The world of professional gaming has witnessed tremendous growth over the years, with top gamers competing in high-stakes tournaments and leagues. To stay ahead of the competition, pro gamers require the best gaming gear, including high-performance monitors that provide fast response times, high refresh rates, and accurate color representation. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of gaming monitors and explore what monitors pro gamers use to gain a competitive edge.
Key Features of Gaming Monitors
Before we dive into the specific monitors used by pro gamers, it’s essential to understand the key features that make a monitor suitable for gaming. These features include:
Refresh Rate
A higher refresh rate provides a smoother gaming experience, reducing screen tearing and motion blur. Most gaming monitors have a refresh rate of 144Hz or 240Hz, with some high-end models offering up to 360Hz.
Response Time
A faster response time ensures that pixels can change color quickly, reducing ghosting and blurring. Look for monitors with a response time of 5ms or lower.
Panel Type
There are several panel types available, including TN (twisted nematic), IPS (in-plane switching), and VA (vertical alignment). TN panels are known for their fast response times, while IPS panels offer better color accuracy and wider viewing angles.
G-Sync and FreeSync
G-Sync and FreeSync are technologies developed by NVIDIA and AMD, respectively, to reduce screen tearing and provide a smoother gaming experience. G-Sync is compatible with NVIDIA graphics cards, while FreeSync is compatible with AMD graphics cards.
Top Gaming Monitors Used by Pro Gamers
Now that we’ve covered the key features of gaming monitors, let’s take a look at some of the top monitors used by pro gamers:
Acer Predator XB273K
The Acer Predator XB273K is a popular choice among pro gamers, offering a 27-inch 4K IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. This monitor also features NVIDIA G-Sync technology and a 1,000:1 contrast ratio.
ASUS VG248QE
The ASUS VG248QE is a 24-inch TN panel monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. This monitor is a popular choice among pro gamers due to its fast response time and affordable price.
ViewSonic XG240R
The ViewSonic XG240R is a 24-inch TN panel monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. This monitor features AMD FreeSync technology and a 1,000:1 contrast ratio.
BenQ Zowie XL2546
The BenQ Zowie XL2546 is a 24.5-inch TN panel monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time. This monitor is designed specifically for esports and features a DyAc technology that reduces motion blur.
AOC AGON AG352UCG
The AOC AGON AG352UCG is a 35-inch VA panel monitor with a 120Hz refresh rate and 4ms response time. This monitor features NVIDIA G-Sync technology and a 2,500:1 contrast ratio.
Monitors Used by Top Pro Gamers
Let’s take a look at some of the monitors used by top pro gamers:
Ninja
Ninja, a professional Fortnite player, uses the ASUS VG248QE monitor. This monitor offers a fast 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, making it ideal for fast-paced games like Fortnite.
Dr. Disrespect
Dr. Disrespect, a professional FPS player, uses the Acer Predator XB273K monitor. This monitor offers a 27-inch 4K IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, making it ideal for games that require fast reflexes and accurate aim.
Shroud
Shroud, a professional Apex Legends player, uses the BenQ Zowie XL2546 monitor. This monitor offers a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time, making it ideal for fast-paced games like Apex Legends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pro gamers require high-performance monitors that provide fast response times, high refresh rates, and accurate color representation. The monitors mentioned in this article are some of the top choices among pro gamers, offering a range of features that cater to different gaming needs. Whether you’re a professional gamer or a casual gamer, investing in a good gaming monitor can enhance your gaming experience and provide a competitive edge.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a gaming monitor, it’s essential to consider your specific gaming needs and preferences. Look for monitors with fast response times, high refresh rates, and accurate color representation. Additionally, consider the type of games you play and the graphics card you use to ensure compatibility with G-Sync or FreeSync technology. By investing in a good gaming monitor, you can take your gaming experience to the next level and stay ahead of the competition.
| Monitor | Refresh Rate | Response Time | Panel Type | G-Sync/FreeSync |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer Predator XB273K | 144Hz | 1ms | IPS | G-Sync |
| ASUS VG248QE | 144Hz | 1ms | TN | None |
| ViewSonic XG240R | 144Hz | 1ms | TN | FreeSync |
| BenQ Zowie XL2546 | 240Hz | 0.5ms | TN | None |
| AOC AGON AG352UCG | 120Hz | 4ms | VA | G-Sync |
Note: The table provides a summary of the key features of the monitors mentioned in the article.
What are the key features to look for in a gaming monitor?
When it comes to choosing a gaming monitor, there are several key features to look for. These include a high refresh rate, fast response time, and low input lag. A high refresh rate, such as 144Hz or 240Hz, allows for smoother and more responsive gameplay, while a fast response time, such as 5ms or 1ms, reduces ghosting and blurring. Low input lag is also crucial, as it ensures that the monitor can keep up with the demands of fast-paced games.
In addition to these features, it’s also important to consider the monitor’s resolution, panel type, and connectivity options. A high-resolution display, such as QHD or 4K, provides a more immersive gaming experience, while a good panel type, such as IPS or TN, offers good color accuracy and viewing angles. Finally, look for a monitor with a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB, to ensure that you can connect all your devices.
What is the difference between TN, IPS, and VA panels?
TN (Twisted Nematic), IPS (In-Plane Switching), and VA (Vertical Alignment) are three common types of panel technologies used in gaming monitors. TN panels are known for their fast response times and low input lag, making them well-suited for fast-paced games. However, they can suffer from limited viewing angles and lower color accuracy. IPS panels, on the other hand, offer good color accuracy and wide viewing angles, but may have slower response times and higher input lag.
VA panels offer a balance between the two, with good color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and fast response times. However, they can suffer from lower contrast ratios and may not be as well-suited for very fast-paced games. Ultimately, the choice of panel technology will depend on your specific gaming needs and preferences. If you prioritize speed and responsiveness, a TN panel may be the best choice. If you prioritize color accuracy and immersion, an IPS or VA panel may be a better option.
What is G-Sync and FreeSync, and how do they work?
G-Sync and FreeSync are two technologies developed by NVIDIA and AMD, respectively, to reduce screen tearing and stuttering in games. Screen tearing occurs when the monitor’s refresh rate is not in sync with the frame rate of the game, causing horizontal tears to appear on the screen. G-Sync and FreeSync work by synchronizing the monitor’s refresh rate with the frame rate of the game, eliminating screen tearing and providing a smoother gaming experience.
G-Sync requires a compatible NVIDIA graphics card and a G-Sync-enabled monitor, while FreeSync requires a compatible AMD graphics card and a FreeSync-enabled monitor. Both technologies offer similar benefits, but G-Sync tends to be more expensive and requires a more powerful graphics card. FreeSync, on the other hand, is more widely supported and can be found in a range of monitors at different price points.
What is the ideal monitor size for gaming?
The ideal monitor size for gaming depends on several factors, including the type of games you play, your personal preference, and the distance between the monitor and your eyes. Generally, a monitor size between 24 and 32 inches is considered ideal for gaming. This size range offers a good balance between immersion and responsiveness, and is suitable for a wide range of games.
However, if you play games that require a lot of screen real estate, such as strategy games or MMOs, a larger monitor size may be beneficial. On the other hand, if you play fast-paced games that require quick reflexes, a smaller monitor size may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice of monitor size will depend on your specific gaming needs and preferences.
What is HDR, and is it worth it for gaming?
High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a technology that offers improved color accuracy, contrast, and brightness in games and other content. HDR monitors can display a wider range of colors and contrast levels than standard monitors, providing a more immersive and engaging gaming experience. However, HDR is not yet widely supported in games, and the benefits may not be noticeable in all titles.
Whether or not HDR is worth it for gaming depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you want the best possible gaming experience and are willing to pay a premium for it, an HDR monitor may be a good choice. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t care about the latest and greatest technology, a standard monitor may be sufficient. It’s also worth noting that HDR requires a compatible graphics card and game support, so be sure to check the specifications before making a purchase.
Can I use a 4K monitor for gaming?
Yes, you can use a 4K monitor for gaming, but it requires a powerful graphics card to run games at high frame rates. 4K monitors offer a high level of detail and immersion, but they can be demanding on graphics cards. To run games at 4K resolution, you’ll need a high-end graphics card with a lot of VRAM and a fast processor.
Additionally, not all games are optimized for 4K resolution, so you may need to adjust the graphics settings or use a lower resolution to achieve smooth performance. However, if you have a powerful graphics card and want the best possible gaming experience, a 4K monitor can be a great choice. Just be sure to check the specifications and game support before making a purchase.
What is the best gaming monitor brand?
There are several good gaming monitor brands on the market, including ASUS, Acer, ViewSonic, and BenQ. Each brand offers a range of monitors with different features, prices, and performance levels. The best brand for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
ASUS and Acer are known for their high-end gaming monitors with advanced features like G-Sync and FreeSync, while ViewSonic and BenQ offer a range of monitors at different price points. BenQ is also known for its high-quality IPS panels, while ViewSonic offers a range of monitors with advanced features like HDR and 4K resolution. Ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your specific gaming needs and budget.