Guide: How to Choose Gaming Monitors in 2024 or When Pixels Are Metter
Yuriy SheremetThe world of gaming monitors is as diverse as the virtual landscapes they bring to life. As technology continues to advance, gamers are presented with an array of choices, each boasting unique features designed to enhance the gaming experience.
In this article, we will embark on a journey through the various montiors types, dissecting their characteristics and applications. Whether you prioritize speed, visual fidelity, or a harmonious balance of both, understanding the distinctions among monitors types is essential for selecting the perfect display.
What types of gaming monitors exist?
Since the advent of gaming monitors with light bulbs in the housing, technology has made a huge leap forward. Today, there are gaming monitors for every taste and color, but they all fall into certain categories in one way or another. Here are the main ones:
- TN (Twisted Nematic) Panels: The Speed Demons
Known for their lightning-fast response times, Twisted Nematic panels have long been favored by competitive gamers who demand pixel-perfect precision in gaming. While providing the quickest refresh rates and response times, TN panels often compromise on color accuracy and viewing angles. This makes them ideal for fast-paced games where split-second reactions can make all the difference.
- IPS (In-Plane Switching) Panels: The Visual Virtuosos
IPS panels excel in delivering stunning visuals with vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. Although not as fast as Twisted Nematic panels, the trade-off for superior image quality makes them popular among gamers who prioritize immersive experiences and rich graphics. IPS monitors are well-suited for single-player and visually captivating titles where the emphasis lies on the beauty of the game world.
- VA (Vertical Alignment) Panels: The Middle Ground
Positioned between TN and IPS panels, VA panels strike a balance between speed and image quality. Offering better color reproduction and viewing angles than TN panels, VA monitors are a compelling choice for gamers who desire a versatile display capable of handling various game genres. With decent response times and high contrast ratios, VA panels shine in both fast-paced and visually demanding games.
- Curved Monitors: The Immersive Innovators
Curved monitors are designed to wrap around the gamer, providing an immersive field of view and reducing distortion at the screen edges. This design is particularly appealing for simulators, open-world adventures, and strategy games where peripheral awareness enhances the gaming experience. Curved screen also contribute to reducing eye strain during prolonged gaming sessions.
- G-Sync and FreeSync: The Tear-Free Technophiles
G-Sync (NVIDIA) and FreeSync (AMD) technologies address screen tearing and stuttering by synchronizing the monitor's refresh rate with the graphics card. These technologies contribute to smoother gameplay, ensuring that frames are displayed seamlessly, irrespective of the frame rate. Gamers should choose a display that aligns with their GPU brand for optimal performance.
How to choose a gaming displays: what to pay attention to first of all?
Choosing a right display can often be a headache. Especially when you are too lazy to understand the technical specifications and characteristics of product. However, there is an almost universal plan, following which you will clearly simplify your life and be able to choose a worthy option. When choosing a, you should pay attention to several important criteria. And below, you can see which ones
Resolution:
- 1080p (Full HD): Ideal for smaller monitors (24 inches or less).
- 1440p (Quad HD): Strikes a balance between performance and visuals for most gamers.
- 4K (Ultra HD): Boasts the highest resolution but demands a powerful GPU for optimal performance.
Refresh Rate:
- Prioritize a higher refresh rate for smoother gameplay.
- Common options include 60Hz, 144Hz, and 240Hz.
- Especially beneficial for fast-paced games.
Response Time:
- Opt for lower response times (measured in milliseconds) for reduced motion blur.
- Aim for 5ms or lower for optimal gaming performance.
Panel Type:
- IPS (In-Plane Switching): Offers superior color reproduction and wider viewing angles, albeit with a slightly slower response time.
- TN (Twisted Nematic): Faster response times but narrower viewing angles and less accurate color reproduction.
- VA (Vertical Alignment): A middle ground with good color reproduction, decent response times, and improved contrast.
G-Sync or FreeSync:
- Choose between Nvidia G Sync compatibility and AMD FreeSync Premium variants.
- Helps to reduce screen tearing and stuttering by syncing the monitor's refresh rate with the graphics card.
HDR (High Dynamic Range):
- Look for at least HDR10 support to enhance the monitor's contrast and color range.
- Elevates the visual experience for a more immersive gameplay.
Size:
- Consider available space and personal preferences.
- Larger monitors offer a more immersive experience but may require a larger desk.
Budget:
- Set a budget and seek a monitor that provides the best combination of features within that range.
For now you are able to choose a screen that meets your requirements whether you seek high dynamic range screen with really big display resolution and quick response time plus low input lag or just a screen space for work etc. But if you're looking for a ready-made, time-tested, user-rated option from well known monitor manufacturers, check out our list of top gaming screens for.
The Best Gaming Monitors in: Ready Made Solutions
2024 can be called a breakthrough year for gaming due to the release of a huge number of high-quality titles, but not so in the hardware market. There were no high-profile releases in the world of high technology, but the stability is not bad at all, especially when we talk about the market. And even more so when there is a decent selection for different needs.
If you're thinking about upgrading ahead of the winter holidays, take a look at our selection of the best gaming monitors in. We compiled it taking into account the different needs and capabilities of the buyer, and therefore our TOP presents different options for monitors in different categories: from premium benchmarks to budget options, from 4K to 1080p. Let’s get started.
1. Alienware 34 QD-OLED (AW3423DWF) - Best Pick In 2024
Technical Specifications:
- Display: 34-inch, IPS panel
- Aspect Ratio: 21:9
- Monitor's Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Response Time: 0.1 ms
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Weight: 15.26 lbs (6.92 kg)
- Refresh Rate Technology: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
In the realm of gaming monitors, the Alienware 34 AW3423DWF stands out as the pinnacle of excellence. It definitely bring pc gaming to another level with boasting a 34-inch display with an IPS panel, an aspect ratio of 21:9, and a resolution of 3440 x 1440, this monitor is a true marvel for gaming.
Initially, Alienware dazzled the market with the introduction of the world's first OLED gaming monitor, the Alienware 34 AW3423DW. While undeniably stunning, it wasn't without its imperfections. Enter the Alienware 34 AW3423DWF, a nearly identical counterpart that comes with a more budget-friendly price tag.
What sets the Alienware 34 AW3423DWF apart is its glossy panel, a seemingly subtle but transformative feature. The glossy anti-glare coating, a departure from the original model's matte finish, proves to be a game-changer, enhancing the overall visual experience bringing image quality to another level. With excellent response time and picture quality, Alienware 34 AW3423DWF is perfect choice to play games on it.
The "F" appended to the model name indicates a strategic reduction in features to achieve a lower cost. The Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate certification and its associated expensive G-Sync chip have been replaced with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, providing ample adaptive refresh support. The refresh rate has also seen a slight decrease from 175Hz to 165Hz, a marginal difference that won't be perceptible during gameplay.
The coating is thoughtfully applied, striking a balance between reflection reduction and contrast enhancement. Unlike matte coatings, it eliminates the slight graying of darker tones, offering an immersive and crystal-clear visual experience.
As with its predecessor, Alienware 34 QD-OLED (AW3423DW), the main drawback lies in pixel density for general computing. The monitor falls short in delivering razor-sharp fonts and image details. The triangular RGB subpixel substructure adds to this challenge, affecting text clarity.
Despite these considerations, the Alienware 34 AW3423DWF gaming monitor earns its place as the favored gaming panel. Its remarkable features and relative affordability make it an absolute must-have fast gaming monitor. Perhaps the only downside of this monitor is its price -
2. The King Among High-Refresh Rate Monitors – Alienware AW2524H 500 Hz
Technical Specifications:
- Display: 25 inches, 16:9 aspect ratio
- Monitor's Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Panel Type: IPS/ W-LED
- Refresh Rate: 500 Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 0.5ms
- Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible
Сontinuing to talk about the pioneers, we cannot but note Alienware AW2524H – the world's first 500Hz computer monitor, who took his place at our list of best gaming monitors in as The King Among High-Refresh Rate screen. And again, it's Alienware which almost guarantees a top-notch PC gaming experience
While 360Hz monitors have become commonplace, Dell's latest offering brings even higher refresh rate, ensures a seamless gaming experience, eliminating frame tears and motion blur, especially when paired with flagship graphics cards capable of pushing beyond 400 frames per second.
Beyond its remarkable speed, the AW2524H sets itself apart with a 2ms advantage in control input lag compared to its 360Hz counterparts. This makes it an exceptional tool for competitive gaming, providing gamers with a significant edge. Combined with Alienware's renowned build quality and impressive color performance, the AW2524H stands among the elite gaming monitors available in the market.
While the AW2524H boasts no significant flaws, it does demand high-end hardware to unlock its full potential. To fully harness its performance, a powerful Alder Lake or Raptor Lake processor paired with a GeForce RTX 4090 graphics processor is essential. Additionally, it's worth noting that the AW2524H comes with a higher price tag compared to its 360Hz counterparts, such as the Asus ROG Swift PG259QN priced at around $450, while the AW2524H is listed at $829.99.
For gamers equipped with both the budget and the requisite graphics hardware to fully leverage its capabilities, the Alienware AW2524H gaming monitor stands as an unparalleled choice in the realm of gaming monitors, delivering an unmatched and immersive gaming experience.
3. Best 4K – Samsung Odyssey Neo G8
Technical Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 32 inches/ 16:9
- Panel Type: VA
- Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 1ms
- Adaptive-Sync: FreeSync & G-Sync Compatible
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 stands out as an exceptional gaming monitor, excelling in fundamental features and surpassing expectations for discerning gamers, thanks to its impressive 240 Hz refresh rate.
Featuring a 32-inch display and a 16:9 aspect ratio, this monitor boasts a 1000R VA panel with Mini-LED lighting and an impressive 1,196 dimming zones, resulting in an outstanding contrast ratio of 25,000:1, far surpassing the typical 3,000:1 seen in VA panels. This heightened contrast is particularly advantageous for gamers navigating shadows in first-person shooters.
At its debut, the Odyssey Neo G8 had a market price of approximately $1,400. However, today this gaming monitor can be bought twice as cheap - its price on Amazon starts at $770.49.
4. The Greatest 1440p Middle-Class – Dell S2722DGM
Technical Specifications:
- Screen Size: 27 inch
- Panel Type: VA
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Screen Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Response Time: 1ms
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Weight: 9.4lbs
- Refresh Rate Technology: AMD FreeSync Premium
The classic 27-inch Dell S2722DGM seamlessly combines ample screen real estate with a native resolution of 2560 x 1440, providing an ideal pixel pitch for fine detail. This resolution strikes a balance, offering high frame rates without the demanding GPU requirements of a 4K display. The gaming monitor excels at delivering this resolution at a fast 165Hz, a feature appreciated by gamers.
With a 2ms GtG response time, it's slightly behind the leading IPS panels with 1ms and 0.5ms ratings, ensuring speed without compromising performance. While there are quicker panels available for those prioritizing speed, the VA panel's high dynamic contrast ratios compensates with its inherent strong contrast.
In terms of picture quality, this Dell monitor delivers punchy and vibrant visuals, especially considering its status as a pure SDR panel. The inherent strong contrast plays a crucial role, ensuring an immersive experience in games. It means you can finally run Cyberpunk 2077, even with SDR mode without HDR support! It means really a lot.
Dell S2722DGM can satisfy almost every need for modern gamers which makes it one of the best choices not for all money in the world. Starting price for this pride beast is $289.
5. For Those Who Like Color – MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD
Technical Specifications:
- Aspect Ratio: 27 inch/ 16:9
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440
- Panel Type: IPS
- Refresh Rate: 165 Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 1ms
- Adaptive-Sync: G-Sync Compatible
If you like your games to look extra colorful, the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD is the best gaming monitor for your rig. But be aware of using acid-colors, because they are really… acid.
This posted the widest color gamut we’ve ever recorded: 112.19% of DCI-P3 after our recommended calibration. 90% of DCI-P3 would be impressive, so this is one color-saturated screen.
And for those concerned about speed, this 165 Hz screen kept up with the 170 Hz Gigabyte M27Q in Color purists, however, will lament the lack of an sRGB mode, considering the MAG274QRF-QD’s sRGB coverage is at 166.33%.
Its backlight strobe for fighting motion blur is also a disappointment. You can’t use Adaptive-Sync with it, the brightness goes down by about 50% and it creates ghosting that results in a parallax effect with fast motion. In addition, this is yet another gaming monitor to offer HDR but without any noticeable image boost over SDR.
And this supporter of all colors of the rainbow and beyond price starts at around $500, which makes him a solid choice for next-level immersive gaming.
6. Best Budget – Dell S2422HG
Technical Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 23.6 inches/ 16:9
- Resolution: 1080p
- Panel Type: IPS
- Refresh Rate: 165 Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 4ms
- Adaptive-Sync: AMD FreeSync premium & G-Sync Compatible
So, now it's time to speak about budget gaming monitors. And the main choice for a price under $100 is a Dell S2422HG.
Compact yet powerful, the Dell S2422HG packs a punch at an attractive price point, catering to those who may not have the budget for a high-end gaming monitor priced at $400 or $500. Dell impressively combines value and performance in this entry.
Featuring a 1920 x 1080 resolution and a swift 165 Hz refresh rate, the S2422HG employs a VA panel, delivering outstanding contrast at 3,261.8:1 (exceeding the factory rating of 3,000:1) and a brightness of 350 nits (measured at 324 nits). Noteworthy is Dell's inclusion of both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, a commendable addition to this budget-friendly monitor.
You know, this gaming monitor doesn't have sRGD Mode, USB ports and Speakers and actually cannot and cannot compete with beasts above, but it definitely can bring gaming pleasure with cool contrast and low input lag. And it's only $74 which covers any shortcoming
7. Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 – The Ultimate Bendable Curved Screen
Key Specifications:
- Screen Size & Aspect Ratio: 45 inches/ 21:9
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Panel Type: OLED
- Refresh Rate: 240 Hz
- Response Time (GTG): 0.3ms
- Adaptive-Sync: AMD FreeSync premium & G-Sync Compatible
Corsair's Xeneon Flex gaming monitor is a premium offering with a unique twist – a bendable OLED Panel. It makes this pc monitor quite unique because you can rarely come across a curved screen with OLED Panel.
This gaming monitor flexibility allows users to choose between a flat panel or an 800R (maximum) curve. The manual bending mechanism, facilitated by handles on the chassis sides, adds a touch of customization.
The Xeneon Flex delivers excellent contrast, color accuracy, and a fast refresh rate of 240 Hz with low input lag. It supports AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, catering to the diverse needs of gamers and productivity enthusiasts. The widescreen format and 3440 x 1440 resolution make it a compelling choice for various applications.
While the Xeneon Flex gaming monitor is not without minor imperfections, such as its relatively low pixel density and subtle HDR color issues, but its key problem is affordability. Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 price starts with $1,700 which make it premium pc monitor not for everyone. But if you have no budget limits and definitely likes high-quality experience, be sure to grab this gaming monitor.
Conclusion
In the dynamic realm of gaming monitors, the key lies in finding the perfect balance between speed, visuals, and functionality. Each gaming monitor type caters to a specific set of preferences and gaming styles, offering a unique blend of strengths. Whether you prioritize competitive edge, visual splendor, or an immersive experience, understanding the characteristics of different gaming monitor types empowers you to make an informed decision. Each gaming monitor in our topic can easily satisfy different modern gaming features but you can always choose between dozens of different variants.
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Yuriy Sheremet – Expert in mobile gaming and esports among shooters and MOBA games.
At EGamersWorld, Yuriy, as in 2020 when he joined the portal, works with content, albeit with adjustments to his area of responsibility.