When purchasing a new Computer Monitors, getting lost in the sheer number of options can be easy. Countless options are available in varying dimensions, resolutions, refresh rates, and features. Choosing the right option for you can be a daunting task.
When choosing your monitor, the important thing to know is exactly what you want to get out of it. There is no point in overspending on something you will not utilize fully. It’s all about choosing that sweet spot that gives you the ideal performance you seek.
One of the most important things to decide on is the resolution you want to use with your monitor. So, today, we are looking to make that journey into monitors easier as we look at which monitor resolution is best for you.
What is Monitor Resolution
What exactly are we referring to when we discuss a monitor’s resolution? The quantity of pixels shown on the screen is what is meant by the term “monitor resolution.” These pixels, tiny squares of colour, work together to create the images you see on the screen.
The higher the number of pixels you can display on your screen & the more densely you can get those pixels, the sharper and clearer the image you can see.
For example, one of the most popular Computer Monitors resolutions is 1920×1080 (1080p or Full HD). This means that the monitor has 1,920 pixels running across the width of the display and 1,080 pixels across the height. This results in the monitor having a total of 2,073,600 displayed on the screen, with these pixels providing you with the images you see when using your computer.
What Are Pixels
A display’s smallest physical points and fundamental constituents are called pixels or picture elements. Therefore, each image you see on your screen comprises pixels. A greater resolution equates to more pixels on a monitor screen since pixels and resolution are directly associated.
To understand this, imagine pixels as jigsaw pieces that each make up a little portion of a larger image. In addition, visuals on a monitor can be made more detailed with more pixels.
Are More Pixels Better
This now raises the next question: Does what we mentioned before mean that more pixels are better? Technically speaking, yes, the better the visual quality you see, the more pixels you can display on the screen (the higher the resolution). However, there are some things to consider about this.
Firstly, the more pixels your monitor has to display, the harder your computer has to work to produce that image. This means that if you want to use a higher resolution, you will need a more powerful computer and graphics card to display graphics at those resolutions. This is especially important to consider should you have an older or lower-specification computer.
Secondly, not all applications and games are optimized to be displayed at higher resolutions. This can lead to some compatibility issues with some software, which can cause some interface and user experience issues when using them.
Once again, it all comes back to deciding exactly what your use case is and what you want to get out of your monitor. Take the time to consider the hardware you currently have and if you need to perform any additional hardware upgrades to utilize the resolution you want with your monitor.
What are The Most Popular Monitor Resolutions
Let’s now look at the most popular resolutions people use regarding gaming and productivity.
1920×1080 – Full HD 1080p
One of the most widely used display resolutions is 1920×1080. This is because you can have great, clear image quality at this resolution, and it doesn’t require a top-tier computer to power.
Countless monitors are available at this resolution, meaning you will likely find a monitor that ticks all of your boxes and is within the budget you are looking to spend.
1080p is especially great for gaming as it means that you are more likely to be able to max out your game’s graphics settings or at least run high settings should you have a decent gaming computer. This means you can fully utilize your graphics card to its full potential for features such as ray tracing to get the most out of your games.
In many cases, a high-quality 1080p display, such as the AORUS FI25F Gaming Monitor, is the sweet spot for gamers with a mid-tier gaming rig.
This resolution is also perfect for general office and productivity use as the monitors are affordable and can handle pretty much any task that you want to throw at it. The bonus of these monitors is that you can also get a second monitor to run a dual monitor setup without breaking the bank or making your computer hardware sweat by having to work too hard.
2560×1440 – 1440p WQHD
Things now get more interesting when we look at 2560×1440 resolution monitors. These monitors are also known as 1440p monitors.
1440p displays offer a fantastic gaming experience thanks to the extra pixels they cram into the image. These extra pixels mean that you get a wonderful crisp image in your games adding to a much smoother gaming experience. Paired with a higher refresh rate, such as 144Hz, this resolution is a dream to game on.
The beauty of gaming at 2560×1440 is that most games support this resolution, which is relatively easy to power. You will need a decent gaming computer to power games at this resolution; however, most mid to high-tier gaming PCs can handle it easily.
When it comes to productivity, this resolution is also nice to use however a lot of users will only notice a difference when comparing this to a 1080p display if they are using tools such as graphics editing software etc. Text appears more crisp than a 1080p display, making reading content easier and helping with eye strain.
3840×2160 – 4K UHD
The next step is 4K displays, which have a 3840×2160 resolution. The pinnacle of monitors and 4K displays provides you with the best image quality possible.
Using a 4K display gives you stunning graphics compared to other resolutions. The image is bright and vibrant and displays crystal-clear details in the image that you just don’t get with a lower resolution.
When it comes to gaming, there is nothing better than gaming at 3840×2160. Your games will pop like never before, and you can achieve an advantage over other players on the battlefield sometimes, thanks to the added clarity you see in the game.
You need to remember when gaming at this resolution that you need a decent gaming rig to be able to game at high settings. If you only have a mid-tier gaming rig, you will likely need to update your GPU and CPU to get the most out of your games.
4K resolution displays are also critical for productivity tasks such as video editing. If you create content in 4K, such as YouTube videos, you need a 4K display. This allows you to edit your videos and view your video at the full 4K resolution you are producing. Colour accuracy is incredibly important in video production. Hence, you need to make sure that you choose a Computer Monitors, such as the AORUS FI32U Gaming Monitor, that offers great colour accuracy at the right resolution.
These UHD displays are also the pinnacle when it comes to media consumption. If you like to use their display to watch movies and TV shows, then you want to look at a 4K display. With most content, whether on YouTube, Twitch, Netflix or Disney Plus, being available in 4K resolution, you want to take advantage of that. Nothing is better than sitting back and watching the latest Marvel in full, glorious 4K on something like the AORUS FO48U Gaming Monitor.
3440×1440 – Ultrawide
Ultrawide monitors come in a few different resolutions. However, the most common is 3440×1440. These displays differ from those we have discussed previously because they are much wider. They keep the same height as the other monitors with 1440 pixels however they are a wider display with 3440 pixels running across the width.
This wider display is fantastic for productivity use thanks to the extra screen real estate you get on each side of the monitor. This means you can show more windows on the screen simultaneously, perfect for programming, video editing, and graphic design. The more you can show on your screen at the one time the easier it can be to do things such as multi-task, drag and drop elements, and perform comparisons between different elements.
Ultrawide monitors also shine when it comes to gaming, especially single-player games. Not all video games out there natively support ultrawide resolutions, but when they do, it adds to the immersion of a game. Role-playing and story-driven games are a pleasure to experience at this resolution, provided the developers support it.
Having a wider screen gives you a much wider field of view in games, which helps draw you into the gaming experience. For single-player games, this is an amazing experience. Regarding competitive multiplayer games such as shooters, ultrawide is not what you are looking for. A much wider screen and larger field of view can interfere with your reaction times and vision during gameplay due to the larger screen real estate you need to Computer Monitors.
It is Important to Remember Pixel Density
Resolution is one of many factors in getting great image quality; you must also consider Pixel Density. The quantity of pixels visible inside a particular screen area is called pixel density. This Pixel Density is measured in Pixels Per Inch, or PPI for short.
The more pixels squeezed into a given area, the better the image quality you will get. Having a higher pixel density makes it harder for the human eye to distinguish between the individual pixels.
A good way to look at this is by comparing the 1080p resolution of a 27-inch monitor with the 1080p resolution of a 32-inch monitor. Although both monitors are different sizes, they display the same number of pixels, with 1920 pixels across the width and 1080 pixels across the height of the display, with both displays producing 2,073,600 pixels.
However, because the 32-inch monitor is larger than the 27-inch, this means that those 2,073,600 pixels are spread further apart from each other. These pixels being further away from each other leads to a lower quality and less sharp image being displayed. This is especially noticeable if you are working with a lot of text, whereby you may notice that the text looks blurry on the 32-inch monitor.
As a rule of thumb, you should find a display with a PPI of 80 or higher to have a seamless gaming and working viewing experience.
As we mentioned earlier, the sheer number of displays available can be daunting and lead to people choosing a display or resolution that doesn’t best fit their needs. By ensuring that you take the time to think about what you want to use your monitor for, what hardware you are currently running, and what factors are most important to you, you will be much better equipped to make your decision.
FAQ
How Many Pixels Are on a 1080p Monitor?
Compared to the industry standard Full HD 1080p monitor, this display’s resolution is 1920 x 1080. This suggests that the screen will have a 1,920-pixel width and a 1,080-pixel height. As a consequence, a total of 2,073,600 pixels are shown.
What is Monitor Resolution?
The monitor resolution describes any specific display’s visual dimensions. Computer Monitors resolution is expressed as a precise number of pixels in width and height. Compared to the industry standard Full HD 1080p monitor, this display’s resolution is 1920 x 1080.
How do I Choose the Best Resolution for my Monitor?
If you decide to, we suggest that you pick a resolution that matches the monitor’s native resolution in terms of aspect ratio. If not, the top and bottom of the screen, as well as the left and right sides, will be covered in black bars. To determine which resolution is best for you, follow the instructions in the previous section and test out a few lower ones.
Conclusion
Selecting the best resolution for your computer monitor is a decision that hinges on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize sharp visuals for work or immersive gaming experiences, there’s a resolution that’s just right for you. Take your time to research, consider your hardware, and make an informed choice. The right resolution can transform your digital world, providing a clearer, more enjoyable experience.
