Do I need a new monitor for gaming?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
Solution
Solandri
Assuming it's an older LCD monitor and not a CRT, no you probably won't be giving up much. Unless you're pushing 1080p or higher resolutions, or using low-quality cables, it's actually pretty hard to tell the difference between VGA and a digital format like DVI or HDMI. Be sure to double-check to make sure your video card can do VGA out.

The only other thing I'd worry about is if the monitor is old enough that it lacks digital inputs, the screen tech may be so old that it suffers poor color, poor contrast, poor viewing angles, and has a slow refresh. In that case, a new monitor may be worth it. Drop by a Staples or Office Depot and check out the newer monitors there, to see if it's a vast improvement over your current monitor...
Sort by date Sort by votes
S

Sam Rossilli

Reputable
Aug 2, 2014
17
0
4,520

Do you have a model number for the monitor? It would depend on the max resolution and refresh rates of the screen.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solandri

Solandri

Illustrious
Jan 4, 2012
4,919
98
39,240
Assuming it's an older LCD monitor and not a CRT, no you probably won't be giving up much. Unless you're pushing 1080p or higher resolutions, or using low-quality cables, it's actually pretty hard to tell the difference between VGA and a digital format like DVI or HDMI. Be sure to double-check to make sure your video card can do VGA out.

The only other thing I'd worry about is if the monitor is old enough that it lacks digital inputs, the screen tech may be so old that it suffers poor color, poor contrast, poor viewing angles, and has a slow refresh. In that case, a new monitor may be worth it. Drop by a Staples or Office Depot and check out the newer monitors there, to see if it's a vast improvement over your current monitor. While I'm a fan of IPS monitors, if color shift with different viewing angles is not a concern, a good TN panel is actually better for gaming. A good 23" 1080p TN panel can be had for a little over $100.

Do you have a newer HDTV? Those can be used as a monitor too. So you may want to get a small dolly for your new PC, and just haul it into the living room to hook up to your TV any time you want to do some serious gaming. Just be sure to put the TV in 1:1 or non-scaled/100%/direct mode, or the image will look soft/weird due to the TV processing it as if it's a TV signal. Monoprice has a good selection of cheap HDMI cables. (I'd recommend paying the extra for the ultra-slim redmere cables if you're going longer than about 10 ft. My 15' redmere HDMI cable is only slightly thicker than headphone cables.)
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
H

hamoody235

Reputable
Jul 31, 2014
6
0
4,510
My gpu probably comes with an adaptor, and the monitor isn't ancient or anything. Also I would prefer to game on my desk with a monitor. I think I'll be fine using it, and upgrade to a nicer one later on. Thanks for your help.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom