Gaming monitors

Gaming monitors in our range are 23.6" and 27" screens with high refresh rates, made for PC and console players who want smoother motion than a standard office display gives. The models come from MSI, AOC and Samsung, in Full HD and Quad HD resolutions with VA or Fast IPS panels.

How to choose a gaming monitor

Refresh rate. A higher refresh rate makes fast movement look smoother, but only if your PC or console can produce matching frame rates. Our range includes 180 Hz and 360 Hz models. 180 Hz suits most players, while 360 Hz mainly benefits competitive shooter fans with a fast graphics card and processor.

Size and resolution. A 27" Quad HD (2560 x 1440 pixels) screen gives a sharper picture and more desktop space than a Full HD one of the same size. A 23.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) model takes up less desk room and asks less of your graphics card, which makes it easier to reach very high frame rates.

Panel type. VA panels generally produce deeper blacks and higher contrast, and the VA models in our range list a typical contrast ratio of 3000:1. IPS-type panels such as Fast IPS usually offer wider viewing angles and more consistent colour, with a typical contrast ratio of 1000:1 on the Fast IPS model in our range.

Colour depth. Most gaming monitors in our range show 16.7 million colours, which is enough for games and everyday use. One model reaches 1.07 billion colours, which matters mainly if you also edit photos or video on the same screen.

Connections. DisplayPort is the usual way to reach the highest refresh rates from a PC. For a console, check the HDMI version, since it decides whether 120 Hz is possible at your chosen resolution.

Gaming monitor brands we carry

• MSI: better known for gaming graphics cards and laptops, MSI makes gaming monitors designed to sit alongside its own PC hardware.
• AOC: sells gaming screens under its AGON line, with a long record of high refresh rate displays for esports players.
• Samsung: makes the Odyssey series of gaming monitors, which includes both flat and curved screens.

Gaming monitors: frequently asked questions

What refresh rate do I need for a gaming monitor?

For most players, 144 Hz to 180 Hz is a clear step up from a standard 60 Hz screen. Refresh rates of 240 Hz and above, such as the 360 Hz model in our range, only pay off if your system holds very high frame rates in the games you play. In slower, single-player games the extra smoothness is much harder to notice.

Is a 27 inch Quad HD monitor better than a 24 inch Full HD one for gaming?

A 27" Quad HD monitor gives a sharper image and more room for game interfaces, but it needs a stronger graphics card to reach the same frame rate. A 24" Full HD monitor is easier to drive and suits smaller desks. Competitive players often choose Full HD for the frame rate, while those who play for visuals tend to prefer Quad HD.

Is a VA or an IPS gaming monitor better?

Neither is better in every respect. VA panels give deeper blacks and higher contrast, which suits dark, atmospheric games. IPS-type panels such as Fast IPS usually have wider viewing angles and more even colour, and they are often chosen for fast competitive play.

Can I use a gaming monitor with a console?

Yes, a gaming monitor works with a console if it has a suitable HDMI input. Current consoles such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X can output up to 120 Hz on compatible screens. Refresh rates above that, such as 180 Hz or 360 Hz, are only useful when playing on a PC.