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Choosing the monitor that best suits our needs is not an easy task. It is not because the market currently offers us a truly overwhelming range of solutions. And, although finding the ideal option among so many offers requires some effort, the fierce competition also allows us to get better screens at lower prices.
The purpose of this guide is to help you find the monitor that best suits you.
This is What We are Interested in Looking for If We Want a Monitor for Gaming
Panels Type
This element largely determines their image quality, and therefore also the experience that they will be able to offer us. You can find three basic panels:
Twisted Nematic (TN)
Pros:
• These panels offer us the lowest response time (typically 1 ms from gray to gray).
• They allow us to reach the highest refresh rates, far exceeding 144 Hz.
• They tend to have the most competitive price.
Cons:
• Its overall image quality is lower than that offered by IPS and VA panels.
• They reproduce color less accurately than IPS and VA.
• Its viewing angles are very limited both vertically and horizontally.
Vertical Alignment (VA)
Pros:
• Its native contrast ratio is usually the highest, and its blacks are deep.
• They tend to have a high gloss delivery capacity.
• Its color reproduction capacity is superior to that of TN panels but inferior to that of IPS.
• They suffer from less light leakage than IPS, even in the corners.
Cons:
• Its response time is usually longer than that of TN and IPS panels.
• Its viewing angles are lower than those offered by IPS panels.
• This technology is relatively rare in monitors.
IPS (In-Plane Switching)
Pros:
• High overall image quality.
• Its color reproduction is very accurate.
• Wide viewing angles and hardly any color degradation.
Cons:
• They typically have a higher response time than TN panels.
• Some panels suffer from light leaks, especially in the corners.
• Its native contrast ratio is usually lower than that of VA panels.
Screen Size and Resolution
The size of the monitor is important, especially if you are spending several hours playing. First of all, the largest monitor is not always the best; at least it is not for expert players, although, of course, this depends a lot on the comfort of each person. However, monitors between 24 and 27 inches are usually the most chosen.
Linked to the size of the monitor, you must also take into account the resolution or pixel density, which you also will find different options. The most common resolution used in 24-inch monitors is 1080p, although here, it also depends on the choice of each person. 27-inch monitors are often chosen for 1440p resolution because they provide excellent quality.
Finally, the most famous resolution is 4K which provides clear images on screens of 27, 28, or even larger inches since the quality is not lost. Still, keep in mind the type of game you will be playing.
Response Time
This parameter measures the time it takes for a pixel on the panel to change the color it is emitting, so ideally, it should be as small as possible so that no motion blur appears, which tends to ruin the sharpness when an object in the Image moves quickly, no halos.
Manufacturers usually measure the response time in two different ways: indicating the MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time) or the GtG (Gray to Gray). Both measures reflect the time taken by a panel pixel to change state but from two different perspectives.
The MPRT is a metric devised to quantify the degree of motion blur on an LCD panel and reflects the time that elapses from when the blur appears on the outline of a moving object until it disappears completely.
However, the GtG value measures the time it takes for one-panel pixel to cast gray, turn white, and re-cast gray. Most brands indicate the GtG value in the specifications of their monitors because it is usually lower than the MPRT, but the latter is more useful because it more accurately reflects the persistence of the panel, and therefore, if it suffers from a motion blur more or less pronounced.
The fastest panels, and therefore those with the shortest response time, are generally TNs. Then there are the IPSs, and behind these, the VAs mentioned above.
Refresh Rate
In short, it is the number of events (images) that a screen shows every second. As it is measured in hertz (Hz) it is called frequency, and the higher this is, the sharper we will perceive the Image that is displayed. Generally, these event images have been called frames. And the frames per second determine the quality of the Image that a monitor can display.
In this way, monitors specifically designed for playing video games advertise by reporting their high refresh rates as 144 Hz or 240 Hz, which is a big step up from the typical 60 Hz refresh rate that has traditionally been seen on the old pc screen.
For gamers, it is important to have a fast refresh rate that allows them not only to enjoy their gaming experience to the fullest but also to be much more attentive and focused on any reflexes or reactions that the game requires. For example, for a PC gamer, a 144Hz monitor will be perfect. If you like speed and sharp images, you need a monitor with a refresh rate of 240Hz.
The Verdict
The first thing is that you should know the type of game you will play. Then, you must analyze what is the budget you have, taking into account its graphic card.
Nowadays, you will find monitors for gaming of different categories, so analyze well the recommendations explained above without neglecting that a monitor is undoubtedly an excellent long-term investment.
You can also take the help of a more comprehensive Gaming Monitor Buying Guide that also includes all the factors tо cоnѕіdеr whеn buying a mоnіtоr for your gaming needs. It also consists of a few recommendations based on the type of gamer, monitor usage, your budget, and the kind of hardware you have.
We hope we have helped you and take the time you need to analyze what you are looking for to make a smart purchase.
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