Modern gaming is a fully immersive experience. Though character development, control, and sound are important aspects to the overall experience of gaming, graphics and resolution are the most significant features to look for when buying or building your own setup. Today, manufacturers are designing monitors that are just as powerful as high-end PCs, and XOTIC PC has the insight you need to look for a gaming display that will take the experience to a new level. In this article, we take a closer look at screen size, resolution, refresh rates, lag times, and the best brands to provide an all-encompassing buying guide.
Best Gaming Monitors of 2018
Improve your view in first-person shooters, sports, or fast-action games by investing in a PC with powerful graphics. You’ll also need a monitor that evades blurred images, flickering, and tearing. In the gaming world, bigger is better. Big gaming monitors provide plenty of space to test high-definition details and take advantage of high pixel counts. Some of the largest monitors on the market have a visual diagonal of 27 to 30 or more inches, providing plenty of screen real estate to enjoy maximum resolution.
In terms of panel technology, there are several display types to choose from. Twisted Nematic (TN) panels provide fast pixel response times and refresh rates, but they can be disposed to color shifting when viewed at an angle. Vertical Alignment (VA) displays boast a high native-contrast ratio with robust colors and the ability to display deep blacks, but they do run the risk of ghosting effects and decreased performance. In-Plane Switching (IPS) displays provide excellent color quality, as well as a strong grayscale performance and wide viewing angles. However, IPS monitors simply can’t match the pixel response rate of TN panels and may be subject to motion artifacts.
Refresh rates refer to the time it takes to redraw the entire screen. These rates are usually expressed in hertz (Hz). Most of the LCD monitors on the market have a refresh rate of 60Hz, which means that the screen is refreshed 60 times per second. At this refresh rate, fast-moving images may appear blurry. Gaming is never better than with a refresh rate of 120Hz or higher, and you can reduce blurring or avoid tearing in the long run.
Last but not least, look for a variety of video inputs. Some gaming enthusiasts use multiple PCs or gaming consoles, and you’ll need the necessary video inputs to connect to controllers, mice, thumb drives, or other gaming peripherals.
Acer XR382CQK: This gargantuan curved-screen monitor measures 38 inches diagonally and features an ultra-wide QHD resolution, 21:9 panoramic aspect ratio, stutter- and tear-free technology, as well as special picture modes.
LG 38UC99-W: This curved-screen computers also features a 38-inch display with a QHD+ screen resolution that’s four times clearer than basic HD. FreeSync™ technology ensures seamless, fluid movement throughout fast-paced games and blur reduction to dramatically reduce ghosting or in-game action lag.
Acer Predator XB271HK: This monitor is a budget-friendly alternative to the XR382CQK, with a 27-inch display, IPS panel technology, 4K ultra-high-definition, swivel and tilt options, as well as NVIDIA tearing protection technology.
Dell 24 Gaming Monitor S2417DG: Combining speedy refresh rates with anti-tearing technology, Dell delivers the ultimate high-resolution gaming experience at a price most gamers can afford.
ViewSonic XG2700-4K: This 27-inch ultra-high-definition LED gaming monitor features stunning color for immersive gameplay. IPS technology and customizable color settings result in incredibly sharp and detailed visuals.
Asus ROG Swift PG258Q: Enjoy a 25-inch display with a full HD panel, fast response times, and customizable LED lighting effects. This monitor comes with flexible connectivity options, multiple ports, and eye care technology.
LG 34UC79G-B: This 34-inch monitor is one of the only displays of its kind listed at the same price of a 25-inch monitor. This slightly-curved, ultra-wide monitor includes FreeSync™ technology, motion blur reduction, and more.
If you have any questions about this buying guide or would like to learn more about our product selection, please call, email or chat with us online today for further assistance.
