A basic aspect to consider at the time of buying a gaming monitor is its size! Most experts recommend sticking to 24 to 27 inches for ideal image quality with Full HD resolution for gaming purposes. Typically, most of us will choose a 27-inch monitor, as it seems to be a big size. So, how big is a 27-inch monitor for gaming?
Well, it depends on two factors namely, your viewing distance and the monitor’s resolution. This post informs you whether a 27-inch monitor is really too big for your gaming needs or not.
Why Size Matters?
Forget the talk about response times and refresh rates, as they significantly matter only when you have the monitor of the right size. If the size is smaller than what is needed, having the best response times and refresh rates will not be optimally beneficial.
The bigger the screen, the more is the number of windows fitting inside, and consequently, more multitasking becomes possible. Pictures are rendered in more detail and movies have a better appearance.
However, unlike a TV, it is just not the vibrant media with which you are dealing on a computer monitor. You also see text for which you need a monitor of some good size.
How Is the Size of a Monitor Measured?
Before digging about the 27-inch monitor further, you need to know that the monitor size is gauged diagonally, which is akin to TVs. You can find it out by computing the area. For example, multiplying width by height gives you the screen area in square inches.
For example, a 24-inch display monitor is 20 inches wide and 12 inches tall. Thus, its area or size is 240 square inches. Similarly, a 22-inch monitor being 18 inches wide and 10 inches tall has a size of 180 square inches.
Thus, just two diagonal inches results in 60 square inches. This difference may not sound big but a significant bump in screen space is what you get for every few diagonal inches.
Standard Sizes and Viewing Distance
Today’s most desktop monitors are available in the range of 21 to 27 inches. Anything below this range is allegedly for laptops or monitors that compromise size for touchscreen and other features. As a rule of thumb, the higher the size, the greater is the resolution.
Mostly, the monitors having a size in the range of 21 to 24 inches offer a resolution of 1080p of Full HD. This size range is considered as the best for 1080p, as anything bigger shall result in unavoidable aliasing and easily-distinguishable pixels when viewing closely.
Monitors in the size category of 24 to 27 inches have a resolution of Quad HD (2K or 1440p) or Ultra HD (4K or 2160p). Both resolutions appear extremely sharp on these screens, which give way to some extraordinary levels of detail. Obviously, stuffing these many pixels into a smaller display would be futile.
Talking about the viewing distance, the larger the monitor size is, the further you will be for preventing eye fatigue and enjoying an optimal viewing experience. For several people, the most comfortable distance of viewing is generally in proportion with the monitor’s diagonal.
For instance, in the case of a 27-inch monitor, the eyes should be about 27-54 inches away from the screen. You may sit further away in case of eye fatigue.
Overview of 27-inch Monitors
Monitors whose screen has a size of 27 inches are ideal if you sit about three to four feet away from it. In the case of this sitting arrangement, this size is just not too big to be uncomfortable.
However, if you are too close to it, you will experience a tougher time viewing the whole screen and analyzing everything occurring in the game. This can be a costly affair if it is a fast-paced aggressive game.
Go for a 27-inch monitor if you adore the scenery in games. However, you should choose it with the right resolution. For a monitor of this size, the best resolution is QHD or 1440p. This resolution has a pixel density of approximately 109 PPI to deliver more detailed pictures and sharper text pieces.
Most 27-inch monitors typically have a resolution of 1440p these days. However, you will also come across some models of the same size having a 2K (1080p) or 4K (2160p) resolution. If you search online, most experts will not recommend investing in a 1080p 27-inch monitor, as it results in pixelation.
You may be tempted to invest in a 27-inch monitor having a 4K resolution. However, most of these monitors are topped at 60 Hz.
Conversely, a good selection of QHD gaming displays measuring 27 inches is available with the normal refresh rate of 144 Hz. Some of the notable ones being the Dell S2716DG and Asus ROG Swift.
With 1440p resolution and normal viewing distance, 27-inch monitors deliver the best gaming experience. Although a 24-inch monitor with a resolution of 1080p is fine, a 27-inch monitor with a resolution of 1440p certainly provides a better experience.
This is because the latter takes more field of view and features a higher resolution. Running your games on this screen at native resolution prevents the need of having a highly increased AA as well as issues related to the user interface and system navigation.
Conclusion
A 27-inch QHD display with a refresh rate of 144Hz is ideal if you are looking for a versatile monitor delivering both saga-driven and fast-paced games in such a way that you get optimal playing experience. It is just not too big or too small monitor, provided the resolution and refresh rate are as per what is specified above.
Generally, 24- and 27-inch monitors are ideal for gaming. If you sit three to four feet away from the display and play both fast-paced competitive and slow-paced games with pretty sceneries, the ideal monitor size is 27 inches and the best resolution is 1440p. If the resolution is lower, a 27-inch monitor can result in troublesome viewing or gaming experience.
