Most of the hardware you are using to build your new gaming desktop PC is somehow “pre-chosen” or you are at least well aware of what you want in your setup. When it comes to CPUs, the only options are AMD or Intel and the same goes for the GPUs – NVIDIA or AMD again. But one of the most important aspects of the setup is the monitor. This market has a wide variety of brands and models that are suitable for different types of work or games in our case.
The variety of gaming monitors is just as big, but it’s rarely spoken of which monitors are suitable for the first-person shooters, MOBA, racing games, strategy etc. In this article, we will try to clarify the matter and explain what kind of display you should be looking for depending on your taste in games. Nevertheless, most of you know that there are a lot of game types and it’s virtually impossible to cover all of the genres, but since most of them require one particular set of skills or offer similar visual experience, we’ve categorized the games in the following genres:
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First-person shooters and racing games
These games are all about fast reaction, precision and accuracy, so your setup should assure smooth visual experience all the time no matter the surrounding in-game conditions. With that being said, there are two types of monitors you should be looking for. If you have enough budget, here’s where G-Sync and FreeSync come into play. To make sure we are on the same page, here’s a brief explanation of what these technologies offer and why should you care. Keep in mind that both technologies deserve a more thorough and in-depth analysis, but we will cover that in the near future with a dedicated article. For now, this will have to do.
G-Sync and FreeSync
Have you ever experience so-called screen tearing or stutter for no apparent reason? This occurs because your GPU’s and display’s frames are out of sync. For example, your monitor supports 60 Hz refresh rate or in other words – 60 frames per second. Your GPU, on the other hand, draws a varying number of frames depending on the surrounding in-game world. The more fast-paced scenes will require more power out of GPU and the frames per second will drop for a brief moment resulting in jagged-looking image, because your GPU will draw only a portion of the frame while your monitor “expects” a full frame.
This can be solved by turning on the V-Sync option in your game which forces the GPU to render the exact same amount of frames as your monitor. This way you get 60 full frames per second, but if your GPU again fails to deliver the needed performance to reach 60 fps, the effect is stuttering and input lag. Some even find this more irritating than screen tearing.
Finally NVIDIA addresses this issue their own way, by integrating a controller chip that not only syncs the frames, but also allows the GPU to control the refresh rate of the monitor leading to a more fluent visual experience even if your GPU drops the amount of frames per second. Later AMD comes up with their own variant called FreeSync, but this time the Adaptive Sync technology is integrated into the DisplayPort 1.2a standard since VESA consortium approved it, making every monitor with DisplayPort 1.2a FreeSync-enabled.
However, both companies have their own different approach on the matter and slightly diverge from each other. We are not here to talk about G-Sync and FreeSync, but find the best displays that will suit your needs and knowing what these technologies are all about is an important aspect to consider.
So, back to the drawing board. We already cleared out that G-Sync and FreeSync monitors are a must-buy for gaming enthusiasts willing to take a deep dive into their pockets. Also, you might want to look for a faster response time, something between 1 and 6 ms should be more than fine. Faster response time means more clear images and no ghosting issues. Some users report that anything under 16 ms is bearable, but professional players will strongly disagree. Most of the monitors out there (even those that are FreeSync and G-Sync capable) use TN panels. They are energy-efficient, fast but lack IPS’ viewing angles. The resolution, on the contrary, isn’t an issue meaning if you have more money to spend, higher resolution is desirable as long as your GPU can support the extra pixels. That’s is the main reason why we started testing the reaction time of the panels on the notebooks we review.
To learn more about the different display technologies, you can read our two articles on the matter:
- Choosing a new (laptop) monitor – what do we need to know? (Part 1)
- Choosing a new (laptop) monitor – what do we have to know? (Part 2)
Acer Predator XB270HA bprz
This monitor is a good place to start if you have limited budget – 27-inch diagonal, Full HD resolution, 1 ms response time and G-Sync enabled.
| Diagonal size | 27″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | FHD (1920×1080) |
| Response time | 1 ms |
| Refresh rate | 144 Hz |
| Ports | DisplayPort, USB 3.0 hub |
| Display technology | TN |
| Adaptive Sync technology | G-Sync |
| Price | 486 EUR |
Acer Predator XG270HU omidpx
Our second offering here is again from Acer Predator series, slightly pricier but with better resolution and supports FreeSync.
| Diagonal size | 27″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | QHD (2560×1440) |
| Response time | 1 ms |
| Refresh rate | 40-144 Hz |
| Ports | HDMI 2.0, DVI, DisplayPort |
| Display technology | TN |
| Adaptive Sync technology | FreeSync |
| Price | 507 EUR |
ASUS MG279Q
An alternative to the last one, but doesn’t go any further than QHD (2560×1440) resolution and it’s for the other camp with FreeSync support. It also supports frequencies from 35 to 144 Hz which is more than enough for a smooth gameplay, especially if your beastly machine can go up to 144 fps. Furthermore, the display uses IPS technology assuring better image quality and relatively fast response time – 4ms.
| Diagonal size | 27″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | QHD (2560×1440) |
| Response time | 4 ms |
| Refresh rate | 35-144 Hz |
| Ports | HDMI/MHLx 2, Mini DisplayPort 1.2, DisplayPort 1.2, 2x USB 3.0 |
| Display technology | IPS |
| Adaptive Sync technology | FreeSync |
| Price | 655 EUR |
Acer Predator XB270HU bprz
Another display that’s worth mentioning, because it has IPS panel, 4 ms response time, QHD resolution, 27-inch diagonal and it’s intended to be used with NVIDIA graphics supporting G-Sync. A bit pricier than the ASUS model, though, due to the G-Sync part.
| Diagonal size | 27″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | QHD (2560×1440) |
| Response time | 4 ms |
| Refresh rate | 144 Hz |
| Ports | DisplayPort (version 1.2) |
| Display technology | IPS |
| Adaptive Sync technology | G-Sync |
| Price | 763 EUR |
BenQ XL2730Z
And the last one from this class is the BenQ XL2730Z – 27-inch diagonal, fast response TN panel, 144 Hz refresh rate, and FreeSync support. The best part of this display, however, is the variety of ports that offers – USB3.0, USB2.0, mini USB, D-sub, DVI-DL, HDMI2.0x1, HDMI1.4×1, DP1.2, 3.5 mm audio jack.
| Diagonal size | 27″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | QHD (2560×1440) |
| Response time | 1 ms |
| Refresh rate | 40-144 Hz |
| Ports | 1x DisplayPort (version 1.2a), D-sub, DL-DVI, HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0, 2x USB 3.0 |
| Display technology | TN |
| Adaptive Sync technology | FreeSync |
| Price | 664 EUR |
Now here’s some more budget-friendly alternatives that keep the important features like low response time, high refresh rate and big diagonal, but lack the G-Sync and FreeSync features. However, these monitors are more suitable for more competetive games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, because most probably your PC will run the game with ease. The G-Sync and FreeSync technologies will make more use of more demanding games prone to massive frame drops like Metro Last Light, Battlefield 4, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Bioshock Infinite etc.
Asus VG248QE
This monitor keeps the costs low due to the use of TN panel, but offers 144 Hz refresh rate, 1 ms response time, but the 24-inch diagonal might be insufficent for some.
| Diagonal size | 24″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | FHD (1920×1080) |
| Response time | 1 ms |
| Refresh rate | 50-144 Hz |
| Ports | 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, DVI-D (supports NVIDIA 3D Vision), 3.5 mm audio jack, AV Audio Input: HDMI, DisplayPort |
| Display technology | TN |
| Adaptive Sync technology | N/A |
| Price | 311 EUR |
Samsung U28D590DS
If you are more into bigger monitors with 4K UHD resolution, but don’t want to keep the low response time, the Samsung U28D590DS might be the one for you. However, 60 Hz refresh rate is a downer here.
| Diagonal size | 28″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | UHD (3840×2160) |
| Response time | 10 ms |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | DisplayPort 1.2, 2x HDMI 1.4 |
| Display technology | TN |
| Adaptive Sync technology | N/A |
| Price | 435 EUR |
AOC i2757FM
This frameless delight comes at a good price with IPS panel and fast enough response time – 5ms. But yet again, the refresh rate is limited to only 60 Hz.
| Diagonal size | 27″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | FHD (1920×1080) |
| Response time | 5 ms |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | HDMI x2 (HDCP) with MHL support, D-sub VGA |
| Display technology | IPS |
| Adaptive Sync technology | N/A |
| Price | 270 EUR |
MOBA, MMORPG games
For this genre of games, response time isn’t all that important. So better image quality is a good starting point. Also, we suggest going for a 24-inch panel at most and resolution not higher than QHD. This way you will spend less time turning your head around the screen and icons and objects will not appear so small that you can’t click on them. These games have a completely different style of play compared to the FPS and racing games because here you are focused on the whole surface of the screen. In the FPS, it’s the other way around – bigger field of view is desirable (bigger diagonal), but you are more concentrated in the center of the monitor. Moreover, refresh rate isn’t all that important too so anything from 60 to 75 Hz will do the job just fine. MOBA games aren’t so fast-paced so it’s a little waste of money to acquire a 144 Hz monitor.
Acer G257HU smidpx
Don’t aim for any bigger than this. Acer’s G257HUsmidpx has a cool IPS panel with a good response time 4 ms and 60 Hz refresh rate and will go along just fine with your MOBA and MMORPG games.
| Diagonal size | 25″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | QHD (2560×1440) |
| Response time | 4 ms |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort |
| Display technology | IPS |
| Adaptive Sync technology | N/A |
| Price | 281 EUR |
Dell U2412M
Not listed as a gaming monitor, but the specs suggest otherwise. This 24-inch IPS display will surely deliver the much-wanted gaming experience. You can also snatch a bit cheaper variant with 23-inch diagonal.
| Diagonal size | 24″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | FHD (1920×1080) |
| Response time | 8 ms |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | 1x DVI-D (HDCP), 1x D-sub, 1x DisplayPort |
| Display technology | IPS |
| Adaptive Sync technology | N/A |
| Price | 276 EUR |
EIZO FORIS FS2333
It’s time for a more exotic selection from EIZO. This monitor has been highly praised not only by the users, but by the experts and it’s a everyday choice from Fnatic. The 23-inch monitor also has several key features that will take place not only in the MMORPG world, but you can also play an FPS game from every now and then. Moreover, 5-year warranty is a great deal-breaker for some.
| Diagonal size | 23″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | FHD (1920×1080) |
| Response time | 3.4 ms |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | VGA, DVI, 3.5 mm audio jack, HDMI |
| Display technology | IPS |
| Adaptive Sync technology | N/A |
| Price | 466 EUR |
ASUS MX239H
Specs here are great – 5 ms IPS panel with 75 Hz refresh rate and beautiful ergonomic design steal the show here. However, the manufacturer recommends 60 Hz for almost all purposes.
| Diagonal size | 23″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | FHD (1920×1080) |
| Response time | 5 ms |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | 2x HDMI, 1x VGA (D-sub), HDMI, 3.5 mm audio jack |
| Display technology | IPS |
| Adaptive Sync technology | N/A |
| Price | 225 EUR |
RTS (real-time strategy) games
The key features from the MMORPG games apply here as well, but higher resolution is more desirable here. Most users report that 23-24-inch diagonal and QHD resolution is the sweet spot. Objects and icons appear to be reasonably sized and the diagonal isn’t distracting. In addition, most users report that the combination of 24-inch diagonal and QHD resolution is just fine for productivity. Basically, you can throw in the ones from the MMORPG section as well.
Dell P2416D
We start off again with a monitor from Dell that has all of the requirements – 24-inch diagonal, QHD resolution (2560×1440), 60 Hz refresh rate and quality IPS panel.
| Diagonal size | 23.75″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | QHD (2560×1440) |
| Response time | 8 ms |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, VGA, 4 x USB 2.0 |
| Display technology | IPS |
| Adaptive Sync technology | N/A |
| Price | 328 EUR |
Acer G247HYU bmidp
A more budget solution from Acer, but the this IPS monitor will surely deliver.
| Diagonal size | 23.8″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | QHD (2560×1440) |
| Response time | 6 ms |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | HDMI, DVI, Display port |
| Display technology | IPS |
| Adaptive Sync technology | N/A |
| Price | 255 EUR |
ASUS PB258Q
This one will take a deep dive into your pockets, but has lots of cool feature for you to take advantage of.
| Diagonal size | 27″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | QHD (2560×1440) |
| Response time | 5 ms |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, DL-DVI, D-sub (with HDCP) |
| Display technology | IPS-PLS |
| Adaptive Sync technology | N/A |
| Price | 447 EUR |
Third-person shooters, open world games
These kind of games can be approached in a two different ways – if you prefer image quality, go for the IPS variants, but if you want more responsiveness and better performance out of your display, TN panels with higher refresh rate will be okay. If you have the extra money, FreeSync and G-Sync displays are preferable, due to the more demanding nature of these games (GTA V, Assassin’s Creed series etc.), you might experience serious frame drops at times and this is where both technologies shine.
For the once opting for better image quality, we suggest going for…
EIZO Foris FG2421
This goes without saying that this monitor is actually one of the most impressive ones on the market right now. It runs a 23.5-inch MVA panel that’s a compromise between an IPS and TN displays bringing the best of both worlds. So basically what you get is great response time, 120 Hz refresh rate and superior to TN matrices image quality. Something you don’t see every day. Also, the input lag of only 10 ms and response time of 8 ms will suit perfectly for most gamers. Not to mention the mind-blowing 5000:1 static contrast ratio.
| Diagonal size | 23.5″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | FHD (1920×1080) |
| Response time | 1-4 ms |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz |
| Ports | DL-DVI (HDCP), DisplayPort, HDMI. 3.5 mm audio jack, 2x USB ports |
| Display technology | MVA |
| Adaptive Sync technology | N/A |
| Price | 563 EUR |
BenQ GW2760HS
A more budget offering from BenQ, but capable, nonetheless – AMVA panel with 4 ms response time and 60 Hz refresh rate.
| Diagonal size | 27″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | FHD (1920×1080) |
| Response time | 4 ms |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | 1x DVI (HDCP), 1x HDMI, 1x D-sub |
| Display technology | AMVA |
| Adaptive Sync technology | N/A |
| Price | 254 EUR |
Asus MX279H
Much like the MX239H, but in a bigger form factor with 5 ms response time and 60 Hz effective refresh rate.
| Diagonal size | 27″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | FHD (1920×1080) |
| Response time | 5 ms |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | 2x HDMI, 1x VGA (D-sub), HDMI, 3.5 mm audio jack |
| Display technology | IPS |
| Adaptive Sync technology | N/A |
| Price | 254 EUR |
Dell S2740L
A pricier offering from Dell’s top shelf, the S2740L offers a fairly good response time of 7 ms and 60 Hz refresh rate.
| Diagonal size | 27″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | FHD (1920×1080) |
| Response time | 7 ms |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | HDMI, VGA, DVI-D (HDCP) |
| Display technology | IPS |
| Adaptive Sync technology | N/A |
| Price | 387 EUR |
Acer Predator XB270HU bprz
We are again drawn to the first ever QHD IPS display with 144 Hz refresh rate and G-Sync on top of that. You really can’t get anywhere better than this. This will be suitable not only for FPS games but for almost any other game for that matter.
| Diagonal size | 27″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | QHD (2560×1440) |
| Response time | 4 ms |
| Refresh rate | 144 Hz |
| Ports | DisplayPort (version 1.2) |
| Display technology | IPS |
| Adaptive Sync technology | G-Sync |
| Price | 763 EUR |
Acer Predator XB280HK bprz
Another monitor from the company that has it all – 4K UHD resolution, G-Sync support, fast response time – 1 ms and it’s 28″.
| Diagonal size | 28″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | UHD (3840×2160) |
| Response time | 1 ms |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Ports | Display Port, USB Hub |
| Display technology | TN |
| Adaptive Sync technology | G-Sync |
| Price | 640 EUR |
However, for better performance, you might want to take a look at these.
ASUS MG279Q
We already talked about that one, it can fit in here as well.
| Diagonal size | 27″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | QHD (2560×1440) |
| Response time | 4 ms |
| Refresh rate | 35-144 Hz |
| Ports | HDMI/MHLx 2, Mini DisplayPort 1.2, DisplayPort 1.2, 2x USB 3.0 |
| Display technology | IPS |
| Adaptive Sync technology | FreeSync |
| Price | 655 EUR |
BenQ XL2730Z
Another familiar device here.
| Diagonal size | 27″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | QHD (2560×1440) |
| Response time | 1 ms |
| Refresh rate | 40-144 Hz |
| Ports | 1x DisplayPort (version 1.2a), D-sub, DL-DVI, HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0, 2x USB 3.0 |
| Display technology | TN |
| Adaptive Sync technology | FreeSync |
| Price | 664 EUR |
Asus VG248QE
And finally this one is one of the most popular gaming monitors from last year, so it’s worth considering. Its performance is more than welcome here.
| Diagonal size | 24″ |
|---|---|
| Resolution | FHD (1920×1080) |
| Response time | 1 ms |
| Refresh rate | 50-144 Hz |
| Ports | 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, DVI-D (supports NVIDIA 3D Vision), 3.5 mm audio jack, AV Audio Input: HDMI, DisplayPort |
| Display technology | TN |
| Adaptive Sync technology | N/A |
| Price | 311 EUR |
We did a lot of research to find which monitors fit the profile better and it’s quite possible that we’ve missed some due to the wide variety of devices in this segment. If you have something to share, please do not hesitate to do so in the comment section below.