Are you thinking about getting a new PC monitor this year? Choosing the right one can be confusing because there are so many choices. That's why this PC monitor buying guide is here to help you.

It doesn’t matter if you use your computer for casual tasks or for serious gaming; we'll explain everything you need to know in an easy way.

You’ll Get to Know From This Guide

How to pick the right size and resolution for your needs.

Understanding different types of monitor panels (like IPS and TN).

Why refresh rate and response time matter, especially for gaming.

Choosing the best connectivity options for your setup.

What HDR, adaptive sync, and other latest tech mean for your viewing experience.

Budgeting tips and pricing ranges for different types of monitors.

Practical advice on reading reviews and comparing monitors before buying.

Tips on future-proofing your monitor purchase for long-term use.

What to Consider When Buying a PC Monitor

Here's what to think about when you're buying a PC monitor:

PC Monitor Size Guide and Resolution

Decide how big you want your screen and how clear you want the picture to be. Bigger screens and higher resolutions like 4K give sharper images, but they can be more expensive.

Panel Technology

Choose between IPS (colours look vivid from different angles), TN (fast response times and affordable), and VA (good balance with nice contrast).

Refresh Rate

If you play games, a higher refresh rate (like 144Hz or 240Hz) makes the action smoother. Casual users can go with 60Hz.

Response Time

Lower response times (1ms or 5ms) mean less blurriness in fast games.

Connectivity

Make sure the monitor has the right ports (like HDMI, DisplayPort, USB) for your computer and devices.

Adaptive Sync

Features like FreeSync or G-Sync help games look smoother by fixing screen tearing.

Colour Accuracy

Important for editing photos or videos. Look for monitors with a good colour range, like sRGB or DCI-P3.

Adjustability

Check if the monitor can tilt, swivel, or adjust the height to fit your desk and be comfortable to use.

Use Case

So, what size computer monitor do I need?

For everyday usage (web browsing, emails), a basic 1080p (1920 x 1080 resolution) monitor around 24 inches will do just fine.

A 27-inch monitor with a resolution of 1080p or even 1440p (2560 x 1440) will offer more screen space for better multitasking. It is suitable for those who work with lots of documents, spreadsheets, etc.

Gamers need a monitor with a high refresh rate for smooth gameplay. Look for 1440p or even 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution monitors with a refresh rate of 144Hz or higher.

Latest Tech Trends in 2024

Here are some of the latest tech buzzwords you should know:

HDR (High Dynamic Range): Creates more lifelike images with deeper blacks and brighter whites. Not all games and content support HDR yet.

G-Sync and FreeSync: Technologies that reduce screen tearing (choppy images) for a smoother gaming experience. Make sure your graphics card is compatible!

OLED Monitors: These give the best quality pictures with perfect blacks and vibrant colours, but they can be very expensive.

Ultra-Wide and Curved Screens: These screens are very wide and a bit curved. They make games feel more real and are good for doing lots of things at once.

Budgeting and Pricing

Choosing the right monitor depends on your budget and what you'll be using it for. Here are some recommendations to get you started, keeping in mind typical UK pricing:

Everyday Use & Work from Home (Under £200)

AOC 24G2E5: A great all-rounder for everyday tasks and basic productivity work. This 24-inch monitor offers a Full HD (1080p) resolution, decent viewing angles with an IPS panel, and a slim design. Expect to pay around £180.

Work from Home & Casual Gaming (Under £400)

LG 27MK600M-B: This 27-inch monitor offers a step up in screen size and resolution (1080p) while remaining affordable. It also features an IPS panel for good colour accuracy and FreeSync compatibility for smoother visuals in some casual games. Prices start around £180.

Casual Gaming (Under £500)

MSI Optix G242: As per the PC gaming monitor buying guide, we can confirm that this 24-inch monitor prioritises features important for gamers. It has a 144Hz refresh rate for smoother gameplay and a 1ms response time to minimise blur and compatibility with FreeSync. Expect to find it around £280.

Professional Editing (Over £500)

ASUS ProArt Series 32" PA329CRV: For professional editing, the ASUS ProArt PA329CRV is a great pick. It has a big 32-inch screen for lots of space to work. Also, the 98% DCI-P3 colour range shows colours very accurately. Plus, the monitor is pre-calibrated, so colours look right immediately, saving you time on setup. Pricing is around £713.

Serious Gaming (Over £500)

ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ: The ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ is better for serious gamers because it has a higher 144Hz refresh rate for smoother gameplay compared to the ProArt's 60Hz. It also has G-Sync for clear, tear-free visuals, while the ProArt focuses more on colour accuracy for editing. Pricing is around £1200.

Bonus: Ultrawide Monitor

If you want an ultrawide gaming monitor:

High-End: You can consider the Asus ROG Swift OLED 49". It's large at 49 inches, with super-smooth G-Sync technology and a curved screen for immersive gaming. The price is around £1,573.99.

Mid-Range: You can consider the ASUS TUF 34" 1440P. It offers a high resolution and a 100Hz refresh rate for smoother gameplay. The price is around £336.99.

You can check out our insightful blog if you want to get some awesome gaming PC desk setup ideas.

How to Test a Monitor Before Buying

Here's how to check a monitor before buying it:

Check for dead pixels: Look for dark or bright spots on a white screen.

Test screen colours: Use solid colours (black, white, red, green, blue) to see if the brightness is even.

Test viewing angles: Move around the monitor to see if the colours and brightness shift dramatically from different angles. IPS panels typically offer wider viewing angles.

Test response time: Look for fast-moving content like games or videos. If you see blurring or ghosting behind moving objects, the response time might be slow.

Check for screen tearing: Look for jagged edges on moving objects in games.

When you go to buy, ask the seller to keep the monitor on for 30 minutes to check for flickering or heating issues.

Extra Tips for Buying

Here are some extra tips for buying a PC monitor:

Read Reviews and Comparisons: Before you buy, check reviews from reliable sources. They show how monitors work in real life.

Think About the Future: Get features you might need later, like higher resolution or gaming features like adaptive sync.

Check Warranty and Support: Make sure the monitor has a good warranty and helpful customer service if something goes wrong.

Want to learn about some PC gaming room setup ideas? Visit our informative blog to learn.

Choose WiseGuys Gaming for the Awesome Monitor Collection

If you're looking for a fantastic monitor, look no further than WiseGuys Gaming! We have a huge selection of ASUS monitors to choose from, including professional ProArt series, high-end ROG Strix and ROG Swift gaming monitors, and budget-friendly TUF Gaming monitors.

It doesn’t matter if you're a creative professional, a hardcore gamer, or just looking for a great everyday monitor, WiseGuys Gaming has the perfect ASUS monitor for you!

Contact us now!

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right PC monitor in 2024 is easier than it seems. Think about what you need, like how big the screen should be and what features are important to you. Look at new technologies that make monitors better. And make sure it fits your budget. With the steps mentioned in this PC monitor buying guide, you'll find a monitor that will improve your computer or gaming time. Happy shopping!