Joybuy Insights

Choosing a gaming monitor: how to find a screen that suits your setup

Buying a gaming monitor might seem straightforward – until you have to choose between 165Hz, 240Hz, OLED, QHD, 4K, HDR and a curved screen. Manufacturers often emphasise one standout specification, while other features may not suit your PC, console or desk as well.

The right choice, therefore, doesn't just depend on the highest refresh rate. Instead, look at the combination of resolution, connections, panel type, screen size and the performance of your graphics card.

Three pitfalls when buying a gaming monitor

1. A high refresh rate without matching hardware

A 240Hz gaming monitor can display motion more smoothly than a 60Hz or 100Hz screen. However, you'll mainly notice this benefit when your PC can actually deliver around 240 frames per second. With demanding games and high resolutions, that's not a given.

For competitive games, a monitor with a high refresh rate can make sense. For story-driven games, productivity and consoles, a 165Hz or 180Hz gaming monitor can already offer a practical balance. Also check whether the correct refresh rate is available via HDMI or DisplayPort.

2. A low response time that doesn't tell the whole story

A claimed response time of, say, 0.03ms or 0.5ms sounds appealing, but measurement methods differ. GtG, MPRT and a minimum response time are not the same thing. So also consider the panel type, refresh rate and support for variable synchronisation.

A monitor with a low response time can reduce ghosting, but the result also depends on settings, cables, in-game options and your computer's frame rate.

3. HDR as a marketing label

HDR Ready, HDR10 and DisplayHDR True Black 400 refer to different features. HDR can improve contrast and brightness, but the label alone doesn't tell you how convincing the effect is in practice. Pay attention to the stated brightness, panel type and certification.

With an HDR gaming monitor, it's wise to check whether your game, PC or console supports HDR. An OLED panel can display deep black tones, while a VA panel often offers high static contrast. IPS screens usually place more emphasis on wide viewing angles and colour reproduction.

The key specifications explained

Resolution and screen size

  • Full HD (1920 × 1080): suitable for affordable 24- or 27-inch screens and high frame rates.
  • QHD (2560 × 1440): a practical choice for 27 inches. A QHD gaming monitor offers more detail than Full HD without the same graphical demands as 4K.
  • 4K (3840 × 2160): sharp image for large screens, creative tasks and consoles. A 4K gaming monitor does demand more from your graphics card.
  • Ultrawide: a ratio of 21:9 or 32:9 gives extra horizontal space. An ultrawide monitor is useful for simulation games, multitasking and video editing, but requires plenty of desk space.

Check the width, depth and weight capacity of your desk beforehand. A 34-inch screen is already considerably wider than a standard 27-inch model. For screens of 45 or 49 inches, it's wise to have two people for mounting.

Refresh rate and synchronisation

The refresh rate is expressed in hertz. A 165Hz screen refreshes the image up to 165 times per second; a 240Hz model up to 240 times. A higher value can make motion smoother, especially in shooters and racing games.

FreeSync, FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC Compatible synchronise the screen's refresh rate with the image output of your graphics card. Check which system your video card uses. A product without official G-SYNC certification may sometimes work with G-SYNC according to the product information, but this is not guaranteed.

Panel type, connections and ergonomics

  • IPS: wide viewing angles and generally consistent colours.
  • VA: high contrast and deep dark tones; suitable for films and atmospheric games.
  • OLED or QD-OLED: individual pixels can be switched off, enabling deep black tones and a very short stated response time. Do check the user manual and OLED Care features for long-term use.
  • HDMI 2.1: relevant for certain 4K signals with high refresh rate, especially with recent consoles.
  • DisplayPort: often important for high resolutions and high refresh rates on PC.
  • USB-C with power delivery: handy for laptops and a tidy desk.

A height-adjustable stand, tilt and VESA support make it easier to position the screen properly. Also pay attention to the included cables; a connection doesn't automatically support every resolution and refresh rate.

Our recommendations by user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
MSI MAG 274F Computer Monitor 27 inch

MSI MAG 274F Computer Monitor

Why this fits the profile: This 27-inch Full HD screen combines 200Hz with a stated response time of 0.5ms (GtG). That suits gamers looking for a fast monitor without jumping straight to QHD or OLED.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications list both 200Hz and the connections used. Do check whether your PC achieves the desired refresh rate via HDMI 2.0b or DisplayPort 1.2.

Key benefit & highlights

27 inch, Full HD, IPS panel, 200Hz and Adaptive-Sync. The stand is tiltable and the screen supports VESA 100 × 100mm.

Suitable for: Buyers seeking top quality
LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B OLED QHD gaming monitor

LG UltraGear 27GX704A-B OLED QHD gaming monitor

Why this fits the profile: According to the product information, this OLED model has a QHD resolution, 240Hz and 0.03ms response time. It's aimed at gamers who want to combine picture quality with fast response.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The combination of OLED, QHD and DisplayHDR 400 True Black makes clear which display technologies are used. Check the placement beforehand and follow the recommended OLED maintenance features.

Key benefit & highlights

27 inch QHD OLED, 240Hz, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, FreeSync Premium Pro and G-SYNC Compatible according to the product specifications.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Alienware AW2525HM gaming monitor

Alienware AW2525HM Computer Monitor

Why this fits the profile: This 24.5-inch Full HD screen is, according to the product specifications, aimed at competitive players with 320Hz, a Fast IPS panel and G-SYNC Compatible.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The lower Full HD resolution limits the graphical load compared to QHD or 4K. This means a powerful PC can more easily make use of the high refresh rate.

Key benefit & highlights

320Hz, 0.5ms stated response time, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, adjustable stand and FreeSync Premium.

When should you choose a different type of screen?

For multitasking, the LG 34WR50QK-B could be of interest: 34 inches, 3440 × 1440, 100Hz, a 21:9 ratio and Picture-by-Picture. For creative professionals, the LG 32UN880K might be more logical thanks to 4K, USB-C with 60W power delivery and an adjustable Ergo arm, although the refresh rate is 60Hz.

If you need plenty of horizontal space, you could look at a 49-inch ultrawide model such as the CRUA with 5120 × 1440 and 165Hz. With screens like these, check the desk size, viewing distance, graphics card and mounting options extra carefully.

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.

Frequently asked questions about a gaming monitor

Is 165Hz enough for PC gaming?

For many players, 165Hz offers a useful balance between smooth motion and system load. The difference compared to 240Hz is mainly relevant when your PC also achieves a very high frame rate in your favourite games.

Which connection do I need for 240Hz?

That depends on the resolution, monitor and source device. Check the maximum support of HDMI and DisplayPort in the product specifications. Use a suitable cable and then set the desired refresh rate in Windows, your graphics driver and the monitor itself.

How long does a gaming monitor last?

The lifespan depends on use, heat, transport and maintenance. Place the screen on a stable surface, keep ventilation openings clear and use a soft, dry cloth. With OLED models, it's wise to follow the included panel maintenance features and usage advice.