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Gaming Monitor Setup

Gaming Monitor Buying Guide

With so many different displays on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for your rig. That's where this easy-to-follow guide comes in! We'll walk you through refresh rates, resolutions, and panels, so you can make an informed decision and find the best monitor for your budget and needs.

SSD

What is a Gaming Monitor?

A gaming monitor is a type of computer monitor that is specifically designed for gaming. It typically has features that make it better suited for gaming than a regular monitor, such as higher refresh rate, lower response time and wider viewing angles. In addition to these features, gaming monitors often have other features that make them more appealing to gamers, such as HDR support, G-Sync or FreeSync compatibility and ergonomic design.

Processor

Why do I need a gaming monitor?

If you regularly play fast-paced titles, a standard desktop screen or television might hold you back with noticeable input lag and motion blur. A dedicated gaming monitor provides much faster refresh rates—often 144Hz or higher—and lower response times, meaning the on-screen action appears incredibly smooth and your button presses register without delay. This setup allows you to track moving targets clearly without distracting visual ghosting, giving you a distinct advantage in multiplayer matches and a completely stutter-free visual experience during solo play.

Types of Gaming Monitors

Monitors come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Three of the most popular types of monitors are flat, ultrawide, and curved.

Gaming Monitor.

Flat Monitors

Flat monitors are the most common type of monitor. They are typically rectangular in shape and have a flat screen. Flat monitors are a good choice for general use, as they offer a wide viewing angle and good image quality.

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Ultrawide Gaming Monitor.

Ultrawide

Ultrawide monitors are wider than traditional monitors and a great way to get the benefits of a multi-monitor setup without taking up as much desk space. They offer a more immersive viewing experience, making them ideal for gaming and productivity. Ultrawide monitors can be either curved or flat.

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Curved Gaming Monitor.

Curved

Curved monitors offer a wider field of view than flat monitors, which can provide a more immersive viewing experience. The curvature of a monitor is measured in "R" units, with lower numbers indicating a greater curve. Curved monitors wrap around your field of vision, which can help to reduce eye strain during gameplay.

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Resolution

A monitor's resolution dictates the sharpness and clarity of your display. It simply represents the total number of pixels on your screen – a higher resolution translates to a sharper, more lifelike picture quality.

1080p
1080p resolution

FHD (1920 x 1080) is the practical choice for everyday computing and casual gaming. Ideal for screens up to 27 inches, it delivers a crisp picture that keeps hardware demands low, making it the perfect display for hitting rapid frame rates in competitive matches.

2K
2K resolution

Often referred to as QHD (2560 x 1440), 2K is the absolute sweet spot for gaming and creating. It offers a brilliantly sharp picture and more workspace than 1080p. It’s an incredibly popular choice for 27-inch monitors, balancing stunning visuals with super-smooth performance.

4K
4K resolution

Ultra High Definition (3840 x 2160) packs four times the pixels of standard HD. It delivers breathtaking, cinematic detail that’s perfect for graphic design, video editing, and visually immersive gaming on larger screens. It's the ultimate visual upgrade for your desk!

5K
5K resolution

Step up to professional-grade clarity. 5K (5120 x 2880) gives you 77% more detail than standard 4K displays, offering massive screen real estate for demanding creative workflows. Edit high-resolution video or view large images with ease, all without constant scrolling.

Stand out features

Experience stunning visuals and ultra-smooth action with a display built for speed, featuring a fast response time, high refresh rate, and innovative Dual Hz technology.

 
Screen size
Screen size

Monitor sizes are measured diagonally, from corner to corner. While 24-inch screens are the esports standard for tracking fast action at 1080p, 27-inch monitors are now the UK's top choice. Paired with a 1440p resolution, a 27-inch display offers the perfect balance of sharp visuals and smooth gameplay for any setup.

Response time
Response time

Response time is how quickly your screen's pixels shift from one colour to the next. A lower response time, like 1ms, is essential for gaming monitors as it practically eliminates motion blur and ghosting. Aim for 1ms to keep your picture razor-sharp during intense action.

 
Refresh rate
Refresh rate

Measured in Hertz (Hz), the refresh rate determines how many times your screen updates per second. While 60Hz is fine for everyday tasks, stepping up to 100Hz–120Hz provides noticeably smoother performance. For a true edge, 144Hz or 240Hz is the gold standard for an incredibly fluid, tear-free display.

Dual Hz capabilities
Dual Hz capabilities

Get the best of both worlds with a dual refresh rate monitor. These innovative displays let you switch between stunning 4K at 144Hz for graphically rich, cinematic visuals, and ultra-fast 1080p at 360Hz for competitive play. It's the ultimate flexibility built right into the screen.

Connections

When choosing your monitor, it's essential to consider your connections. Whether you plan to watch films, edit videos, or simply want to plug in your gaming headset and smartphone, the right ports make all the difference.

 
HDMI
HDMI

The standard connection port for your display. Look out for a monitor equipped with HDMI 2.1 – it provides the massive bandwidth needed for the screen to output flawless 4K gaming at 120Hz, ensuring incredibly smooth and responsive visuals.

DisplayPort
DisplayPort

The preferred choice for high-spec gaming displays. DisplayPort easily handles uncompressed video and audio, with the monitor's latest versions supporting ultra-high refresh rates for 4K and 8K screens, giving you a perfectly synced, tear-free experience.

 
USB
USB

Built-in USB ports transform your monitor into a convenient desk hub. Easily plug in your keyboard, mouse, or even charge your smartphone directly from the screen, helping to keep your entire setup clean, tidy, and clutter-free.

USB-C
USB-C

The ultimate single-cable solution built into modern displays. A USB-C port transmits high-resolution video, lightning-fast data, and power all at once. This means you can output to your screen and charge your devices simultaneously, completely eliminating messy cable clutter.

 
Audio
Audio

While many monitors feature basic built-in speakers for everyday use, competitive gamers need more. Look for a screen with a dedicated audio output port to plug in your favourite gaming headset, allowing you to hear every footstep with crystal-clear positional sound.

Built-in Speakers.

Built-in Speakers

Some gaming monitors have built-in speakers, which means you can enjoy your games without having to connect external speakers.

Adaptive Sync.

G-Sync or FreeSync

G-Sync and FreeSync are technologies that synchronize the monitor's refresh rate with the graphics card, which can eliminate screen tearing and stuttering.

Less Delay

Less Delay

For competitive gamers in fast-paced titles, high-quality monitors use a dedicated 'Game Mode' to bypass processing steps. This engineering greatly reduces input lag (often below 10), giving you immediate reaction times and a crucial competitive advantage where on-screen action feels direct.

HDR Monitor.

HDR Support

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. It is a technology that enhances the contrast and color range of a display. This results in images that are more realistic and immersive. We highly recommend looking for a gaming monitor that features HDR technology.

Console Gaming Monitors.

Console Gaming

A console monitor is a type of monitor that is specifically designed for use with gaming consoles. Console monitors typically have a high refresh rate and low response time, which are important for gaming. They also often have a wider viewing angle than traditional monitors, which is important for playing games with friends or family.

What makes a monitor suited for consoles?

  • Great connectivity: The latest gaming consoles are easy to connect to a gaming monitor. Both the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S support HDMI 2.1, which is the latest version of the HDMI standard and allows for high resolutions and refresh rates.
  • High refresh rates: Many gaming monitors are able to support refresh rates over 120Hz. This means that the image on the screen is updated more often, resulting in smoother and more responsive gameplay.
  • 4K resolution: There is a wide choice of gaming monitors that have 4K resolution which provide incredibly sharp and detailed images. These are perfect to connect a Xbox Series X/S or PS5 to, as both these consoles are capable of 4K gaming.
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Refurbished Monitor.

Refurbished Gaming Monitors

Refurbished gaming monitors are a great way to save money on high-quality monitors without sacrificing performance. They are typically much cheaper than new monitors, have the same features and specifications, are backed by a warranty, and help to reduce your environmental impact.

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Shop by brand

Cooler Master.

Cooler Master

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Gigabyte.

Gigabyte

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Samsung.

Samsung

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Philips.

Philips

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Iiyama.

Iiyama

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Frequently asked questions

  • What is the best refresh rate for gaming?

      The best refresh rate for gaming depends on your budget, the type of games you play, and your personal preferences. A refresh rate of at least 120Hz is recommended for most gamers. If you're playing fast-paced games, a 144Hz monitor is a good option. If you're a competitive gamer, a 240Hz monitor may be worth considering.

      Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing a refresh rate for gaming:

      • Your graphics card: Your graphics card needs to be able to output enough frames per second (FPS) to match the refresh rate of your monitor.
      • Your budget: Refresh rates can vary in price, so you'll need to decide how much you're willing to spend.
      • Your personal preferences: Some people prefer a smoother gaming experience, while others prefer a higher resolution. Ultimately, the best refresh rate for you is the one that you're most comfortable with.

      When choosing a monitor, it's important to consider your budget, the type of games you play, and your personal preferences.

  • What’s the best monitor to use for a PS5?

      The PS5 can output 4K resolution at 120 frames per second (fps). To get the most out of this, you'll need a monitor with a 4K resolution and a refresh rate of at least 120Hz.

      HDMI 2.1 is the most recent version of the HDMI standard, and it's required for 4K 120Hz output. If you use a monitor with an older HDMI version, you'll be limited to a lower resolution or refresh rate.

      In addition to 4K 120Hz output, HDMI 2.1 also supports other features that are beneficial for gaming, such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). VRR allows the monitor and the PS5 to synchronize their refresh rates, which can help to reduce screen tearing. ALLM automatically switches the monitor to a low-latency mode when gaming, which can improve input lag.

      So, if you're looking for the best monitor to use with your PS5, you should look for a monitor with a 4K resolution, a refresh rate of at least 120Hz, and HDMI 2.1 support.

  • What’s the best monitor to use for an Xbox Series X/S?

      When buying a monitor for Xbox gaming, it's essential to look for a monitor with a high refresh rate, ideally 120Hz or above. This will ensure smoother motion and reduce screen tearing. Additionally, a low response time, preferably 1ms or lower, will minimize input lag, allowing for quick and precise gameplay.

      The display resolution is also crucial. QHD or 4K (Ultra HD) are the most common options, and they will provide sharper visuals. HDR (High Dynamic Range) support is also worth considering, as it enhances color accuracy and contrast, resulting in more vibrant and realistic images.

      Connectivity options like HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 will enable compatibility with the latest Xbox consoles and offer features such as variable refresh rate (VRR) and auto low latency mode (ALLM) for a smoother and more responsive gaming experience. For Xbox Series X, 4K @ 120Hz can be reached via HDMI 2.1. The Xbox Series S operates slightly lower at QHD/1440p @ 120Hz via HDMI 2.1.

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