A good monitor will instantly make your gaming experience better, while a bad one could completely ruin it. The problem is that people often get lost in the features and technology when picking a monitor. They might assume that they have to max out all the specs and get the latest and best type of display for them to enjoy games. But the truth is that you may see little to no difference in certain cases, especially if you have an overall ordinary setup. Let’s take a look at a few common mistakes people make when they buy a gaming monitor.
Obsessing Over Refresh Rate- Buy a Gaming Monitor
A lot of people out there seem to think that the refresh rate of a monitor is the most important thing, perhaps after definition, but you shouldn’t obsess over that. First of all, there’s no point in spending on a 300 Hz monitor if your system can’t push games past 60 frames per second. Unless you have an uber-powerful machine, refresh rate shouldn’t even be on your radar.
If you do have a heavy setup, however, then refresh rate should be on your list of priorities, but you still have to be careful not to go too overboard. That’s because the CPU will start to matter at some point. You won’t be able to play games at a high enough frame rate with an average CPU to warrant buying a 240hz or a 360 Hz monitor. (auctiondaily.com) So, unless you’re ready to buy a new chip, we suggest you stay in the 120Hz to 165Hz category.
Going too Big or Too Small
Some people will either go for a monitor that is too small to save money or the biggest they can afford because they assume it will improve the experience. But the best size is right down the middle.
Most experts agree that around 24″ is the sweet spot for gaming. Anything under that will make details hard to see and anything bigger will basically force you to move back to see everything on the screen. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line 24″ laptop at a reasonable price, check out these Lenovo 24″ gaming monitors.
Not Considering the Types of Games You Play
You also have to look at the games you like to play. Refresh rate, for example, will matter much more for FPS or fast action MOBA games like League of Legends or CS: GO than for games like Minecraft, for instance. If you prefer playing sandbox games over fast-paced games that rely on reflexes, then things like resolution and black levels will start to matter more. So, look at the type of games you like the most and what type of screens are recommended for each type.
Not Thinking About Other Uses
You also have to choose wisely if you’re going to be doing things other than gaming on the monitor. If you want to use the monitor for gaming and work, then an IPS display would be a perfect choice. But, if you want to use your display mainly for games and movies, then you might want to look at VA models as well since they offer better black levels and higher contrasts. They don’t offer the same speed or viewing angles as IPS displays, however. It will be up to you to choose your priorities.
Avoid these mistakes and there’s a good chance that you’ll be satisfied with your monitor. It will literally play a central role in your gaming setup, so take the time to read about different models and technologies so you can pick the right monitor for you.