If you’re buying a new desktop computer, the machine itself isn’t the only thing you need to consider. Computer monitors are electronic screens used to display the visual signals sent from a device. No matter what you use your computer for you’ll need some kind of monitor to allow you to use it. The computer processes information and converts it into graphical data which is then displayed on the screen. This can include anything from browsing the web to playing the latest video games.
There are loads of different monitors out there, and while they all perform the same function, they work in different ways and offer different features. When choosing what kind of monitor you want to buy, you’ll first need to think about your needs and the specifications that monitors offer.
Connecting Your Monitor
Older monitors used Video Graphics Array (VGA) connectors to establish a link between the computer and the screen. While these were popular for many years, they’ve since been replaced by superior technology. HDMI connections are one of the most common, but a display port offers more options. A display port cable from RS can be used to connect multiple screens to a single device. In addition, it can handle both video and audio signals through one cable, enabling a better experience.
HDMI connections provide a high-resolution image, but the display port is the best option if you want a superior picture quality. Display port connections support resolutions of up to 8K and high refresh rates of up to 240 HZ.
Understanding Resolution and Refresh Rates
When you choose a monitor, two of the most important specifications to consider are the resolution and refresh rate of the screen. Monitor resolution is a measure of how many pixels the screen can display. This affects the sharpness of the image, with more pixels leading to a clearer picture and therefore a better viewing experience. You’ll be able to see things more clearly on high resolution monitors, and you’re also less likely to experience eye strain from using it.
Resolutions can go all the way up to 8K, with 1920 x 1080 being the standard. While higher resolutions are better, they’re also more expensive. You should consider your budget and the purpose of your monitor when choosing which spec to go with.
The refresh rate of your monitor will also have a big impact on the quality of your experience when using it. When you use your computer, the signals sent to your screen are used to display a static image. The image is refreshed constantly to provide a smooth viewing experience. Higher refresh rates mean the image is updated more often, making it better for gaming and watching videos.
Why Screen Size Matters
Although resolution is important, so too is the size of your screen. However, this is more of a personal choice based on your specific needs and the type of setup you want. In addition, you should note that screen size has the biggest impact on price, with larger screens being far more expensive.
Aspect ratio is another factor that you don’t want to overlook. This is the measurement of the monitor’s height compared to its width, with different aspect ratios being more suited to specific tasks.
If you use your computer for a lot of graphics related purposes such as video or photo editing, watching high resolution videos or playing games, a larger monitor is best. For work, it can be more cost effective to set up two monitors. Bear in mind that if you’re using larger screens or multiple monitors, you’ll need a suitably sized desk to fit them safely.
