This article is about how to choose the best gaming monitor and a look into what the differences between regular and gaming monitors are. I will also list my top gaming monitors at the end of the post. -Updated September, 2011
How to Choose the Best Gaming Monitor
First of all, any monitor can be used to play games, but not every monitor will yield the same results. There are a few things that you need to look for in a gaming monitor.
- Response Rate
- Size and Native Resolution
- Viewing Angle
Response Rate
Click Here to Go to the Best Gaming Monitors
Response rate is considered by most to be the most important factor in choosing the best gaming monitor. This is because the response rate has to do with the speed at which pixels can change color on the screen. A slow response rate will produce a ghosting effect, which can be described as a blurring effect, while playing games. One can see how a fast response rate would be important during a competitive online game, such as a first person shooter or mmorpg.
So, what should you aim for in terms of response rate? Common rates are usually in the 8ms-2ms range. 5ms and under is considered good for gaming. Of course, aim low if possible. I usually try to buy monitors with a 2ms response rate. Honestly, monitors with a 2ms rate are so common now that it should not be a problem for you to find one, but if you can’t, you probably won’t even notice the difference between a 5ms and a 2ms rate.
Best Gaming Monitor – Size and Native Resolution
Generally, when the size of the monitor goes up, so does the native resolution. This is not always the case, such as in many laptop screens, but it usually holds true on bigger desktop monitors. Some example of native resolutions are: 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 800, 800 x 600, and 2560 x 600. It is always best to keep your monitor’s resolution at its native setting, or the picture will not be as clear as it should be. This is especially true when playing PC games. So, if your monitor’s native resolution is 1920 x 1080, then be sure to set the video settings manually to 1920 x 1080 in any PC game you play to get the best picture.
- It should also be noted that full high definition is 1080p, so look for that when buying your monitor.
Native Resolution and its Demand on the Video / Graphics Card – IMPORTANT
The size of the monitor that you buy is going to be personal preference, but keep in mind that larger monitors sometimes have a higher native resolution. The higher the native resolution, the more demanding games become on video processing power. For example, you may be able to run a game at maximum settings just fine at 800 x 600 on your 15 inch LED or LCD, but if you plan to upgrade to a 27 inch monitor with a native resolution of 2560 x 600, then be prepared to possibly upgrade your video card. Just keep in mind that the best gaming monitor is not always the biggest gaming monitor.
Viewing Angle
There is not a lot to say here as most LCDs and LEDs have decent viewing angles, and if you’re already spending the money on a sub 5ms response rate gaming monitor then it will probably also have a good viewing angle. Some monitors do have special features as far as the viewing angle goes, such as an option to select your current viewing angle for optimum performance. This is usually not a big deal though for a monitor sitting in front of you on a desk, it’s more for a wall mounted swiveling monitor. All in all, viewing angle performance does play a part in choosing the best gaming monitor, but it is nothing to spend more than a few minutes looking into.
The Best Gaming Monitor Might Include Other Features
When deciding on a monitor you may as well take a look at the details tab of the monitor and check out all of the features that are included. For example, some monitors have built in speakers, which is always a plus. Others might have viewing angle features or even a sensor that detects when you are or are not in front of it. Also, simply keep in mind that you’ll be looking at the monitor for quite some time, so buy one that you would not mind looking at for a few years.
Top Picks -
ASUS VH236H Black 23″ Full HD Widescreen LCD Monitor w/ Speakers - Newegg Customer Choice Award Winner with over 800 reviews.
References:
This concludes the guide to finding the best gaming monitor. Learn how to build a computer at the homepage.