Gaming monitor specs & setup guide
Endless spec comparisons are all well and good, but what are the features you actually need, and how can you set up and get the best from your new gaming monitor? Ultimately, your budget may be the limiting factor, but the first step is to consider your GPU, as well as any future upgrades that will happen while using the same monitor. Your next gaming monitor will likely feature either Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync — while the former only works with Nvidia GPUs, the latter is based on Adaptive Sync and works with AMD and Intel videocards.
Refresh rate and Response time
Typical monitors refresh the image on the screen 60 times per second, which means they can never display more than 60fps, even if your computer is outputting more. Gaming monitors tend to have higher refresh rates, such as 75Hz, 100Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz or more. This allows the true frame rate to be displayed, for a faster, smoother experience. While important, there is no point getting a 144Hz screen if your GPU struggles to reach 100fps in your favourite games. With response time, lower is better, but anything 5ms (GTG) or less on a gaming screen is good.
Resolution
1080p is great, but higher resolutions up to 4K can give four times as much detail for a truly stunning gaming experience. The problem is it also taxes your GPU a lot more, and a powerful PC is needed to achieve higher frame rates. It can be tricky to compare, but in general, low- to mid-range gaming PCs should stick to 1080p, while mid- to high-end can handle 2K and 4K. Don’t forget to consider any future GPU upgrades.
Panel type
For a faster response time and lower prices, many gaming screens use TN panels. While they look pretty good, they do have less accurate colours, shallower viewing angles and lower contrast. The next step up in price is (not very common) VA panels, with better colours, contrast and viewing angles but lower response times. IPS panels give the best image quality and viewing angles, but tend to cost significantly more. Make sure to consider your non-gaming uses (such as video or picture editing) where the higher quality image could be useful.
Screen shape
The latest trend is curved screens, which can be more immersive for gaming, but cost more. Some are even available in ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratios, which can suit racing games and flight sims. If you plan to use multiple monitors, look for models with thin bezels.
Monitor setup
Most screens come with a bunch of modes for different game types, so have a play and see which you prefer. It’s usually worth manually tweaking the settings to get a better image, but it can be rather subjective. (Google your monitor brand for more specific guides.) We tend to favour a lower brightness, with a little more contrast and colours tending towards blue. Windows also has a built-in Color Calibration utility that is worth using and Nvidia has a great guide on further calibration. ( www.geforce.com/ whats-new/guides/ how-to-calibrate-yourmonitor)