monitor. You also need to consider the resolution, response time, and compatibility with your computer's graphics card. A high refresh rate is more effective when paired with a low response time, which refers to the time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another. A low response time results in less ghosting or blurring of fast-moving objects, leading to a clearer and more responsive visual display.
Also you need to pay attention to compatibility of refresh rate and the capability of your graphic cards. If your graphics card can render 100 frames per second, but you have a monitor with a refresh rate of only 60Hz, you'll only be able to see 60 of those frames per second. On the other hand, even if you have a 144Hz monitor, if your graphics card can only render 60 frames per second, you'll still only be able to see 60 images per second. So, it's important to make sure your graphics card can support your monitor's refresh rate for optimal performance. Generally, a graphics card such as the GTX 1060 or higher is recommended for maintaining a refresh rate of 144Hz or above while gaming.
Response Time
Response time is the amount of time it takes for a pixel to change from one color to another.
A lower response time results in less motion blur, making fast-paced games more enjoyable and providing a more fluid visual display.
In gaming, motion blur can be distracting and make it difficult to track fast-moving objects. A low response time ensures that pixels change color quickly, minimizing the amount of motion blur and allowing for a clearer, more detailed visual display.
Gaming monitors typically have a response time of 1ms, which is fast enough for most games. This is particularly important for fast-paced games such as first-person shooters, racing games, and fighting games, where quick reflexes and accurate visual information are crucial.
Recently thanks to the advance of OLED technology, the latest OLED monitors are now offering even faster response times of 0.03ms, providing an even smoother and more fluid visual display. This level of speed is ideal for competitive gaming, where milliseconds can mean the difference between victory and defeat. If you're a serious gamer looking for the ultimate gaming experience, a monitor with a 0.03ms response time is worth considering.
Spectrum OLED's specs
Panel Technology: IPS vs OLED
The panel technology used in a gaming monitor can have a significant impact on both the visual quality and performance of the monitor. It is therefore important to understand the different panel technologies available in the market when choosing the right gaming monitor for your needs.
TN (Twisted Nematic) panels are the most affordable option and widely used in gaming monitors due to their fast response times. But they have limited viewing angles and color accuracy compared to other panel technologies. This means that the display may not look as good when viewed from different angles, and colors may appear washed out or inaccurate.
IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels offer wider viewing angles and better color accuracy compared to TN panels. This makes them a great choice for gamers who want to experience a more immersive visual experience.
The modules of the IPS panels used on Spectrum 4K 144Hz monitors
OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) panels are the most advanced panel technology used in gaming monitors. They offer fast response times, wide viewing angles, and excellent color accuracy, making them the ideal choice for gamers who want the best possible visual experience. However, OLED monitors are also the most expensive option, which may not be affordable for all gamers.
Up until today, OLED panel technology remains one of the most advanced in the monitor industry, renowned for its exceptional true black, true-to-life colors, and high performance. However, it is important to note that 27-inch OLED monitors currently lack 4K resolution capabilities, so if you prioritize color accuracy, it may be worth considering a 27-inch 4K resolution monitor with an IPS panel.
Adaptive Sync Technology
Adaptive Sync technology is a must-have feature for gamers, as it helps eliminate visual distractions such as screen tearing and stuttering. It works by synchronizing the refresh rate of your monitor with the frame rate produced by your graphics card. This results in a smoother and more seamless gaming experience.
There are two main types of Adaptive Sync technologies: FreeSync and G-Sync. It is important to choose the right one for your system. If you are using a graphics card from NVIDIA, you should look for a monitor with G-Sync technology. This technology is specifically designed to work with NVIDIA graphics cards, and it provides the best performance and compatibility. On the other hand, if you are using an AMD graphics card, you should choose a monitor with FreeSync technology. This technology is optimized to work with AMD graphics cards, and it provides a similar level of performance and compatibility.
Size
When choosing the size of a gaming monitor, it's important to consider both your budget, the amount of desk space you have, how many monitors that you want to have with your setups. Larger monitors can offer a truly immersive gaming experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your favorite games. But these monitors can take up a significant amount of desk space. On the other hand, smaller monitors are a more cost-effective and space-saving option. They can be an ideal choice if you want to have a multi-monitor setup or if you're limited on desk space. Additionally, the ergonomics of your setup should also be taken into consideration, as the distance between your eyes and the monitors affects your comfort and eye health. Ultimately, when deciding on the size of your gaming monitor, it's important to find a balance between your budget, desk space, and personal preferences.
Connectivity
Below are various connectivity options that a good gaming monitor should offer:
HDMI ports: Having multiple HDMI ports can be beneficial if you're looking to build a multi-monitor setup, as it allows you to connect multiple devices at the same time. Additionally, if you're planning on using your monitor for console gaming, it's crucial to make sure the monitor has the right HDMI port. The latest consoles, such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, require HDMI 2.1, so having a monitor without this port could be a limiting factor.
DisplayPort: If you intend to connect high-speed devices such as gaming laptops or gaming computers, it is imperative to have a monitor that is equipped with a DisplayPort connection. This is because DisplayPort is designed to handle high-bandwidth data transmission and supports high refresh rates, low input latency, and multi-monitor displays, making it an ideal choice for gaming applications where a smooth and seamless gaming experience is essential. Furthermore, DisplayPort is a versatile digital interface that can support various video and audio formats, enabling you to get the most out of your gaming device.
USB-C: Having a gaming monitor with USB-C can enhance the overall gaming experience and make it more convenient for gamers to connect and use their devices. Firstly, USB-C supports fast data transfer speeds and can be used for both data and video transmission, making it an ideal choice for connecting gaming laptops or other devices to the monitor. Additionally, USB-C provides power delivery, which means you can charge your gaming device while using it, eliminating the need for separate charging cables. Furthermore, USB-C is a versatile and widely used interface that supports various devices, making it a convenient option for gamers who use multiple devices.
USB-A: or USB Type-A, is a widely used interface that provides important connectivity options for gaming monitors. It allows for the easy connection of gaming devices such as keyboards, mice, and other peripherals, as well as fast data transfer and charging capabilities. This makes it a convenient and essential component for enhancing the overall gaming experience. Having USB-A ports in a gaming monitor provides gamers with the flexibility and versatility they need to make the most of their gaming sessions.
Overall, before making a purchase, make sure that the monitor has the necessary ports to connect all of your gaming components, ensuring a seamless and convenient gaming experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right gaming monitor requires careful consideration of multiple factors, including resolution, refresh rate, response time, panel technology, Adaptive Sync technology, size, and connectivity. Keep in mind your budget, desk space, and gaming preferences when making your decision. With the right gaming monitor, you can take your gaming experience to the next level and enjoy a more immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.