So, your gamer partner spends half their life yelling at a glowing screen, and now you want to be the best by upgrading their setup.
(Aww, how sweeeet!)
The problem is, once you Google “gaming monitor,” you’re immediately assaulted by words like refresh rate, response time, G-Sync, and IPS vs VA. If it all sounds like Greek to you, don’t worry.
This is the guide for normies. No geek speak, just what you need to know.
I’m a gamer myself, so trust me when I say: monitors really matter. They’re not just giant screens; they can make the difference between him raging at “lag” or quietly winning his matches. And helping your gamer partner upgrade their gear is a relationship hack! It shows you actually get what makes them happy.
#1 — Size matters… but not too much
Monitors come in different sizes, measured in inches (like TVs). Most gamers are happy with 24 to 27 inches. It’s big enough to immerse in the game but not so massive that it eats up an entire desk. If you see anything bigger, it’s usually for hardcore or ultra-wide setups.
Some examples you’ll spot in stores: Acer Nitro XV272U (27-inch, 1440p, 165Hz) or the Lenovo Legion Y27q-30 (27-inch, 165Hz, QHD), both crowd favorites in this sweet spot.
Gamer tip from me: If they also use their PC for Netflix, streaming, or editing, 27 inches feels just right. Anything smaller starts to feel cramped.
#2 — Refresh rate = smooth gameplay
The refresh rate is how many times the screen updates in a second. Normal office monitors are 60Hz (aka 60 updates per second). For gaming, 144Hz or higher is the sweet spot. Translation: smoother action, fewer chances of him blaming “lag” for losing.
A solid pick here: ASUS ROG Strix XG249CM — a 240Hz monitor designed for competitive gamers.
Gamer tip from me: Don’t stress if you can’t afford 240Hz. Even going from 60Hz to 144Hz is already a huge difference, and they will notice.
#3 — Response time = no ghosting
This is about how quickly the monitor reacts when something moves on screen. You’ll see numbers like 1ms or 5ms. Just remember: lower is better. Stick to 1–5ms, and you’re safe.
Gamer tip from me: This is one of those specs you don’t need to obsess over. If it says 1ms or 5ms, both are fine.
#4 — Resolution: HD vs 2K vs 4K
Think of resolution as sharpness.
- 1080p (Full HD): Budget-friendly, still great for most games.
- 1440p (2K/QHD): The sweet spot if you want to spoil them.
- 4K: Ultra-clear, but also ultra-pricey. Unless they’re rocking a beast of a PC, it’s overkill. (Ex: Samsung Odyssey G8)
Gamer tip from me: If they’re a casual gamer, 1080p is fine. But if they’re into big story-driven games (think RPGs), 1440p makes everything look way more cinematic.
#5 — IPS vs. VA (and a quick word on TN)
When shopping for monitors, you’ll often see IPS or VA in the specs. This just describes the panel type. Basically, how the screen handles colors and viewing angles.
- IPS (In-Plane Switching): Brighter, more accurate colors and wide viewing angles. Perfect if they plays RPGs or story-driven games where visuals matter (or if you’ll be sneaking in K-dramas on his setup).
- VA (Vertical Alignment): Deeper blacks and higher contrast, making it great for movies and darker games. Slightly slower response time compared to IPS, but still solid.
- TN (Twisted Nematic): The old-school option. Very fast response times but weaker colors and viewing angles. These are fading out, but you might still see them on budget models.
Gamer tip from me: If you’re lost, go with IPS. It’s the safe all-around choice. VA is for cinematic vibes, and TN is mainly for bargain hunters.
#6 — Curved vs. Flat: Which one should you get?
You’ll notice some gaming monitors are curved, while most are flat. The idea behind a curved screen is immersion. It kind of “wraps” around your vision, which feels especially cool for racing games, flight sims, or open-world adventures.
- Curved monitors: More cinematic and immersive. They also look super fancy on a desk. Downside? Pricier, and they take up a bit more space.
- Flat monitors: The classic, safe choice. Usually more affordable, easier to mount on a wall or arm, and perfectly fine for all kinds of games.
Gamer tip from me: If they’re into competitive esports titles (Valorant, Dota 2, etc.), a flat screen is better. You don’t need the “curve” when you’re focused on speed and accuracy. But if they love RPGs, movies, or just flexing their setup, curved can be a nice extra.
#7 — Extras they’ll brag about
- Adaptive Sync (G-Sync or FreeSync): Helps stop screen tearing (those weird split screens during fast action).
- RGB lights at the back: Do they help gameplay? No. Will they think it’s cool? Absolutely.
Gamer tip from me: If you’re torn between two models, pick the one with Adaptive Sync. It’s not sexy-sounding, but it makes games look oh-so smooth.
#8 — How much should you spend?
Here’s the cheat sheet:
- ₱8,000 – ₱12,000: Good entry-level gaming monitors (1080p, 144Hz).
- ₱15,000 – ₱25,000: Mid-range (1440p, 165Hz, with extras).
- ₱30,000+: High-end (4K, ultra-wide, or curved).
Pro tip: Mid-range is usually the “I love you but I’m not selling my kidney” zone.
Gamer tip from me: If you’re buying this as a gift, think of it as an investment in both their hobby and your peace. Happier gamer, less sulky partner. Win-win.
GG (Good Gift): Picking the right screen
Buying a gaming monitor for your partner doesn’t mean you need to suddenly become a tech goddess. Just remember: 24–27 inches, 144Hz+, 1–5ms response, and 1080p or 1440p resolution.
And since it’s already September (yes, the start of the Ber months when Filipinos kick off Christmas season), it’s the perfect time to start working on your holiday gift list. Imagine how epic it’ll feel when you’ve already secured the “Best Partner Ever” award before December even hits.
As a gamer, I’ll put it this way: a good monitor means smoother wins, fewer rage moments, and maybe even bonus cuddles after their win.
