Unlike standard office monitors, gaming ones are designed to make the output of your graphics card and CPU look as good as possible while you game. The most important features vary by person, but many gamers find a big benefit in avoiding the dropped frames and input lag common to older technologies.
The size of a gaming monitor is also important. A monitor that’s too small can strain your eyes, especially if you sit close to it. The best monitors for most people are 24 to 32 inches, which provide ample screen real estate without overpowering most desks.
If you play fast-paced games, consider getting a monitor with a high refresh rate. This technology doubles the number of frames displayed each second, reducing motion blur and making it easier to follow game action. The bare minimum is 60Hz; 144Hz or higher is better.
A monitor’s brightness is another key feature. It’s measured in candelas per square meter (cd/m2), or a more precise unit called “nits.” Most manufacturers claim very high contrast ratios on their monitors, but only those that follow VESA’s standardized testing procedures are likely to be accurate. You can also check the monitor’s luminance by plugging in a light source and measuring it on the screen. A lower value means a darker display. If the luminance is too low, the monitor may have a problem with its backlight or a filter that limits its light output. In this case, a replacement might be needed. gaming monitor