PC Monitors: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Gadgets

May 20, 2022

With so many options in the market, each with its own set of features and functionality, it’s only normal to be confused by which PC monitor would be best suited for you.

There are many aspects to consider when deciding to buy a brand new PC monitor. Since each PC monitor is built for different purposes, you must ask yourself this question: is this PC monitor for gaming, professional, or general use?

Worry not, because we’re here to guide you through the process with the ultimate guide for purchasing a PC monitor.

Monitor resolution

When buying a PC monitor, the first thing you’ll want to know is its resolution. To put it simply, the higher the resolution, the better the quality of the image.

A monitor’s resolution discloses a screen’s length by width in pixels. In layman’s terms, the more pixels per square inch of the monitor, the smoother and sharper the images.

Resolutions are often identified by popular terms such as 5K, 4K, Ultra HD, and Full HD, among others. Of course, a PC monitor’s resolution is tied to its graphics card, which means, if you’ve got a 5K resolution, you’d need a speedy graphics card that can support it.

The standard resolution is usually either 4K, Quad HD, or Full HD, which are great for everyday use.

Design

The design of PC monitors is mainly divided into two, curved or flat. With the recent development of the curved monitor, flat monitors have dropped in popularity.

Curved PC monitors are generally marketed as a more immersive experience. It creates a widescreen experience that’s designed for comfort. This way, you’ll be able to view the screen entirely without having to shift around too much.

Flat monitors are generally much cheaper, and so, if you’re searching for an inexpensive PC monitor for your setup, flat is the way to go. They’re also more suited for setups with limited space as they don’t take up as much desk space as a curved monitor.

Consider curved PC monitors an upgrade from the flat. If you can afford it, we recommend you invest in them for a better experience.

Panels

PC monitors are built with one of the three major LCD technologies: twisted nematic (TN), vertical alignment (VA), and in-plane switching (IPS).

The twisted nematic panels are the cheapest in comparison to the other two. While its performance is the fastest with low response times and highest refresh rates, its display angle and colours lack. Twisted nematic panels are best used for gaming purposes.

Designed for general use, consider the vertical alignment panel the midpoint between the other two. While it places second in terms of viewing angles and price, it’s the champion for colour contrast and image depth.

In-plane switching, on the other hand, is built for professional use. Although its response rate is average, it makes up with the highest quality of viewing angles and colour. IPS is generally the most expensive of all three.

PC monitors: what matters most?

Here’s what you generally need to look out for based on the type of usage you’re looking to get out of your PC monitor.

For gaming, it’s important to purchase a PC monitor with a refresh rate of no less than 120Hz, paired with a response time that’s 3ms and higher. TN panels are the best, however, if you prefer good colour accuracy and refresh rates, you can also opt for IPS panels.

For general use, choosing a PC monitor with VA panels is your best option. With great colour contrast, you’ll get excellent image quality. If you’ll be on the computer for longer than 8 hours, search for a flicker-free PC monitor.

For professional use, of course, opt for a flicker-free PC monitor. The best would be to select a monitor with 4K resolution, but Full HD works great too. On top of that, if you’re working within the creative industry, IPS panels would be best as it displays accurate, true-to-life colours from a wide viewing angle.

Bottom line

In the end, it all comes down to what you’re planning on using the PC monitor for. All PC monitors come with their own sets of strengths and drawbacks, but if chosen correctly, they will serve you well and proper for years on end.