The Best PC Gaming Monitors.
Whether you’re a casual video game enthusiast or a hardcore pro gamer, having the best PC gaming monitor can make a huge difference in your performance, immersion, and enjoyment out of the game.
PC gaming is a growing pastime, and one that requires a great deal of quality gear. All the most sophisticated advanced gaming gear and software won’t do you any good if you’re stuck with a lousy monitor. Sure, your laptop’s display might be enough to get you through your playthrough of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, but it’s likely to be underwhelming with modern games — you can say goodbye to that cinematic immersive experience!
If you’re serious about PC gaming, the right monitor can make the difference between enjoying your favorite game and ripping the disc in frustration. Even if you’re only casually interested in PC gaming, having the right monitor can revolutionize your experiences. In this blog post, we’ll cover the different types of monitors available, what makes a good PC gaming monitor, and our top picks for the best ever PC gaming monitors.
Types of Monitors for PC Gaming
When shopping for a new PC gaming monitor, you might want to take the time to understand the different types available. There’s no getting around it — the more you know about your monitor, the more satisfied you’ll be with your purchase. That said, most of the jargon used by the companies behind these products can quickly become confusing, especially if you don’t have much experience with computers or electronics.
There are three main types of PC gaming monitors available: LCD, LED, and OLED. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the differences and which would best suit your needs (which include price, performance, etc.):
LCD Monitors – Liquid Crystal Display monitors generally have a lower contrast ratio and slower response time than the other types, but they’re also cheaper. LCDs have traditionally beenthe most popular type, but they’re falling out of favor due to advancements in LED and OLED technology.
LED Monitors – Light-emitting Diode screens are bright and energy efficient, but they’re not as superior as OLEDs in terms of color accuracy and contrast. Still, for the casual gamer, LED monitors are usually the best choice.
OLED Monitors – Organic Light-emitting Diode monitors produce the most vibrant colors and deepest blacks of all monitor types, but they’re also much pricier. OLEDs, however, have the biggest advantage when it comes to image and gaming performance.
What Makes A Good PC Gaming Monitor?
It would be all too easy to think that a monitor is just a monitor, but the truth is, some monitors are definitely better than others when it comes to PC gaming. In addition to having the right type of monitor for your gaming needs, there are certain features and specs you should look for to get the most out of your gaming monitor. Here’s a brief list of things to consider when shopping for a new PC gaming monitor:
• Screen Size: Bigger isn’t always better, but having a larger display (like a 24-inch or larger monitor) will give you more of an immersive experience when playing your favorite games.
• Refresh Rate: Monitors with a refresh rate of 120Hz or higher are great for gaming, as they’re capable of rendering images twice as fast as a 60Hz monitor. This results in a smooth, lag-free gaming experience.
• Response Time: Response time is measured in milliseconds; the lower this number is, the faster the monitor is. Lower response times are great for gamers who play fast-paced games.
• Contrast Ratio: The contrast ratio is the ratio between the lightest color and the darkest color a monitor can produce. A higher contrast ratio will give you sharper, more vibrant colors — great for immersive gaming experiences.
• Connectivity: It’s important to check your monitor’s connectivity options. You don’t want to be stuck with a monitor that only works with older connections (such as HDMI 1.4) when the game you’re playing needs HDMI 2.0. Allow for some future-proofing when shopping for a new gaming monitor.
• Price: Last but not least, you want to pay a fair price for your monitor. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay a bit more for OLED monitors, and slightly less for LED or LCD monitors.
The Best PC Gaming Monitors
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of monitors available and what to look for in a great gaming monitor, we can move onto the list of our favorite gaming monitors. We spent several weeks researching and analyzing dozens of gaming monitors, comparing their features and performance, and came up with our top picks.
1. HP 32-inch Envy 32 LED QHD Monitor: This is one of the best LED monitors available, with 5ms response time, VA panel, and a stunning 2K resolution. Also, the built-in Harmon Kardon speakers provide an incredible audio experience.
2. Acer G6 24-inch LED Monitor: The G6 is an excellent mid-range gaming monitor, with a 24-inch display, 144 Hz refresh rate, and low response time. It also offers Adaptive-Sync technology to reduce screen tearing, leading to a smooth gaming experience.
3. LG 27-inch OLED Monitor: LG always offers top-notch products, and the 27-inch OLED monitor is no exception. It boasts Ultra HD resolution, a fast refresh rate of 120Hz, and a response time of only 1ms.
4. Samsung 49-inch QLED CRG9 Monitor: At 49 inches, this is one of the largest gaming monitors on the market — if you’re looking for maximum immersion, this is the monitor for you. It offers a 5120 x 1440 resolution, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and HDR support.
5. Asus ROG Swift 34-inch G-Sync Monitor: Last but not least, this is a fantastic high-end monitor that’s sure to please even the most dedicated gamers. With 34-inch display, 4K resolution, and G-Sync technology, this is one of the most advanced monitors available on the market.
Conclusion
The new generation of powerful hardware, software, and the best PC gaming monitors open up a world of possibilities for gamers. With ever-growing graphics, performance, and immersion, it’s no wonder more and more gamers are switching over to PC gaming.
If you’re serious about taking your gaming to the next level, investing in a good gaming monitor is a must. We hope this guide helped out in understanding the different types available, how to shop for the best one, and our top picks for the best monitors for playing PC games.
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