Resolution, refresh rate, or response time – prioritise what you need for your gaming PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X
There’s a lot to consider when buying a new monitor. Will it fit on your desk? Is it bright enough? Does it have built-in speakers that are going to do the job without sounding like a tin can? Spoiler alert: we can count on one hand how many fit that last category and BenQ’s Trevolo speakers lead the charge. But no features are more important to the discerning gamer than the speed and resolution of their panel.
While some of us want to gaze upon our favourite gaming worlds in ultra-high definition, FPS enthusiasts benefit more from silky smooth refresh rates that enhance responsiveness and performance. Unfortunately, finding the right high-spec gaming monitor isn’t always easy, especially since many displays out there have to compromise between refresh rate and resolution.
Thankfully, many 4K monitors now support up to 144Hz, meaning it is possible to have the best of both worlds. 1440p displays typically boast an even higher refresh rate, with 165Hz options becoming more of a norm. The question is, does a higher refresh rate make a difference, or is it wiser to opt for a 4K 144Hz panel? We’ve partnered with BenQ to help shed some light on screen specs and what you need to know.
When deciding which monitor spec is suited to your setup, it’s important to consider what best suits your gaming PC. After all, the best graphics cards from Nvidia and AMD are made with 4K gaming in mind, while entry-level options boast impressive performance at lower resolutions. In other words, while you can narrow down your panel options based on your GPU’s specifications, personal preference is still key when it comes to deciding on a new display.
It’s also worth noting that even though frame rate and refresh rate are two entirely different parameters, they’re still intrinsically linked. While using a 4K 144Hz monitor won’t cap your games at 144fps, 165Hz screens like BenQ’s 1440p MOBIUZ can catch and display more frames per second, resulting in a smoother image.
Responsiveness is critical in competitive FPS games, and enthusiasts will often trade luxuries like resolution in a bid to boost performance. Higher frame rates are a priority in games like CS:GO, especially since 240fps is considered a competitive standard. Trading away fidelity for triple-digit frame rates may sound absurd, but it enhances fast-paced multiplayer experiences tenfold, especially when paired with a high refresh rate.
For fans of sprawling sandbox games and cinematic storytelling, visual clarity is a huge part of the experience. Games like Sony’s God of War fully embrace fidelity on PC, and playing at 4K lets the adventure flourish. A crisp resolution brings Kratos’ Nordic adventure to life and frame rates around 60fps keep gameplay feeling smooth. BenQ’s MOBIUZ 4K 144Hz monitor pairs perfectly with the action-adventure game specifically because of this.
Of course, while resolution and refresh rate are at the heart of gaming monitors, there are other display features that can help transform your PC experience. For example, BenQ’s MOBIUZ monitors boast HDRi, resulting in an expanded dynamic range and detail that goes above and beyond ordinary HDR. The feature achieves this by using sensors to actively adapt brightness, contrast, and colour temperature based on your surroundings. Naturally, this helps prevent eye strain during long gaming sessions, all while ensuring your game’s visuals remain crystal clear.
Built-in features like a Light Tuner and Black eQualizer also help fine-tune fidelity, as the tech adjusts contrast and brightness levels to preserve otherwise obscured details. This is something that could make a difference when hunting down alien antagonists in shooters like Rainbow Six: Extraction.
It’s also worth considering the benefits of curved gaming monitors, as the form factor can further enhance performance and immersion levels. Not only will a panoramic view of your game help reduce eye strain, but it also provides a realistic sense of depth perception, whether you’re tearing up the track in Forza Horizon 5 or finishing the fight in Halo Infinite.
It’s needless to say that both 4K 144Hz and 1440p 165Hz displays come with a variety of benefits, and gaming monitors have never looked better. While UHD panels like BenQ’s MOBIUZ 4K strike a balance between resolution and refresh rate, QHD models are perfect for players hoping to reap the rewards of higher frame rates.
We can say one thing for certain; it’s an exciting time to invest in a new screen, and compromising on spec is swiftly becoming a thing of the past.
Get involved in the conversation by heading over to our Facebook and Instagram pages. To stay up to date with the latest PC gaming guides, news, and reviews, follow PCGamesN on Twitter and Steam News Hub, or download our free app for Overwolf.
Network N
Published:
