Here’s a rundown of basic gaming monitor terminology you should know:

1. Resolution

• The number of pixels a monitor can display, affecting image clarity.
• Common resolutions:
  • 1080p (Full HD, 1920x1080) – Standard for budget and mid-range gaming.
  • 1440p (QHD, 2560x1440) – Higher clarity, popular among gamers.
  • 4K (Ultra HD, 3840x2160) – Ultra-detailed, but requires a powerful GPU.
  • 8K (7680x4320) – Extreme high-end, not widely supported in gaming.

2. Refresh Rate

• Measured in Hertz (Hz), it indicates how many times per second the screen refreshes.
• Common refresh rates:
  • 60Hz – Standard for non-competitive gaming.
  • 120Hz, 144Hz – Popular for smoother gameplay.
  • 240Hz, 360Hz – High-end monitors for esports and fast-paced gaming.

3. Response Time

• Measured in milliseconds (ms), it refers to how quickly a pixel changes from one color to another.
• Lower response times (1-5ms) reduce motion blur and ghosting.

4. Panel Types

• IPS (In-Plane Switching) – Best color accuracy and viewing angles, slightly slower response times.
• TN (Twisted Nematic) – Fastest response time but lower color accuracy and viewing angles.
• VA (Vertical Alignment) – Better contrast than IPS and TN but can have slower response times.
• OLED/QD-OLED – Superior contrast, perfect blacks, but expensive.

5. Adaptive Sync Technologies

• G-Sync (NVIDIA) – Reduces screen tearing and stuttering, requires an NVIDIA GPU.
• FreeSync (AMD) – Similar to G-Sync, works with AMD GPUs.
• V-Sync (Vertical Sync) – Software-based solution to reduce screen tearing but can introduce input lag.

6. HDR (High Dynamic Range)

• Enhances color, contrast, and brightness for a more immersive experience.
• Common HDR standards:
  • HDR10 – Basic standard.
  • HDR10+ / Dolby Vision – Dynamic HDR with better visuals.
  • DisplayHDR 400/600/1000 – Industry certifications indicating brightness levels.

7. Contrast Ratio

• Difference between the brightest white and darkest black a monitor can produce.
• Higher contrast = better image depth (e.g., OLED has near-infinite contrast).

8. Input Lag

• The delay between pressing a button and the action appearing on the screen.
• Lower input lag is crucial for competitive gaming.

9. Connectivity Ports

• HDMI – Common connection, supports high refresh rates on newer versions (HDMI 2.1 for 4K 120Hz).
• DisplayPort (DP) – Preferred for gaming, supports higher refresh rates and resolutions.
• USB-C – Some gaming monitors offer USB-C with video support.

10. Aspect Ratio

• Ratio of screen width to height:
  • 16:9 – Standard widescreen.
  • 21:9 (Ultrawide) – More immersive.
  • 32:9 (Super Ultrawide) – Wider field of view, great for racing or flight sims.

11. Curved vs. Flat Monitors

• Curved monitors offer a more immersive experience and reduce eye strain for larger screens.
• Flat monitors are more traditional and work well for all setups.