Buying a new monitor for your computer is a significant investment that directly affects the experience you will have while using your computer. Whether you are working, playing games, or simply enjoying your favorite videos, the right monitor can make a big difference. In this article you will find everything you need to know before choosing the right monitor for your computer.
What to Watch Out For
1. Screen size
Screen size is one of the first decisions you'll need to make. The size of a screen is measured diagonally, usually in inches. The most common sizes range from 21 to 32 inches, but there are larger options available.
- For everyday use, such as browsing the web or doing office work, a 24-27 inch monitor is ideal.
- Gamers and professionals involved in video or graphics editing may prefer larger screens, from 27 to 32 inches or more.
2. Screen resolution
Resolution determines how many pixels the screen has and affects the sharpness of the image. The most popular resolutions are:
- Full HD (1920x1080): The most common resolution for everyday use and gaming.
- Quad HD (2560x1440): Offers greater clarity than Full HD and is ideal for users who want better image quality without resorting to 4K.
- 4K UHD (3840x2160): The best choice for professionals involved in image and video editing or for gamers who want the ultimate graphics experience.
3. Refresh Rate
The refresh rate is expressed in Hertz (Hz) and indicates how many times the image on the screen is refreshed per second. The higher the refresh rate, the smoother the motion on the screen.
- 60Hz: Sufficient for everyday use and movies.
- 120Hz or 144Hz: Ideal for gamers who want a smoother image in their games.
- 240Hz or above: Aimed at professional gamers and those who want the ultimate smoothness experience.
4. Panel types
There are different types of panels that affect image quality and viewing angles:
- TN (Twisted Nematic): The most economical panel type, with fast response time but mediocre viewing angles and color reproduction. Good for gaming.
- IPS (In-Plane Switching): Offers better color performance and wider viewing angles, ideal for graphics and video editing.
- VA (Vertical Alignment): Combines good viewing angles with high contrast, ideal for movies and general use.
5. Response Time
Response time refers to the time it takes for a pixel to change color. For gamers and those watching action movies, a low response time is important to avoid ghosting (motion blur).
- 1-5ms: Ideal for gaming and fast-paced action scenes.
- 5-10ms: Sufficient for everyday use and movies.
6. Connectivity
Before you buy a monitor, make sure it has the right ports for the devices you want to connect. The most common ports are:
- HDMI: The most popular port for connecting to computers and game consoles.
- DisplayPort: Supports higher resolutions and refresh rates compared to HDMI.
- USB-C: Used in more modern devices and allows charging and image transfer with a single cable.
- DVI and VGA: Older connections that are still present on some monitors, but do not support high resolutions.
7. Extra features
Some additional features that a monitor may have that are worth paying attention to are:
- G-Sync or FreeSync support: These technologies synchronize the graphics card with the screen to avoid screen tearing during gaming.
- HDR (High Dynamic Range): Improves contrast and brightness, offering more vibrant colors.
- Tilt and height adjustment: Make sure your monitor has height and tilt adjustment capabilities for better ergonomics.
8. Price and budget
The price of a monitor varies depending on its features. Full HD monitors with a size of 24-27 inches start at €100-€200, while more advanced 4K or gaming monitors can cost €300 and up.
What are the differences between G-Sync and FreeSync?
G-Sync and FreeSync are technologies developed by NVIDIA and AMD respectively, with the aim of improving the gaming experience by reducing issues such as screen tearing and stuttering, which are caused by a mismatch between the monitor's refresh rate and the graphics card's performance. Although both technologies have the same basic purpose, there are significant differences between them in terms of technical operation, hardware support, and cost.
Let's take a closer look at the differences:
1. Operation and Technology
- G-Sync (NVIDIA): Uses a special hardware module inside the monitor that dynamically synchronizes the monitor's refresh rate with the frames produced by the graphics card. This ensures the best experience without issues such as tearing and stuttering, but requires monitors that are certified by NVIDIA.
- FreeSync (AMD): Does not require specialized hardware, but uses VESA's Adaptive Sync standard that is part of DisplayPort and HDMI. This means that FreeSync can be integrated into displays without the need for special hardware, making it more cost-effective for manufacturers and consumers.
2. Support from graphics cards
- G-Sync: Requires an NVIDIA graphics card that supports G-Sync. Typically, it is supported by the GTX 10xx series and the latest RTX graphics cards.
- FreeSync: Originally designed for AMD graphics cards, many FreeSync monitors are now also supported by NVIDIA graphics cards via a driver update, provided that the monitor meets the requirements of the G-Sync Compatible standard.
3. Cost
- G-Sync: Because it requires a dedicated hardware module, G-Sync monitors are typically more expensive than their FreeSync counterparts. This cost is due to both the module and NVIDIA's certification requirements.
- FreeSync: It is generally more cost-effective, as it does not require special hardware. Manufacturers can integrate FreeSync into their displays at a lower cost, which is also reflected in the price of the final product.
4. Refresh Rate Range
- G-Sync: Typically offers a wider range of supported refresh rates, meaning it can work effectively at lower and higher FPS (frames per second). This range ranges from 1Hz to the monitor's maximum refresh rate, offering consistent performance even at choppy frame rates.
- FreeSync: May have a smaller refresh rate range than G-Sync, although this depends on the quality of the monitor. There are FreeSync monitors with a limited range (e.g. 48Hz – 75Hz), but also others with a similarly wide range like G-Sync.
5. Quality and Performance
- G-Sync: NVIDIA offers rigorous certification for G-Sync monitors, ensuring consistent performance and high image quality without artifacts. G-Sync is known for delivering an excellent experience, especially in more demanding gaming situations.
- FreeSync: Because it doesn't have the same rigorous certification program as G-Sync, there are variations in quality depending on the monitor. Some FreeSync monitors offer excellent performance, but others may experience issues like flickering at certain FPS.
6. Compatibility with other technologies
- G-Sync: G-Sync monitors often support other NVIDIA technologies such as ULMB (Ultra Low Motion Blur), which reduces the feeling of blur in fast movements.
- FreeSync: FreeSync monitors can support technologies like LFC (Low Framerate Compensation), which improves the experience when FPS drops below the range supported by the monitor.
7. G-Sync Compatible
It's worth noting that NVIDIA has introduced the G-Sync Compatible category. These monitors don't have the dedicated G-Sync hardware module, but are certified by NVIDIA to work properly with NVIDIA graphics cards when using Adaptive Sync (which is the basis of FreeSync). This makes the technology available to more and cheaper monitors.
The main differences between G-Sync and FreeSync lie in cost, technology, and compatibility. G-Sync offers a more stable and smooth experience, but is more expensive due to the specialized hardware. FreeSync is more affordable and widely available, but can vary in quality depending on the monitor. Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget, the graphics card you have, and your gaming needs.
Choosing the right monitor for your computer depends on your needs and how you use your computer. Whether you're looking for something affordable for everyday use, or you want a top-of-the-line monitor for gaming or professional video editing, it's important to consider the parameters we've discussed above.
Below we present a table with the 8 best monitors that you can find on the Greek market for up to 200 euros. Prices are indicative and may vary depending on the store or current offers.
The 8 best computer monitors under 200 euros
| # | Model | Size (inches) | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Panel Type | Connections | Price (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LG 24MP59G-P | 24" | 1920x1080 (Full HD) | 75Hz | IPS | HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA | €159 |
| 2 | Samsung LF24T350FHUXEN | 24" | 1920x1080 (Full HD) | 75Hz | IPS | HDMI, VGA | €145 |
| 3 | AOC 24G2U | 24" | 1920x1080 (Full HD) | 144Hz | IPS | HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA | €199 |
| 4 | Philips 243V7QJABF | 24" | 1920x1080 (Full HD) | 60Hz | IPS | HDMI, VGA, DVI | €135 |
| 5 | ASUS VA24EHE | 23.8" | 1920x1080 (Full HD) | 75Hz | IPS | HDMI, DVI, VGA | €149 |
| 6 | hp 24mh | 23.8" | 1920x1080 (Full HD) | 75Hz | IPS | HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA | €179 |
| 7 | BenQ GW2480 | 24" | 1920x1080 (Full HD) | 60Hz | IPS | HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA | €139 |
| 8 | MSI Optix G24C4 | 23.6" | 1920x1080 (Full HD) | 144Hz | VA | HDMI, Display Port | €199 |
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