A computer monitor is undeniably an important part of the PC. The look of the whole computer comes down to its monitor, its appearance and the specs and features it offers. Without a nice display screen, the whole computer would go downhill in appearance.
Certain questions might pop up in your mind when buying a computer monitor. What features to look for in a monitor before buying it? How big should the display size of the screen be? Which panel technology is the best one to use? You would find a sea of options when looking for a computer monitor but it is important to buy one in accordance with your needs.
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Let us dive into the basic things you need to look at before buying a computer monitor.
Main Purpose
One of the basic things you should take into consideration is your main purpose for buying the computer monitor. Whether you want it for a general use, a professional one or specifically for gaming. Your purchase would be driven by the display, specs and features you require in your computer screen. All of this would differ based on what you require in the monitor screen.
Resolution of the Monitor
The number of pixels on the screen make up the resolution of your screen. Each pixel has three subpixels defining each primary color. The more the number of pixels on the screen, the higher the resolution will be. Monitor screens with higher resolution will display a smoother image on the screen. LCD displays can have screen resolution as high as 4K or 5K and as low as 720p which is also known as HD display.
Graphics Card
If you want a monitor screen with a high resolution, you should first check if your graphics card is compatible for that. The purpose of the graphics card is to control the visuals on the display screen. If the processing power of your graphics card is strong enough to handle high resolution, then go for a high resolution computer monitor.
Screen Size
The best screen size is the one which provides you the most comfortable viewing angle. It does not matter how big or small it is. If your desk allows enough space for a bigger screen, go for it but if you have a limited space, a smaller screen would work just fine too. If desk space is not considered, you may end up buying a monitor screen which would make your viewing angle difficult and hence, strain your eyes and neck.
The most common aspect ratio among LCD screens is 16:9. It works best whether you want to watch movies, play games or read something. Some fancy screens come in 21:9 too. Although movies and games may be more fun in them, they are rarely considered a suitable option in a general or professional setting.
Refresh Rate
High refresh rate is only considered important when gaming comes into the picture. Most gaming computers offer 120 Hz which is an excellent speed for hardcore gaming. If gaming is not your main focus, buy a monitor screen with a minimum refresh rate of 75 Hz. It would provide a smooth performance without slowing you down.
However, if you are looking for a comparatively cheaper option, buying a monitor with a refresh rate of 60 Hz would provide a smooth run too.
Response Time
Response time mostly concerns gamers. Lower response time ensures a better and smoother picture quality. Response time is measured in milliseconds (ms). Gaming computers work best if response time is less than 5ms otherwise, the blue light filters of the screen are hindered and the display is disturbed. If you are not much into games, a monitor with 10ms would work fine for you too.
Panel Technology
Each panel technology differs from the other in some aspects. It is hard to decide which panel technology is the winner out of the three common ones: TN (twisted nematic), IPS (in-plane switching) and VA (vertical alignment).
Here is a list of some of the differences between them to make it easier for you to decide which one suits you best.
| TN | VA | IPS |
| Most inexpensive | Price: IPS>VA>TN | Most expensive |
| Lowest response time | Longest response time | Response time: VA<IPS<TNS |
| Fastest refresh rate | Higher refresh rate | High refresh rate |
| Poor Color | Good Color | Best Color |
| Poor Contrast | Best Contrast | Good Contrast |
| Bad Viewing Angles | Viewing angles: IPS>VA>TN | Best Viewing Angles |
| Best for gaming | Best for general use | Best for professional use |
Monitor Design
Straight screens have been around for a long time but curved screens have started becoming common these days too. There are no known differences among them other than their appearance.
Curved screens give a fancier look but provide the same resolution as a straight screen. They provide a 3D experience and so, are loved among gaming enthusiasts. Curved monitor screens tend to cause less strain on your eyes and give you a better viewing angle but they are more expensive. They are also prone to glare at some angles.
Connectors and Ports
Connectors are another important thing to take into account when buying a monitor. Most monitor screens come with a USB-C port, an HDMI port and a display port. If a monitor has a port to plug-in speakers but not a USB-cable, it is advised to go for the one with the USB-port as they are needed more and used more commonly.
Adaptive Sync
As the name suggests, the purpose of adaptive sync is to adjust and synchronize the refresh rate with the frame rate of the graphics card. Adaptive sync is an important feature for gaming computers as it minimizes the input lag, reduces screen tearing and helps the games to run smoothly on the screen.
The two most common adaptive sync technologies are G-Sync and FreeSync. They both offer a smooth gameplay and only have slight differences between them which are listed below:
| FreeSync | G-Sync |
| Good performance | Better performance |
| Inexpensive | Expensive |
| Works with HDMI and display port | Works with display port only |
Monitor Stand
It is important to view your monitor screen at a comfortable angle, otherwise you could strain your eyes and neck. Monitor stands are either fixed or movable. A movable monitor stand could prove to be more convenient for you, considering you could adjust it according to your eye level and angle.
Price of Computer Monitors in Pakistan
The price of a computer monitor depends entirely on the brand and the specs and features it comes with. To give you a rough idea, you could find a monitor screen between Rs.10,000 to Rs.18,000 at the cheapest. The most expensive ones could cost you up to lacs.
If you are interested in buying a computer monitor, you can find a wide variety at OLX Pakistan.
That is all folks! We hope this guide was helpful for you! If you have any questions, leave them in the comment section below.
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