How do you choose the right gaming monitor?

Refresh rateRefresh rate

The hertz (Hz) refers to the number of times per second the screen is refreshed. A higher refresh rate can result in smoother and more fluid motion, especially in fast-paced games or other applications. Here are the characteristics of the different monitor refresh rates:

  • 60Hz: This is the default refresh rate for most monitors. It is suitable for general computing tasks, such as browsing the web, watching videos, and working with documents.
  • 75Hz: A 75Hz refresh rate can provide a slight improvement in motion smoothness and reduce motion blur, making it a good option for gaming.

  • 144Hz: A 144Hz refresh rate is ideal for gaming as it offers a significant improvement in motion clarity, making fast-moving objects look smoother and more natural. It is also popular for graphic design and video editing as it allows more precise and accurate movements.

  • 240Hz: A refresh rate of 240Hz is the highest currently available and is primarily intended for competitive gaming. It provides the smoothest motion and minimizes input lag, making it ideal for fast-paced games where reaction time is critical.

It is important to note that the benefits of higher refresh rates may vary depending on the quality of the monitor, graphics card and application used. Plus, not all users will notice a significant difference between refresh rates, so it's worth considering cost and intended use before investing in a monitor with a high refresh rate.

Response timeResponse time

The response time of a monitor refers to the time it takes for a pixel to transition from one color to another. Lower response time generally results in less motion blur and ghosting, which can be beneficial for gaming and other high-speed applications. These are the characteristics of different monitor response times:

  • 1ms: A 1ms response time is the fastest available today and offers the least amount of motion blur and ghosting. It is ideal for competitive gaming and other applications that require fast and precise movements.
  • 4ms: A response time of 4ms is still relatively fast and strikes a good balance between motion blur and cost. It is suitable for most gaming and general computing tasks.
  • 6ms: A 6ms response time can produce slightly more motion blur and ghosting compared to faster response times, but is still suitable for most gaming and general computing tasks.
  • 10ms: A response time of 10ms is generally considered the slowest acceptable response time for most applications. This can lead to noticeable motion blur and ghosting, especially with fast-paced games or movies.

The perceived impact of response time may vary depending on the user and application. Some users may not notice a significant difference between response times, while others may be more sensitive to motion blur and ghosting. It's also important to consider other factors, such as refresh rate and input lag, when choosing a monitor for gaming or other high-speed applications.

Screen size and ratioScreen size and ratio

Monitor sizes and aspect ratios can have a significant impact on the user experience, especially for activities such as gaming, multimedia and productivity. Here are the characteristics of different monitor sizes and aspect ratios:

  • Standard: A standard monitor usually has an aspect ratio of 4:3 and is available in sizes from 17 to 22 inches. These monitors are less common these days as widescreen formats have become more popular, but they may still be suitable for certain applications such as general computer work and basic office work.
  • Wide: A widescreen monitor typically has an aspect ratio of 16:9 and comes in sizes from 23 inches to 32 inches. These monitors are popular for gaming, multimedia and productivity as they offer a larger and more immersive viewing experience compared to standard monitors.
  • Ultrawide: An ultrawide monitor usually has an aspect ratio of 21:9 or 32:9 and is available in sizes from 34 inches to 49 inches. These monitors are ideal for productivity as they provide more screen real estate for multitasking and working with multiple windows. They are also popular for gaming and multimedia as they provide a more immersive viewing experience.
  • 29-49 inches: Monitors in this size are usually available in wide or ultra-wide aspect ratios and are ideal for productivity, gaming, and multimedia. They offer a larger and more immersive viewing experience compared to smaller monitors and can be particularly beneficial for tasks that require a lot of detail or multiple windows.

When choosing a monitor size and aspect ratio, it's important to consider your intended use, as well as factors such as desk space, viewing distance, and budget. A larger monitor can provide a more immersive experience, but may also require a larger desk and budget.

Screen resolutionScreen resolution

Monitor resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed on the screen. A higher resolution usually results in a sharper and more detailed image, but may also require more powerful hardware to drive the screen. These are the characteristics of the different monitor resolutions:

  • FHD (Full HD): FHD refers to a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, which is a common resolution for monitors and TVs. It strikes a good balance between image quality and affordability and is suitable for most applications, including gaming, multimedia and productivity.
  • QHD (Quad HD): QHD refers to a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, which offers a higher level of detail compared to FHD. It is ideal for productivity as it offers more screen real estate for working with multiple windows. It is also popular for gaming and multimedia as it offers a more immersive viewing experience.
  • WQHD (Ultra Wide Quad HD): WQHD refers to a resolution of 3440x1440 pixels, an ultra-wide aspect ratio that offers even more screen real estate for multitasking and productivity. It is also popular for gaming and multimedia as it offers a very immersive viewing experience.
  • 4K (Ultra HD): 4K refers to a resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, which provides an extremely high level of detail and is suitable for professional applications such as graphic design, video editing and 3D modeling. It is also popular for gaming and multimedia as it offers a very immersive viewing experience.

When choosing a monitor resolution, it is important to consider the intended use, hardware requirements and budget. Higher resolutions typically require more powerful hardware to drive the display, so it may be necessary to upgrade the graphics card or other components to take full advantage of the increased detail.

Gaming monitors

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Buy a gaming monitor at Game Hero

Do you want to buy a gaming monitor? Then you have already landed on the right page! But not every gamer has the same preferences, which game monitor best suits your playing style ... and on your desk? At Game Hero we are happy to help you choose the best monitor for your games or for business use. We explain the advantages of curved monitors, how important the refresh rate is and when a cheap monitor is better than an expensive model.

Which gaming monitor is right for you?

If you have trouble seeing opponents in the distance or if your character slides through the screen like a blurry ghost, it's time to buy a new gaming monitor. But which one should you choose? There are so many brands and models with different specifications, which makes choosing the best game monitor a game in itself.

1. Curved monitors

More and more high-end gaming monitors are equipped with a curved screen. Are they really better or is it just a marketing ploy to entice you to buy a new gaming monitor? There are definitely advantages to curved screens, these are the main advantages:

  • There is less distortion at the edges of the screen than with a flat screen.
  • The viewing angle for the player increases, you can see more on the screen.
  • As a gamer you experience the game better because it seems as if you are standing in the environment.
  • A wide curved screen offers the same space as two smaller monitors, but without annoying space between the screens.

There are also some negatives that should not go unmentioned. For example, it can be difficult to hang a curved screen on the wall. With a bracket that hangs a little further from the wall, it works, but in a tight space this can become a challenge. In addition, there will be more reflection. This means that you should design the background with as few reflective things as possible and take incident light into account. In general, a curved screen will have more advantages than a standard flat screen. However, the consideration may differ per situation.

2. Monitor gaming

A monitor for typing texts must be sharp, but a refresh rate of 120+ Hz is not really necessary. That is of course different with many games. If you have a fast graphics card and play action games then you should definitely pay attention to a high 'refresh rate'. Not only can you see better what is happening, it also feels much calmer to your eyes. Buying a gaming monitor for a console is different because consoles have a fixed speed. Even the latest Xbox and PlayStation game consoles go up to 120 Hz. Paying extra for a 165 Hz model is therefore not always necessary. An older console does not go beyond 1080p resolution, newer generations reach up to 2160p. This will not be equally important to everyone, but it is something to be aware of.

3. Business Monitors

For business use, the refresh rate is less important, but more Hz does mean a quieter image. A sharp image without dead pixels and the correct ratio is certainly important. Bigger is also not always better because with a larger screen at a short distance from your face you no longer have an overview. For certain tasks, two or three smaller screens may be better. If you use graphics applications, the colors must be correct, for professional work it is better to buy a calibrated monitor.

Characteristics of a game monitor

What should a good game monitor meet? Pay attention to the characteristics below and make the decision that suits you best. Can't figure it out? Please feel free to contact our team, we will be happy to help you!

  • Technology : A TN type screen provides the least optimal performance, especially as a gaming monitor. A VA model scores considerably better, but IPS is really superior in terms of speed, contrast and viewing angle.

  • Screen diagonal : The greater the distance to the screen, the larger the screen diagonal must be. Please note that the screen is measured diagonally. An ultra-wide screen will be less high, which is not always pleasant, especially for office use.

  • Screen resolution : Higher resolution means more pixels. As the screen gets bigger, you will also need a higher resolution. For a console, Full HD may already be sufficient, for PC gaming a 4K monitor will provide a sharper image.

  • Refresh rate : For a console 120 Hz will be sufficient, PC gamers can consider going up to 240 Hz. The graphics card must support this. The speed must be 'real', so no motion interpolation where the processor 'invents' the image.

  • Connections : This depends on your setup. There are HDMI connections, USB or DP. Pay attention to the version of each standard because older types are not always fast or accurate.

You can place most gaming monitors on a desk or hang them on the wall using an (optional) bracket. Do you have any questions? Reassure them!

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