PC gaming requires quite a bit of thought when it comes to building out a perfect gaming setup. Though many gamers will start with the bare minimum requirements, the more serious a player becomes in their chosen game, the more technical their requirements will become.
At the top of the list are peripherals that prevent stutters and crashes, which largely comes down to finding a monitor with a high refresh rate. A higher refresh rate means the action updates at a quicker pace, letting gamers take advantage of split-second windows to win a match.
But not all gamers will be looking for such a thin edge of their competition—nor will they be willing to pay extra for a monitor with a refresh rate of 360Hz or higher. In fact, many PC gamers are casual, happy to spend an afternoon improving their technique with friends rather than preparing for a battle royale tournament.
Aren’t sure if a high-tech monitor is worth it? Take a look at the considerations below.
A Look at Competitive vs. Variety Gaming
Gaming titles often seen in eSports competitions will require a high refresh rate if a gamer ever plans on going pro. For example, players who compete in League of Legends, Counter-Strike, or Fortnite will all be looking for monitors that refresh at a rate of at least 240Hz, with 360Hz being the best available.
Monitors of this caliber will cost hundreds—thousands for top-tier brands like Bruneau or Puntronic. However, variety gamers that enjoy DOS games like Master of Magic to strategy games like online poker won’t need to shell out big money for a high refresh monitor. Standard options of 165Hz will do the trick just fine.
In these cases, it’s about endurance rather than lightning-quick speeds. The example of poker, listed above, might see gamers spend hours in front of the screen. In the past, some events stretched on days, as establishments never closed or named a winner. Today, some online games last 8+ hours before naming a winner and letting participants rest.
Refresh Rate vs. Screen Resolution
Another consideration gamers will have to weigh is whether refresh rate is more important to them than screen resolution. In the above example, variety gamers that enjoy DOS projects like Master of Magic or poker would likely prioritize high screen resolution, as it highlights details that visual designers implemented.
Competitive gamers will need to opt for a better refresh rate. Some gamers insist that graphics are smoother with a high refresh rate—at least for fast-paced titles. This enables them to make quicker moves, as mentioned above. However, this is once again specific to gamers who might be looking to go pro as an eSports athlete.
Those who use variety gaming, or even plan on using their gaming setup as a media center for video streaming, can look for a high-resolution monitor. A good balance that will provide high-speed refresh and resolution are 1440p monitors.
DIY PC Projects
So far, the conversation about refresh rates has focused on the competitive gaming needs of the person building their setup. One way for hardcore gamers to have total control over their setup is to build a PC themselves.
Monitors will be hardwired to deliver high refresh speeds and resolution, but gamers who build their own PC can also prioritize speed. Those who build their own PC will start with an empty hard drive, which gives them the opportunity to curate what they download in terms of software. The less software downloaded, the faster the hard drive can run.
Similarly, gamers who build their own PC can opt for hardware like fans, which also helps functionality by keeping the system cool. Though gamers will still have to opt for a monitor and decide which option is best for them, building a PC is becoming increasingly popular for dedicated gamers who want to understand the ins and outs of the industry.
