The monitor boasts a response time of just 1 ms with a 165 Hz refresh rate. This helps to increase and improve the smoothness and quality of the gameplay.
The initial colour calibration leaves something to be desired.
Bundled with the latest gaming tech, HDR and Night Vision support, and functional ergonomics, the MSI Optix MAG272C with a 1500R curvature rate is a great gaming monitor from a mid-priced range that can provide a completely immersive gameplay experience.
27"
1920 x 1080 (16:9)
VA
Refresh rate: 165 Hz
Brightness: 300 cd/m²
Static contrast ratio: 3000:1
Response time: 1 ms
Viewing angle: 178°(H)/178°(V)
1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x Earphone-out, 2 x USB 2.0 Type A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type B, 1 x USB Type C, 1 x Kensington Lock
No
3 years
It is easy to calibrate the settings for different types of games. Adaptive-Sync technology allows eliminating choppy frame rates and screen tearing. For in-game enhancements, you can use the GamePlus hotkey.
You can only connect the unit via an adapter (included), which some users find a bit inconvenient.
Combining a stylish design and super-fast response time, it is an excellent solution for first-person shooters and MOBA games. To optimise visuals depending on the content and provide a more comfortable gaming experience, the unit uses GameVisual technology that offers 7 pre-set display modes and Flicker-Free technology that minimises flicker.
27"
1920 x 1080 (16:9)
IPS
Refresh rate: 144 Hz
Brightness: 400 cd/m²
Static contrast ratio: 1000:1
Response time: 1 ms
Viewing angle: 178°(H)/178°(V)
1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x Dual-Link DVI, 1 x Earphone jack, 1 x PC Audio input
2 x 2 W
3 years
Boasting a 0.8ms response time, the gaming monitor will help improve your performance in online battles; an Overdrive feature will ensure even smoother gaming. Black Tuner technology will provide better vision in dark areas.
According to some users, this unit is great for gaming, but not for photo or video editing tasks.
Equipped with easy to reach USB ports, the iiyama G-Master 27-inch monitor has all the necessary features for smooth and comfortable playing. IPS panel technology and lightning-fast response time will guarantee fantastic image quality and judder-free gaming.
27"
1920 x 1080 (16:9)
IPS
Refresh rate: 165 Hz
Brightness: 250 cd/m²
Static contrast ratio: 1100:1
Response time: 0.8 ms
Viewing angle: 178°(H)/178°(V)
1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x DisplayPort, 2 x USB HUB, 1 x HDCP, 1 x Headphone jack
2 x 2 W
2 years
The Brightness Intelligence tech automatically detects content intensity and adjusts brightness levels to prevent overexposure when displaying bright scenes and to make dark scenes as visible as the bright ones. The Colour Weakness mode lets you customise the amount of green and red displayed on the screen.
The settings menu is somewhat convoluted.
The BenQ GL2780 is what we would recommend to gamers with an average rig that is unable to run the games you play at more than 75 fps. We'd also recommend this screen to writers and editors, thanks to its slim bezels enabling seamless multi-screen configurations and modes that reduce eye strain.
27"
1920 x 1080 (16:9)
TN
Refresh rate: 75 Hz
Brightness: 300 cd/m²
Static contrast ratio: 1000:1
Response time: 1 ms
Viewing angle: 170°(H)/160°(V)
1 x DisplayPort, 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA, 1 x DVI, 1 x Headphone jack, 1 x Audio-out
2 x 2 W
3 years
AMD FreeSync technology allows minimising shutter for smoother gameplay. An Eye Saver Mode will help to reduce eye fatigue and ensure comfortable viewing. The unit's energy-saving settings will help automatically adjust the monitor brightness and lower energy consumption by up to 10%.
The response time is comparatively slow.
Offering a wide field of view, this curved monitor by Samsung is equally good for gaming and regular use. You just need to activate the Game Mode to instantly optimise screen contrast and colours for the best playing experience.
24"
1920 x 1080 (16:9)
VA
Refresh rate: 60 Hz
Brightness: 250 cd/m²
Static contrast ratio: 3000:1
Response time: 4 ms
Viewing angle: 178°(H)/178°(V)
1 x D-Sub, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Headphone jack
No
2 years
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MSI Optix MAG272C
For Immersive Gaming Experience
If you're still sceptical about whether a curved monitor is any different compared to the traditional format, believing that it's more of a gimmick than a real thing, give the MSI Optix MAG272C a try. This model sits in the mid-priced range but delivers a decent performance many gamers will appreciate.
Starting with the screen, the MSI Optix MAG272C has the optimal size of 27 inches with a 1980 x 1080 resolution. Granted, there are many modern gaming monitors that offer 4K but in practice, you'll rarely need more than that at this size, so the difference will hardly be noticeable. Plus, it features a high 165 Hz frame rate with 1 ms response time, meaning the images it'll produce will be clear, tear and stutter-free with no artifacts or broken frames, allowing you to comfortably use it for all game genres (with just a few tweaking).
Colour-wise, the monitor astounds. Equipped with HDR technology and supporting 133.6% of the sRGB spectrum, it produces sharp and rich images with more details that look just as real as those that can be seen by the human eye, something you won't get with most traditional monitors. As far as the brightness goes, the MSI Optix MAG272C averages 223.6 nits - these numbers don't make it the brightest monitor out there, of course, but they don't make it bad either, giving you a perfect combination of everything for a comfortable gaming experience with no blur or flickering issues.
Interfaces
Moving on, let's touch upon the subject of interface options, which come in abundance here and offer you a myriad of ways to adjust the settings. Sounds complicated already? It doesn't get any simpler at a closer look. Even though the manufacturer provides the OSD app to make the process easier, for a lot of people adjusting the menus and presets still seem quite a lot of work, which is perhaps the only downside we can think of when talking about the Optix MAG272C monitor. That being said, once you get the knack of the monitor and become more advanced, all these options will likely turn out to be more of a privilege rather than a disadvantage, giving you greater flexibility in how you can adjust everything in your games.
Finally, before wrapping things up, we'd like to add that the monitor is really handsome. With its 1500R curvature and elegant design, it will become a stylish part of any game rig and mesh well with any modern interior.
All told, if calibrating colours doesn't sound that much legwork for you, we definitely recommend you don't pass by the Optix MAG272C. This gaming monitor is less expensive than some top-tier rivals but its performance is just as great. Better still, it offers an incredibly immersive experience, producing the image with real-life details that will make you feel a part of the games.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B07XZFHXJQ |
ASUS (VG279Q)
For Smooth Gameplay
Don't let lugs spoil gaming fun! Featuring a 144Hz refresh rate, the ASUS VG279Q will easily handle fast-moving visuals, which makes it an excellent choice for racers, first-person shooters and real-time strategy games. Being one of the best gaming monitors out there, it offers a 1ms response that, in combination with Extreme Low Motion Blur technology, will help minimise motion blur for fluid and more responsive gameplay.
Gaming monitors have a lower input lag compared to HDTVs, but the ASUS VG279Q has gone even further. Sometimes, milliseconds make the game, and the unit uses GameFast Input technology for super-fast motion delivery that can help you improve your performance and win.
Next, this 27-inch gaming monitor offers quite an impressive contrast ratio (1,000:1), allowing you to enjoy bright and vivid colours. Even if you are viewing the screen from extreme positions, there will be minimal colour distortion thanks to wide 178-degree viewing angles. Meanwhile, Shadow Boost technology enhances visibility in dark areas and improves overall viewing, so spotting enemies in any part of the map will be a lot easier. Even more, the device allows you to optimise visuals depending on the content type: there are 7 preset modes and selecting the suitable one is a breeze.
For Long Gaming Sessions
Created for long gaming sessions, the ASUS VG279Q has an ergonomic stand that allows you to adjust the monitor swivel, height, pivot and tilt in no time. Moreover, you can detach the base and use a VESA wall mount for placing the monitor on the wall. To minimise eye strain, the manufacturer has used a special technology that reduces the amount of blue light emitted by the monitor.
According to the users, the unit is easy to set up. If you are not quite happy with the default settings, you can change colours, brightness, contrast and other parameters to your liking and enjoy superior performance each time you play. Note that, though the unit comes equipped with speakers, if you want to enjoy the superior sound, you will need to get a separate set of speakers.
To wrap it all up, the ASUS 27-inch full HD gaming monitor is equipped with a bunch of innovative features that will ensure the most comfortable use and absorbing gaming experience.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £173.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07KP34NMJ |
iiyama G-Master (G2770HSU-B1)
Unleash Your Gaming Potential
Allowing you to get an immersive playing experience, high-quality gaming gear will also help improve your performance. Utilising FLC-IPS technology, this gaming monitor by iiyama boasts a 0.8ms moving picture response time, resulting in the smoothest game ever. It will deliver captivating high-fidelity battleground scenes and enhanced graphic performance with minimum blurring and ghosting, and allow you to enjoy every minute of an online rivalry or offline game. You will be able to choose one of the predefined gaming modes (sports game, strategy game, or FPS game) or save your own settings to get the best performance time after time.
The Black Tuner technology allows you to adjust brightness for the best viewing performance. With this feature, you will be able to clearly see the creatures hiding in the shadowed areas and destroy them before they attack you. Meanwhile, FreeSync Premium technology will ensure low latency, which will help to eliminate tearing and stuttering.
Those who love playing with friends will appreciate the built-in speakers. If you do not want to disturb your family with the game soundtrack and battle sounds, just connect your headset to the monitor and dive into the game.
The Game Changer
Boasting the fastest response time, the gaming monitor also holds the fort when it comes to other parameters, such as viewing angle (178 degrees) and resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels). It also offers good colour balance and great contrast and has an impressive 165Hz refresh rate. That said, you should keep in mind that this is a gaming monitor and though the colour accuracy is high enough for what it was made for, this unit cannot be recommended for photo and video editing.
The iiyama G-Master G2770HSU-B1 gaming monitor has a stylish thin design. The unit has an ergonomic stand with a swivel, and you can not only adjust its tilt angle (18 degrees upward and 3 degrees downward) but also rotate the monitor clockwise or counterclockwise to 90 degrees for portrait orientation.
Summing up, the iiyama G-Master 27-inch IPS gaming monitor is packed with technologies that will ensure smooth and lag-free gaming performance. Elaborately designed and offering a 0.8ms response time, it can be a real game-changer.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £183.49 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B08ND564NM |
BenQ (GL2780)
Banking on Aesthetics Too
The BenQ GL2780 is not the best gaming screen you can find within the budget price bracket. Yes, the monitor has its moments but, with the 75 Hz refresh rate and TN panel, it will not be able to elevate the entire gaming experience. That being said, the screen will be able to sustain most gaming ventures and provided that there are not too many users that have the hardware to produce 120+ fps, this display will suit most users looking to play games with comfort and performance to match. Besides, one would argue that gaming is as much about performance as it is about aesthetics, and aesthetics is where this product excels.
The sculpted base profile will be eliminating extraneous edges to achieve this clean, streamlined appearance, while premium texture etching gives the product this nuanced and elegant outline that's also resistant to fine scratches and whirls. The bezels are slim enough to enable basically seamless multi-screen configurations, so you can put two monitors, one on each side, and maximise productivity without any interactions. To complete the package, the monitor's fitted with this invisible cable management system that hides all wires inside the screen’s stand, keeping the workspace neat.
The ports are hidden behind this cutout too, so even though the model's equipped with the standard lineup, including a DisplayPort, an HDMI port, VGA and DVI ports, a headphone jack, and an audio output, you do not see them from behind, yet the ports are pretty easily accessible.
No Lagging, No Ghosting
Setting aesthetics and build aside, the monitor's gaming specs, aside from the aforementioned middling refresh rate, are nothing to sneeze at. The 1-ms response time means that there's practically no delay between what's happening online (provided the Internet connection is good enough), what the GPU is rendering, and what you're seeing on the screen. Fast-moving visuals and dynamic transitions will be rendered without lagging and ghosting.
Meanwhile, the Brightness Intelligence Technology (B.I.Tech.) will be able to detect content intensity, adjusting the brightness to make sure that bright scenes are not overexposed and that dark areas are visible enough. The issue here is that the settings menu is pretty convoluted though, so it might take you some time to figure out this feature, the Low Blue Light feature, the ePaper Mode, the Colour Weakness Mode, and many more, but that will be time well spent.
In closing, the BenQ GL2780 might not be able to tussle with the most expensive gaming monitors out there, but the high-end specs that those monitors are boasting do not do anything when you don't have the hardware to support them anyway, so this product will be a better fit for gamers with average rigs.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £159.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B07W81B99G |
Samsung (C24F390FHR)
Designed for Viewing Comfort
It is not a secret that hours spent at a screen may cause eye strain and fatigue. To fully enjoy your gaming experience without damage to your health, you need to give your eyes a rest and use eye-friendly gaming monitors. The Samsung C24F390FHR 24-inch gaming monitor with a 1800R screen curvature is definitely one of them. Delivering a wider field of view, such a design will ensure enhanced depth perception.
What is more important, this curved monitor was clinically proven to cause less eye strain compared to flat-screen monitors. The unit uses Eye Saver Mode to ensure comfortable viewing and minimise fatigue and Flicker-Free technology to eliminate screen flicker. That way, you will be able to enjoy longer playing sessions, but do not forget about rest, too!
Featuring a VA panel technology, the monitor has a 3000:1 contrast ratio, which means brilliant whites, deep blacks and rich and vibrant images. This model offers an eco-friendly auto-brightness setting that will help to lower power consumption by up to 10%. Alternatively, you can set the brightness manually depending on your task.
The only con of this model is a comparatively slow 4ms response time, which is somewhat low for competitive gaming. Oh, and it has no built-in speakers if that's an issue for you (most onboard speakers do not have good sound quality anyway). On the other hand, this monitor is not only good for gaming, but also works well for most computer tasks.
Good Value for the Money
The monitor is elegantly designed, lightweight and easy to use. It has a super slim curved panel with an 11.9 mm profile and a stylish circular stand. You can adjust the monitor tilt angle for the most comfortable use and even get a compatible wall mount kit to hang it on a wall. Though this model has no speakers, there is a headphone jack that you can plug your headset in. Thanks to a comprehensive user manual, installing the unit is a simple task.
To make a long story short, if you are looking for a moderately priced monitor that you can use both for work and for gaming, the Samsung C24F390FHR is definitely worth your attention. It does not have the highest refresh rate, but the image quality is amazing, and the viewing experience is really comfortable.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | £128.57 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B08WWRK293 |
What Is a Gaming Monitor?
In modern days we see computer accessories with the word "gaming" in their name more and more often. Anything can be "gaming" - keyboards, mice, headphones, mouse pads, etc. Monitors are not an exception. At first glance, most users will not see any difference between a traditional and gaming monitor. Well, maybe they will notice that the design has become brighter. But, same as with other gaming tools for computers, gaming monitors are also primarily directed at dynamic games. For this very reason, their manufacturers point out such features as speed, convenience and performance, all important for comfortable gaming. If you are a hardcore passionate gamer, or just love to spend your free time playing your favourite games, then a gaming monitor for PC will be an excellent addition to your computer.
If you are only starting to immerse yourself into the world of gaming, and you have decided to substitute your gaming equipment, then you without a doubt will be interested in gaming headsets, gaming mouse and gaming PCs reviews.
What Features to Compare
Size and Resolution
The modern market offers a large selection of gaming monitors. When you start to look for a new gaming monitor for a computer, first you should turn your attention to is its Size and Connectivity. The size of the monitor (or display size) is shown in inches and it actually implies its diagonal length. The gaming monitor's height and width may differ, depending on its aspect ratio. Most PC gaming monitors have an aspect ratio of 16:9, but it is not that strange to see, for example, a 16:10 ratio and the 21:9 aspect ratio now grows more and more popular. When you choose the size of your monitor for gaming, consider the place where you will set it. If you have enough space, we recommend you to purchase a monitor with a big diagonal, 27" or more. This way you will be able to embrace the whole field of your game. But if your space is limited by, say, side shelves or an alcove, we'd offer you a 24" PC gaming monitor.
When you have decided on the size of your future gaming PC monitor, look at its resolution. The monitor's resolution is the number of pixels the panel includes. More pixels mean more clear picture and, thus, more comfort during gaming. Most of the gaming monitors have panels with a Full HD resolution (1920x1080). This number of pixels allows you to obtain a very clear picture on the monitors with sizes up to 27". Gaming computer monitors with greater diagonals often have WQHD panels with a resolution of 2560x1440, which provide a clear picture on the increased monitor size. And the manufacturers of 21:9 PC gaming monitors use panels with Ultra HD resolution (3440x1440) to maintain the image's ratio. But note that the bigger resolution your gaming monitor has, the more powerful video card you will need.
Also, do not forget about types of supported incoming video signals. You should select a monitor with the same ports as your computer, otherwise connecting the gamer monitor to the PC will pose some problems. In the latest years, almost all monitors for gaming implement various connectivity interfaces. The most widespread are the following:
- VGA is an analogue interface that conveys video with a resolution of 640x480. This technology itself is quite outdated, but a lot of users still have devices with this connectivity type.
- DVI is an interface that transfers both analogue and digital signals. There are a few types of a DVI: DVI-I is able to transfer both signals, and DVI-D only transfers digital signals. Depending on its mode, this interface can convey video with a resolution of up to 1920x1080 in Single Link, and up to 2560x1600 in Dual Link.
- HDMI is a modern digital interface for transferring data, high-resolution video and multichannel sound. Maximum transferable video resolution is 3840x2160 pixels. It is the most popular video transferring interface.
- Display Port is a digital interface that now grows in its popularity. It conveys data, high-resolution video, and multichannel sound, which makes it the main competitor for the HDMI. Also transfers video of up to 3840x2160 pixels.
When selecting a gaming monitor for PC, check for the availability of interfaces in your computer.
Panel type and Speed
Made up your mind on the size of your gaming computer monitor? Then it's time to decide on the panel type and speed. Here we would offer you the information regarding the gamer monitor's response time, panel type, brightness, and contrast. The response time means how fast any given pixel is able to change its brightness. This parameter is measured in milliseconds. The lower the numbers, the less distortion you will notice when the shots change. The perception of shots change time is individual and varies from person to person, so don't chase the numbers, better choose what you yourself prefer. The following are the most popular panel types on the market now:
- TN panels are the most widespread and affordable. Most of the gaming PC monitors are now made with TN panels. These monitors have a viewing angle of approximately 160-170°. They fall behind the IPS gaming monitors when it comes to contrast, but are unparalleled in response time. These panels are the best for dynamic games.
- IPS panels have a 178° viewing angle, so the image will stay clear from whatever side you look at it. These gaming computer monitors have a very precise colour rendering, but generally have higher response time than the TN panels. If you love good rendering quality and bright colours, this type of gamer monitor is what you need.
Depending on the panel type and technologies used in a gaming computer, monitors also have different brightness and contrast. The brightness parameter corresponds with the intensity of screen glow, and it is measured in cd/m². With the higher brightness, it is more comfortable to work with the monitor in a highly illuminated room. And the contrast is the difference between the brightness of the lightest and the darkest parts of the image. Images with higher contrast look more real. Often manufacturers specify dynamic contrast ratio. It means the difference between the lightest part of an image under the maximum brightness and the darkest part of an image under the minimum brightness. The bigger this ratio is, the more real the picture will look in dynamic action scenes.
Technologies
And finally, the last but not least important parameter - the technologies used in gaming PC monitors to enhance their performance. It is not a secret that manufacturers chase their clients, and for this very reason, they add more and more features to their PC gaming monitors. Thanks to this, you are able to choose exactly the characteristics you need.
After noting all the mentioned above, it becomes pretty simple to choose the best gaming monitor for yourself.
Sources:
1. Whitson Gordon How to Pick the Perfect Computer Monitor, Lifehacker. December 26, 2013.
2. John R. Delaney How to Choose the Right Monitor for Gaming, PCMag. March 2, 2015.
3. Christian Eberle How To Choose A Monitor, Tom's Hardware. June 12, 2016.
4. Eli Nolan How to pick the best gaming monitor for you: a guide for beginners, MonitorNerds. April 14, 2016.
5. Ronald Kim 5 Reasons Professional Gaming Monitors Give You a Winning Advantage, BenQ. November 10, 2015.
6. Adam Simmons Monitors for Console Gaming, PC Monitors. October 29, 2016.
7. Rob Williams The Benefits of Multi-Display Gaming, Techgage.
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