A choice of a gaming monitor - the things you should pay attention to
Maksym YushytsynElements of gaming monitors, including inside electronics and external design, are projected in the way to satisfy all gamer’s demand. Regular models often limit the possibilities of video game fans: images are displayed on a screen too long, a video is not that smooth, etc. All of this creates discomfort, which is especially felt in online games. Instead, gaming monitors do not have many disadvantages, which can make an impact on the gaming process. But what exactly is important? We will consider what parameters deserve special attention.
A type of panel
Modern monitors are built up with three types of panels: TN, VA, or IPS. Each of them stands out with own set of specifications and displays an image to a user in a different way. TN panels have the best response time and frequency but they lost to VA and IPS in terms of image quality. Monitors with VA or IPS panels differ with a more realistic display of shades and wide viewing angles. The VA technology appeared last on the market, it combines a high image quality (like IPS) and high contrast (the feature of TN panels). However, VA and IPS lose when it comes to frequency and response time. At the moment, the ideal option for competitive games is a TN monitor with low response time and high frequency (144 or 240 Hz). Any type of panel will be good for regular gaming when response time is not a critical factor but VA and IPS will provide a brighter and more realistic image.
Resolution
The bigger the number of pixels is located on the vertical and horizontal sides of a monitor, the clearer and more detailed the image will be. And the more modern game is, the more important the monitor resolution is. Every element of 3D models will be well-noticeable on a quality monitor with a high resolution and textures will be clear and full of details. Of course, it is worth remembering that image quality in video games (including the maximal resolution) depends on the power of PC but not only on display parameters. So while choosing a resolution of a gaming monitor, it is worth evaluating the abilities of your computer. Usually, modern PCs cope with a Full HD resolution without issues. An image with the resolution 1920x1080 is relatively normal displayed on a 24-inch monitor. A powerful PC with the most modern CPU and GPU is required to use all abilities of a QHD (2560x144) or 4K monitor.
Response time and a frame repetition rate
Response time means the time, which is required for a panel of a monitor to change a pixel. This parameter is one of the most critically important ones for a gamer. The faster new information appears on a monitor, the bigger the chance to react appropriately in dynamic games. It is measured in milliseconds but even such a period can determine a victory or a loss in online shooters. Gaming monitors are built up with panels, which have a response time of 1 ms. Many gamers think that values up to 4 ms are acceptable. But once again, only TN monitors work so fast at the moment. VA and IPS models can display images with a response time of 5 ms.
The frame repetition rate is usually shown in hertz. This parameter shows how many times a monitor can update an image (display frames) in 1 second. The higher this ratio is, the smoother video and less visible screen tearing will be. 60-75 Hz is enough for normal work with PC but it is not enough for video games. Gaming monitors work on a frequency, starting from 120 Hz. The most widespread monitors are the ones with a frequency of 144 Hz. Some gamers think that this frequency is optimal for fast games, others consider it to be not enough big. The maximal value today is 240 Hz. 240 Hz provides a user with a perfectly smooth image if we compare it to a 60 Hz model. The difference between 144 and 240 Hz is less significant but it is. An interesting fact is, that monitor manufacturers do not want to stop. It is possible that gamers will be able to play on a 360 Hz monitors in the nearest time. It is worth to know that 240 Hz is available only on TN panels now. Other popular technologies are limited to 144 Hz. Once again, the power of your PC plays a big role. A 240 Hz monitor will be useless if your PC can’t display enough frames per second.
Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync
Sync technologies can also influence the smooth of all moving objects in games. A special software tries to synchronize those frames, which are generated by a PC, with frames, which are displayed by a monitor. As a result, a gamer does not see screen tearing on his/her monitor and any animation is played smoothly. The choice of technology depends on the GPU. In the case of Nvidia, it is worth to choose a monitor with Nvidia G-Sync, and in the case of AMD, you should choose AMD FreeSync. Some modern monitors support both technologies, so the choice becomes not that critical. But after all, it is better to not rely on your luck and check the compatibility of technologies before buying a gaming monitor.