How Many Gaming Monitors Do I Need?
Gaming monitors make a significant difference in the experience of PC gaming. But with so many options available, how do you know which ones are worth your money?
Screen size is important, but it’s also a good idea to prioritize things like pixel density and a wide viewing angle. You’ll want to avoid blurriness and glare.
Size
The size of a gaming monitor is a personal choice. Ultimately, you want something that is comfortable for you and fits in the space in which you’ll be using it.
You’ll also want to consider the resolution you want to use. Higher-resolution monitors will have more pixels, so they’ll be able to display more details in a single image. However, you’ll need a PC with a graphics card that can support these high-resolution displays.
For example, a 27-inch 1440p monitor will require a GPU with at least a Radeon 6800 XT or NVIDIA RTX 3080, and the PSU must be rated for at least 1000W. These requirements are a good reason to plan your system build carefully, especially if you want to go with a large monitor with high refresh rates and resolutions.
Resolution
When shopping for a new gaming monitor, resolution is often one of the first things gamers consider. Resolution is a measure of the number of pixels that appear on a screen, and higher resolutions offer sharper, more detailed images.
Higher resolutions can also improve performance by lowering the amount of processing power needed to display images. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all gaming monitors support the same frame rates or have the same refresh rate.
When choosing a gaming monitor, you’ll want to look for a monitor with a fast refresh rate and low response time. These features can help reduce motion blur and provide a smooth, buttery-smooth gaming experience.
Games you play
A gaming monitor lets you enjoy your games in crisp detail, boosting your performance and stats. It’s a must for those playing on a cramped laptop screen, or as an upgrade for older monitors.
For most gamers, a 24″ monitor with a Full HD resolution will suffice, but you can opt for a 27″ monitor with 1440p or QHD resolutions.
Some gamers prefer a monitor with a curved display, which adds depth by changing the shape of the image. Others enjoy a monitor with a high refresh rate or fast response time, which help avoid dropped frames and other visual artifacts.
Pixel response, which is measured in milliseconds, is another important spec. The higher it is, the better. You’ll also want a monitor with a low input lag, which measures how long it takes for the processor to send a frame to the display. Some monitors offer a motion blur reduction mode, which uses technology to eliminate the perception of motion.
Budget
If you’re serious about gaming, a pair of monitors is an absolute must-have. However, you’ll need to make sure your graphics card can handle a dual monitor setup, and that you have enough ports to connect them all. You may also need to get a couple of monitor mounts, which will allow you to easily position your monitors in different configurations.
Another thing to consider is the type of monitor you want. Many gamers prefer curved monitors, which add depth to the images displayed on them. They’re great for games that feature expansive vistas. However, these types of monitors can be expensive.
If you’re on a tight budget, look for 1440p monitors with fast refresh rates and sub-1ms response times. The Pixio PXC277 Advanced offers a great example of this. It’s a 27-inch 1440p monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate, HDR support, and a claimed 1ms response time. It’s not cheap, but it’s still a great deal for PC gamers.