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Why You Can't Substitute a Gaming Monitor for a Traditional Display
Jamie Finch
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November 3, 2023
If you’re on a tight budget then you might look for a less expensive traditional display over a monitor made for gaming. However, this is often not a good option because many traditional displays are not suitable for fluid gaming with quality images. Although this depends on which games you play, with a traditional monitor being fine for simple titles like Roblox and Minecraft.
Gamers who need the best quality graphics will tell you that a traditional monitor is not a suitable substitute for a gaming monitor. This article looks at why this is, and some of the best gaming monitors available from HP.
What does a monitor do?
Those old enough will remember the early days of computers that used a black screen showing green letters and other characters. However, with hardware and software developments, today’s monitors can show far more detailed graphics that enhance the gaming experience.
Regardless of the complexity of the images produced, a monitor’s job is to take electronic data coming from your computer and turn that raw data into images on your screen. The complexity of your images is determined by the monitor’s hardware and your computer’s components.
But how does a gaming monitor differ from a traditional monitor and do gaming monitors make a difference? This article takes a look at those factors!
Differences between a gaming monitor and a traditional monitor
When considering the differences between gaming monitors and traditional computer monitors, it can help to realise that there is often an overlap between what a gaming monitor and a traditional monitor can offer. For example, some budget gaming models will not likely match the specifications of a mid to higher-range traditional option.
Regardless, one of the key differences between gaming monitors and traditional computer monitors is that the former is made to run high-quality graphics, and the latter is usually best for work or home use.
Here are some factors to consider when looking for a gaming monitor.
High refresh rates
A refresh rate is the rate at which new, still images are shown on the screen to make the impression of a single, moving image. The faster each frame is shown after the previous one, the smoother the images will be. For many gamers, 60 Hz (60 frames per second) provides a smooth gameplay experience with no significant issues.
However, many traditional monitors have lower refresh speeds, which is not a problem for typical office work. However, anything lower than 60 Hz can begin to noticeably impact the smoothness of the overall image, making such monitors unsuitable for gaming.
For more advanced gamers, especially those who play advanced titles, 60 Hz may not be enough. As such, many gaming monitors will come with 144 Hz refresh speed, while displays at the upper end might have refresh speeds of 240 Hz. Bearing in mind that the human brain can only process approximately 65 frames per second, improvements become less noticeable over that number.
Lower response times
Many gaming titles require lightning-fast responses, with just a fraction of a second being enough to make the difference between winning or losing. As such, many gamers require low response times that help them react to situations as soon as they take place.
Many mid to upper-range gaming monitors offer response times of 1 or 2 milliseconds (ms), which is fast enough for gamers with the fastest reaction times. For many, response time of anything less than 5 ms is fine, but your gaming experience might suffer on displays with longer response times.
Adaptive sync technologies
Adaptive sync technologies can further enhance your gaming experience by improving graphics quality further. For example, NVIDIA® G-SYNC® and AMD FreeSync™ work by synchronising the monitor with the performance of the computer’s graphics processor unit (GPU), improving the overall performance.
Many of the best gaming monitors will contain such technologies, making it a good idea to keep an eye out for which are available in your budget.
High screen resolutions
A screen with high resolution means it can show more individual pixels on the screen than lower resolution models. The more pixels per image, the more detailed the image will be, allowing for more impressive in-game images.
Most modern games will need at least a full high-definition (FHD) monitor, which has 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, making around 2 million pixels in total. While this is fine for many gamers, others may need higher-resolution displays that can add deeper levels of immersiveness and incredible levels of detail. Some of the most advanced monitors use 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) technology that has 3,840 x 2160 pixels, which is approximately 8 million pixels in total.
Can gaming monitors be used for work?
Are gaming monitors good for work? The answer in most cases is yes: gaming monitors are usually fine for work. After all, gaming machines typically use the latest technology available, making them capable of handling a wide range of tasks.
One reason why you might not want to use a gaming monitor for work is aesthetics, although many gaming models won’t look out of place in the office. You may even find some gaming monitor features that help you work more efficiently.
Some of the best gaming monitors from HP
HP offers a range of gaming monitors available, with something for gamers at all levels. Here is a look at some of the best that we offer:
OMEN 24 (23.8") FHD IPS Gaming Monitor
The OMEN 24 Gaming Monitor offers FHD clarity and a 165 Hz refresh rate, which offers smooth visuals that are ideal for gaming. In addition to an impressive refresh rate, this monitor also offers a 1 ms response time, which is fast enough for the quickest gamers.
This monitor also offers Adaptive Sync and FreeSync technology that helps to enhance visuals by providing high refresh rates and low response times. HP Eye Ease technology helps soothe your eyes during long gaming sessions, while the adjustable stand and OSD joypad button also keep you comfortable.
The OMEN 24’s integrated cable management helps keep your desk tidy and it also has plenty of ports for easy connectivity with other devices. This monitor’s sleek design also makes it look at home in professional environments.
OMEN 27k (27") 4K UHD IPS Gaming Monitor
The OMEN 27k Gaming Monitor offers a 27-inch 4K ultra high definition (UHD) display that offers impressive graphics quality. It also offers a 144 Hz refresh rate that will provide smooth gameplay with some stunning visuals from the latest gaming titles.
NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync technology also help ensure an immersive gaming experience thanks to the fluid nature of the graphics they provide. This monitor is also compatible with the latest consoles, and the built-in KVM makes switching between input devices easy.
This monitor comes with multiple adjustment options for your comfort, while integrated cable management helps you keep your desk tidy. In-plane switching (IPS) technology provides wide viewing angles, and numerous ports ensure you have no difficulties connecting with other devices.
Integrated Dual 3W Speakers offer excellent sound quality that makes your gaming experience more immersive, while this monitor also features RGB lighting that can enhance your setup's aesthetics.
OMEN 34c (34") WQHD Curved Gaming Monitor
The OMEN 34c Curved Gaming Monitor offers a 34-inch wide quad high definition (WQHD) display. This monitor also offers 1 ms response times, making it a good choice for gamers who rely on fast reactions.
The curved monitor adds immersiveness to gaming titles as the sides of the display are brought closer to you. The WQHD resolution offers impressive graphics, and the 165 Hz refresh rate ensures smooth gameplay. FreeSync and AdaptiveSync technology further enhance graphics quality, with no tearing or motion blur for fluid gameplay.
The OMEN 34c also has dual 3W speakers that offer immersive audio quality. It is also easy to use with help from the OSD joypad button, while integrated cable management helps you keep your gaming station tidy.
While this monitor excels when it comes to gaming, its smart design also helps to make it look at home in the office.
Summary
Choosing the right monitor will help ensure a positive gaming experience, helping you benefit from the impressive graphics most modern titles offer. To be sure you get what you need, it’s usually best to look for a gaming monitor.
These monitors come with the hardware required to create quality images and ensure smooth gameplay. Some gaming monitors also come with functions like built-in speakers and lighting that enhance aesthetics and functionality.
Before choosing a monitor, it's best to check which GPU you have so they pair together well. If you need the best graphics available, you might need to upgrade your computer hardware alongside investing in the right monitor. Regardless, the options above are perfect for gamers who need a monitor that meets their needs.
