Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Monitor
By: RebootPoint_employee | Published: April 10, 2024
Photo by Niclas Illg
It is critical to make an informed decision when selecting the most suitable display for your computer. Monitors influence how you interact with the digital world, whether you’re working, gaming, or simply browsing the web. The number of options available, ranging from different sizes and resolutions to refresh rates and specialized functions, might be confusing.
In this post, we’ll go over the important factors to consider when purchasing a monitor. Whether you’re a graphic designer looking for a high-resolution screen, a gamer looking for a quick refresh rate, or someone looking for a low-cost choice, making an informed decision will help you get the most out of your monitor and improve your entire computing experience.
Resolution
Before buying a monitor, it is important to look at the resolution. A display’s resolution is the number of pixels on the screen, which determines its picture quality, and performance. Generally, the higher the resolution, the better the image. Keep in mind that a higher-resolution monitor will require a more powerful GPU.
Is full HD (1080p) resolution sufficient for a display today? The answer is yes, for both productivity and gaming. A monitor with 1080p resolution will provide excellent value for money. 1080p is most likely the best option for a gamer or average user who does not want to spend a lot of money on a monitor but still wants a gorgeous display with good image quality.
In terms of pixel density, 1440p provides superior image quality and richer detail, making it the most preferred gaming resolution. Though it costs more than a 1080p display, the difference is mainly noticeable in games because other apps and gadgets only show minor differences. A 1440p monitor may not offer the same pixel density as a 4K display, but it will give you better value for your money.
A 4K display is ideal for gamers who wish to play with realistic visuals and quality. Keep in mind that 4K monitors require somewhat more electricity and a little better GPU than 1080p monitors. 4K monitors are ideal for folks who work with professional imaging/photoshop and enjoy high-quality visual games. Ensure that your computer/console can display 4K content and that you have the proper HDMI cable.
Refresh rate
You should also consider the refresh rate if you intend to use the monitor for gaming or viewing media with the expectation of high quality. The refresh rate measures how frequently your display can produce an image. A display with a 60Hz refresh rate would be capable of displaying 60 images per second. Generally, the higher the number, the smoother the viewing experience.
Most non-gaming monitors have a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Generally, a 60 Hz refresh rate is ideal for the office and for work that does not require high refresh rates. This means that the monitor uses less power, costs less, and a higher refresh rate isn’t needed for non-gaming purposes. If you don’t play competitively, you can even use a display with this refresh rate for gaming.
A 120 Hz display will provide you with an excellent gaming experience and may even increase your gaming performance somewhat. This is due to the quicker reaction time and lower input lag, which will provide a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Competitive gamers should go for 144 Hz, especially when playing fast-paced games like first-person shooters. If you choose a monitor with a refresh rate of 144 Hz, you will have a much smoother experience, and you will get good value for your money.
It is important to remember that monitors with such a high refresh rate will require stronger GPUs. Monitors with 165 Hz and even 240 Hz are also available, but the difference might not be noticeable.
Response time
It is also critical to consider the response time when selecting a gaming monitor. While the refresh rate refers to how many images your monitor can display per second, the response time is the rate at which a pixel changes color. The shorter the response time, the better the experience, and TN monitors that function at around 1 ms are the best choice if you’re trying to find the fastest response time.
Panel type
Monitor displays are not built the same way or with the same technology. Most modern monitors use LCD technology, and different types serve different purposes. TN (twisted nematic), VA (vertical alignment), and IPS (in-plane switching) are the three main types.
TN (twisted nematic)
When it comes to response time, TN panels are easily the fastest, clocking in at speeds below 1 millisecond. This panel type is the best choice for competitive gamers who rely more on frames and response than looks and scenery.
IPS (in-plane switching)
For gaming, this panel type offers better color accuracy and contrast than other panel types while still maintaining a decent response time. A gamer who plays many different kinds of games that do not rely on performance may want to opt for an IPS panel since it is excellent in everything concerning monitors.
VA (vertical alignment)
Monitors with a VA panel are also among the most popular today because of their excellent contrast and fast response time, which results in a stunning image. Most curved monitors use VA panels since this type of panel helps to maintain the image uniform throughout the entire screen.
Adaptive sync technologies
To ensure a monitor fits your unique needs and tastes, it’s critical to understand the many technologies and features it offers before purchasing. Adaptive Sync options, like NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync, match the frame rate that the graphics card outputs to the display’s refresh rate. By reducing input latency, stuttering, and screen tearing, this synchronization makes gameplay more fluid and engaging.
AMD FreeSync
AMD Freesync is an adaptive sync technique that is completely free and is a great addition to your monitor. AMD Freesync technology in a monitor is designed to eliminate tearing and video stuttering, which can occur with any monitor, regardless of its price. This is accomplished by synchronizing your GPU with your monitor’s refresh rate. AMD Freesync has multiple tiers and depending on how much stronger protection against tearing and video stuttering you want, you can choose AMD Freesync Premium/Premium Pro.
Nvidia G-Sync
If your computer has a GeForce GPU, NVIDIA G-Sync is the ideal option because it syncs the refresh rates on your monitor with your GPU. NVIDIA G-Sync does an excellent job of preventing frame stuttering and tearing on your framerate, so if you have a GeForce GPU, you should consider buying a monitor with G-Sync.
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a camera-based technology that will deliver a better viewing experience by enhancing and widening the brightness and contrast of colors in difference from SDR (Standard Dynamic Range). HDR allows you to see things on your monitors in a more vibrant manner, as intended by the makers of games, for example. If you have a Windows computer, you can review your screen settings by typing HDR into the search box of your Windows settings.
Ports
Each monitor has at least one power input and one display port that will be connected to your PC or any other device. The display port is often HDMI, but it can also be DisplayPort, USB-C, or another type. Make sure that you buy the correct cables that fit both your monitor and PC.
HDMI: Connecting devices like PCs, game consoles, and streaming media is possible via HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connectors, which are frequently found on displays.
- HDMI 2.0 or later in order to enable higher refresh rates and resolutions.
- Increased bandwidth is required to accommodate high-refresh-rate, 4K, and HDR screens.
- Make sure your audio system is compatible with HDMI as it has the ability to transmit both video and audio information.
DisplayPort: Another popular video interface for attaching laptops, PCs, and other devices to displays is DisplayPort. With its large bandwidth, compatibility for high-resolution screens, and refresh rate, it’s perfect for multimedia and gaming applications.
- Support for high resolutions, frame rates, and features like HDR and adaptive sync require DisplayPort 1.4 or above.
- More bandwidth is needed to handle games with high refresh rates and high-resolution screens.
- Offers a smooth gaming experience when used with compatible GPUs.
- A few DisplayPort displays let you link many monitors together for a multi-monitor setup.
USB-C: USB-C, or Universal Serial Bus Type-C, connectors are becoming more and more common on displays because of their adaptability and compatibility with contemporary gadgets. With a single connection, you can connect laptops, cellphones, and other devices to USB-C ports for data transmission, power delivery, and video output.
- Power delivery (PD): Offers electricity to charge gadgets that are compatible, such as tablets, laptops, and cell phones.
- USB 3.1 Gen 2 or above is required for rapid data transmission between devices.
- Support for other modes: This feature enables single-cable connectivity for video output by allowing video signals to be carried via the USB-C connector.
- Compatibility with DisplayPort monitors and devices is ensured by using DisplayPort over USB-C.
Flat vs curved monitor
Your unique demands, tastes, and financial situation will ultimately determine which flat or curved monitor is best for you. Flat monitors are appropriate for a variety of applications because of their cost, flexibility, and versatility. Curved displays, on the other hand, offer better depth perception, less eye strain, an immersive viewing experience, and a visually appealing design. When choosing between a flat and a curved monitor, take into account several aspects including your intended usage, the viewing environment, available space, and your tastes.
Flat monitor
Flat displays are ideal for anyone looking for a basic viewing experience that is also suitable for gaming and productivity. Flat monitors take up little space and are ideal for multi-monitor setups. These displays are also often less expensive than curved monitors, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to save money.
Curved monitor
A curved monitor has a curved display rather than a flat one. The purpose of this display figure is to match the angle of your eye’s view curve and give you a more immersive experience. This also means that curved monitors cause less strain on the eyes. Not all curved monitors are built with the same curve or size, so make sure to choose one that fits you.
Size and aspect ratio
A monitor’s size is measured diagonally from corner to corner in inches. The most common monitor size is 24 inches, which is large enough for most people, has a good pixel density, and looks beautiful on any desk. If you want to increase your productivity, consider acquiring two 24-inch monitors to put next to each other or just one 34-inch monitor.
The aspect ratio of a monitor is the ratio of the width and height of a monitor and is represented by two numbers separated by a colon. The most popular aspect ratio used in monitors and TVs is 16:9 since this ratio is most suited to match the ratio of movies and streaming. Fortunately, both TVs and monitors share the same aspect ratio to make it easier for streaming platforms.