Joybuy Insights

Buying a gaming monitor: how to choose a screen that suits your setup

Buying a gaming monitor might seem straightforward – until you have to choose between 24 or 27 inches, Full HD or QHD, 144Hz or 300Hz, and IPS or VA. Marketing copy often focuses on an ultra-low response time or a high refresh rate. Yet no single number determines whether a monitor is right for your games, your PC and your workspace.

In this buying guide, we explain which specifications you really need to check. After that, you’ll find practical recommendations for different user profiles.

Three common pitfalls when buying a gaming monitor

1. A high refresh rate without sufficient PC performance

A 240Hz gaming monitor or 300Hz gaming monitor can display incredibly smooth images, but only if your computer can deliver enough frames per second. If you’re playing a game that runs at around 100 fps, you won’t be making the most of a 300Hz screen. So first, check the performance of your graphics card in the games you play.

For competitive shooters and esports, a high refresh rate can certainly be relevant. For casual gaming, films, study and working from home, 100Hz to 165Hz is often a practical step up from 60Hz.

2. A low response time that isn’t clearly explained

Manufacturers use different measurement methods, such as GtG and MPRT. A value of 1ms MPRT is therefore not directly comparable to 1ms GtG. Also look at the connections, the panel type and the overdrive settings. An extremely low stated figure on its own tells you very little about overall image quality.

3. A large screen with too low a resolution

A 27-inch gaming monitor with Full HD offers a large screen area, but has a lower pixel density than a 24-inch Full HD gaming monitor. Text and fine details can therefore look less sharp when you’re sitting close to the screen. For a 27-inch or larger screen, QHD (2560 × 1440) is often a logical choice, provided your PC can handle it.

The key specifications explained

Refresh rate and Adaptive Sync

The refresh rate is expressed in hertz. A 200Hz gaming monitor refreshes the image up to 200 times per second; a 300Hz model up to 300 times. This can make motion appear smoother, especially during fast camera movements.

A monitor with Adaptive Sync matches the refresh rate to the image output of your graphics card. This can help reduce tearing and stuttering. Check whether your PC and graphics card are compatible. With a monitor with FreeSync, this refers to AMD’s synchronisation technology. A mention such as “FreeSync Compatible” refers to the compatibility stated in the product specifications; how well it works can depend on the combination of monitor, cable and graphics card.

Panel type: IPS or VA

An IPS gaming monitor is generally known for wide viewing angles and consistent colours. That’s practical if you also use the monitor for photos, study, office work or content creation.

A VA gaming monitor often offers a higher contrast ratio according to the stated product specifications. Dark scenes can therefore be rendered differently. VA models are popular for gaming, films and curved screens. Just bear in mind that the viewing experience, response time and colour reproduction vary from model to model.

Resolution, size and connections

  • Full HD gaming monitor: 1920 × 1080. Suitable for budget-friendly setups and high fps.
  • QHD gaming monitor: 2560 × 1440. Offers more detail, but demands more from your graphics card.
  • 24 inches: compact and a good match for Full HD and smaller desks.
  • 27 inches: more workspace, but check whether Full HD is sharp enough for your viewing distance.
  • Curved gaming monitor: can provide a more immersive image. Check the curvature, such as 1500R or 1800R, and whether you sit directly in front of the screen.
  • Connections: look at the HDMI and DisplayPort versions, and the maximum resolution and refresh rate per port. For a monitor used with both PC and console, multiple video inputs are handy.

Recommended models by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Acer SA242YH1 24 inch Full HD monitor

Acer SA242YH1 24" Full HD Monitor

Why this fits the profile: A compact 23.8-inch monitor for working from home, watching videos and casual gaming, with 100Hz and Full HD resolution.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The combination of 24 inches and Full HD stops you paying for a large screen without needing the extra resolution. Please note: according to the product information, the power adapter is not included as standard.

Key benefit & highlights

VA panel, 100Hz, HDMI and VGA; tiltable design for a simple workstation.

Suitable for: Buyers seeking top quality
LG 34WR50QK-B 34 inch UltraWide monitor

LG 34WR50QK-B 34 inch UltraWide monitor

Why this fits the profile: For users who combine gaming with multitasking, spreadsheets, creative work and entertainment.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 3440 × 1440 resolution suits the wide 21:9 format. The refresh rate is 100Hz, so this model isn’t aimed at extreme esports fps.

Key benefit & highlights

VA panel, 3440 × 1440, 100Hz, HDR10 support, FreeSync and Picture-by-Picture.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Titan Army C27A1H 27 inch 300Hz gaming monitor

Titan Army C27A1H R1500 27 inch 300Hz

Why this fits the profile: For PC gamers who play at high frame rates and want a curved screen with strong contrast specifications.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specifications list both the 300Hz mode and the HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 connections. Do check whether your PC can output 300Hz at Full HD.

Key benefit & highlights

27 inches, 1920 × 1080, 300Hz, 1ms GTG, 1500R curvature and FreeSync Compatible according to the product information.

Suitable for: Competitive gamers and console users
Lenovo LOQ 27-10 27 inch 200Hz gaming monitor

Lenovo LOQ 27-10 27 inch Full HD

Why this fits the profile: A fast all-round monitor for PC and console, with a Fast IPS panel and support for modern connections.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications state the measurement method: 0.5ms MPRT and 1ms GtG. The connections and console compatibility are also clearly listed.

Key benefit & highlights

Fast IPS, 200Hz, FreeSync Premium, VESA Adaptive Sync, two HDMI 2.1 ports and DisplayPort 1.4.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.

Setting up after purchase

Where possible, use the supplied DisplayPort or HDMI cable, then select the correct refresh rate in Windows or in your graphics card’s menu. Also check:

  • whether Adaptive Sync or FreeSync is enabled;
  • whether the resolution matches the native resolution;
  • whether the monitor is stable and has enough ventilation space;
  • whether the screen is at eye level and at a suitable viewing distance;
  • whether the port supports the desired combination of resolution and hertz.

A monitor with a tiltable stand or VESA 100 × 100 mm offers extra flexibility for your workspace. For prolonged use, anti-glare, flicker-free and low-blue-light modes can be practical. According to manufacturers’ product information, these features are designed for greater viewing comfort; the exact experience varies from person to person.

Frequently asked questions about gaming monitors

Is 144Hz enough for gaming?

For many PC gamers, 144Hz is a useful starting point. The difference from 60Hz is more noticeable than the difference between 240Hz and 300Hz. If you mainly play esports and consistently achieve high fps, you could consider a 240Hz or 300Hz gaming monitor.

Is QHD better than Full HD?

QHD displays more pixels and therefore more detail, especially on 27 inches or larger. Full HD demands less from your graphics card and works well with a 24-inch screen or a setup where high fps matters more than extra sharpness.

Does a gaming monitor use a lot of power?

Power consumption depends on screen size, brightness, resolution and HDR usage. Check the energy label and the stated consumption per 1,000 hours. Switch the monitor off when you’re not using it for a while, and use the power-saving mode when it suits your situation.