The optimal monitor size for your home. Monitor response time

So, you've decided to replace your old box with something normal, but you can't figure out which monitor is best for gaming. Below we will try to describe as concisely and informatively as possible what you should pay attention to, as well as suggest a couple of models that are most common at the moment.

What should you pay attention to first of all?

• It is best to take from 21.5 to 27 inches - anything less is ultra-budgetary, anything that makes it more difficult to perceive the picture of what is happening in front of you. They contain the maximum amount of information, simplify work with programs, are more promising;
• Do not forget about the design - it is better to take a monitor with a thin frame, tilt adjustment, height adjustment, if possible, and without large bright power indicators (in the dark it just eats out your eyes);
• Pay attention to the FullHD and WQHD formats - higher ones will overload the video card and are not so relevant yet;
• There is no ideal type of matrix (it is responsible for viewing angles, colors, etc.) - at the moment TN is considered the best option for affordable gaming. Nevertheless, it suffers from a small viewing angle and not particularly saturated blacks. IPS are of higher quality, but slower;
• The response time is from 10 to 15 milliseconds, everything that is worse, everything that is less is difficult to catch with the human eye at all;
• Monitors for 120-144 GHz are more expensive and have a TN matrix, but display game scenes more beautifully;
• Minimum DVI port, or better HDMI or Display Port;
• Forget about speakers - a waste of money;
• If you want to hang on the wall, then find out if there are special mounts for this case;
• We give up sensory solutions;
• A curved screen is an interesting solution that will cost you a lot of money.

Which monitor is best for gaming

Examples of great monitors

At the moment, taking into account all the parameters, two leaders in the market of monitors, Philips and Samsung, can be distinguished. Now we will consider which solutions will be best for you:

Available:

• Large - Samsung S24D300H (8,990 rubles) - 24 inches, with all necessary inputs, great price, fast matrix and optimal size. Perfect for work and play, the main thing is not to confuse it with the cheaper HL;
• Very large - Philips 274E5QSB (10,500 rubles), as well as Philips 274E5QHSB - 27-inch screens with a fairly good matrix and an adequate price for such sizes. Unfortunately, they have a rather large grain, but they are perfect for people with low vision. The first model will cost a little less, but you will have to take an adapter for HDMI;

Optimal:

• Regular - Samsung S24E390HL (8 400 rubles) - 24-inch monitor with a relatively affordable price, high-quality backlighting, without unnecessary flickering and the matrix is ​​also pleasing, plus almost frameless. Great for playing games, working and watching movies;
• Gaming - Samsung S27E370D (17 600 rubles) - designer and rather beautiful monitor with excellent color reproduction at 27 inches. FullHD resolution, works with AMD FreeSync technology;

The best solution for gamers

• Chic - Samsung S32D850T (27,300 rubles) - a 32-inch monster that has decent resolution and fine grain. It will take a long time to get used to, but the image is very realistic and of high quality - it will become much easier to work, and it will be more interesting to play, but you will need a rather powerful video card
• 4K - Samsung U24E850R (30,000 rubles) at 24 inches, BenQ BL2711U (30,550 rubles) at 28 inches, BenQ BL3201PT (51,400 rubles) at 32 inches and Iiyama ProLite X4071UHSU-1c (37,700 rubles) at 40 inches. These screens have extremely fine grain and make the image realistic to the limit. Older versions of systems and programs may have unreadable fonts and distortion when scaling. In addition, such monitors will require top-end processors and video cards to play at at least 30 frames per second.

Based on these examples, as well as advice on choosing, you can easily find yourself the most optimal solution for gaming and work in order to forget about this problem for many years.

Currently, the world of computer technology is developing rapidly. Users increasingly prefer to buy ready-made solutions on the computer hardware market, but there are still those who assemble a computer with their own hands. This is due to the desire to save money by choosing all the components for themselves and according to their requirements. One of these components is a monitor. The choice of the latter often comes down to "like it or not," but there are connoisseurs of a high-quality image and it is for them that this article was written.

The main points when choosing a monitor are:

• Diagonal. The most popular are screens with a diagonal of 19 inches. This is the optimum for most games, in addition, many video cards will pull it. Higher resolution and diagonal may require higher performance components.
• Matrix type. There are three of them: TN, IPS and VA. Each of the options has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are described in the "Good to know" section.
• Permission. Another standard is 1920x1080 pixels or Full HD. Quad HD with 2560x1440 pixels and 4K UltraHD are gaining more and more popularity, but powerful video cards are needed to play them.
• Viewing angles. The better they are, the less color and brightness distortion will be at an angle.
• Ports. The most popular now is HDMI, but there are also DVI outputs. The dinosaur on the market is VGA, for which you will have to buy an adapter.
• Update frequency. The optimal indicator is considered to be a 60 Hz update, which is suitable for most users. Gamers prefer 120Hz for a smoother picture, which is very important in esports.
• Adjusting the stand. A minor parameter, often bypassed. With this stand, you can adjust the monitor to fit yourself.

We have selected the top 20 best monitors on the market for you. When forming the rating, the price, customer reviews and their ratings, as well as technical characteristics were taken into account.

The best 19.1-22 '' monitors

Let's start with monitors with small diagonals. They are perfect for solving office tasks, show themselves well in entry-level and mid-level gaming systems and will delight the buyer with a relatively low price.

5 NEC MultiSync E221N

For weak eyes
Country: China
Average price: 15 360 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.7

One of the best models in the budget segment with a difficult to pronounce name MultiSync. Its main advantage is colors that are pleasing to the eye and do not cause tension. The slim bezel is 6 mm wide for a pleasant appearance. You can control the monitor using the touch buttons.

Mobility is also pleasing. The design of the screen allows you to adjust it in height, tilt and angle, since the leg itself is rotating. The delivery set includes a bracket for attaching the vertical part of the stand. Additionally, there is a Display-port, which is very convenient to use. The only flaw is that the monitor is designed to operate at a temperature of 5-35 degrees, which makes it problematic to use in southern latitudes, where in summer the temperature reaches 40-45 degrees.

4 LG 22MK400H

TN matrix with amazing picture
Country: South Korea
Average price: 6550 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

The fourth place in the category is taken by the excellent LG monitor. First of all, you pay attention to the design. He is ascetic as much as possible. Sharp corners, matte black plastic. Even on the back cover, the eye has nothing to catch on - there is only a power connector, an inconspicuous USB hub and USB type-C for image output. When using a monitor, for example, with the new Apple Macbook, you can limit yourself to one connector through which the image will be displayed and the laptop charged - convenient!

It is extremely difficult to find fault with the quality of the image. A high-quality IPS matrix has a resolution of 4096x2304. Color reproduction, contrast, brightness range - everything is fine. The screen coating is anti-reflective. Complaints only to the response speed - 14 ms. But for designers, graphic editors, artists, photographers, for whom this monitor is intended, this characteristic is not very important. Of the interesting features, we note the presence of a light sensor and two good speakers with a total power of 10 watts.

3 Philips 223V7QHAB

Quality build and thin bezels
Country: Netherlands / China
Average price: 7 597 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

Philips regularly delights its fans with technical innovations or lovingly keeps older models alive. 223V7QHAB was no exception. The IPS-matrix produces pure black color, which is why it is convenient to work with the monitor when processing photos. No glare is observed. High pixel density (102 PPI) has a positive effect on image quality. Mechanical control buttons help you customize the screen in a way that suits you best. They protrude strongly from the body and are easy to find by touch. The built-in power supply supplies the device with 13 W in active mode and 0.5 W in idle mode.

Among the shortcomings, the difficulty in adjusting the brightness when SmartImage is off is noted. The white balance has a slight green tint, which requires the use of Windows calibration tools. The built-in speakers produce mediocre sound, but fully justify the price. There are 2 connection ports - HDMI and VGA. It would seem that one can rejoice, but no. The HDMI cable will have to be purchased separately.

2 Acer V226HQLb

Excellent color rendering, nice price
Country: China
Average price: 5620 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.9

The V226HQLb is in the lead in sales for a number of reasons. This is both the high cost of new models and the difficult financial situation in the country. Therefore, buyers note the low price of the model with good color rendering. By the way, the viewing angles here are also quite good and are 170 degrees horizontally and 160 vertically. The maximum frame refresh rate is 75 Hz, which is higher than the standard budget parameters.

There are a couple of interesting things worth mentioning. The monitor has an anti-reflective coating, which is very beneficial when working in brightly lit rooms. Unfortunately, the model inherited the typical sores of its segment. First of all, it is a VGA input, which determines the low price of the product and makes one think about purchasing an HDMI adapter. An unpleasant surprise can be a bulky and uncomfortable stand, which negatively affects the portability of the monitor.

Which monitor to choose: TN, IPS or VA matrix? We propose to study the table of advantages and disadvantages of each type of matrix.

Matrix type	Advantages	disadvantages
	Minimum response time Low price Economical energy consumption The best matrix for PC games	Limited viewing angles Low contrast Light scattering Not perfect black Average color rendering Burning point (in case of failure of the transistor)
	Excellent color rendering Wide viewing angles Quality black color The best matrix for designers and photographers	High price Slow response speed Greater negative impact on vision
	Good color rendering Good viewing angles Intense black High levels of brightness and contrast	Slow response speed Not all monitors are suitable for dynamic scenes (games and movies)

1 BenQ GW2270H

Best 21.5-inch monitor
Country: China
Average price: 6690 rubles.
Rating (2018): 5.0

We put the GW2270H in the first place. The monitor will delight its owner with a high-quality assembly, a variety of modes of use and correct color display. HDMI is not included in the bundle, you will have to buy it, and here, for a minute, there are two. VGA, frankly speaking, does not cope and produces flickering in some applications, which is why you have to set the limit at 60 Hz. The AMVA matrix is ​​very close in quality to IPS, which at the same time allows you to save money and at the same time not to lose a good image.

One of the drawbacks is the uneven illumination, due to which there is a slight glare in the lower left corner and a crystalline effect occurs. Particularly picky buyers in their reviews note not quite high-quality joints on the case and the crunch of the monitor when moving, as well as an inconvenient profile of the screen settings. Overall, this is a great value for the money, with minor flaws that most users won't notice.

The best monitors for a computer with a diagonal of 24-25 inches

It's time to move to a higher segment. This category is characterized by a higher level of graphics and an average price tag.

5 Samsung S24D300H

The most affordable price
Country: South Korea
Average price: 7695 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.5

And again, we start with the most affordable device. The design matches the cost - large frames, glossy plastic - not ugly, but without a twist. The diagonal is optimal for working with texts - 24 inches. On this one fits two sheets of A4 size in real scale. A decent Full HD resolution, coupled with a TN matrix, reduces the response time to 2 ms.

This is where the pluses are over and you should move on to the minuses. Viewing angles leave a lot to be desired - only 170 degrees horizontally and 160 degrees vertically, which leads to inverted colors when deflected. To fix the problem and not raise the price, the manufacturer equipped the monitor with tilt adjustment, but in a small range. There is also no VESA mount for walls. There are only 2 video outputs - HDMI and outdated VGA.

4 LG 25UM58

Monitor for moviegoers and gamers. Aspect ratio 21: 9
Country: South Korea
Average price: 10,200 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.7

Ultra-wide monitors with an aspect ratio of 21: 9 have settled on store shelves for a long time, but users have not gotten used to them. And in vain, because this format is ideal for movies - there are no black bars at the top and bottom, the picture occupies the entire screen area - and games, where a wide viewing angle is useful.

The diagonal of the device is 25 inches, the resolution is 2560x1080 pixels. The matrix is ​​IPS, and therefore there are no complaints about the quality - viewing angles, color rendition, brightness: everything is fine. The refresh rate is slightly higher than the standard 75 Hz. The screen coating is anti-glare, which allows you to work even near a window. There are two HDMI inputs. Yes, and the cable itself was put in the kit - it's nice. We note the excellent cable management - the wires can be hidden in a special channel in the footboard, where they will not be an eyesore. There is a 3.5mm audio output, which comes in handy if access to the system unit is difficult.

3 BenQ BL2411PT

Most popular 24-inch monitor
Country: China
Average price: 16 670 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.8

Third place in the ranking is BenQ BL2411PT, a popular 24-inch universal monitor. The model is perfect for everyday office work, as well as for movies and computer games. BenQ BL2411PT is one of the clear leaders in its price segment. A very affordable price for a monitor on a high-quality IPS - matrix is ​​supported by rich functionality and many nice "buns". There are three video inputs, HDCP support, power saving function, a reminder to rest your eyes. Many praise the comfortable stand and practical design.

According to the reviews of most users, the monitor stands out for its excellent color reproduction, high contrast, and no backlight flickering. Good uniformity of the black field is also noted. The menu is Russified, it is extremely clear, and the monitor after purchase practically does not need to be configured - just plug it in and work!

2 DELL P2415Q

The best technical characteristics. Resolution 3840x2160 pixels
Country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 34,990 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.9

The second place in the rating of the best is DELL P2415Q, the most affordable 4K monitor on an IPS matrix. The resolution of 3840x2160 pixels and a diagonal of 24 inches creates a maximum pixel density (185 PPI), which allows you to see the image on the screen like on paper. The build quality (produced by Qisda Corporation) and the materials of the monitor body give no reason to complain. The device has a wide range of brightness and stable contrast ratio, without SHI modulation in the backlight unit.

Dell P2415Q is a very successful model on the IPS-type matrix, which will appeal to those who like to work with graphics, for those who are interested in a small diagonal with support for the 4K standard. In its price segment, it will be difficult to find a worthy competitor for this monitor.

1 DELL U2515H

The best ratio of price and quality
Country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 24980 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.9

The first place in the rating is DELL U2515H, one of the best monitors for designers and photographers. The IPS matrix allows you to get a sensitive picture, soft colors (which prevent your eyes from getting tired quickly), and the semi-matte surface and anti-reflective coating exclude the appearance of unnecessary glare. Surprisingly, with all the disadvantages of IPS-matrices, in DELL U2515H, light on black is almost invisible.

According to users, this monitor is the best ratio of size and resolution. The diagonal of the screen is 25 inches and the resolution of 2560x1440 pixels allows you to get a clear image and correctly scale images in video editors (Photoshop).

The device has a convenient stand that allows you to adjust the monitor, both in height, and change the angle of inclination and rotate the monitor by 90 degrees.

Video review

The best monitors for a computer with a diagonal of 27-30 inches

5 ASUS MG28UQ

The best alternative solution to game models
Country: China
Average price: 33980 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

This monitor has every chance of becoming a good alternative to gaming solutions due to its lower price than the top-end ASUS ROG series. On the positive side, you should definitely include support for 4K Ultra HD at a refresh rate of 60 Hz and the presence of modern digital interfaces HDMI 2.0 and display ports 1.2, which allow you to fully unleash the potential of the monitor.

The characteristics of the device are worthy of the highest rating. Uniform illumination with a high threshold of brightness and static contrast, plus the function of minimum deviation in the transmission of primary colors, creates an image without blemishes. The only drawback is that the color gamut could have been higher, although for everyday tasks the SRGB gamut should be more than enough. The "gaming" nature of the monitor is evidenced by the minimum response speed - only 1 ms. In addition, there is built-in technology that removes the effect of flicker.

4 Samsung C27F591FDI

Curved monitor. Full sRGBM coverage
Country: South Korea
Average price: 15520 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.8

Samsung knows how to make good monitors. The model, which took the 4th place in the rating, is distinguished, first of all, by the curved matrix. Looks out of the ordinary and provides greater comfort when working due to the shorter distance from the eyes to the edges of the screen than in flat devices. At 27 inches, this is quite useful. The only, but very noticeable drawback is the resolution. Still, fullHD is not enough for this monitor size. But the quality is excellent. TFT * VA matrix provides high brightness and contrast (3000: 1 versus 1000: 1 in most competitors). The response is 4 ms - if you want, you can play. Plus, there is Free sync. Graphics workers will appreciate 100% coverage of the sRGB color space.

The advantages do not end there. You can also praise the Samsung monitor for the large number of video inputs - there are HDMI, VGA and DisplayPort. There is also a pair of speakers, 5W each. The disadvantages of users include only an unregulated stand.

3 LG 27UD58

Most affordable 4K monitor
Country: South Korea
Average price: 25,100 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.9

There is no need to talk a lot about the LG 27UD58. The design of the monitor is quite strict, the frames are not minimal, but their presence is absolutely not annoying. The stand has an extremely small range of adjustments - it is not always possible to set it up comfortably. But for the clamp for the wires, let's say "thank you" to the engineers - no cables stick out on the sides.

The matrix is ​​just great. At 27 inches, there is 4K UltraHD resolution. The picture has excellent color rendering, high brightness, maximum viewing angles and, surprisingly for an IPS matrix, deep blacks. Some users even lower its depth so that, for example, in games, the corners are not lost in pitch darkness. The response time is standard - 5 ms. It is interesting that the declared number of colors exceeds 1 billion - for most models this figure is 16.7 million. The difference is invisible to the eye, but pleasant. Matrix coating is anti-reflective. There are three video inputs: a pair of HDMI and DisplayPort.

2 BenQ GW2765HT

Best features at an affordable price
Country: China
Average price: 21003 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.9

The second place in the ranking of the best is BenQ GW2765HT, an excellent monitor for the money. The display resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, combined with the unique AHVA-matrix, gives an excellent picture, which will be highly appreciated by photographers and designers. And fans of computer games will not stand aside - the declared response time of the monitor is only 4 ms. Among the pleasant features of the monitor, we note the Smart Reminder technology, which will not let your eyes work without rest (the device will remind you that it is time for your eyes to rest).

Advanced users will definitely appreciate the thoughtful W-LED backlight control system, the most convenient stand and a rich set of cables: VGA, HDMI and Display Port. In their positive reviews, users point to an invisible pixel, no screen flicker, dim LED, cool design and minimum price for their characteristics. BenQ GW2765HT is one of the best monitors in terms of price, quality and functionality.

1 LG 29UM59

Choice of buyers
Country: China
Average price: 15 601 rub.
Rating (2018): 5.0

This monitor has a very accessible menu. At the bottom there is only one button with which you can call the settings panel. The button itself is designed as a joystick. Quick access to all inputs will allow you to check all connected devices. The monitor has 2 ports, both of HDMI format. Particularly pleased with the preset of ready-made modes of operation for various tasks. Professional color calibration is provided for aesthetes.

There are no obvious highlights, but the black level is not the best and is close to dark gray. The viewing angles are very good and the picture is almost not inverted when the angle is changed. The model will become a real godsend for people involved in video and audio processing and require a lot of space to accommodate all work items, but do not want to buy 2 monitors.

The best monitors for PC games

We conclude our top five of the best monitors for PC games. The main features of this segment are fast response time, increased screen refresh rate, power saving mode in some variants and high price.

5 LG 29UM69G

Great price for a 21: 9 monitor
Country: South Korea
Average price: 16 670 rubles.
Rating (2018): 4.6

Monitors with an aspect ratio of 21: 9 are slowly becoming more familiar to ordinary gamers. This is understandable - the wide viewing angle in many games gives a strategic advantage. Even the games passed for a long time begin to play with new colors. LG 29UM69G has a diagonal of 29 inches, which is comparable to a 24-25 'monitor with the usual 16: 9 ratio. The resolution is 2560x1080. The picture is of high quality. Thanks to the TFT IPS matrix. Brightness and contrast ratios standard: 250 cd / m2 and 1000: 1, respectively. The response speed is far from the best in the class - 5ms. The maximum refresh rate is also 75 Hz. Due to these characteristics, the monitor is not suitable for fans of dynamic online shooters. But the hardened "RPG-shniki" will be happy with a beautiful picture. Fortunately, we did not forget about the vertical synchronization technology. FreeSync.

Three video inputs: HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2 and USB Type- C. There is a headphone output. The manufacturer also installed two speakers with a total power of 10 watts. The depth and detail of the sound is out of the question, but it will do as a backup source.

4 Samsung C49HG90DMI

The widest monitor in the world
Country: South Korea
Average price: 66730 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6

Think 21: 9 monitors are too wide - look at this monster. The aspect ratio here is 32: 9! But do not be alarmed, because Samsung, in fact, simply combined two 27-inch monitors with the usual aspect ratio in one device. For the same reason, don't be intimidated by the 49-inch diagonal. 3840 x 1080 resolution - again, twoFullHD delivered side by side. The pixel density is small by modern standards, but the image quality in general is difficult to find fault with. Matrix Curved SVA shows excellent figures for brightness (350 cd / m2) and contrast (3000: 1). Support declaredHDR, but tests show minimal effect from enabling it. The vertical scan frequency reaches 144 Hz - an excellent indicator. There is AMD FreeSync 2.

Four video inputs: 2x HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, miniDP 1.4. This amount will come in handy given the presence of technology. Picture by Picture ( PbP). It allows you to display an image from several sources on one screen at once. For example, from a laptop and a game console, or from two computers. The only disadvantages are the high cost - all the same, two 27 'monitors with similar characteristics will cost much less.

3 AOC G2770PF

Remarkable price for a 27 '' gaming monitor
Country: China
Average price: 35 781 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.6

We responsibly declare that the AOC G2770PF is one of the best budget 27 "gaming monitors. For a modest $ 500 by modern standards, you get a device with a refresh rate of 146 Hz, a fleeting response of 1 ms, flicker-free backlighting and FreeSync support. Third place in our rating!

Yes, even if the resolution is only 1920x1080 pixels (FULL HD), but for many it will even be a plus, since not everyone has powerful video cards to open 2k-4k monitors. There are also no questions about the configuration. The device has everything and even more: stereo speakers, DVI input, HDCP support, 4 USB ports. In terms of energy efficiency, the AOC G2770PF is absolutely the best among the competitors in question. In operation, the device consumes a modest 29 W, which is exactly three times less than monitors from ASUS and DELL.

There are, of course, downsides. The manufacturer did not think about the design for a long time and chose a slightly boring gray tone. So what kind of appearance you can put a solid 3. Is it not because of the design that you buy a gaming monitor?

2 ASUS ROG Swift PG278Q

3D support
Country: China
Average price: 56 490 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.7

The second place in the rating is ASUS ROG Swift PG278Q, the only monitor in our review that supports 3D. This allows you to work with 3d graphics and get a lot of positive emotions from watching three-dimensional films and games. However, 3D support is far from the main reason for buying the ROG Swift PG278Q. The device is equipped with a modern TN + Film matrix, which gives a very smooth and clear image. According to this indicator, not many expensive monitors on a TN matrix can be compared with ASUS ROG. Fast response, brightness, excellent color reproduction, thoughtful design - all this is mentioned in numerous positive reviews.

With a 2560 x 1440 resolution, 27-inch W-LED backlighting, and Nvidia G-Sync support, you can feel comfortable in any game. The monitor has only one small drawback - the price, which is approaching $ 2000.

1 DELL S2716DG

Best 27-inch gaming monitor
Country: USA (made in China)
Average price: 44 967 rub.
Rating (2018): 4.9

The first place in the rating of computer monitors is DELL S2716DG, a model with top-end characteristics with an eye to the future. Ultra-fast TFT TN matrix, 2560x1440 resolution, 27-inch screen and 144Hz refresh rate. Add to that the support for G-Sync, with which modern games look much better, the frame transfer is lightning fast. What could be better for a computer game lover?

The monitor has a perfect matte finish that completely eliminates glare. Bright and rich colors will not let your eyes get tired even after several hours of continuous play. In numerous reviews, users note a quick response, build quality, a comfortable stand, a small pixel and a gorgeous 2k resolution.

Video review

In recent years, the concept of "gaming monitor" has clearly stuck in the minds of consumers, which is what the marketing departments of manufacturing companies have been striving for for so long. Now, few people think that for decades (!) We have played with models with not the fastest matrices, with a standard vertical scan frequency of 60 Hz and without any additional technologies that improve the perception of the gameplay. And most importantly, practically no one complained.

Coming to the store in 2018 (or choosing on their own on the Internet) and setting the task of choosing a display with an eye to frequent online battles, many refuse to consider models with a frequency of less than 100 Hz, even if the previous monitor was not very fast and everything seemed to be completely and completely satisfied, but now there is simply an opportunity to buy something new. Such buyers are easy to understand, because progress does not stand still, the visual difference between 60 and 120 Hz is confirmed by almost all users, and therefore, if there is a financial opportunity, it is a sin to give up the modern goods of the IT industry.

There are probably more questions when choosing such monitors, which in the end are often universal solutions, than when choosing displays with characteristics that are less disturbing to the consciousness of most of the public. To simplify this task and help you spend significantly less of your precious time, we decided to tell you about the main criteria for choosing (in a rather short form) game models and give specific examples of the optimal, in our opinion, options available on the market.

Where to begin

First of all, as with buying any other equipment, you need to clearly define your budget: plan the amount that you are ready to part with relatively easily, and set the maximum bar to which you are ready to rise if necessary - in order to get the best of the most suitable for your requests. Without this, the selection process can take a long time, and if you connect to this the constant expectation of what the manufacturers will present in a month / quarter / six months, then even for a year or two, or even indefinitely.

Here we note the following: practice shows that most of the new on the market of monitors is a well-forgotten old in a new "wrapper", and for real and serious improvements, manufacturers at first ask too much. Thus, in most cases, you should focus on time-tested technologies or be ready to overpay for novelty and additional features / features.

At the second stage, you should decide whether the new monitor will be the only one on your desktop used to perform a variety of tasks, or whether it will become the second and will be used exclusively for games without serious requests for picture quality - the type of used is highly dependent on this. matrices. There are often cases when a person is professionally engaged in photography, video or graphics, but does not deny himself the pleasure of spending a couple of hours playing the game process and wants to get a high-quality device "for everything at once." Then the choice is sharply limited and simplified. Likewise, if the buyer just needs the fastest monitor on the market, and he is ready to turn a blind eye to all its shortcomings, even if there are a lot of these shortcomings.

Next, we immediately go directly to the technical moments of the choice, not forgetting that in this material we will consider only the segment of real "gaming monitors", which can only include models with a vertical frequency of 100 Hz and above. We know that many manufacturers are trying to attribute models with 60-75 Hz to this class, but let it remain on their conscience, because with the same success almost all solutions released over the past 10-15 years could be called "gaming" - the only difference is in the support of adaptive synchronization systems, which remove gaps and some jitter of the picture, but are not able to increase the smoothness of what is happening on the screen while maintaining the already familiar vertical frequency.

What are the characteristics and what do they affect

Diagonal and aspect ratio

The diagonal and aspect ratio are characteristics that, oddly enough, have some dependence on each other. On the market of modern gaming (!) Monitors with a high refresh rate, you can find models of two main formats (16: 9 and 21: 9) and a couple of virtually exclusive monitors with a non-standard ratio of 32: 9 and 32:10.

The models we are familiar with with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 have a screen diagonal starting at 23.5 inches and ending at the level of 32-inch solutions. Fast 21: 9 cinema displays are limited to 34-35 inches, while ultra-wide displays are available in 43 and 49 inches. The choice here can be based both on personal experience (for example, your monitor over time began to seem small and you want more), and on the physical ability to place a large display on the table, work tasks, area of ​​interest, distance from eyes to the screen surface, and, certainly, visual acuity - so that you can do without the still somewhat problematic scaling system of Windows.

With the choice of the diagonal, the rules are simple:

• the worse the vision, the diagonal of the screen can (but should not) be larger;
• the longer the working distance, the larger screen you can afford without creating unnecessary problems.

Both rules work in the opposite direction (good vision and a small working distance), but, unfortunately, we cannot give exact examples of the dependence of the screen size and the comfortable distance to the eyes.

As for the advice in various sources about a comfortable distance to the screen 1.5-2 times its diagonal (for a 24-inch monitor it is 92-122 cm), here you can only wonder and ask the authors of such advice if they often see on sale tables with a depth of more than 60-70 cm and are there so many monitors on the market with a stand that allows you to place the screen almost at the very edge of the table. In addition, such advice does not seem to take into account visual acuity, which not everyone can boast of.

With the choice of aspect ratio, things are a little more complicated. Here you need to decide what you want to get. Often you watch films shot in the correct "cinematic" format 2.35: 1 / 2.4: 1, you prefer to see windows of three or more applications on the screen at the same time, you are doing photo editing and retouching, video editing, and in modern (this is important!) games do not give up on expanding the field of view? In this case, we strongly recommend choosing among the large 21: 9 models and, perhaps, considering monitors of 32: 9 and 32:10 formats, which are essentially "gluing" two 27-inch Full HD (49-inch version) or two 24-inch WUXGA (43-inch model).

You are not bothered by black bars on the sides and in general movies, TV shows and TV shows do you like to watch on a big TV, prefer to keep everything in sight, like to play old games and do not see anything wrong with the constant transition between several applications? If the answer is yes, forget about everything except the standard 16: 9 format models - even if they are not the future, they will be afloat for a very long time. This option is also suitable if you simply do not have a desire to get used to something new, and you call everything that differs from television 16: 9 a "tank gap", as it was 10 years ago and with the first models Full HD standard.

Let's touch on the topic of curved screens a bit. Of course, the fashion for them continues, but the rate of release of such models has decreased, manufacturers no longer argue so zealously the need to "bend" panels, because for large and, moreover, wide matrices, this feature has become the norm, which surprises quite differently than a couple of years back. Without it, the color rendition at the edges of the screen will be more different from the center zone, monitors will take up more workspace, and users will have to turn their heads more often. Working with such models in CAD programs, doing 3D modeling is not the most comfortable and pleasant pastime. It is difficult to get used to not noticing curved lines (which should be straight), but with a strong desire it is quite possible. If your field of activity does not provide for working with such software, then you should not worry again - take it and do not think. This also applies to small Curved displays. In them, the curvature of the panel is a tribute to fashion and an attempt to slightly improve the stability of the picture over the entire area of ​​the matrix.

Work permit

Depending on the selected screen diagonal and aspect ratio, you may be left with several options for working resolution, or you may be limited to one single option.

Among the gaming Full HD models, there are models from 23.5 to 32 inches, UFHD (2560 × 1080 pixels) - only 34 inches, WQHD live in the segment of 23.8-31.5-inch solutions, UWQHD will conquer you with a diagonal of 34-35 inches, and high-speed 4K is now only found among 27-inch monitors.

The higher the screen resolution, the higher the level of pixel density (ppi), which directly affects the clarity of the picture. The difference is clearly visible when placing models with different ppi levels next to each other, it is striking when moving from a model with a low ppi to a solution with a high one, but it quickly disappears if the distance to the screen is quite large and just over time - a habit is developed ... We will not talk about the need to buy models with a high screen resolution, because many people are still satisfied with large Full HD models with "fat pixels", so this moment is very individual. However, if finances and vision allow, then it is still better to give preference to models with a high pixel density.

The second reason to consider high-resolution models is the desire to see more on the screen without having to swipe and open tabs. Of course, the size of work items and text will be smaller (when comparing models with the same diagonal), but the quality of detail will be high. Work will become more comfortable and productivity will increase. In the case of games, the difference will be more determined by the aspect ratio than by the working resolution. The only thing you can count on when increasing it is reducing the size of some interface elements, graphic blocks and text. But how important it is for the player is a big question!

The third and most important point for those who like to play is the difference in the load on the computing components of the system. Most of all, this affects the graphics subsystem in complex calculations. And if for games in Full HD resolution with medium graphics settings, an Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti may now be enough (and a GTX 1060 for high quality settings, and with a margin for a few more years), then for WQHD it is better to look towards the GTX 1070 and 1070 Ti. for UWQHD (3440 × 1440) - on GTX 1080 and 1080 Ti, and for a comfortable 4K game, it is advisable to set aside money for new generation cards - and then you will not have to think about replacing it in the next 1-2 years (if you are very lucky). However, if a stable 30-40 fps is enough for you or you agree to medium and low graphics settings, then the list of suitable options can be safely expanded.

Separately, I would like to touch on the topic of buying a monitor with a high resolution and its further use at lower values. The option, of course, is appropriate when your new video card has not yet arrived from the store, but from our point of view, it is still not worth doing this "permanently". By doing this, you kill the whole point of purchasing an expensive display: the clarity and quality of the picture decreases due to the use of interpolation algorithms. In some models this mode works better, in others it is worse, but it will definitely not work to achieve the same quality as in the “native” resolution.

Matrix types: advantages and disadvantages

Some 3-4 years ago, only models with TN + Film matrices could be attributed to real gaming monitors, but they fundamentally did not suit those who wanted to get a universal device - not only fast, but also with accurate color reproduction, stable picture and good viewing angles. After the appearance of the first 120 Hz TNs, it took more than 5 years to wait, but now you can find a fast monitor for every taste and wallet on sale.

Let's highlight the main advantages and disadvantages of each type of matrix found in game models.

TN + Film:

• + high availability (with rare exceptions)
• + Fastest response speed and highest vertical frequency options (200-240Hz)
• − poor viewing angles, poor picture stability
• − banding, image posterization
• − pronounced "crystal effect" (not always, but often)

* VA-type (SVA, MVA, AMVA):

• + deep black color (with rare exceptions)
• + imperceptible "crystal effect"
• average viewing angles and picture stability
• banding, bad gradients (not always, but often)
• − Black-Crush effect
• − slowest response speed (especially on dark transitions)

IPS-type (IPS, AHVA, PLS):

• + high response speed (in most cases)
• + almost indistinguishable "crystal effect"
• + good viewing angles and picture stability
• + high quality gradients and no banding
• − the most expensive, all other things being equal (diagonal, resolution, frequency)

You may be surprised not to find such terms as "uniformity of illumination", "Glow-effect" in the lists, but there is a simple explanation for this: absolutely all modern matrices of any type can demonstrate both good illumination uniformity and poor; both strongly pronounced "glow" and weakly noticeable. There are no more leaders and outsiders. It is necessary to consider and evaluate not the type of panel, but the specific model of the matrix installed in the monitor.

Response speed, refresh rate, black frame insertion

The fastest, all other things being equal, are still TN + Film solutions. They are followed by the IPS-type, with all * VA models getting bronze. It is definitely not worth focusing on the response time figures indicated by the manufacturers in TX - this is still a profanation. The applied measurement techniques, evaluating 1-2 possible color transitions, never gave an idea of ​​the display speed, since in real use there are tens of thousands of possible transitions, and they all differ in time, sometimes at times.

It is worth focusing exclusively on direct comparisons of models (put side by side and run the same test), instrumental measurements and photographic evidence (not the most accurate method, but better than nothing). You will be amazed when you see how different models can differ with the same declared GtG (Gray to Gray) time.

From response time directlythe clarity of moving elements / objects on the screen and the length of the trains depend(remnants of the image from the previous frame). The lower it is, the higher the monitor speed and the clearer the dynamic image.

In terms of numbers, the maximum time for any color transition should not exceed the time provided to the monitor for one frame (1000 ms / 60 Hz = 16.66 ms or 1000 ms / 144 Hz = 6.94 ms, etc.). The larger the discrepancy, the stronger the loops. The desire to level this discrepancy will certainly lead you to the most worthy representatives of the TN + Film camp or to big expenses when buying top-end IPS solutions.

Vertical frequency is the second important parameter by which a monitor should be selected and on which it depends visual smoothness of what is happening on the screen... Some of the readers will exclaim: "Why is this not the first most important parameter?" We answer: if the matrix is ​​slow, then there is a benefit from the high sweep frequency, but not great. You will be annoyed by the length of the cables, and the whole point of acquiring such a gaming monitor, frankly, is lost.

Determining the required maximum vertical scan rate is as easy as shelling pears. If you are fond of esports, participate in professional tournaments, and the main disciplines are games where high speed and reaction time are extremely important, then you should take a closer look at TN + Film with a frequency of 180 to 240 Hz. Do you love playing something like that, but on an amateur level? Then choose models with a frequency of the order of 120-144 Hz. The games in your life are taking up less and less time, and you just want to increase the fluidity of what is happening on the screen? In this case, you can easily go down to the level of 100-120 Hz and not feel discomfort for many years to come.

For some of their models, manufacturers provide a special backlight mode with the so-called "black frame insertion" (ULMB, ELMB, etc.). When activated, the backlight switches to pulse mode and works in sync with the screen refresh rate, synchronizing the frame rate. CRT monitors work the same way.

As a result, we see only the final frames without the transition stage: the clarity of objects in the frame increases "to the skies", there are no distinguishable trails (with rare exceptions). The disadvantage of such operating modes of the backlight is the increased load on the eyes, and at a low frequency, it is likely that some users will even be able to catch an unpleasant flicker. In addition, there are some limitations: the frequency at which the ULMB / ELMB mode can work often does not exceed 120-144 Hz, and it is impossible to work together with active G-Sync or FreeSync.

On the other hand, if the monitor is initially very fast (this mainly concerns TN + Film models with a frequency of 180-240 Hz), then there is no point in modes with a "black frame" insertion. The visual difference turns out to be not so big as to further strain our visual apparatus.

Adaptive sync technologies (G-Sync, FreeSync)

As an additional bonus for players, monitor manufacturers use adaptive synchronization technologies: and, with each of which we got acquainted in detail earlier. The main task of both is to synchronize the frame rate generated by the GPU, with the refresh rate of the screen, eliminating horizontal image gaps and providing a smoother picture compared to the usual V-Sync. The difference between the proposals of the two ardent competitors lies in the operating frequency range (with G-Sync it is wider), the delay in displaying the image (in FreeSync, as a rule, it is less) and, of course, working with the GPU of certain models. In addition, the work of this technology for the "green" is provided by a special hardware module, which must be used in the monitor, which leads to a significant increase in the cost of the finished product. Add to this the royalties (royalties) from Nvidia, and we get a clear answer to the question of why it is so expensive.

In turn, FreeSync is the marketing name for Adaptive-Sync technology, introduced in the specification of the DisplayPort 1.2 standard and its future versions. Manufacturers wishing to support AMD can, absolutely legally and free of charge for themselves, release a monitor with FreeSync “on board” for themselves, which we see more and more often: approximately 80% of displays with adaptive synchronization system support FreeSync, although so far all buyers and users of Nvidia video cards still the majority, which, at least, is proved by the statistics of the Steam service.

AMD technology is also worth noting LFC(Low Framerate Compensation) included in the FreeSync complex. It expands the refresh rate range and increases the smoothness of the gameplay at rates up to 30 frames per second. The effectiveness of such a method of influence is still questionable for many, since at 30 fps or less, it is in any case difficult to imagine a smooth and comfortable gameplay.

Nvidia has software technology in its chest Fast-Sync hidden deep in the driver settings and is a direct alternative to V-Sync. It appeared not so long ago, and therefore many users do not even know about its existence.

It does not require special monitors for its work, it works absolutely on any model (even with the declared FreeSync support). The main thing is that your system has an installed video card with an Nvidia GPU, preferably from the last two generations, and a new driver version.

The usual V-Sync allows you to deal with tearing relatively effectively, but it has significant drawbacks: input lag and fps limitation. Fast-Sync also removes gaps and microlags in frames, but at the same time, there is no increase in input lag, which negatively affects the gameplay. Comparing with G-Sync, we can note the high-quality work of Fast-Sync at a very high fps level (100 and higher), but if the frame rate floats in a wide range (for example, from 40 to more than 100 fps), then the hardware solution turns out to be more effective. But for this, as you already understood, you will have to pay a good deal.

By the way, if you have an Nvidia video card, and financial capabilities do not allow you to purchase a monitor with a G-Sync module, do not be upset - feel free to buy any other one, including those with the declared support for AMD FreeSync, because this feature will not bother you in any way. The same can be said for users of AMD video cards: if it turned out that the monitor you like is focused more on fans of the "green", then this should not affect your choice in any way. Yes, in both cases you will be left without hardware adaptive synchronization systems, but all the other advantages of the monitor will not go anywhere.

Connection interfaces

You are unlikely to choose a gaming monitor by the available connection interfaces, but we could not pass by this column in the technical specifications. At this point, all fast monitors are required to be equipped with modern DisplayPort and HDMI ports. With DVI-D and, moreover, D-Sub, they said goodbye long ago.

For DP, version 1.2 is the minimum with support for high scan rates at resolutions from Full HD to UWQHD and adaptive sync technologies. It is DP that is the main interface for gaming models. Video cards starting with Nvidia GTX 960 and AMD Radeon RX 380 are capable of squeezing out a stable maximum in refresh rate from modern monitors. Earlier solutions will impose restrictions at about 160-180 Hz for Full HD and 120 Hz for WQHD.

The last of the presented DP 1.4 versions is relevant exclusively for high-speed UHD 4K-models with a frequency of 120-144 Hz and full HDR support thanks to a multi-zone backlight system. For simpler models, DP 1.4 will not provide any advantages over the remaining most popular DP 1.2 / 1.2a.

The HDMI interface is in most cases installed by manufacturers to connect game consoles and third-party players. Its 1.4 / 1.4b version is sufficient only for medium-speed Full HD solutions (no higher than 144 Hz), and HDMI 2.0 will introduce limitations in the form of a maximum 144 Hz for WQHD and 100 Hz for UWQHD. Only AMD FreeSync adaptive sync technology is supported with HDMI. DisplayPort 1.2 or higher is required for Nvidia G-Sync.

One of the most modern connectivity options - USB Type-C - is starting to appear in more and more new products, but it should be taken only as a pleasant addition. Its capabilities are quite limited, so manufacturers are counting on 60-75 Hz, without support for any adaptive sync technology.

Additional "chips"

To attract buyers to their models, manufacturers hang a ton of labels, painting in paints the advantages of certain software technologies, which often only spoil the final image on the screen.

When choosing, do not focus on dozens of preset modes for games of different genres. Two, maximum three (including activated by default) of them are enough for you, and functions like Black stabilizer(to change visibility in deep shadows) during manual adjustment.

Sharpening "technologies" are often useless ( Super Sharpness, VividPixel, Clarity), working very roughly and negatively affecting the elaboration of small details. Various systems a la Low blue light that reduce the blue component of the spectrum, in fact, also turn out to be quite useless (but not for everyone). In the course of their operation, the brightness of the backlight decreases, the color temperature drops to the level of 4000-5500 K, the set gamma curves are changed in order to reduce the contrast of the image. Such global changes in the image on the screen sometimes lead to confusion and do not leave the desire to stop at a similar color mode. In addition, if you continue to sit at the monitor without taking full breaks from work, then no additional presets will definitely help you - your eyes and head will continue to hurt.

Names of functions available for activation Low Input-lag or Extreme Low Input-lag sound attractive, but in reality they give little effect (and sometimes do not give at all), since the vast majority of game models and without additional settings have no problems with this parameter, to which advanced players are very demanding.

An important positive feature of a modern monitor can be recognized Flicker-Free-backlight(no flicker). It is possessed by the vast majority of gaming displays, but there are exceptions in which a hybrid system is used (flickering occurs only in a certain range of brightness changes) or the flicker frequency is almost always at the level of 200-400 Hz, which can (but does not have to) lead to increased fatigue.

Another useful function (with some "buts"), according to the author, is an additional onscreen sight, which the monitor "draws" on its own - strictly in the center of the screen. This is, of course, the choice of not the most honest players, but whatever you go for to win. In this matter, we, perhaps, do without advice.

HDR support- something that the newest models cannot do without. Here it is worth understanding the following: the real expansion of the dynamic range is possible only thanks to the multi-zone backlighting, which is currently used only in the most expensive (more than 150 thousand rubles) gaming models. All other options are for the sake of name, even if the monitor has a wider color gamut than standard sRGB. Manufacturers bring in support for EOTF gamma correction, which directly affects the gamma curves and the final contrast of the image, but nothing supernatural happens. You could have done much the same with your older monitors, simply by setting a different gamma mode (closer to the average value of 2.4) and increasing the color saturation.

This list is supplemented by the so-called "Extended color gamut", on which manufacturers are betting more and more. For games, it seems to us, this is not at all bad, but for lovers of everything bright, contrasting, saturated - and at all what the doctor ordered. If you buy a universal monitor for which you plan to work with color, then you should give preference to models with a more familiar color gamut at the sRGB level. Focus on the promoted order of the last two years DCI-P3 should only be done if you are creating video content that is planned to be displayed on large TV screens in the future.

Optimal models

After you have decided on the characteristics that are most suitable for you, you can proceed to the next stage - actually choosing a new monitor. In this section, the author tried to highlight the optimal, in his opinion, models, with most of which he was lucky to work closely. Some of them, without a doubt, can be called the best in their segments, while others are simply "good", suitable in the absence of the opportunity to get something better. However, we will try to do without the distribution of such high-profile and not very titles, simply by directing your thoughts in the right direction. For convenience, we will do this primarily based on the working resolution of monitors, and will start with the Full HD standard, which is familiar to many.

Full HD (1920 × 1080)

BenQ Zowie XL2411P

If you want to get just a fast and as cheap monitor as possible, you should give preference to the model. There is nothing superfluous in the monitor (even FreeSync support), but thanks to it you can decide whether you are ready for modern TN + Film displays or it is better to immediately start searching among * VA-models (we recall that IPS are not represented in this class).

Just one of these options - affordable, small and for lovers of * VA technology. Considering its cost, many expectations will come true, but in terms of speed this model will in any case be worse than the aforementioned BenQ and all analogues on TN + Film.

Asus PG258Q

The fastest, highest quality and smallest Full HD monitor for less than 30 thousand rubles can be called with FreeSync support. It is a 24.5-inch solution with TN + Film matrix and 240 Hz, capable of meeting its owner's high level of gaming. If you are interested in similar solutions, but with G-Sync, then the choice will be between and. The main difference, as always, is in the price and design. There is no clear winner among them.

Choosing a fast and affordable 27-inch display, you're more likely to come across a new one. This solution has all the disadvantages of TN + Film, but for 26 thousand rubles you will get a fairly large 240 Hz monitor with FreeSync support, which, in aggregate, has no competitors.

LG 27GK750F

Looking for a similar monitor but with G-Sync? Alas, you have to go down to 144 Hz and pay about 8-10 thousand rubles more for the Acer Predator XB271HAb. Straining the TN + Film matrix again? Then the only more or less worthy option is on * VA, for which you will not have to overpay much.

The latest additions to the Full HD segment are the 32-inch * VA models - the solutions, frankly, are not for everyone. All of them are as similar as possible, and therefore it remains to focus on design and price. We can also refer to the most successful monitors, but be prepared to face the most "fat" pixel and not the best viewing angles.

UFHD (2560 × 1080)

This class of monitors is becoming less popular every year, but there is still demand. Buyers are concerned about large "grain" and limited choice. The most affordable member of this family of gaming displays is its pioneer with AMD FreeSync support. The solution is not the fastest and most hassle-free, so if you can pay extra, you should pay attention to the new and improved one with Nvidia G-Sync on board. It makes a lot of sense to overpay for similar Acer Predator Z35 and there is no, unless you are not satisfied with the appearance and quality of the finish of the "Korean".

Dell Alienware AW3418HW

A separate line should be noted the only representative of 30-inch UFHD-models - with the function of tracking the movement of the eyes Tobii Eye Tracker, but without G-Sync. The model will be of interest primarily to those for whom 34-35-inch giants simply do not fit in size.

WQHD (2560 × 1440)

Iiyama recently made a gift for fans of the WQHD standard and fast gaming monitors with its own. The solution is sold for 30-32 thousand rubles, is equipped with the already proven TN + Film matrix and offers FreeSync support. If there is some distrust of this brand, then everything is the same, but in a different wrapper, an old man is ready to offer, which has become much cheaper since its release. The best, not only in the opinion of the author, is with support for Nvidia G-Sync and ULMB-backlight mode - for advanced players with powerful PCs based on GeForce series GPUs, this is perhaps the best choice. We would not give preference to similar 23.8-inch WQHD models: everything on the screen will be shallow and there will be a need to activate the not very problem-free Windows scaling system.

Iiyama G-Master GB2760QSU

* VA solutions will provide greater screen stability, better viewing angles and often (but not always) uniform backlighting combined with a deep black field. At the same time, it is the best and optimal solution in the camp of 27-inch monitors. It will not win you over with the same responsiveness as the options on TN + Film, and some may be strained by the peculiarities of the elaboration of fonts, but, nevertheless, it will provide a completely different user experience, after which they leave TN.

Now on to the 27-inch IPS. Here it continues to rule the score - the undisputed leader of the segment due to the company's competent pricing policy and quality stability over the past 2 years. The monitor will delight not only with excellent color reproduction and stable picture, but also with a very high panel speed. Those who are not satisfied with the appearance of the Acer model can safely look at its main and more expensive competitor, the Asus ROG Swift PG279Q. It has no significant advantages, just a different - more modern and stylish - design.

LG 32GK850G

AOC AG322QCX and (the first monitor released in this segment) can be attributed to fairly high-quality WQHD displays with a screen diagonal of 31.5-32 inches. An alternative to them are new LG products: tested by reviewers with Nvidia G-Sync and only presented 32GK850F with support for AMD FreeSync 2 and pseudo-HDR. Another important difference between both models from the solutions of AOC and Samsung is a flat matrix with less problematic elaboration of fonts and small elements.

UWQHD (3440 × 1440)

If you don't care about Nvidia G-Sync support, you can start your acquaintance with the class of fast UWQHD displays with excellent solutions from Samsung, time-tested: and. The models differ slightly in price, used matrix (* VA 1500R with QD-LED-backlighting and * VA 1800R with W-LED) and design. It is quite easy to make a choice: if unusually saturated / rich colors and a larger bending radius are not scary, then the model with QD-LED will be the best choice.

Samsung C34F791WQI

The next level is IPS solutions with vertical frequency from 100 Hz. Here you should choose from and Dell Alienware AW3418DW. These manufacturers have different warranty policies (in case of a defect, a courier arrives with a new copy from Dell), the appearance is very different, a bad factory setting, but with Acer it is easy to change it for the better without full calibration. The built-in speaker system of the Alienware monitor is unlikely to be the determining factor, but the workmanship and rigor of a competitor can put a fat point in the question of choice.

UHD 4K (3860 × 2160)

4K models with high vertical scan rates can be treated in many ways. Some waited for them like manna from heaven, while others believe (and performance tests confirm this) that there is no point in them and will not be until GPU manufacturers raise the bar for the speed of their graphics solutions by 2-3 times from the current indicators.

Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ

At the time of this writing, the choice of fast 4K models is scarce and is represented by two 27-inch monitors with a frequency of 144 Hz: Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ and Acer Predator X27. There was no fundamental difference between them (except for the design, materials used and external lighting systems), their capabilities are identical, but the price is very different: the Acer solution is almost 50 thousand rubles cheaper. It is quite possible that soon the difference will not be so significant, but you will still have to choose based on sympathy for a particular brand or in appearance. It remains to accumulate 180-220 thousand rubles, having previously acquired a PC of no less cost.

Other solutions

V other solutions of our management are the models of the Samsung company - the only ones actually sold with a resolution of 3840 × 1080. Despite the release of a more affordable and, unfortunately, technically simplified solution, the pioneer in a new segment for the desktop monitors market remains optimal and relevant. Some are afraid of its size, others are annoyed by the "fat" pixel, but if you do not belong to these two categories of buyers, then this display should not disappoint you.

Samsung C49HG90DMI

Soon, a completely new 43-inch model with a resolution increased to 3840 × 1200 and, accordingly, a higher pixel density should appear on store shelves. The matrix of this model is * VA-type with a maximum sweep frequency of 120 Hz, support for one of the adaptive synchronization systems is not presented. Based on the experience of working with 49-inch devices, we can assume that there should not be any critical shortcomings, and competitors will not appear for a long time.

Conclusion

Choosing a gaming monitor is not at all the same as choosing a new motherboard, RAM, cooler, video card, or even a photo / video camera. It will not be enough to study technical characteristics and colorful pictures on the Internet. It will be difficult for many to clearly define and be confident in their choice, and if there is no experience of working with models of different class and level, then it will be completely impossible to do this without going to an offline store. But not everyone can afford to buy a "pig in a poke", both from a financial point of view (suddenly it will not be possible to return a product that you do not like), and from the standpoint of time costs.

On average, a new monitor is bought for the next 5-7 years of service, and many would like to make the most correct choice. It would be a mistake to rely solely on outside feedback and advice, as there are many variables depending on your individual characteristics (eg visual acuity), preferences and working conditions.

The big advantage of the segment of full-fledged gaming solutions is the relatively small number of models, which will make it easier to find and quickly exclude unsuitable options from the list. You do not have to go through a couple of hundreds of commercially available displays, which will save you time and nerve cells, and the above tips, we hope, will be a good assistant in solving the task in a short time.

How to Choose a Gaming Monitor? This is not an easy task, even for an experienced gamer. It is necessary to take into account the image quality, screen size and matrix type, response time and, of course, the price of the device. In our rating, you will find the 10 best monitors, the cost of which is fully justified by the quality.

1st place: Samsung C24FG70

Average price: 20,000 rubles

The first place of our top was taken by a gaming monitor. The model not only has the best value for money, but also costs much less than its competitors. For 20,000 rubles, the gamer will receive a curved monitor with a response time of 1 ms and a high-definition image (VA matrix). This is confirmed by the test results - in the "Image Quality" category, this device scored 93.3 points out of 100, which allowed it to take one of the top positions in our overall rating.

The monitor supports the Eye Saver Mode, which reduces the strain on the eyes of the gamer. That said, Samsung is bright enough: the device uses quantum dot technology, which provides a wide range of color gamut even in daylight. The refresh rate of the screen is 144 Hz, the user also has 60, 100 or 120 Hz modes to optimize the frequency for a specific game or equipment.

An interesting feature of the monitor is an interactive LED that illuminates the stand and reacts to sound while playing. Such a "light music" will surely please the avid gamer.

Despite the high results in all test categories, this device still has one drawback - the 24-inch diagonal. This is one of the smallest gaming monitors in our ranking. However, given its price, this size is quite justified.

2nd place: Samsung C49HG90

Average price: 73,000 rubles

But the second of our rating was taken by a really large device, and its cost is as great as its size. - Huge 49 '' VA curved gaming monitor with 32: 9 aspect ratio and 1ms response time.

The device supports the Picture-by-Picture function, with which you can split the screen into 2 parts and display content from different sources. Essentially, the Samsung C49HG90 replaces two 27-inch monitors. However, not all gamers have the opportunity to equip at home a sufficiently spacious play area to install a monitor 120 cm long. In addition, to connect such a "monster" you will need a powerful video card.

The picture quality is excellent here - the device performed well during testing and took the third place in our overall rating. To ensure the brightness of the picture, the manufacturer uses quantum dots and QLED technology in the model. The refresh rate of the Samsung C49HG90 is 144 Hz, and these values ​​can be changed in the range of 60 Hz - 120 Hz.

The main disadvantage of a monitor is its price. And the size of the device is not suitable for every user.

3rd place: ViewSonic XG2700-4K

Average price: 38,000 rubles

The 27-inch IPS monitor is just as good as the competition in terms of value for money. Among the advantages of the device are 4K resolution, large viewing angles and ergonomics. In the Image Quality category, the monitor scored a maximum of 100 points, which sets it apart from all other models in our top 10.

The list of equipment includes three HDMI inputs and one DisplayPort, but there is no DVI connector. ViewSonic XG2700-4K supports Pivot function, which can be used to change the orientation of the monitor. Why a vertical screen is needed is not entirely clear, but this feature makes the device more mobile.

The ViewSonic has a 5ms response time - not a top-notch gaming monitor.

4th place: AOC Agon AG322QCX

Average price: 42,000 rubles

- curved gaming monitor with a diagonal of 32 inches, MVA matrix and a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels. The response time is 4ms - enough for a dynamic game, but still not minimal.

The device is equipped with HDMI, DisplayPort and D-Sub interfaces, built-in speakers and a USB 3.0 connector. The monitor comes with a cable remote control.

AOC Low Blue Light and AOC Flicker-Free systems are used here to protect the eyes of gamers, and the AOC Shadow Control function allows you to adjust the brightness in certain areas of the image. Despite these technologies, the viewing angle stability of the screen is rather mediocre.

5th place: AOC Agon AG271QX

Average price: 30,000 rubles

The AOC monitor has all the features you need for a comfortable game - here and the minimum response time of 1 ms, and high brightness, and a wide range of frame rates from 30 to 146 Hz. In addition, the gamer has access to the AOC Low Input Lag mode, which turns off hardware post-processing of the image and increases the speed of displaying images on the screen.

The maximum viewing angles y are 38 degrees vertically and 51 horizontally, which is twice as high as that of the leader of our top 10. D-Sub, DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort ports are used to connect the monitor. But the diagonal of the monitor is small - only 27 inches, and the resolution is not 4K.

The manufacturer uses a TN matrix here, but the image quality of the AOC AG271QX is only average. However, the monitor supports Adaptive-Sync technology, which avoids lag and ensures smooth image display.

1.

Image quality (50%)

: 93.6

Diagonal size

: 24 inches

Permission

: 1.920 x 1.080 pixels

Overall rating: 86.3

2.

Image quality (50%)

: 91.5

Diagonal size

: 49 inch

Permission

: 3.840 x 1.080 pixels

Overall rating: 90.2

Value for money: 100

3.

Image quality (50%)

: 100

Diagonal size

: 27 inches

Permission

: 3.840 x 2.160 pixels

Overall rating: 93.2

Value for money: 96

4.

Image quality (50%)

: 79.9

Diagonal size

: 32 inches

Permission

: 2.560 x 1.440 pixels

Overall rating: 82.9

Value for money: 88

5.

Image quality (50%)

: 77.8

Diagonal size

: 27 inches

Permission

: 2.560 x 1.440 pixels

Extremely simplifying the principles of choosing a monitor for a PC in accordance with its main purpose, modern devices can be grouped into three categories:

• On fast TN + Film matrices - for esports;
• With GB LED backlighting and extended color gamut - for working with graphics;
• General purpose displays - with IPS or VA panels.

In this article, we will try to tell you about the best computer monitors with a diagonal of 19, 24, 27, 32 and more inches.

Choosing the best type of matrix for the monitor

Sadly, no LCD monitor yet can display all the variety of visual information equally well. There are three main types of liquid crystal displays:

The number of colors displayed by the monitor varies depending on the bit matrix... The simplest (6 bits) are capable of displaying 262 thousand shades. Most modern models are equipped with 8 or 10-bit panels (respectively, 16 million and a billion colors). Naturally, the higher the bit depth, the more expensive the final device.

There are models in which a large color depth is achieved due to cunning technical solutions. In particular, frame rate control(Frame Rate Control). In such cases, they talk about pseudo-bit depth (for example, 8 bits + FRC). From the point of view of the total number of shades in such monitors, everything is "fair", but sensitive eyes can react to additional blinking of pixels.

Eye fatigue can also be caused by the pulse-width method of brightness control ( PWM). Please note that the term Flicker-Free from different manufacturers can mean anything. Let's say PWM is used only for low brightness levels or high frequency modulation is used. Unfortunately, figuring out this point is extremely difficult.

Diagonal matters

The first mass-produced LCD monitors were simply "ridiculous" by today's standards. diagonal... Buying even a 21-inch monitor these days involves force majeure circumstances. Of course, everyone has their own comfortable size, just like the screen resolution. As for the best combinations, they are approximately as follows (for an aspect ratio of 16: 9):

• Full HD (1920 × 1080) - 24 inches;
• 2K WQHD (2560 x 1440) - 27 inches;
• 4K UHD (3840x2160) - 32 inches or more.

Ultra Wide Monitors(21: 9) are never small at all, and their acceptable pixel size starts at 29 inches. Well, we do not consider the diverse "exoticism" in our rating. Our ranking of the bestmonitors based on customer and expert reviews and on the analysis of technical characteristics of models popular in 2017.