A monitor to a gamer is what a Katana to a Samurai – a welding goggle to a welder. If you need to enjoy gaming to the peak, a high performing gaming monitor is a must. A superior quality monitor adds to the overall experience of gaming. Not just that, gamers also have the desire to feel and connect with the technology they are using.
With high-end 4k games fast hitting the market, a lackluster monitor would disrupt the pure pleasure of gaming. Gamers love to have their senses gratified and get technically stimulated from time to time. They know what kind of specifications are best for an optimum experience and features they can easily rely on. They are always on the lookout for finding more and availing everything out there just to rejuvenate themselves.
The same kind of attention goes to monitor shopping. Be it online or getting a monitor speculated in a physical outlet, things get spicy at times. For beginners, finding the perfect gaming monitor can be a tough card to play. Being new in the market, they have to keep a check on many things which may be frustrating for them.
In this blog, we will talk about how to choose the best gaming monitor around and which specs to look into. We will also explore three of the best monitors you can buy in the market. So let’s not waste any more time and proceed ahead.
The Best Gaming Monitor Buying Guide
If you are a hardcore gamer but are unsure about the specs and technicalities, then there are few things to remember. A monitor isn’t merely a box that transmits visuals; it determines the refresh rate, response time, color accuracy and much more. In essence, a gaming monitor is the soul of your gaming setup and transmits all the action right before your eyes. Here are a few points to consider before buying:
1. Resolution Holds Key:
When it comes to the resolution, the rule is very simple –the higher the resolution, the better the picture. The resolution has to do with the number of pixels a monitor can accommodate at a specific time. Gone are the days when an HD display would run the latest COD and Metal Gear Solid titles. If you want a royal gaming experience, you need a QHD or a 4K gaming monitor. This is probably one of the most important things to consider beforehand.
2. Size of the Monitor:
A larger monitor with over 109 pixels per inch (PPI) will set the course for a smooth, immersive gaming experience. A higher pixel density translates to sharp and crisp images, fonts and the overall quality. A 32-inch gaming monitor at 4K resolution is a big yes!
3. Response and Refresh Rates:
Refresh rates determine the number of times your monitor updates with new information in milliseconds. Again, the bigger the number, the better the quality of the images. The ideal refresh rate for gaming is 144 Hz which is loved by many gamers out there.
Similarly, response time tells you the time a monitor takes to subtly transform individual pixels to different colors. Longer response times can cause delays and lags. Optimum response time ranges between 4 ms. to 0.5 ms.
Best Gaming Monitors:
Now that we have nailed down the essentials of a gaming monitor, let’s look at some of the best monitors one can buy in 2020. Note that the list is in no particular order and a majority of the gamers prefer one of these monitors mostly.
1. Acer Predator XB273K:
Acer is no stranger to the gaming market; their gaming accessories are widely hailed by players and experts alike. The Acer Predator XB273K is no exception, this beast is an upgrade to the Predator X27, but with subtle enhancements. There is only a modest decrease in the HDR, but with such a cheap price point, any gamer on a budget can have it.
We tested this model on Resident Evil 2 Remake and the picture quality was marvelous. The addition of G-Sync offers stability and clarity to the pictures. We also did not notice any lag or glitch while playing on it whatsoever
Pros:
1. Phenomenal value at such a low price point.
2. The picture detailing on this thing is exquisite.
Cons:
1. Could have done better in the HDR department.
2. ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q:
ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q is all about pushing the envelope of gaming. Armed with a 2560×1440 resolution, you will not miss 4K whilst gaming at all. Moreover, the refresh rates are well above 60 Hz. This is something you do not get even in some of the best 4K displays out there.
We played it on Death Stranding and the quality was a thing of real beauty. It also houses Nvidia’s G-Sync technology, however, if you are an AMD user, we are sorry. Our only grip with such a fine gaming monitor is the price, of course.
Pros:
1. The best overall monitor for gamers.
2. Incredibly fast refresh and response rates.
Cons:
1. Premium-priced.
2. It does not support any other cards than Nvidia.
3. BenQ EL2870U:
Last but not least on the list is the lovely BenQ EL2870U. We call it the best budget monitor you can find in the market for a few reasons. The most pertinent being that this 28-inches can easily handle your favorite games in full 4K HDR display, without breaking the bank.
The response time is also commendable at a staggering 1 ms. However, we were not so fond of the refresh rates whilst playing Formula 1. Although, it does not contain an Nvidia’s G-Sync or AMD’s FreeSync; the monitor has a wonderful 2-watt speaker for those late-night multiplayer expeditions. It also has a standard input jack, so you don’t have to look for the elusive jack in your motherboard.
Pros:
1. Bang for the buck.
2. Built-in speakers
Cons:
1. Not the best of viewing angles.
2. Refresh times were subpar compared to others.
The Final Verdict
All of this may be confusing for beginners as they are new to the gaming world. For the rest, there is a whole world to explore and locate which monitor works best for them in different scenarios. By considering the points mentioned above, anybody can easily break down the valuable features of a gaming monitor. By doing so, they will be able to understand the gaming market and buy the best one available in the market. So do look into the tips and tricks as they are only told to benefit the gamers in the best way possible.