Affordable Gaming Monitors: ASUS TUF and More
Finding a great gaming monitor without breaking the bank can be tricky. However, recent deals make excellent options surprisingly accessible. This article explores some budget-friendly gaming monitors, focusing on their features and value.
ASUS TUF 24-Inch 180Hz Gaming Monitor: A Budget Champion
Amazon currently offers a fantastic deal on the ASUS TUF 24-inch FHD gaming monitor. Normally priced around $149, this monitor is available for $99.99, a significant saving of $50. The same model is also available at the manufacturer’s site, but is slightly more expensive than Amazon’s deal. If you prioritize a 165Hz refresh rate, you can get a great deal on this model at other retailers like Walmart where a similar display has been listed as low as $79 (down from its $120 MSRP). These prices represent exceptional value for a high refresh rate gaming display.
Key Features of the ASUS TUF 24-Inch Monitor:
Size and Resolution: This monitor boasts a 23.8-inch screen with a Full HD (1920×1080) resolution. While not the highest resolution available, Full HD remains a popular choice offering a good balance of visual quality and performance.
High Refresh Rate and Response Time: The 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time (GTG) are crucial for smooth, responsive gameplay. These specifications minimize motion blur and screen tearing, creating a more immersive and competitive gaming experience. The faster the refresh rate, the smoother the gameplay, especially in fast-paced games. The low response time ensures that your actions on screen are reflected instantly.
IPS Panel: The use of an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel ensures accurate and consistent color reproduction across a wide viewing angle. IPS panels are known for their superior color accuracy compared to TN (Twisted Nematic) panels, often found in cheaper monitors. This makes a noticeable difference for a more vibrant and immersive gaming experience.
AMD FreeSync Premium: This technology synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with your graphics card’s frame rate. This prevents screen tearing, a common visual artifact in games where the frame rate fluctuates. FreeSync Premium is a step up from standard FreeSync, offering more features and better performance.
Connectivity: The monitor offers a robust selection of ports, including two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort 1.4 input. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices and setups. Having multiple HDMI ports is particularly useful for connecting multiple devices simultaneously, such as a gaming console and a PC.
- Additional Features: ASUS includes features like Shadow Boost, which improves visibility in dark areas without over-exposing brighter sections, adding to the immersion and visibility during gameplay. Customizable game presets allow for personalized settings optimization for various game genres, adjusting aspects such as color temperature and contrast ratios. A sturdy, adjustable stand completes the package, enabling the user to customize monitor tilting, height, and rotation, ensuring optimal viewing angles. Built in speakers add convenience for those who don’t wish to use external speakers.
Stepping Up: Higher-End Options
While the ASUS TUF monitor provides excellent value, other options are available for those with a slightly larger budget. For example, Amazon offers deals on some higher end 27 inch monitors with QHD resolution and higher refresh rates (180 hz) at prices ranging near $200. Brands like Alienware offer increased build quality and better specifications, but at a premium price point.
Choosing the Right Monitor: What to Consider
When selecting a gaming monitor, consider the following factors:
Budget: Set a realistic budget before you start your search. The monitors mentioned here range from budget-friendly to mid-range, providing multiple options to select from.
Resolution: Higher resolutions (like QHD or 4K) offer sharper images but require more powerful graphics cards. Full HD (1080p) is a good starting point, offering a balance of visual quality and affordability.
Refresh Rate: A higher refresh rate provides smoother gameplay, especially in fast-paced games. 144Hz, 165Hz and 180Hz are popular options offering significant upgrades over standard 60Hz monitors.
Response Time: A low response time (measured in milliseconds) minimizes motion blur and ghosting. 1ms response time is excellent for minimizing these effects and ensures a smoother more responsive gaming experience.
Panel Type: IPS panels offer superior color accuracy and viewing angles compared to TN panels. Although often more expensive. VA panels present a middle ground between IPS and TN.
- Features: Consider additional features like FreeSync or G-Sync (for adaptive refresh rate), built-in speakers, and adjustable stands.
By carefully considering these features and your budget, you can find the perfect gaming monitor to enhance your gaming experience. Remember to research reviews from multiple sources before making a purchase decision.
