You might build the best PC on the planet, but it won’t do any good if you don’t get a monitor. Well, not just any monitor, the right monitor!
It’s one of the more important parts of a PC, as this output peripheral is the only way you can install the OS, update drivers, and check the health of your PC.
Moreover, if you are building a gaming PC or a video editing workstation, choosing a monitor that can handle graphics requirements is crucial. But that’s not it!
You need to understand a lot of things before hitting a purchase. Worry not, as this monitor buying guide has everything you need to know!
Contents
- What To Look for in a Monitor?
- How To Choose a Monitor? [The Most Comprehensive Guide]
- Know The Purpose
- Know The Types of Computer Monitors
- Check for Compatibility
- Panel Technologies: Which One?
- Screen Resolution
- What Refresh Rate to Consider?
- Check the Response Time
- GSync vs ASync: What is Right for You?
- What Size Monitor Do You Need?
- Does Brand Matter?
- Other Features
- How Much Does a Monitor Cost?
- How Do Monitors Work?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What To Look for in a Monitor?
Before you delve right into the technical aspects, here are the things to look for:
- Panel Type: There are 3 types of panels — TN, IPS, and VA. TN has better response time, IPS is more color-accurate, and VA gives a better contrast ratio and deeper blacks.
- Resolution: Monitors are available from HD to all the way up to 8K resolution. Higher the resolution, the better the details.
- Refresh Rate: The amount of time how quickly the images refresh per second. Monitors come with 60Hz to up to 240Hz refresh rates. Higher the refresh rate, the better gaming.
- Response Time: It refers to how quickly a monitor responds to your input. It is measured in milliseconds. Low response times equal faster color-changing abilities. Gaming PCs are better off with a response time of 1 ms or lower.
- Monitor’s Size: Monitors start from 15 inches and go as high as 49 inches. A larger screen offers more viewable real estate.
- Optional Features: Look for Adaptive sync functionality, which helps reduce screen tearing and lags. Or, pick monitors with HDR or High Dynamic Range for increased color fidelity.
Now that I have covered the factors briefly, it is time to delve deeper and discuss each in detail.
How To Choose a Monitor? [The Most Comprehensive Guide]
I shall now highlight every aspect or thought that goes behind choosing a monitor for your PC.
Know The Purpose
Before you start looking at monitors, you should first ascertain the purpose of your build and the monitor. Knowing the purpose helps you set the budget, set performance expectations, and choose accordingly.
For instance, if you are a gamer, a monitor like the 27-inch ASUS ROG Swift with a massive refresh rate of 165Hz makes sense. But then, if you only want a monitor for a basic PC build, even the HP 24mh with a 75Hz refresh rate can work just fine.
Also, once you define the purpose, it becomes easier to make the monitor reach the desired levels of performance, for instance. The 165Hz monitor I mentioned will help lower ghosting and lag, ensuring smooth gameplay.
Similarly, if the purpose is to design graphics and edit photos, the right monitor will offer good viewing angles and excellent color reproduction performance.
And finally, selecting a monitor will depend on the use cases, including but not limited to gaming, creative work, multimedia, and even productivity. Gaming-friendly monitors usually have lower response times and high refresh rates, whereas productivity-focused ones feature higher resolutions.
Monitors suited for creative work and multimedia are expected to bring better color reproduction capabilities into the mix.
Know The Types of Computer Monitors
Now that you know what the purpose behind getting a monitor is, you might want to know more about the types. Here are the options you need to focus on:
1. LCD Monitors
This breed of monitors is quite common and uses a potent liquid crystal layer to display the relevant images. While I won’t be explaining how they work, you are better off knowing that LCD monitors can be used for everyday use and less resource-intensive tasks like content writing, basic HD streaming, and more.
In case you are looking for options, the Dell P2419H seems like a good enough LCD monitor. It is priced close to the $200 mark, which is still reasonable for a standard PC.
2. LED Monitors
As the name suggests, LED or the Light Emitting Diode screens use standard LED backlighting to show images. In most cases, LEDs cost less than LCDs and are even more energy efficient.
Therefore, if you have plans of building PCs in bulk for say office purposes, getting LED monitors seems like a good thought. You can pick the ASUS VS228H-P, priced at around $100, as your go-to LED monitor.
3. IPS Monitors
If you seek monitors with exceptional color accuracy and even the widest possible viewing angles, picking an IPS monitor makes a lot of sense. As for the use cases, you can get one for video editing, photo editing, and even graphic designing. The LG 27UK850-W, priced at around $450, is a reliable IPS screen.
4. TN Monitors
These are gaming monitors boasting higher refresh rates and even quicker response times. Professional gamers usually prefer these monitors for fast-paced moves and games with a limited scoping area.
The reason is that TN monitors aren’t great, in terms of viewing angles. And their color reproduction quality is quite subpar compared to their IPS counterparts.
The Acer XFA240 is an impactful TN monitor. And you can get it for something around $200.
5. VA Monitors
These monitors, as mentioned before, pack a punch when contrast ratios are concerned. Therefore, if you are into games with darker themes, likeHellblade, Bioshock, and even Resident Evil 2 Remake, VA monitors seem like fun.
One of the better options in this category is the AOC C24G1, which might set you back by almost $200.
6. Curved Monitors
In case you are looking for the most immersive viewing experience, especially in regards to streaming movies and multitasking, curved monitors make a good case. Plus, they are great at keeping the eye glare to a minimum. The Samsung C32HG70 is a powerful ultrawide monitor, priced in the $700 ballpark.
7. Ultrawide Monitors
Personally, I am a big fan of ultrawide monitors, as most of my content creators have always asked me to assemble PCs using these. They win the game in terms of aspect ratio, allowing you to get ahead in terms of productivity-based work.
They make a lot of sense for PCs used in the post-production of movies, sound engineering, and other high-level tasks.
In case you are unsure about picking the right model, the LG 34WN80C-B seems like a decent choice. You can get it for somewhere in the $600 to $700 range.
8. OLED Monitors
People will envy you for sure if you end up assembling a PC with an OLED monitor. These monitors offer the best levels of color accuracy and contrast. You can use them regardless of the use case, but they make the most sense in professional video editing.
However, they cost a bomb. For instance, if you want to pick one like the Alienware 55 OLED gaming monitor, you might need to shell out $4,000.
9. QD (Quantum Dot) or QLED
Quantum Dot monitors are anything but common. And they are extremely color accurate and only meant for professionals who do not compromise on visuals.
Also, they only cost a couple of hundred dollars more than IPS screens and can be great alternatives for OLED monitors. The Samsung C27HG70 is a high-end QD monitor that can cost somewhere close to the $600 mark.
Apart from the mentioned variants, there are CRT and Plasma Monitors to look at. However, you will hardly find this selling in 2023.
Check for Compatibility
If you still have questions like what makes a computer monitor good or why is my computer monitor’s resolution not feeling enough for my PC configuration, it might just be time to take the compatibility check.
Checking compatibility is as important as defining the purpose, as it would allow you to use the monitor to its maximum potential. Here are the things you need to consider for a detailed compatibility check:
1. Connection Type
If you find your monitor to be unresponsive, try to check the connection possibilities on the monitor and the GPU. The idea here is to identify if the monitor and the GPU have the same ports or not.
In case they have dissimilar ports like one has VGA and another has HDMI, they might not even be compatible. Also if they have a different port even, you might consider connecting them via s suitable adapter for the best results.
Here is a quick explanation:
Imagine you have a GPU with DisplayPort 1.2 as the output. But the monitor you have has a VGA output. In that case, it is important to check if the GPU can support a VGA connection. If not, you might have to use a DisplayPort-to-VGA connector (adapter) to establish a connection between the monitor and the graphics card.
2. Power Consumption
There are a few high-end monitors, like the Acer Predator X27 or the Dell Alienware AW3418DW, that have massive power requirements. With these power needs going as high as 140 watts, you might want to take a closer look at the standard AC power supply that powers the monitor and upgrade the same if needed.
3. Graphics Card Compatibility
Your graphics card has a few ratings in place, related to its refresh rate and max performance potential at a given resolution. While purchasing the monitor, you must check if the same is compatible with the graphics card or not.
This check also works the other way around. In case you have already purchased a massively powerful monitor and the graphics card isn’t up to the snuff, you might not get the desired output.
4. Physical Compatibility
You must check if the monitor has the requisite physicality to work well with the entire PC setup or not. This includes checking for VESA or orientation compatibility, support for the right mounting options if needed, and even the size of the desk that your screen might stand on.
5. OS Compatibility
And finally, the PC monitor must be compatible with the OS, as you will end up installing all the relevant screen-specific drivers post-installation. You might have to install some additional apps and drivers to enable certain PC-specific features even.
Panel Technologies: Which One?
When it comes to selecting a monitor according to the panel type, you might need to choose between the TN or Twisted Nematic, IPS or In-Plane Switching, and VA or Vertical Alignment panels.
TN panels offer the best response times, whereas IPS panels boast excellent color accuracy and the widest possible viewing angles. VA panels bring in the highest contrast ratios and deep blacks, making them good picks for home theater and entertainment-focused PCs.
You can even consider picking panels based on backlighting, with LCD and LED being the standard choices. Or, you can spend some extra bucks to get AMOLED and OLED monitors for improved energy efficiency and color accuracy.
Which panel is better for what?
TN Panels
- Ideal for fast-paced games like Counter-Strike, Fortnite, and more
- Known for low response times and highest possible refresh rates for budget screens
- They have subpar viewing angles
IPS Panels
- Ideal for video editing and content creation
- Can run apps like Lightroom and Adobe Premiere Pro
- Slow response and higher lag make them not-to-suitable for gaming
VA Panels
- Offers ideal cinematic experiences
- Can handle standard multimedia usage
- Lets you run games like Dark Souls III, Doom Eternal, and anything with a dark theme
- Prone to ghosting, in case you play fast-paced games
OLED Panels
- Ideal for work that involves color accuracy
- Display HDR content better than any other screen
- Offer infinite color contrast ratios and can run apps like Blender, DaVinci Resolve, and more.
- These screens are prone to burn-in and image retention issues.
AMOLED Panels
- Ideal for portable gaming setups
- These consume low power
- It can run games like Asphalt 9, and these panels are rare to see on laptops
QLED Panels
- They boast vibrant colors and the highest possible brightness levels.
- Suitable for PCs that you need to take outdoors
- Useful for high-level graphic designing and professional video editing
- One of the more expensive panels
Screen Resolution
The number of associated pixels that make up the image visible on the screen is termed screen resolution. And now, it should be obvious that a higher resolution most often means clearer and even sharper images.
In simple words, higher-resolution monitors help capture more details. You can choose between HD, Full HD, QHD, 4K, and even 8K. But then, you should choose display resolution, depending on the firepower under the hood.
1. HD or 1366 x 768 Pixels
This resolution type is also termed 720p and makes it to budget monitors and smaller screens. You can get them for light gaming, web surfing, and video streaming. The ASUS VS207DF is a 19.5-inch HD monitor that you can consider.
2. FHD or 1920 x 1080 Pixels
Arguably the most common display resolution, Full HD makes way for crisp and clever images. You can use the same for graphic designing, video editing, and even gaming. If you want a high-quality Full HD screen, the 27-inch ASUS VG279Q, with a refresh rate of 144Hz, is a good option.
3. QHD or 2560 x 1440 Pixels
Also known as 1440p panels, these monitors offer more clarity than FHD screens. You can use them if you are deep into video and photo editing or even content creation. The 27-inch Dell S2719DGF is a pretty good QHD panel to get.
4. 4K/UHD or 3840 x 2160 Pixels
These 4K panels offer the highest possible clarity and resolution. They make sense if you are consuming media regularly or looking to build a decent video editing workflow. However, they do not usually come with high refresh rates and therefore might not be the best gaming option.
5. 5K or 5120 x 2880 Pixels
This resolution count works really well if you are a professional photographer and more interested in viewing images in color and contrast accurately. And while these monitors are quite hard to find, the Dell UltraSharp UP2715K makes quite a compelling case. This monitor features an IPS screen, a 60Hz refresh rate, and even a stand.
And while these are some of the more common screen resolutions to work with, you can even opt for the following:
- Ultrawide (2560 x 1080) with a focus on immersive viewing. The LG 29UM69G-B is quite a good example.
- Ultrawide QHD (3440 x 1440) with a focus on better clarity and improved detailing for the likes of 3D modeling and professional video/photo editing. You can even get a Dell Alienware AW3418DW for the same.
- Super Ultrawide (5120 x 1440) with an improved field of view. The Samsung C49RG9 happens to be one of the better examples of the same.
- 8K (7680 x 4320) is the highest possible resolution monitor to invest in. As far as the use cases go, you can purchase the same for graphic designing and video editing. The $30,000 LG 88Z9 is one example of the 8K screen, with a 120Hz refresh rate and support for HDR content.
In case you want to differentiate between the screen resolutions, the most obvious factors include pixel density, aspect ratio, and even the number of pixels. However, high-res monitors only make sense if the PC hardware is good enough to support them.
What Refresh Rate to Consider?
Refresh rate is an important monitor-specific concept that identifies the times per second that the screen updates the images on display. Obviously, a higher refresh rate would make the monitor good enough for high-speed games.
A monitor’s refresh rate mentions the home quickly the images refresh per second. PCs packing powerful hardware like 16GB to 32GB RAM, 11th gen Intel chipset, and even the NVIDIA RTX 3080 are the best choices for pairing high refresh rate monitors. And with high, I mean 144Hz or 240Hz.
It is important to check the out-of-the-box refresh rate before proceeding due to a host of reasons. A higher refresh rate ensures smoother motions and reduces blur. Therefore, high refresh rate monitors make the most sense to gamers.
Also, as part of the compatibility check, you need to ensure that the refresh rate of the monitor aligns with the abilities presented by the graphics card. Gamers should primarily focus on this trait and look for monitors offering 144Hz or more. Standard web browning can even do with a 60Hz of refresh rate.
Here are a few examples the likes of Dell UltraSharp and Acer R240HY offer 60Hz whereas the ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q and MSI Optix MAG241C boast 144Hz in terms of refresh rate. In case you are a pro gamer and looking for anything extra, the Alienware AW2518H with a refresh rate of 240Hz seems like a good bet.
Check the Response Time
Video editing PCs need panels that can quickly change from one hue to another. This color-changing speed is what response time stands for.
The Response time is yet another important metric that you must keep in mind while purchasing a monitor. It is what defines the speed of pixel change from one hue to the other. Therefore, a lower response rate monitor is preferred if you plan on playing games or doing highly graphics-intensive jobs.
Video editors who want to see real-time image changes without delay prefer low response times, followed by individuals who prefer watching a lot of action movies. Even computers meant for running VR apps and resources with a focus on low latency should include monitors will low response times.
Coming to the use cases, regular usage like surfing the web or watching a few movies, or even creating written content pieces can be handled with monitors with a response time between 5ms and 8ms.
Even an 8ms machine would make sense to a standard paper pusher who might only want to read and reply to emails throughout the day. For example, the Acer Predator CG437K is a good slow response monitor that still offers a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1440p panel for enhanced resolution.
Gamers and even video editors might need monitors with a response time of 1ms to 4ms. This way, they can keep all the lags, stutters, etc. out of their usage patterns.
In case you want to look at the options, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM is one of the better monitors to exhibit a response time of less than 1 ms. What’s even better is that with this monitor you can get a refresh rate of 280Hz and an IPS panel.
An average response time of 3ms to 5ms makes sense if you are into photo editing and even basic gaming. The Dell S2721DGF, a 27-inch IPS monitor, comes across as one of the better bets in that category.
The idea here is to find the perfect balance between the resolution, response time, panel technology, and refresh rate if you want to get the right monitor.
GSync vs ASync: What is Right for You?
It is now time to go a bit technical with monitor picking. As mentioned earlier, you need to initiate a compatibility check to see if the refresh rate of the monitor is aligned with that supported by the graphics card.
Well, you can now align them automatically if the monitor you choose has GSync or ASync/FreeSync technology built-in.
G-Sync is proprietary to NVIDIA and requires you to have an NVIDIA graphics card installed. This hardware-specific feature ensures that the abilities of the graphics card are in sync with the monitor. And even though GSync offers stable and consistent performance, getting a GSync monitor is a more expensive affair.
As for the examples, the ASUS ROG Swift PG279QZ is a good enough GSync monitor that works really well with the GTX 10-series and even RTX 20-series GPUs from NVIDIA. Another option is the Acer Predator X27.
Adaptive Sync or FreeSync is AMD supported and works when there is an AMD graphics card in play. However, FreeSync is still an open standard and not proprietary as NVIDIA’s G-Sync. Hence, FreeSync monitors are more affordable.
The choice is simple: in case you have an NVIDIA graphics card, GSync is easily the better option. Plus, if you want to run compatible games like Overwatch, Valorant, Doom Eternal, and more, GSync makes sense.
Budget gamers who like running GTA V, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and other FreeSync-compatible games with an AMD graphics card in play, can opt for the ASync monitors.
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM is a resourceful ASync monitor that can easily support the likes of Radeon RX 5000-series GPUs.
What Size Monitor Do You Need?
When it comes to size, you can pick anything that starts at 15 inches and go as high as 49 inches if needed. In case you are looking for some common picks, 21-inch to 24-inch monitors make a lot of sense for casual gaming and even office work.
Anything close to 27 inches is good real estate to have for data entry and desk-based work. Most content writers prefer a 27-inch screen over anything else. And finally, there are PC monitors with sizes equal to or higher than 32 inches. These are best for high-level professional work and graphic design.
But the real question here is: Does size matter when picking a monitor?
Well, yes. The monitor size you pick defines the experience you get. For instance, if you are a multitasker and prefer to research whilst typing, you would need a 27-inch monitor at least to be able to keep two Windows open.
However, if you are simply into standard office work, interacting over Slack for the better part of the day, it makes sense to have a smaller monitor in place. A smallish, 21-inch real estate puts less strain on your eyes.
Also, a 38-inch monitor or higher lets you do a lot of great video editing stuff where you might need to keep multiple screens open.
In case you are looking for specific options, here is a quick list.
- 21-inch: Lenovo ThinkVision T22v-20
- 24-inch: ViewSonic XG2405
- 27-inc: Samsung LU32H850UMN
- 32-inch: BenQ PD3200U
- 34-inch: Alienware AW3418DW
- 38-inch: LG 28WK95C-W
- 49-inch: Dell U4919DW
Note: This isn’t an exhaustive list, and there can be many other variants that you can pick corresponding to a specific monitor size.
Does Brand Matter?
Well, brand value does matter when it comes to monitor selection. However, you need to keep an open mind as there are several brands that pack in quite a lot, despite being relatively new to the monitor manufacturing space.
Coming to brand diversity, some of the better-known ones include HP, Dell, HP, BenQ, ViewSonic, Acer, and ASUS. Each of these brands has specific strengths and weaknesses when it comes to monitor manufacturing.
For instance, Samsung monitors excel when it comes to contrast and brightness levels. However, their color accuracy isn’t always the best. ASUS takes pride in manufacturing some of the best monitors with low response times and high refresh rates. However, control issues are common.
The best monitor brand, therefore, depends on what features you want and what weaknesses you are willing to ignore. Professional graphic designers often prefer BenQ monitors, whereas gamers end up going with ASUS and even Acer. The final choice depends on what features you want the monitor to have.
Other Features
Now that I have taken care of the specifics, here are some of the add-ons that you might consider looking for:
1. Adjustable Stand
A good monitor is one that comes with an easy-to-adjust stand. This feature helps you modify the viewing experience and even prevents strain on the eyes and neck. Dell UltraSharp U2719DX is one monitor that comes with an adjustable stand.
2. Integrated Speakers
A monitor with a built-in speaker hub can help you save a lot of desk space. Yet, the audio quality isn’t as good as having a separate set of speakers. The ASUS Designo MX27UCS is one monitor that offers built-in speakers.
3. PIP Mode
The ability to display multiple windows is fine, but what if you can get a monitor that supports picture-in-picture? The PIP feature allows you to view multiple apps at once and even interact with them.
4. Flicker-Free Technology
Some monitors even come built-in with flicker-free support, allowing for further reduction in fatigue and eye strain. If you are a professional who keeps at your desk for long hours, this feature is a must-have.
5. Blue Light Filter
This “Eye Care” technology helps improve sleep quality and is best suited if you plan on working on the PC at night or through the evening. The ViewSonic XG2705 is one of the better monitors to come equipped with eye care support.
6. USB Hub
A good resource is the existence of a USB hub, allowing you to connect a mouse, keyboard, and even an external hard drive directly. This monitor-specific feature reduces desk clutter. LG 27UK850-W is one such monitor for the job.
7. HDR Support
If your monitor has HDR support, you can expect it to display diverse brightness levels and colors. This feature makes sense if you are a gamer. You can go with the BenQ EL2870U if you are looking for HDR support.
In addition to these features, you can even pick monitors with curved screens or even touchscreen support.
How Much Does a Monitor Cost?
The cost of a monitor is an amalgamation of several factors: size, resolution, response time, refresh rate, panel technology, and other features. And even though I discussed the price points while exploring the panel types, here is what the price-specific ballpark looks like for PC monitors:
- Basic monitors with slow response time and low refresh rates: $100-$150
- Monitors for average use: $200-$500
- Mid-range monitors with decent refresh rates and IPS panel: $400-$800
- High-end monitors: Above $1000
The price points depend on the resolution, size, panel technology (IPS and OLED are pricier), response time (lower the better), refresh rate (higher the better), and even the existence of additional features like G-Sync, PIP, and more.
How Do Monitors Work?
Well, by now I have covered everything that you need to understand. But you might still be confused as to how a standard PC monitor works. Well, here is how:
A monitor is a standard output device that receives signals directly from the GPU, provided you connect them using the right adapter. These signals are processed and converted into images by the screen via a specific pixel arrangement.
The panel technology and resolution then play a role in handing out the right contrast, color, and brightness to the processed images.
It is clear that the image quality, therefore, depends on the panel type, resolution, refresh rate, and more. Also, the GPU sends analog or even digital signals, which are carried to the monitor using DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort, and even VGA cables.
The monitor receives power from a standard AC outlet, and its internal circuit illuminates the processed pixels based on the supported panel technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
IPS is a panel technology and even a screen type that stands for In-Plane Switching. It is an enhancement over LCD technology and is known for exceptional color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
You need to take care of a few aspects. Firstly, the choice of the panel should be TN or IPS. Next, the refresh rate should be as close to 144Hz, at least. Plus, the response time should be low — anywhere between 1 ms and 2 ms. And finally, the monitor should be either GSync or ASync powered, depending on your GPU.
The size of the monitor depends on your purpose. For instance, if you are a basic content creator and a working professional, a 24-inch screen makes sense. However, freelancers into video editing and graphic designing usually prefer anything between 28 inches and 32 inches.
A 144Hz refresh rate is considered good for a monitor. However, you should note that having this kind of refresh rate doesn’t mean that the monitor will have a low response rate. For that, you will need to research separately and pick one that finds a balance between both.
Yes, curved monitors are good for gaming. You’ll notice that the peak refresh rates associated with curved monitors are usually around 120Hz, making them good enough only for the likes of Fortnite, Valorant, Apex Legends, and CS: GO.
Yes, Acer is a reliable monitor brand, best known for its G-Sync and FreeSync-powered devices. They are also affordable but often lose the plot when it comes to the build quality.
Conclusion
And that sums up my comprehensive guide on computer monitors. As emphasized throughout the piece, the features and technologies in play determine the price of the monitors.
If you are more interested in niches like gaming, video editing, and even 3D modeling, it is advisable to go deeper into the concept of latency, aliasing, ghosting, and more.
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