Best Gaming Monitors | Your Window to an Unforgettable Experience
The screen is a major part of the computer , and its type is very important in the image that is displayed. If you are a gamer, you will definitely need a suitable screen from the different types of gaming screens so that you can enjoy your favorite games better. Screens vary in size and specifications, but when it comes to choosing a gaming screen, it must have certain features so that you can have a great experience while playing. There are some things that you should be aware of before buying a screen. Continue reading to learn more.
It is true that the name of the manufacturer may be a strong factor in your choice of gaming monitors, but there are other important factors related to games that you should be aware of in order to buy the right monitor for you. Factors such as contrast, colors, lighting and technology are very important when choosing monitors. If you are not fully aware of these factors, do not worry. In the following lines, we will show you a definition of everything that may interest you when choosing gaming monitors.
What are the factors for choosing gaming monitors?
Many buyers focus on resolution and size factors when purchasing gaming monitors, sometimes ignoring other aspects that greatly affect the viewing experience while browsing and playing. In fact, the monitor is not just a tool for displaying images, but rather a combination of multiple specifications, each of which plays a decisive role in the final performance. For example, the type of screen technology itself, whether CRT, LCD or LED, in addition to the type of display panel such as IPS, TN, PLS, or VA, greatly affects the image quality.
Other factors such as response time and refresh rate also play an important role in providing a smooth experience, especially for gamers. You should also consider the screen size and appropriate resolution, in addition to choosing between a curved or flat screen, and determining whether it supports technologies such as NVIDIA GSync or AMD FreeSync. In fact, when covering a topic such as the screens, we must consider the diversity of points that will interest you in the screen, and this is what we will discuss in this article.
These factors may seem complex and confusing to some, especially those who do not have much experience in this field, so we will explain each of these elements in a simple and clear way to help you make the best decision based on your personal needs.
Different types of screens
First, let us remind you that there are many screens. The diversity of screens is very large, whether in terms of the technology responsible for operating the screen, or in terms of its design, is it a flat or curved screen or what? Do not look at the screen as a display tool and that all screens are similar, but rather each screen has its own specifications and each screen has a use based on these specifications.
1- CRT screens
CRT monitors are known to be one of the oldest types of monitors ever used, and they were an essential part of every home that had a computer. These monitors are based on CRT technology that was also common in the manufacture of televisions in the past. This technology sends a high current of high-energy electrons to create images on a fluorescent screen. However, these monitors are no longer used today, especially among gamers who have switched to more advanced alternatives to monitors.
Advantages of CRT Monitors
These monitors are known for their high performance and ability to run resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 pixels, providing clear picture quality for their age. They are also reasonably priced compared to some other modern options, and many CRT monitors come with a flat screen that reduces glare, making them suitable for gamers as they offer a high contrast ratio and a very fast response time, which means the image appears on the screen very quickly.
Disadvantages of CRT Monitors
But the most prominent disadvantages of CRT screens are their heavy weight and large size, in addition to the fact that they heat up quickly and consume a large amount of energy, and their maintenance is dangerous because their electrical components generate energy of up to 50 thousand volts! In addition, they can emit annoying flickering under certain conditions, cause noise and produce electromagnetic waves that may be harmful. CRT screens are the oldest known screens, but they are now gone and are no longer a technology that people are looking for.
2- LCD screens
LCDs are among the modern technologies used in displays today. Currently, there are two types of LCD technology, a positive matrix known as TFT and a negative matrix that you will almost never hear about in your life unless you search for it. The TFT type is considered the safest and most reliable, as it provides better image quality. On the other hand, the negative matrix has a slow response time and for this reason it is no longer as popular as it used to be.
Pros and Cons of LCD Monitors
The advantages of LCD screens are that they are lightweight, small in size, and do not take up much space. They also consume less energy and can be operated using batteries if they are available in a small size. In addition, these screens do not emit annoying flicker. However, one of their disadvantages is that LCD screens are considered expensive and the image quality may be affected when viewed from different angles.
3- LED screens
LED monitors are one of the latest technologies used in monitors today. These monitors are similar in design to LCD monitors but rely on light-emitting diodes for backlighting instead of using Cold Cathode Fluorescent lighting used in LCD monitors. They are also considered among the best gaming monitors.
Types of LED screens
Edge-Lit LED Screens
In this type, light-emitting diodes are placed on the edges of the screen (either the top, bottom or side edges). These lights distribute the light across a guide plate so that the lighting is spread evenly across the screen. This type of screen is considered thinner and less expensive, but it may suffer from uneven lighting distribution, which leads to a difference in brightness across the screen.
Full-Array LED Displays
These displays have a full array of LEDs distributed behind the entire screen. These lights are arranged in zones whose brightness can be controlled independently (Local Dimming technology), which improves contrast and produces deeper colors. This type provides much better picture quality compared to Edge-Lit LED, but it is more expensive.
Direct-Lit LED Screens
These displays are very similar to Full-Array LED displays but without local dimming technology, they have an array of LEDs placed behind the screen, but they do not offer the same level of contrast control. These displays are a middle ground between Edge-Lit and Full-Array in terms of performance and price.
LED screens features
LED monitors use much less power than CRT and LCD monitors, produce higher contrast images, making them environmentally friendly, and are more durable and have a longer lifespan than CRT and LCD monitors. Additionally, LED monitors are very thin and do not generate heat while operating, making them a preferred choice for many users, especially those looking for gaming monitors.
What do we need for games?
Now that we know the different types of monitors that can be purchased as gaming monitors and the differences between them, it is time to delve into the details that make the gaming experience more enjoyable and realistic. To achieve the best gaming experience, the display must be able to provide bright colors, adequate brightness, and strong contrast, in addition to smooth performance, while taking advantage of the latest technologies that enhance the gaming experience. Let's review these factors in detail:
1. Colors, brightness, and contrast
Colors are an essential part of any visual experience and especially when it comes to choosing gaming monitors. In games that rely on complex graphics and vibrant virtual worlds, in order to have an immersive gaming experience, the monitor must be able to display a wide range of colors accurately.
Color Gamut is a property that refers to the ability of a display to display a certain range of colors. QLED and OLED displays in particular offer wider ranges of colors, which means that the game will appear in its original colors intended by the developers.
Color depth measures the number of colors a display can display. 10-bit displays are capable of displaying one billion colors, compared to 8-bit displays that display only 16.7 million colors. This difference can be noticeable in games with complex graphics and dynamic visuals. Brightness is the amount of light a display can produce. Brightness plays a crucial role in determining the clarity of an image, especially in well-lit rooms or in bright scenes within games.
Contrast is the difference between the lightest and darkest points in an image. OLED displays have a very high contrast ratio thanks to their ability to turn off individual pixels to produce true blacks, making games look more realistic and have greater visual depth.
2. Screen performance
Performance when it comes to gaming monitors is divided into several characteristics:
- Response time is the time it takes for a pixel to transition from one color state to another, and is divided into:
- Low Response Time: Monitors with a response time of less than 5ms are ideal for gaming, allowing for smooth, fast motion without any image lag.
- High response time: If the response time is long, it may result in “motion blur” or blurriness in fast-paced scenes, which negatively affects the gaming experience.
- Refresh Rate: The refresh rate is the number of times the screen updates the image per second. The refresh rate is measured in hertz (Hz), and the higher the number, the smoother the motion.
3. Assistive technologies
Frame synchronization technologies improve the gaming experience on gaming monitors by preventing screen tearing and ensuring smooth movement. They are divided into two types:
- Nvidia G-Sync : A technology designed to synchronize the display's refresh rate with the Nvidia graphics card's frame rate, reducing image tearing and input lag.
- AMD FreeSync : Similar to G-Sync but works with AMD cards, it is more affordable and gives excellent results in improving the smoothness of gameplay.
Choosing a gaming monitor can be a bit complicated, but by following these guidelines you will be able to buy the right monitor for your needs. As we mentioned, the type of monitor is not the only factor to choose, but you also have to pay attention to other important factors such as contrast, brightness and performance, so before you make your final decision about buying gaming monitors, review this article.