Comparing budget gaming monitors: Things to consider!
The best gaming monitors can have all the features you may want, but do you really have a budget of $1,000 or more? If you are new to gaming, or just want a setup for occasional fun, an expensive gaming monitor may not be the best pick. Also, a cheaper monitor just allows you to understand what you would want and review the experience, before you buy an expensive one. The cost of budget but incredibly efficient panels, such as PrimeCables 4K gaming monitor, doesn’t have to be more than $500.
5 Top factors that matter
A few basic parameters are critical for selecting a gaming monitor. Here’s a list based on priority –
- Refresh rate. It basically refers to the number of times a gaming monitor refreshes the image on screen. It will be mentioned in Hz, or Hertz. At the minimum level, look for 60hz, but somewhere around 120Hz is still better.
- Response time. The response time for a gaming monitor should be no more than 5ms at the least. If you can find a model in budget with response time of 3ms, nothing like it.
- IPS vs. TN. With TN panels, color production can be a serious issue, but if you don’t have a minimal budget, this is all you can afford with a better refresh rate. IPS panels, although expensive, but have great color value and refresh rate.
- Widescreen vs. Ultrawide. The resolution is another factor to consider. Some people just prefer widescreen monitors with aspect ratio of 16:9, while others like ultrawide screen, with aspect ratio of 21:9. It also depends on the game you are playing.
- Screen size and resolution. Screen resolution of 1080p or full-HD is the least you would want from a gaming monitor, but if you can afford a 4k screen, it certainly takes your gaming experience to the next level.
As for the size of the screen, keep in mind that you will be sitting close to the gaming monitor, and therefore, the size isn’t that big of a factor, especially when compared to television. Even avid gamers prefer something below 30-inch, so that they can have a full view of the screen, which is necessary for certain games. A 24-27-inch monitor is all you may need for gaming.
Final word
Think of gaming monitors as an investment and go for a budget pick that doesn’t compromise on the basics.