Close

What to Pay Attention to When Buying a Monitor?

The choice of any computer or any component begins with the definition of criteria, which in this case are technical specifications. For example, when buying a monitor you need to know the size of the display, screen resolution, what purpose it should be used (for games, office work). In order to answer these and a number of other questions, you need to know what characteristics of monitors are, which are important, which are not very important, and what is usually ignored in the official specifications.

Let's briefly list the characteristics that each monitor has. We will make a small guide with a brief description of what it is, how important the parameter is, what it affects and what values ​​it is desirable to strive for.

The Main Characteristics of the Monitor

 

Unfortunately, not all the characteristics can be found in the descriptions on the monitor, whether it is a laptop screen or a display for a stationary PC. At the same time, among the parameters that are usually hidden, there are some very interesting ones that can affect the image quality.

1. Type of matrix. This is indicated almost always. The main types of matrices currently in use are TN, IPS, VA and their modifications.

2. Screen Resolution. This is the size of the screen vertically and horizontally in points (pixels). The most popular and common screens on laptops have FullHD resolution (1920x1080). In addition, there are a large number of other permissions, some of which are more common, some less.

Physically, this characteristic means the number of pixels on the screen that make up the image. The more pixels per unit area of ​​the screen are, the better the picture is because the pixels become smaller and less and less noticeable. The graininess of the image disappears.  If the screen has a resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160), then in order to enjoy the games from the picture at the maximum graphics settings, the GTX 1070/1080 graphics card may not be enough. You may need to install a pair of such video cards, or even more.

3. Brightness. It`s indicated in the specifications for any monitor. This value is measured in cd / m2 (candelas per square meter). The higher the value of this parameter, the better. Adjusting the screen by reducing its brightness is not difficult.

4. Contrast. This parameter reflects the ratio of the brightness level of white to black. Usually it is indicated as a ratio, for example, 1000: 1. As with brightness, the higher this value is, the better. The image will be more natural. Contrast depends on the manufacturing technology of the matrix. So, IPS screens are inferior in this parameter to screens made using VA technology, not to mention OLED, quantum dots, etc.

5. Dynamic contrast. This parameter is indicated almost always, at least for ordinary non-laptop monitors. Agree that you do not give in the specification, for example, the value 100000000: 1 is an assumption. Large numbers attract attention and appeal to potential buyers (provided that this is not a price).

Now you`ll be able to choose the right monitor keeping in mind the characteristics listed above.