Zeruel's ULTIMATE Gaming Monitor Thread

[Zeruel]

Zeruel's ULTIMATE Gaming Monitor Thread

Monitors are important in this day of gaming and I've seen so many threads already on "what is the best gaming monitor?" This thread will thoroughly go through the types of monitors that are used for gaming today.

IMPORTANT!

While TVs and Monitors typically use the same technologies, MONITORS are better because they are not hindered by the slow "post processing" that TVs use. This is the reason why many TVs have a "gaming mode" because it turns off the slow post processing. Post processing is used by TVs to enhance the picture quality and what not but it causes lag. For gaming purposes a PC, Console, or the Monitor itself will handle the image processing at a LOWER level to ensure little or no lag.

WHAT DOES LED, LCD, OLED MEAN?

Informational Video on these terms

The Basics

Monitors or TVs typically use LCD displays with a LED back-lighting systems. It is recommend you get a monitor with the LCD/LED set up. Plasma screens are not made anymore so you won't find one so easily plus plasma screens are typically used for TVs that have post processing.

OLED are a fantastic solution but are not currently available just yet.

PANEL TYPES

Informational Video on Panel types

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNc2fKuVnGU

The Basics

TN Panels

Pros

+ Support for higher refresh rates 120Hz, 144Hz

+ Less ghosting than IPS monitors

+ Faster response times

Cons

- Color reproduction not as good ( High end TN gaming monitors use better quality panels )

- Viewing angels are small

- Gaming Grade TN Panels are more expensive than any other grade of TN Panel and in some cases IPS Panels.

IPS Panels

Pros

+ Good color reproduction

+ Good viewing angles

Cons

- Ghosting

- Slower response times than TN Panels

- Slightly more expensive

REFRESH RATES

Informational Video on Refresh rates

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCWZ_kWTB9w

The Basics

The Human eye CAN SEE more than 24fps. At bare- minimum a Monitor should be 60Hz. If a game is running at 60fps and the monitor is running at 60Hz then everything(usually) is sysnced up. Some monitors can do 120/144Hz but you need a good PC to run the games at 120+fps. There is no bonus using a 120Hz monitor on a console because consoles can only do a max of 60Hz output.

RESOLUTION

Informational Video on Resolution

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqdPciq2yJs

The Basics

Resolution is usually measured in pixels by Length times the Width of a display ( HD 1080p : 1920 x 1080 ) and viewing distance. A 24 inch display that is full 1080p will look much sharper and clearer than a 32 inch full 1080p display. Recommended gaming monitors sizes are 22 inches to 24 inches since people tend to sit close to their monitors like the "Pros" do.

Pixel Density?

Informational Video on Pixel Density

List of typical Resolutions

1366x768 = 720p

1600x900 = 900p

1920x1080 = 1080p

2560x1440 = 1440p

3840x2160 = 2160p (4K)

What is 4K?

Informational Video on 4K

Monitors can only be as good as the content they display. A 480p video on a 1080p monitor looks like trash, same can be applied to games. Pixels and "Fuzziness" can be noticed if a game runs at 900p on 1080p monitor.

You can connect a console to a 4K Monitor but the image will just get up scaled and WILL NOT look as good as a native 4K game. Console may be able to play 4K movies or other video content but only PC can run games at Native 4K.

CONNECTION PORTS

Informational Video on Connection Ports

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f38sotYHqtA

Consoles use HDMI as their method of transferring video, so make sure your Monitor has an HDMI INPUT. You can convert an HDMI signal to a DVI signal easily with adapters or HDMI to DVI cables. Some monitors even come with HDMI to DVI cables!

Simply plug the HDMI part into the console and the DVI cord into the Monitor. Take note sound does not transfer over DVI so use a headset to get sound!

Some monitors have HDMI OUTPUTS which means that the monitor takes in an HDMI signal and transfers it to the screen then OUTPUTS the signal through another HDMI port.

GENERAL BUYERS GUIDE VIDEO

Informational Video on what makes a good gaming monitor.

Please watch!

So how do I know if my monitor is good for gaming or if I need an upgrade?

There are some test websites that test the refresh rate, motion blur, and ghosting. One popular website is Blurbusters. This website will help you determine if you are comfortable with the performance of your monitor. Test UFO is their parent website that hosts multiple testing demos that will test your monitor.

To test your monitor simply hook it up to a laptop(make sure the external monitor is set as the primary monitor) or a PC and go to the following websites.

Links

Main Website: http://www.blurbusters.com/

Test UFO: http://www.testufo.com/

OK! I want to upgrade!

First you need to ask yourself what do I really want in a monitor? Do I want good colors and viewing angles or super fast response times? Am I playing on a console or PC?

Take this into consideration as I lay down a list of monitors that are categorized in a "casual" vs "competitive" manner. Also I organized each monitor according to cost in each tier so I did take budget into consideration as well. I cannot list every monitor available but I list a few popular ones that you can compare specs to if you find a monitor not on the list. I will also mention if the monitor needs an adapter or cable so it can be used with a console.

MONITOR LIST

I will only list 1080P+ 60Hz+ 22in - 28in monitors, anything less is unsuitable for serious gaming.

Rookie Monitors

Acer S220HQLAbd Black [ Casual ]

Resolution: 1080P 22 inches

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Response Time: 5ms

Panel Type: TN

Price: $110

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009316

BenQ GW2255 Black [ Casual ]

Resolution: 1080P 22 inches

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Response Time: 6ms

Panel Type: VA

Price: $125

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014329

Asus VE228H [ Casual ]

Resolution: 1080P 22 inches

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Response Time: 5ms

Panel Type: TN

Price: $130

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable NOT needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236100

Dell S2240M Black [ Casual ]

Resolution: 1080P 22 inches

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Response Time: 7ms

Panel Type: IPS

Price: $140

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1CZ2503945

ASUS VX229H Black [ Casual ]

Resolution: 1080P 22 inches

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Response Time: 5ms

Panel Type: AH-IPS

Price: $150

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable NOT needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236363

BenQ GL2460HM Black [ Competitive ]

Resolution: 1080P 24 inches

Refresh Rate: 75Hz

Response Time: 2ms

Panel Type: TN

Price: $160

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable NOT needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014377

Champion Monitors

BenQ RL2455HM Black-Red [ Competitive ]

Resolution: 1080P 24 inches

Refresh Rate: 75Hz

Response Time: 1ms

Panel Type: TN

Price: $190

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable NOT needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014345

ASUS VN248H-P Super Narrow Bezel Black [ Casual ]

Resolution: 1080P 24 inches

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Response Time: 5ms

Panel Type: IPS

Price: $200

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable NOT needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236335

LG 24MB35PU-B Black [ Casual ]

Resolution: 180P 24 inches

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Response Time: 5ms

Panel Type: IPS

Price: $210

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G1GC2939

ASUS VS24AH-P Black [ Casual ]

Resolution: 1080P 24 inches

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Response Time: 5ms

Panel Type: IPS

Price: $230

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable NOT needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236331

BenQ RL2460HT Black [ Competitive ] SPECIAL!

Resolution: 1080P 24 inches

Refresh Rate:75Hz

Response Time: 1ms

Panel Type: TN

Price: $240

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable NOT needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014374

Personal Note: This is the best Competitive Console gaming in my opinion. Also it has an HDMI output that is useful for streamers!

ASUS VG248QE Black [ Competitive ] SPECIAL!

Resolution: 1080P 24 inches

Refresh Rate: 144Hz

Response Time: 1ms

Panel Type: TN

Price: $260

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable NOT needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236313

Personal Note: Consoles will not benefit from the 144Hz but you can hook up a good PC and a console to this monitor at the same time which will create an good gaming experience on both platforms.

Dell UltraSharp U2412M Black [ Casual ]

Resolution: 1080P 24 inches

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Response Time: 8ms

Panel Type: IPS

Price: $260

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824260047

BenQ XL2411Z Black [ Competitive ] SPECIAL!

Resolution: 1080P 24 inches

Refresh Rate: 144Hz

Response Time: 1ms

Panel Type: TN

Price: $270

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable NOT needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G1R19650

Personal Note: Consoles will not benefit from the 144Hz but you can hook up a good PC and a console to this monitor at the same time which will create an good gaming experience on both platforms.

Ultimate Monitors

PHILIPS 242G5DJEB Black [ Competitive ] SPECIAL!

Resolution: 1080P 24 inches

Refresh Rate: 144Hz

Response Time: 1ms

Panel Type: TN

Price: $300

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable NOT needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824133194

Personal Note: Consoles will not benefit from the 144Hz but you can hook up a good PC and a console to this monitor at the same time which will create an good gaming experience on both platforms.

BenQ XL2420Z Black / Red [ Competitive ] SPECIAL!

Resolution: 1080P 24 inches

Refresh Rate: 144Hz

Response Time: 1ms

Panel Type: TN

Price: $360

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable NOT needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014370

Personal Note: Consoles will not benefit from the 144Hz but you can hook up a good PC and a console to this monitor at the same time which will create an good gaming experience on both platforms.

BenQ XL2430T Black / Red [ Competitive ] SPECIAL!

Resolution: 1080P 24 inches

Refresh Rate: 144Hz

Response Time: 1ms

Panel Type: TN

Price: $390

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable NOT needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014384

Personal Note: Consoles will not benefit from the 144Hz but you can hook up a good PC and a console to this monitor at the same time which will create an good gaming experience on both platforms.

BenQ Gaming XL2720Z [ Competitive ] SPECIAL!

Resolution: 1080P 27 inches

Refresh Rate: 144Hz

Response Time: 1ms

Panel Type: TN

Price: $480

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable NOT needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014375

Personal Note: Consoles will not benefit from the 144Hz but you can hook up a good PC and a console to this monitor at the same time which will create an good gaming experience on both platforms.

MEGA MONITORS!

SAMSUNG UD590 Series U28D590D Black [ Competitive ] SPECIAL! 4K!

Resolution: 4K 28 inches

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Response Time: 1ms

Panel Type: TN

Price: $600

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable NOT needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/SingleProductReview.aspx?reviewid=4022564

Personal Note: While the 4K resolution won't benefit you while playing games on the pixel density will look fantastic and also consoles may be able to play 4K video. Also you can hook up a good PC to this monitor at the same time to enjoy true 4K gaming.

BenQ XL2420G Black 24 [ Competitive ] SPECIAL! G-SYNC MONITOR!

Resolution: 1080P 24 inches

Refresh Rate: 144Hz

Response Time: 1ms

Panel Type: TN

Price: $600

HDMI to DVI adapter/cable NOT needed!

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014412

Personal Note: Consoles will not benefit from the 144Hz but you can hook up a good PC and a console to this monitor at the same time which will create an good gaming experience on both platforms.

Acer XB280HK bprz Black [ Competitive ] SPECIAL! G-SYNC MONITOR! 4K!

Resolution: 2160P 28 inches

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Response Time: 1ms

Panel Type: TN

Price: $800

DISPLAY PORT ONLY - Not compatible with consoles

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009658

ASUS ROG SWIFT PG278Q Black [ Competitive ] SPECIAL! G-SYNC MONITOR! 1440P @ 144Hz!

Resolution: 1440P 27 inches

Refresh Rate: 144Hz

Response Time: 1ms

Panel Type: TN

Price: $800

DISPLAY PORT ONLY - Not compatible with consoles

LINK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236405

Happy monitor buying! Hope this helps and let me know if anything needs to be edited!

[nanowatt]

This is very useful.Well done

[Izaya Orihara]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pros

+ Support for higher refresh rates 120Hz, 144Hz

+ Less ghosting than IPS monitors

+ Faster response times

 

Cons

- Color reproduction not as good ( High end TN gaming monitors use better quality panels )

- Viewing angels are small

- Gaming Grade TN Panels are more expensive than any other grade of TN Panel and in some cases IPS Panels.

 

IPS Panels

 

Pros

+ Good color reproduction

+ Good viewing angles

 

Cons

- Ghosting

- Slower response times than TN Panels

- Slightly more expensive

 

 

 

 

 

Not too bad of a guide but there are two things I'd like to be fixed. 

1. Highend TN Panels such as 120/144 hz ones are actually (most of the time) worse than cheaper 60 hz ones in therms of their color accuray and viewing angels. 

2. So called gaming grade 120/144 hz montiors are far more expensive than a good IPS 60 hz monitor. 

[Zeruel]

Not too bad of a guide but there are two things I'd like to be fixed.

1. Highend TN Panels such as 120/144 hz ones are actually (most of the time) worse than cheaper 60 hz ones in therms of their color accuray and viewing angels.

2. So called gaming grade 120/144 hz montiors are far more expensive than a good IPS 60 hz monitor.

Well I went with Linus's review the newer BENQ and Asus monitors he did mention the better color reproduction on the. I based my statement on the newer TN panels.

Also if you check the pricing (US) some gaming grade 120hz TN panels are actually on par or just a bit above good IPS monitors.

[ShadowCaptain]

Fantastic guide, I will definately be linking to this when people need help!

 

However you should add in Gsync Freesync information as that is becoming more releveant also there are some monitors worth adding in

 

 

I think you should add

Asus PB278Q 1440p 60hz ips,

AOC Q2770PQU 1440p 60hz PLS

AOC G2460 24" Gsync TN monitor

Acer XB280HK - 4k Gsync TN monitor

Acer XB270HA - 144hz Gsync 144hz 1080p

[Zeruel]

Fantastic guide, I will definately be linking to this when people need help!

 

However you should add in Gsync Freesync information as that is becoming more releveant also there are some monitors worth adding in

 

Linus needs to do a techquickie video on those first

I used his techquickie videos because normal people can easily understand them and plus his videos are funny.

I may add more monitors but like I said I cannot list them all plus it might get redundant with some monitors having the same specs. I might just add in a reputable brand section that is a list of good brands, Asus benq acer etc...

[ShadowCaptain]

Linus needs to do a techquickie video on those first

I used his techquickie videos because normal people can easily understand them and plus his videos are funny.

I may add more monitors but like I said I cannot list them all plus it might get redundant with some monitors having the same specs. I might just add in a reputable brand section that is a list of good brands, Asus benq acer etc...

 

Ah thats true those videos are great for explanations in laymen's terms

 

I just think that you only listed one 1440p monitor and its like THE most expensive one around, 

 

The Asus PB278Q and AOC Q2770PQU are fantastic monitors, and actually pretty decent for gaming too with decent response rates and very low ghosting, (both use same panel)