Gaming Monitors - What Is Important, What Can You Live with/without

Looking at lower end gaming spec 27inch monitors around/upto $300.00 mark. In this price range it is a trade off on features. My research has landed me on the QHD/2k/1440 resolution, around 170Hz refresh, 1ms response 250nits and there are other features specific to brands such as AMD free sync, HDR ready, blue light protection etc etc (not sure what is fluff or not).

What is important? Been looking at curved VA panels or flat IPS for around my budget. Is curved monitor so much better for gaming even if it is a VA panel? Assistance in selecting I would be grateful as this is not my wheelhouse. Any other personal fav selections would be highly regarded. There are 31inch monitors VA just over $300 mark but does bigger screen enhance gaming experience that much especially when sitting so close?

https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/monitors/27-33-inch/1072…

https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/monitors/27-33-inch/1051…

https://www.centrecom.com.au/acer-nitro-ed270up2-27-wqhd-va-…

I should add that presently gaming is on Xbox one S but will be buying a gaming PC in the near future. Games played are Halo, various Star Wars and fortnite.

Cheers for reading to the end.

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Comments

  • +1

    Everyone is different in what is important, there's no set answer to follow others.

    Some people prefer IPS over faster refresh rates. Some people sacrifice everything, even quality, for faster Hz.

    27" is far too small for me personally, both for gaming and productivity. 32" is absolute minimum size for immersivity.

    What's important to YOU?

    • What is important to me? Is a monitor that is good to play games on and productivity. There lies the question what is more important. I figure refresh rate to minimise lagging. I figure ips is better pic quality but is it that much better than VA? I think curved screen would have advantages on bigger monitors but I have never used one.

      • New high refresh rate VA panels like the ones alienware use for their non-oled displays are much better these days, with some pretty much indistinguishable from IPS LCD.

        Curved screens for desktop PCs are great, the sweet spot is anywhere between 32"-38", providing you have enough space on your desk. Any bigger, and you'll have to resort to super-ultrawide screens.

  • +2

    Aspect ratio is extremely important to me personally, unless all I did on my computer was gaming.

    With 16:10 you can game in 16:9 (with black bars) and do whatever else like browse the web, code, spreadsheet etc. with more vertical space in 16:10.

    Sadly 16:10 has gone the way of the dodo.

  • 4k 27" or 32"
    or 5k curved

  • +1

    Refresh rate means nothing if pixel response time is slow (VA panels are slow).
    HDR has varying standards and unless you spend big you won't get real HDR.
    In general, you get what you pay for.
    I recommend you watch some Hardware Unboxed monitor videos (or Monitors Unboxed) and follow their recommendations. They actually know what they're talking about, unlike 99% of reviewers.

    • Good thanks for sharing. Budget is always important too and I have not a big budget I know. That is why I am around the 27 inch size. Will go onto youtube, good advise thanks.

  • +2

    Gaming Monitors - What Is Important

    Choosing the right gaming monitor is essential for an immersive gaming experience. Let's dive into the key specs you should consider when selecting a gaming monitor:

    1. Resolution:

      • The resolution determines the clarity of visuals. Here are common options:
        • 1080p (1920x1080): Affordable and widely available. Great for budget-conscious gamers.
        • 1440p (2560x1440): A sweet spot between 1080p and 4K, providing better fidelity without breaking the bank¹.
        • 4K (3840x2160): Ultra-high resolution, but demanding on your graphics card.

    2. Refresh Rate and Response Time:

      • Refresh rate is crucial for smooth gameplay. Higher rates (e.g., 144Hz or 240Hz) result in more fluid motion.
      • Response time affects how quickly pixels change color. Lower response times reduce motion blur during fast-paced action.

    3. Adaptive Sync:

      • Technologies like Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync synchronize the monitor's refresh rate with your GPU, reducing screen tearing and stuttering.

    4. Display Size:

      • Consider your available space and personal preference. Larger screens provide a more immersive experience.

    5. High Dynamic Range (HDR):

      • HDR enhances color, brightness, and detail. Look for monitors with good HDR support for vivid visuals⁴.

    Remember, your choice should align with your graphics card capabilities and gaming preferences. Happy gaming! 🎮🔥

    (1) What to look for in a gaming monitor: The specs that matter. https://www.pcworld.com/article/393747/what-to-look-for-in-a….
    (2) What Makes Good Gaming Monitors Different from Regular Displays?. https://www.benq.com/en-au/knowledge-center/knowledge/what-m….
    (3) How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide | Tom's Hardware. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/monitor-buying-guide,56….
    (4) How Important is a Good Monitor for Gaming? | Gizbuyer Guide. https://gizbuyerguide.com/how-important-is-a-good-monitor-fo….
    (5) Which Gaming Monitor Features Actually Matter? - How-To Geek. https://www.howtogeek.com/428508/which-gaming-monitor-featur….

    • Links good read thank you.

  • Thanks JV. I need to increase my budget.

  • The three most importatnt to me are:
    1. Panel Type. Definitely avoid TN and personally would not buy a VA because of smearing. IPS can have IPS glow but that's pretty easy to ignore imo
    2. Refresh rate. For gaming monitors anything above at or 144Hz is good.
    3. Resolution. QHD is the sweet spot and looks great on 27"

    Curved displays are a gimmick especially at 27".
    HDR requires a display with a high peak brightness to be anything decent. Unlikely you'll find anything great at your price point without sacrificing more important features.

    • -1

      Curved displays are a gimmick

      Do you know what shape your eyes are?

      • @JV Do you prefer curved screen? Or is low on priority.

        • Do you prefer curve

          User name checks out

      • flat earth = flat eyes

    • Thanks for input. Great insight to curve screen for smaller screen.

  • in addition to what has been said already (that >144hz 1440p IPS product being preferred), you can find review of many monitors on rtings.com and monitorsunboxed(previous also on hardwareunboxed) youtube.

  • My main is a Dell 27 Gaming Monitor - G2724D flanked by two Dell 27 Gaming Monitor - G2722HS.

  • Thanks for your help. I went with a ViewSonic

    https://www.viewsonic.com/au/products/lcd/VX2728-2K%20180Hz

    For $279.00 plus $10 for postage from Mwave.

    • Can you share the link from Mwave? I am looking to buy one too. TIA

  • If you are going 34" ultrawide or more then a curved screen is very important.

    I went from curved > flat and noticed a huge downgrade due to your eyes just not being wide enough to get the full image when flat.

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