Do Gaming Monitors Make A Difference
What Is A Gaming Monitor?
When the term “gaming monitor” comes up, you may think of a big, clunky screen that you set your video game system or PC on. However, today’s gaming monitors are much smaller than the original, clunky models you might remember.
Modern gaming monitors are small, sleek, and powerful. You’ll notice that many are thinner than traditional LCD displays and have integrated graphics cards that make your games run smoothly. Some of these modern models are capable of 3D gaming. And even though they may be smaller and lighter, they offer plenty of features and customization options, making them ideal for serious gamers.
Which Features Should You Look For?
One of the first things you should consider when shopping for a gaming monitor is what features you’re looking for. There are many ways to customize your monitor, including choosing between 1080p, 1440p, 4K, curved, LED, and IPS (in-plane switching) panels.
The biggest decision you’ll face, however, is whether you want a traditional, full HD, or widescreen display. Most monitors in this category come with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, so they’re a great option if you want to play many of your favorite games and movies at 1080p, which has become the standard for TVs and smart devices.
Traditional Full HD screens offer an optimal viewing experience because they provide the perfect combination of brightness, contrast, and color. However, many of these models are larger than widescreen displays, so if you’re in the market for a monitor, it’s worth considering the size and cost differences.
Widescreen Gaming Monitors
Widescreen monitors come in a variety of sizes, with resolutions of 1600 x 900 and above is common.
This may seem like a big difference, but it’s actually quite a small one, so it’s easy to see why many people opt for this type. A widescreen display offers the benefits of an extended desktop for multitasking and a great viewing experience but doesn’t need quite as much space as a full HD model does.
It’s important to note that widescreen gaming monitors have a 1920 x 1080 resolution, so you don’t lose any of the pixels or resolution that come along with a 1080p display.
You’ll want to make sure you buy a widescreen monitor with a native resolution of at least 2.5 megapixels. If you get one with a lower resolution, you’ll end up downsampling the image, and this can result in a less-than-optimal experience.
IPS Gaming Monitors
IPS stands for “in-plane switching,” and these displays are a popular choice for gaming. They provide a more uniform brightness across the entire screen, which means fewer “hot spots” where you have to adjust the brightness, and a cleaner image overall. They also work well with 3D technology.
IPS monitors are a little less expensive than their widescreen counterparts, but they aren’t as common, so it’s hard to find one in stores. Luckily, many websites sell them, so it’s easy to find a great IPS gaming monitor on a budget.
Curved Gaming Monitors
The next thing you’ll want to consider when choosing a gaming monitor is whether or not you want a curved display. In general, these monitors are considered to be a luxury, because they can be pricey and tend to require more frequent maintenance. However, for some people, the additional space offers them a better viewing experience, so you’ll need to decide for yourself whether it’s worth the investment.
The benefit of a curved display is that you have a bigger view of your surroundings, and it’s easier to see in the dark. This means you can view your desktop while watching TV or working on a computer, and you’ll see more of what’s going on around you.
Some models even offer an anti-glare coating that helps you focus on your games. If you can afford it, you’ll get the best view of your surroundings out of any gaming monitor, and it’s something that can make a big difference.
Gaming Monitors With Multiple Displays
These models are a great way to expand your screen space and make the most of your gaming area, so if you frequently game in different rooms, you’ll need to consider this. You’ll get more room to work with, and you won’t need to lug around a large gaming system.
Some models will connect wirelessly via an HDMI connection, which makes them ideal for playing on multiple televisions and computers. The downside is that you’ll need to buy separate equipment, but if you’re serious about your gaming, it’s worth considering.
