The monitor is the window to the PC’s soul. Without a good display, playing games on your PC will seem lackluster. Selecting the best gaming monitor is a huge investment in your gaming future.
Gaming monitors come with different capabilities that work well with specific game genres. For instance, a monitor with a high refresh rate is ideal for battle and shooting games, but it’s not a necessity if you’re into strategy or simulation games.
Therefore finding an ideal budget gaming monitor is crucial to get the best out of your gaming sessions. If you’re operating on a budget, choose a monitor that will suit your gaming needs within the budget. If you’re looking for a gaming monitor under $400, look no further. In this guide, we will help you decode the most technical jargon you’ll come across when comparing gaming monitors.
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FAQs
Why do Pro Gamers Use Small Do Monitors?
An enlarged image unavoidably creates more stress on the monitor displaying it. So, the computer might not have the power to produce the image without any lagging. For this reason, most gamers maintain a screen range of 18-22 inches for improved performance.
Is it Better to Play Games on a TV or Monitor?
Where the screen responsiveness is crucial, mostly in competitive gaming, a monitor is the most ideal because it’s capable of faster reactions. However, if a large picture is a priority and distortion or minor lagging can be ignored, then TVs can serve the purpose.
Why Do Gaming Pros use 24” Monitors?
You need a perfect balance between several essential values in a gaming monitor, like aspect ratio, a field of view, performance, resolution, or how far you can sit from the monitor. You can find good gaming monitors under $400 that measures more than 24-inch. However, this would mean large pixels and more stress on the processor, and so on.
How Many Monitors Do You Need to Stream?
Some gamers need a dual computer setup, so a second monitor results from your mode of operating. Some professional streamers work with more than two screens. Two screens meant for gaming and the others for streaming.
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Best Gaming Monitors under 400 Buying Guide
Choosing the best budget gaming monitor can be challenging and daunting for many gamers, as there are many specifications and options to take into account.
To get the best out of your latest video games, you’ll not only need a gaming monitor that has a powerful CPU and graphics card, but you’ll need one that will help you take the lead over your opponents. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the sea of gaming monitors.
Monitor Size and Panel Type
As in the case of many devices, the bigger it is, the more it’ll cost. However, for our wallets, bigger isn’t the best. When considering the monitor size, you have to consider its weight. A bigger monitor is usually bulkier and makes it difficult to use depending on your gaming setup. You should also consider the weight distribution of the monitor. If it comes with a heavy top, it’s at risk of tipping over at the slightest shake.
When choosing a gaming monitor, you should also consider the panel type. This refers to how the monitor is lit. Different panel types have various perks. Most gaming monitors are TN types, which is the most responsive type. The TN panel typing is ideal for gaming since it has fast response times.
Response Time
A monitor’s response time dictates how quickly the image will respond to your inputs. If the cursor moves 5 ms after moving the cursor, then your monitor has a 5ms response time. If you’re a gamer, you can easily differentiate a fast monitor and a slow one based on the gaming feeling. The response times you’re looking for should lie between 1-5 milliseconds, with a lower number ranking high.
Design and Connectivity Options
When looking at two monitors with similar specifications, the only things that differentiate them are the designs and connectivity options. The monitor’s design refers to how it’s comfortable when using. Is it height adjustable? Can it tilt or swivel? Is it compatible with wall mount or VESA mounting? These are things to look out for.
Additionally, no one wants a monitor that does not use a VGA port. The monitor should have an HDMI that supports high refresh rates.
Image Quality and Resolution
The image quality displayed on the screen depends on the resolution you’re operating at. The higher the monitor’s resolution, the clearer the images you will see. A full HD resolution can display a 1920×1080; this resolution can be referred to as 1080p.
If a monitor has a low pixel density, the image quality may be pixelated, meaning that there will be limited screen space plus a lack of details. If it’s too high, the monitor will have a lot of space and detail. However, you’ll have to scale the images for a small text to be readable. This isn’t a big problem as you can determine whether to sacrifice screen space for crispier and larger details or not.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate is the rate at which your monitor displays images. It is measured by how many different images can be displayed in an interval of 1 second. The most common refresh rate is 60Hz. If you’re searching for a gaming monitor, go for one with the highest refresh rate, anything between 60Hz and 144Hz will serve you best.
Adjustable Stand and VESA Mounts
One specification that many gamers ignore when looking for a monitor is the stand quality. A good stand will allow you to tilt it backward and forward and help you shift the monitor up and down.
Best Gaming Monitors under 400 Reviews
Acer XFA240 bmjdpr 24″ Gaming G-SYNC Compatible Monitor
If you’re looking for a gaming monitor that can offer you an out-of-the-world gaming experience, look no further! The Acer XFA240 bmjdpr 24″ Gaming G-SYNC Compatible Monitor surpasses all your gaming expectations in any game. The Acer XFA240 monitor comes with 1920×1080 full HD resolution that resents eye-catching and top-notch images with outstanding details.
With the Acer XFA240, you can battle for hours with your opponents with the Acer EyeProtect’s Flicker-less technology. These features are ideal for gamers who want to minimize eye-strain from long gaming sessions. It also has a 1ms response time that enhances the in-game experience.
The Acer XFA240 is based on a TN panel with 350-nit peak brightness, 8-bit color depth, and 1080p resolution. If you have a FreeSync compatible graphics card, you can realize the full potential of the Acer XFA240. It also offers advanced picture advancements such as 6-axis saturation and gamma resets.
Features
- 24” Full HD widescreen
- 1ms response time
- TN panel type
- 144HZ refresh rate
- 2 speakers
- Acer Visioncare Technologies
Pros
- Comfortable viewing experience
- Full HD resolution
- High-quality images with excellent details
- Optimal refresh rates
- Kind to your eyes
- G-Sync compatible
Cons
- Inferior image quality when compared to IPS and VA panels
- Narrow viewing angles
Dell S-Series 27-Inch Screen LED-Lit Gaming Monitor (S2719DGF)
This is the latest Dell flagship gaming monitor that comes with AMD FreeSync technology. The Dell S-Series 27-Inch Screen LED-Lit Gaming Monitor allows you to enjoy fast gameplay at a 1ms response time. However, while the S2719DGF comes with a 155Hz refresh rate and supports AMD FreeSync, it lacks HDR support and has a low contrast ratio.
The S2719DGF has a 0.5” bezel on the sides and top, which maximizes the screen area and makes it an ideal device for multi-monitor arrays. It also has a simple but sturdy mount with a wide range of adjustments.
Features
- 27″ screen LED-Lit
- 155Hz refresh rate
- AMD FreeSync
- 1ms response time
- Height adjustable
Pros
- Fast pixel response
- Fully adjustable stand
- Wide range of ports
- Supports AMD FreeSync
Cons
- No DisplayPort cable
- No HDR support
- Low contrast ratio
Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor – AW2518Hf
Are you looking for a budget gaming monitor that features an iconic design that delivers immersive gaming? The Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor is built with high-quality materials in a thin and adjustable design. This monitor features a 240Hz refresh rate. It also features AMD FreeSync technology that offers a fantastic gaming experience.
The Alienware 25 Gaming Monitor has improved graphics card technology and a perfect brightness performance of over 400-nits with uniform and consistent luminance.
Features
- Lightning-fast 240Hz refresh rate
- AMD FreeSync
- 400-nits brightness
- 1920×1080 screen resolution
- 1ms response time
Pros
- Impressive modern design
- Clear and vibrant screen
- Low input lag and quick response time
- Rich connectivity options
- Ergonomic functionalities
Cons
- No gamma settings
- No built-in speakers
- Narrow viewing angles
Conclusion
There are many confusing choices and more confusing marketing terms for gamers looking for the best gaming monitors.
If you’re looking for a perfect gaming monitor, this guide will help you get the right monitor that suits your needs and preferences without breaking the bank.