Buying guide
Gaming monitor buying guide: resolution, refresh rate and panel type
Updated 17 September 2026 · 2 min read
A gaming monitor is only as good as the machine driving it. The right choice balances resolution and refresh rate against the graphics card or console you own — and that balance, not the biggest number on the box, decides whether the extra money shows on screen.
Resolution and size
1080p suits 24-inch monitors and mid-range graphics cards, and makes very high refresh rates easy to reach. 1440p on a 27-inch monitor is the sweet spot for most PC gamers: noticeably sharper than 1080p without demanding a top-end GPU. 4K on 27 to 32 inches is sharp for work and slower-paced games but needs a powerful card to run at high frame rates.
Console players should know that PS5 and Xbox Series X output 1080p, 1440p (with supported monitors) and 4K. A 4K monitor with HDMI 2.1 is the best match for a current console if you want 4K at 120Hz in supported games.
Refresh rate and response time
Refresh rate is how many times per second the screen updates. 144Hz to 180Hz is a big step up from 60Hz for any fast game; 240Hz and above matters mainly for competitive shooters, and only if your PC can produce those frame rates.
Adaptive sync (NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible or AMD FreeSync) removes tearing when the frame rate varies. It is standard on most gaming monitors now — make sure the model you buy supports the technology your graphics card uses.
Response-time figures on boxes are measured in different ways by different brands, so treat them as a rough guide rather than a precise comparison.
IPS, VA or OLED?
IPS panels offer accurate colours and wide viewing angles, and are the safe all-round choice. VA panels have deeper blacks and are common in curved monitors, but can show smearing in dark, fast scenes. OLED monitors have near-instant response and perfect blacks, at a higher price; to reduce the risk of burn-in they run periodic panel-care routines, and they are best for mixed gaming and media rather than static desktop work all day.
For HDR, look for a DisplayHDR certification level. Entry-level HDR400 monitors can accept an HDR signal but show little improvement; true HDR impact starts with brighter, locally dimmed or OLED panels.
Comparing prices
Monitors are sold under long model codes, and the same panel size can come in several refresh rates or finishes. Match the full model code across retailers before comparing prices, and check the included cables — a DisplayPort cable is needed for the highest refresh rates on most PCs.
Bahrain's PC shops and the large chains both stock gaming monitors, and prices are often discounted around back-to-school and White Friday. Set a price alert on the exact model if you can wait.