5 Essential Criteria for Choosing your PC Monitor

Choosing your PC isn’t just about the CPU! Sometimes overlooked by users, purchasing the right PC monitor for your use plays a critical role in both performance and comfort. A lover of movies and series, for example, will not look for the same strengths as a gamer, or a user of office software. Here are the essential points to consider when buying the Best monitor for sim racing.

How to Choosing your PC Monitor

1. What kind of use?

Each modern PC monitor offers specific advantages, which often specializes it for one type of use. For gamers, purchasing a PC gaming monitor will achieve high display speed and the highest possible definition. Movie fans will appreciate HD or 4K, too, but prefer deep blacks and vivid colors for more immersion. Office tools require a large screen to be able to display more information simultaneously, whereas monitors for graphic designers will rather aim for excellent contrast as well as high fidelity in color reproduction and large color space.

Also find on our website a wide choice of gaming PCs.

2. What screen size?

The size of a PC screen is expressed in inches, on the diagonal of its panel. From 20 to more than 30 inches, there is something for everyone… but especially all offices! If screens in the 21/9 format are the norm today, manufacturers also offer screens displaying a 43/9 ratio, ideal for immersion in games, or for multitasking.

The size of the screen is also to be chosen according to the space available on the desktop. In order not to tire the eyes, a suitable screen size will allow the viewer to have enough distance to enjoy the image. The size of the foot also has its role to play. A large stand will provide more stability, it will usually be possible to adjust the height and tilt of the screen.

3. What screen definition?

Calculated in pixels, the definition determines the sharpness and precision of the image displayed by the screen. 4K PC screens are currently the benchmark in the field, with a monster definition of 4096 x 2160 pixels. One step down, UHD displays (3840 x 2160 pixels) also deliver incredible picture quality, ideal for heavy multimedia consumers.

For total immersion, they can count on the new curved PC screens. A Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixel screen will be the minimum to enjoy good display precision whether you are a game lover or looking for a comfortable screen for office automation. 2560 x 1440 pixel QHD displays are good compromises for comfortable use without targeting expensive 4K displays.

Be careful, however, because a high screen definition will require more power. So make sure you have a sufficiently powerful graphics card to ensure the proper functioning of the whole, especially if you plan to launch resource-intensive games.

4. What technology of the panel?

Among the characteristics, we can find the type of slab. Of course, each technology has its advantages and disadvantages.

TN panel: once popular with gamers, this type of panel offers an ultra-fast response time allowing a large number of images per second to be displayed without detecting parasitic “afterglow”. On the other hand, the viewing angles are reduced, the contrast is generally weak and the colors are not very faithful. Inexpensive, these screens are a solid entry-level for gamers.

IPS panel: above all, this technology enhances image quality. The viewing angles are very good, the colors reproduced are faithful and will meet the needs of graphic designers and image professionals. The contrast ratio is a little behind although manufacturers have made enormous progress in this area. Only the price can put off some users although today we can acquire an IPS screen at a lower cost.

VA panel: constitutes an excellent compromise between the reactivity of the TN and the quality of the IPS. The viewing angles are a little worse than on the IPS but the general quality allows a wide range of use, from simple office automation to demanding game.

OLED panel: the must in terms of image quality, OLED stands out from other technologies by its staggering contrast ratio and its rewarding colors, ideal for viewing multimedia content. More fragile, the lifespan of OLED screens is still to be feared, in particular, because of the effects of “burn-in”.

5. What connection?

Older CPUs use DVI or VGA outputs. On the other hand, if your computer is less than 5 years old, you will have to go through a more efficient connection. Opt for an HDMI connector, which allows you to fully exploit the power of your graphics card for a high-definition display. Today, HDMI faces competition from DisplayPort, which is just as HD but more versatile thanks to its role as a substitute for the old RCA / UV video connectors.

Many displays have several different ports. This offers the choice of the connection used but also allows you to connect with other products. For example, it will be possible to simultaneously connect a stationary computer, laptop, game console, or even a Blu-Ray reader.