Joybuy Insights

Buying a gaming monitor: how to choose a screen for your setup

Buying a gaming monitor seems straightforward until you start comparing specifications. 144Hz, 240Hz, IPS, VA, QHD and Adaptive-Sync all sound appealing, but not every combination is right for your PC, games or workspace. A high refresh rate, for example, is of little use if your computer can’t run games at that frame rate.

As Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I focus on the details that matter in practice. That way, you can avoid paying a premium for marketing terms and choose a monitor for PC gaming that’s also suitable for office work, studying and multimedia.

Common pitfalls when buying a gaming monitor

1. Looking only at the refresh rate

A 144Hz gaming monitor can display smoother motion than a 60Hz screen. A 240Hz gaming monitor may be a good choice for competitive shooters, but only if your PC can deliver enough frames per second. Check your graphics card’s performance and the monitor’s connections before you buy.

A 240Hz screen isn’t automatically the best choice for everyone. For office work, strategy games and general multimedia, a QHD monitor with 120Hz or 144Hz may offer more noticeable benefits thanks to its higher resolution.

2. Misinterpreting response time

A quoted response time of 0.5 ms or 1 ms doesn’t always use the same measurement method. MPRT and GtG are different specifications, so check the full product details rather than focusing only on the smallest number on the product page.

The cable and source device matter too. HDMI and DisplayPort don’t support the same performance in every combination of PC, resolution and refresh rate.

3. Overlooking panel type and screen size

An IPS gaming monitor is often associated with wide viewing angles and good colour reproduction, according to product specifications. A VA gaming monitor generally has a higher quoted contrast ratio, which can be useful for dark scenes and films. The right choice depends on what matters most to you.

A large Full HD screen may also look less sharp than a smaller Full HD model, as the same number of pixels is spread over a larger area. For 27 or 32 inches, a QHD gaming monitor is worth considering if your PC can handle the resolution.

Key specifications explained

Resolution and screen size

  • Full HD gaming monitor: 1920 × 1080 pixels. Often suitable for compact desks and higher frame rates.
  • QHD gaming monitor: 2560 × 1440 pixels. At 27 inches, it offers more detail and workspace than Full HD.
  • UWQHD: 3440 × 1440 pixels. The wide aspect ratio suits simulation, racing and open-world games, but puts more demands on your graphics card.
  • 4K: 3840 × 2160 pixels. Offers plenty of detail, but is usually more demanding on your graphics card.

Measure the space available on your desk before you buy. A 32- or 34-inch curved gaming monitor needs not only more desk space, but also enough viewing distance.

Refresh rate and Adaptive-Sync

Refresh rate is measured in hertz. 144Hz is a practical middle ground for gaming and smooth scrolling. 240Hz is mainly worth considering if you play fast-paced competitive games and have a system capable of producing high frame rates.

According to product specifications, Adaptive-Sync helps compensate for differences between your PC’s frame rate and the screen’s refresh rate. Check that your graphics card and chosen connection are compatible. A feature such as HDR Ready or HDR10 also doesn’t mean every image will automatically deliver a fully fledged HDR experience; brightness, contrast and the source material all play a part.

Panel, ergonomics and connections

As well as IPS or VA, look out for:

  • Viewing angles: important if you don’t sit directly in front of the screen.
  • Contrast: relevant for dark scenes and films.
  • Tilt, height and swivel adjustment: useful during long work or gaming sessions.
  • VESA support: handy for a monitor arm or wall mount.
  • HDMI and DisplayPort: check the version and the resolution supported at your preferred refresh rate.
  • Audio: some models have speakers, while others only have a headphone output.

Claims about eye comfort, such as blue light filtering or flicker-free display, should be understood as product features. According to the manufacturer’s own information, they’re designed to support viewing comfort; they aren’t a medical guarantee.

Our recommendations for different users

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
KTC 24 Inch Gaming Monitor 144Hz 1080P FHD

KTC 24 Inch Gaming Monitor 144Hz 1080P FHD

Why it suits this profile: The combination of 24 inches, Full HD and 144Hz suits a compact desk setup and a PC geared towards high frame rates.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications clearly list 144Hz, 5ms MPRT, Adaptive Sync, HDMI and DisplayPort, so you don’t have to judge it by response time alone.

Key benefit & highlights

IPS panel, 144Hz, tiltable stand and 99% sRGB, according to the product description.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Philips Evnia 34 UWQHD 180Hz Adaptive Sync VA Curved Gaming Monitor

Philips Evnia 34" UWQHD 180Hz Adaptive Sync VA Curved Gaming Monitor

Why it suits this profile: A good choice for gamers and multitaskers looking for plenty of horizontal workspace and a wide viewing area.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The combination of 3440 × 1440, 180Hz, VA and Adaptive Sync makes it clear what the larger screen is designed for. Just check that your PC can handle the resolution.

Key benefit & highlights

34 inches, UWQHD resolution, 180Hz, 1500R curvature, plus height, swivel and tilt adjustment, according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Specialist needs & intensive use
MSI MAG 245F X24 23.8-inch FHD Gaming Monitor

MSI MAG 245F X24 23.8-inch FHD Gaming Monitor

Why it suits this profile: For fast-paced gamers looking for a compact screen with a high refresh rate and a Rapid IPS panel.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specifications list 240Hz, Adaptive-Sync and a 48–240Hz range. This helps you match your choice to your PC and the games you play.

Key benefit & highlights

23.8 inches, Full HD, Rapid IPS, 240Hz, HDMI 2.0b and DisplayPort 1.2a. The stand tilts and the monitor supports VESA mounting.

Is a gaming monitor suitable for office work too?

Yes, but there’s more to consider than just the refresh rate. For documents and spreadsheets, QHD resolution, sharp text, a matte finish and an adjustable stand are all useful. An IPS model can be a good choice if several people will be looking at the screen. Also check whether the monitor has built-in speakers, a headphone output or enough connections for your laptop and desktop.

Frequently asked questions

Is 144Hz enough for PC gaming?

For many PC gamers, 144Hz is a practical choice. The screen can display motion more smoothly than a 60Hz monitor, while the demands on your graphics card are generally lower than with 240Hz. The difference you notice will depend on the game, frame rate, cable and settings.

Does a gaming monitor use a lot of power?

Power consumption varies depending on screen size, brightness, resolution and energy rating. A larger UWQHD or 4K screen may use more power than a compact Full HD model. Check the energy label and switch the screen off when you’re not using it. This has a bigger impact on running costs than the refresh rate alone.

How long does a gaming monitor last?

Lifespan depends on daily use, heat, transport and the quality of the power supply. Place the screen on a stable surface, keep the ventilation openings clear and clean the panel with a soft, dry cloth. Also check the warranty and your statutory rights when buying within the EU.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.