Gaming monitors are PC or console displays that are engineered to deliver what gamers require. They keep lag to a minimum, incorporating systems which link graphics cards and displays with lightning speed. They minimise distortion and colour bleeding, offer wide-angle viewing, max out on pixel resolution, and offer connection ports for switching computers or consoles. Around since the 1990s, gaming monitors really took off in the late 2000s with e-gaming, as brands like Asus, Acer, Samsung, and BenQ started to dominate the scene. And now, with 4K and 240hz models around, gamers have more options than ever.
This hotukdeals buyers' guide will take you through everything you need to know about gaming monitors, as well as where to find the best gaming monitor deals. So read on to find out more!
BenQ is favoured by the pros, with Asus and Acer hot on its trail, Samsung models are great for PS4 owners, while Asus and Dell are ideal for Xbox.
The first thing to note about comparing gaming monitor brands (and gaming monitors in general) is that there is a major division between competition-quality monitors, and everyday models that most gamers will look for. E-Sports have become big news recently, and players on first person shooters and sports games tend to need precise visuals and lag-free performance, with hardly any flaws anywhere. That kind of performance isn't easy to achieve, but brands like BenQ and Asus manage it – for a price.
As far as everyday buyers are concerned, reliability, accessibility, and value are probably just as important as high-end features. Brands like ViewSonic suit people who aren't willing to spend £400 or more on a monitor, but want to sample 144hz gaming with G-sync part of the mix. And Dell offer some cheaper gaming monitor models with excellent HDR compatibility – something not all brands provide.
If you want larger gaming displays, Asus have a great range of models to choose from. Resolutions may not be top of the line, but refresh rates on wide-screen designs are impressive, and the sheer experience of playing Call of Duty on larger screens will persuade most buyers. Then there are wide angled models. Not all brands cater for wide angles well, but AOC does, and it also tends to provide setups that are easy to customise. If you've ever felt neck strain after hours of World of Warcraft, you'll appreciate adjustable stands and angles.
Here's the best way to clean a gaming monitor:
Get hold of two micro-fibre cloths that are listed as “lint free.”This will gather any dust from the surface of the monitor without causing any damage. Remember, monitors are delicate pieces of equipment, and it's easy to distort picture quality by using inappropriate cleaning techniques.
First, use one of the cloths to wipe around the surface, removing any surface dust or smudges that are relatively easy to extract from the screen.
Now, mix up a tiny amount of soap or washing up liquid with warm water. Slightly wet one of the cloths with this solution. Carefully wring out the cloth so that it's almost dry, and use it to wipe the screen's surface.
Slightly dampen the other cloth in warm water (without soap), and use it to get rid of any soap that may have adhered to the screen.
Leave the screen to dry naturally, and avoid using rough towels or tissues to dry it more quickly. Be patient, and you'll achieve perfect results.
