When it comes to buying gaming monitors, there is a lot that needs to be kept into consideration, and tons of specs need to be considered as well. There is so much that you need to calculate through numbers that it gets quite confusing. Gamers are more technologically knowledgeable and savvy than others, but the way monitors are built today, it isn’t easy to understand everything about it.
Therefore, we have provided you with a guide that will help and influence your buying decision and help you understand the monitors’ basics in a fully detailed manner.
The performance of computers is controlled or limited by one of the slowest components out there. Graphic cards are components wherein even if you have the best one but own a quiet monitor with a bad display, you will never enjoy the experience thoroughly. And, if you have a fantastic show combined with an old or ancient graphics card, you still won’t enjoy the entire gaming experience. Hence, you must make sure that everything is of good quality and working okay before you end up spending more of your money. Monitors work longer than graphics cards, and hence you should upgrade them from time to time.
FEATURES OF GAMING MONITORS TO CONSIDER
There are tons of features that one must consider before investing in a gaming monitor, which includes the resolution, screen size, refresh rate, response time, G-sync, HDR, Color Gamut, Inputs/Outputs, Panel Type.
Screen Size and Resolution
Dependent on the space you have, you will decide on the screen’s size, and it will be anywhere between 24 to 32 inches. When it comes to the resolution, the selection would be between full HD to 4K. The bigger, the better, and the higher resolution provide a much sharper and more detailed image.
Usually, the screen size determines your resolution, and if you want something standard or small, a 24 inches full HD display would be perfect. IF you are looking for something bigger, you can go for 32 inches at 4K resolutions. There are a variety of other options available, but these are the most standard ones.
For gaming specifically, the 27 inches 1440 p is the best choice for ample reasons because, firstly, it works best with all configurations. Secondly, 1440p is much sharper than full HD, and there is less pressure or strain on graphics than 4K. Another reason is that 1440p hits higher refresh rates.
Also, if you decide to go for a 4K display, then consider the extra processing needed to power it. All the extra pixels will need to be rendered first, which can eventually slow down or drag on any system. Sometimes, having a higher number of pixels is not the better option.
Apart from all this, there are various other types of displays, including ultra-wide and curved monitors, or some with larger displays and TVs. Ultra-wide monitors have different problems, and they use less conventional resolutions, which can result in lower refresh rates and longer response times.
If you want a larger display, curved screens make tons of sense. Curved displays come with unusual resolutions, and not all games give the entire field of view. Moreover, these displays have no seam.
Refresh Rate and Response Time:
An important thing that you need to consider when you look for a gaming monitor is the refresh it. You must check the refresh rate, which is measured in Hertz. The refresh rate is how many times the monitor will refresh the screen every second. The higher the numbers, the better the refresh rate. The standard and primary displays or televisions have a refresh rate of about 30 Hz, while some go up to 60 Hz. For gaming, 60 Hz is the minimum level of refresh rate that is required.
Higher refresh rates are quite beneficial for gamers because what you see on the screen matches what is taking place on the computer. Games require ultimate and incredible precision or accuracy for making your shot, and the human response times see and recognize the difference.
60 Hz is the minimum level that works for gaming. There are various 144 Hz displays also available today, and it is one of the top choices for all the gamers out there. There are 240Hz monitors as well if you want to opt for the best in the business. You would easily recognize the difference between 60Hz and 144 Hz, which will eventually help with improving the response time. If the graphics and processing are incapable of reaching high frame rates, there is no benefit that you will see using a high refresh rate display. One must make sure that the entire graphics bandwidth works in sync and supports the resolution and refresh rates. You can always take a lower resolution to enhance and improve the boost rates.
Another essential thing to take into account is the response time. It is how long it takes for each pixel to switch or change from one setting to the next. The response time is measured through milliseconds, and for gaming, you can look for 5ms, but 2ms or 1ms is also preferred. The response time plays a crucial role in influencing the decision because, during fast motion, a slower response time can lead to motion blur or ghosting. After all, the monitor is not keeping up with the game. A higher refresh rate mixed with a quick response time will make for ultimate performance. In terms of the response time, you must make sure to buy something with a response time of 5ms or faster. 1ms is a standard option for most of the buyers out there.
Adaptive Sync through the Variable Refresh Rate
One must have come across frame-rate benchmarks for games as well as gaming computers. These frame rates fluctuate owing to the action that is currently taking place on the screen. The minimum level of activity makes the frame rates shoot up, while in action-packed scenarios, it drops down. The absence of smart technology can result in the tearing of the screen.
Screen tearing is when the monitor displays only a particular portion of the frame and the next structure. The image will start looking split where the sync has been broken. This scenario occurs because the displays are supposed to run at a specific refresh rate, and they don’t always know how to perform when the frame data they get doesn’t work with the hard-wired settings.
One option that could provide a solution to this instance is Vsync because it commands the monitor to wait for the next frame before switching. It isn’t a perfect solution and can be bad for gaming purposes. AMD and NVIDIA have adaptive sync or variable refresh rate, which helps monitors maintain smooth functioning and playback even when the graphic cards are working on non-standard frame rates. AMD has free sync, and NVIDIA has G-sync, and it requires certification and goes through proper quality control for guaranteeing performance. G-sync is technically better because of the additional certifications and guarantees compared to free sync, which isn’t consistent with monitors. But G-sync is more expensive.
HDR:
It is a common myth that the higher the resolution, the better the quality. It is HDR, which makes a massive difference in the quality of images rather than the solution. More vivid colors and HDR imagery is an enormous jump from the older display systems. For true HDR, there is a specific level of maximum brightness and minimum brightness needed to guarantee the dynamic and versatility it claims. Lots of affordable displays don’t fit the bill. Hence, this has led to the introduction of Display HDR standard with alternative maximum brightness. If you are going out there to purchase something, then display HDR400 is an affordable and reasonable option for sprucing up the color giving a nice vibrant feel.
One important thing to keep in mind is that you will need to ensure that the operating system, graphics card, and monitor all support HDR. Each game has its support and is highly recommended because it is becoming more of a standard feature.
The high dynamic range or HDR provides more excellent contrast with brighter highlights and deep shadows, not compromising on the detailing in each of them. Also, HDR requires the presence of a compatible imaging pipeline for proper functioning. HDR has many standards and makes sure to provide many supported options, such as HDR 10. Moreover, HDR is highly recommended because it is gaining a lot of popularity lately.
Color Gamut:
You would want something with close to 100 percent RGB coverage, which is considered a solid baseline and provides a fabulous color. If you’re going to use something for video editing or watch movies in HDR, then Adobe RGB or Rec.2020 Color spaces are the best options.
Inputs and Outputs:
Computers come providing a variety of standards. The particular specific criteria include display port, HDMI, and USB type C or C/Thunderbolt. Each of them has multiple versions today, and you want to go for the latest one.
The most popular monitor input is HDMI and displays Port. Everybody is aware of HDMI, and Display Port has been around for a long time and is quite efficient, providing better refresh rates and resolutions. The display port offers the advantage of its locking connector for preventing any accidental disconnects. Most of the monitors come with both of these input options.
Today, displaying Port 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 are reliable and work with high resolutions of 4K and refresh rates of 60Hz. In the future, we will see stuff with even higher resolutions, which can go up to 8K imagery.
The latest advent is the USB Type-C/Thunderbolt. These are different types of connections, but all look the same. With the use of adapters, these can transmit the same formats as Display Port and HDMI, and using the right computer, and you can use USB or Thunderbolt to share data, video, and power with the help of a single cable.
Various other considerations, such as audio output, USB ports for general use, and seeing how many different connections it has, is essential to assess. If you plan on using the monitor with a single computer only, there is nothing to worry about. But if you were looking to connect it to a desktop, a laptop, and a gaming console, you would want something more futuristic.
HDMI ports and Display Ports make for common standards or inputs. Display 1.4 is the latest, and 2.0 is the next one that will be arriving soon. You need to keep in mind the number of connections you need, and cables matter for making compatible matches for your audio.
Panel Type:
IPS or in-plane switching offers excellent color reproduction and solid contrast, and quicker response times but is a little more expensive due to its advanced features. Then the Twisted Nematic Panels come with better pricing and offer faster response times but are not that great for color rendering and viewing angles.
Vertical Alignment or VA panels offer great contrasts but aren’t as good in gaming as TN and IPS.
Therefore, before you go ahead and look for a gaming monitor, make sure you keep in check your requirements and your budget and choose whichever panel works according to your needs and specifications the most.
Choosing a gaming monitor requires all these considerations and specifications to be met, and therefore, one must go through their features and see what can give them advantages and what cant.
BEST GAMING MONITORS UNDER 20000
ACER NITRO FULL HD 144HZ GAMING MONITOR:
This particular monitor comes with a 27-inch display, and the resolution on it is full HD. It is packed with features of gaming and offers various advantages that make gaming a more enhanced experience. The refresh rates of this gaming monitor are 144Hz, and the response time is 1ms. You can use this monitor for photo and video editing purposes and any other productive work that you want to accomplish. Therefore, if you are looking for something multipurpose, then the Acer Nitro is perfect for you. It comes offering a 3-year warranty and provides high color accuracy making for an excellent and enhanced performance. The panel is IPS, and it has three ports.
BEN Q ZOWIE FULL HD 144HZ GAMING MONITOR
The BenQ Gaming Monitor is highly acclaimed and popular amongst gamers and provides a performance that all of its users appreciate. It is one of the oldest monitors to exist but is perfect for e gaming. This monitor’s screen size is about 24 inches, which is ideal for esports titles and has a flat-screen panel.
This particular monitor offers a high refresh rate and 1 ms of response time. It is made possible because it comes with a TN panel and this TN panel provides a brightness of only 200 nits. The color accuracy offered by this beautiful gaming monitor is about 72 percent RGB and comes packed with gaming-oriented features such as a black stabilizer and NVIDIA 3D ready certification.
The drawback of this gaming monitor is that any synchronization technology is missing. But a great and unique thing about the Ben Zowie gaming monitor is that it comes with a flexible stand that offers a variety of movements to the users.
ASUS 24-INCH LED BACKLIT GAMING MONITOR WITH 3D VISION
The ASUS gaming monitor is one of the best gaming monitors under 20,000 in India. It comes with a screen size of 24 inches and includes an LED backlight with a full HD resolution. It offers a refresh rate of 144 Hz, which is excellent for gaming purposes and comes with a 1 ms GTG response time, making it convenient and easy to use. There is also an inbuilt speaker included with this monitor, and those who love playing games will love the sound coming out of this monitor as well.
Moreover, the monitor offers excellent brightness, and you can also use this monitor for doing any productive work. Like the photo and video editing, everyone today wants to stream their games online. This gaming monitor is perfect for live streaming and editing and provides some of the best features, making it one of the best monitors out there.
In addition to this, this gaming monitor provides ultra-smooth action and a comfortable viewing experience with ergonomic tilt, swivel pivot, and height adjustment as well. The built-in 2W stereo speakers deliver an immersive entertainment experience as well.
LG ULTRA GEAR 144HZ GAMING MONITOR
This brand is quite well renowned and a well-established brand, which offers some of the world’s best electronics. It provides a whole variety of the best gaming monitors out there and 4K monitors as well.
This LG monitor is great and power-packed and provides the best gaming experience ever. It offers a 144Hz refresh rate and has a quick response time of 1ms. It is excellent for all the monitors that you get under 20000. Moreover, it comes with AMD free sync technology and provides a 3-year warranty on the device. The panel is TN and comes with multiple ports with a 1080 p monitor.
SAMSUNG CURVED GAMING MONITOR
The Samsung Monitor is the world’s first curved gaming monitor that offers a quick response time of 1 ms. It provides an excellent and smooth gameplay experience with a 144Hz refresh rate. It makes for fast and smooth gaming using AMD Free Sync technology. You get some of the best colors and brightness with the Quantum dot technology. Moreover, the Samsung Gaming monitor provides a comfortable and immersive viewing experience. You can select the screen settings for different games to ensure you see the most intricate details in the darker areas.
AOC GAMING MONITOR
The AOC Gaming Monitor is a 24.5 display monitor and offers various high-end features that make it the perfect monitor you have been looking for. It offers a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms of response time. It also comes including a built-in speaker and provides a TN panel. It provides 4 USB ports, 1 Display Port, 2 HDMI ports, and 1 VGA port. It also provides a height adjustment stand and comes providing three years of warranty. This gaming monitor has gained tons of popularity nowadays and comes at an affordable price, without compromising its features.
LENOVO G25-10
Like the others, the Lenovo G-25 is also one of the top gaming monitors out there in this budget. This monitor comes offering a TN panel and a high response time with HDR rated content. The device provides Near Edgeless Bezels on the top and the sides and has a 24.5 inch TN Panel with 400 nits of brightness and 1920×1080 resolution. The refresh rate is 144Hz and makes for minimum motion blur. This monitor is a TUV Rheinland Eye comfort certified to monitor and comes featuring AMD Free-Sync Technology.
Moreover, it includes a height-adjustable stand and a VESA mount. You can adjust it comfortably according to your viewing angles.
MSI OPTIX
The MSI Optix is a decent monitor to go with, especially for looking for a curved gaming monitor. The monitor comes with anti-glare technology for a better viewing experience. It gives a 144Hz refresh rate and a quick response time of 1ms. It is quite suitable for fast games, like racing, sports games, etc. Moreover, it features Bluelight reduction for a comfortable experience to view details in the dark. It offers a 24-inch screen and comes providing a 1920×1080 resolution.
CONCLUSION
Hence, if you are looking for something under Rs20000, then provided are the monitors packed with the best features. They are made for gaming, and you can choose them according to your gaming needs.