For serious gamers, few pieces of equipment are as pivotal as your display monitor. A great monitor can immerse you deeper into virtual worlds, give you a competitive edge in multiplayer, and simply make gaming that much more enjoyable. But with new specifications and new models entering the market each year, choosing the best gaming monitor can seem daunting.
Luckily, picking the right monitor doesn’t have to be complicated. In this epic guide, I’ll cut through the complex tech jargon and highlight everything you need to know to find your perfect match.
Why Choose a 32 Inch Gaming Monitor?
Among enthusiast PC gamers, QHD (2560 x 1440 resolution) panels in the 27 or 32 inch range have become a gold standard. This combination delivers the ideal pixel density for sharp, detailed visuals that really let modern games shine. A 32 inch screen also gives you enough display real-estate to truly take in all the action.
Larger display sizes may seem appealing but come with drawbacks. On massive screens beyond 40 inches, individual pixels become more visible, degrading image quality especially in games. You also have to move your head more to see the entire viewable area, which isn’t ideal for immersion or gameplay.
Meanwhile, monitors smaller than 27 inches make details hard to discern unless you sit very close. With a 32 inch gaming monitor, you get the perfect balance of screen space and density. This makes it a mainstay choice for all types of PC gamers – from competitive eSports players to hardcore RPG fans.
Key Specs and Features of a Gaming Monitor
When evaluating different gaming monitor candidates, there are several key specifications to consider:
Resolution and Panel Type – For gaming, you‘ll want at least a 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) resolution monitor. However, a 2560 x 1440 (QHD or 1440p) resolution is ideal, delivering extra sharpness and detail that reveals subtleties missed at just 1080p. Panel type also impacts image quality, with VA and IPS panels offering the best color reproduction and viewing angles.
Refresh Rate – This determines how many frames per second (FPS) a monitor can display, measured in hertz (Hz). A 60 Hz refresh rate only allows 60 FPS. For smooth, tear-free gaming, you‘ll want at least a 144 Hz display. Higher is better, with 240+ Hz monitors preferred for competitive multiplayer titles.
Response Time – Expressed in milliseconds (ms), response time indicates how fast pixels can change from black to white. Faster response means less motion blur. 1ms is ideal but monitors rarely achieve true 1ms without artifacts. Aim for 4ms or better.
Adaptive Sync – Technologies like AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync match your monitor‘s refresh rate to your GPU‘s frame rate output for super smooth gaming free of stutter, screen tearing and input lag. Having one is a must for gaming.
You should also consider connectivity options like DisplayPort and HDMI, extra features like USB hubs or RGB lighting, and even design factors like thin bezels or an adjustable stand. Getting the right combination ensures your gaming monitor will perform well and keep up with advancing game requirements.
Best Budget 32 Inch Gaming Monitor – ASUS TUF Gaming VG32VQ
Screen Size: 31.5 inch
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 165 Hz (overclocked)
Response Time: 1ms MPRT
Panel Type: Flat VA
Adaptive Sync: FreeSync Premium
If you‘re looking for an affordable QHD gaming monitor loaded with gamer-centric features, it doesn‘t get better than the Asus TUF Gaming VG32VQ. Despite the reasonable price, you still get an extremely fluid 165Hz refresh rate, fast 1ms response time, and Variable Refresh Rate support from AMD FreeSync Premium for incredibly smooth gameplay.
The 1500R curved VA panel delivers excellent contrast and rich colors thanks to 90% DCI-P3 coverage. HDR support allows more vivid images in HDR-enabled games or media. Extreme Low Motion Blur sync further enhances clarity in fast-paced action scenes. With Shadow Boost technology, it‘s also easy to spot enemies lurking in dark areas.
Connectivity checks all the right boxes with dual HDMI 2.0 ports plus DisplayPort 1.2 and a quartet of USB 3.0 outlets. An ergonomic stand offers tilt, swivel and height sliding with landscape/portrait rotation. The gaming-inspired design sports thin bezels and signature ASUS Aura Sync RGB lighting effects.
For just around $300, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG32VQ offers absolutely incredible value. Unless you‘re chasing ultra-high frame rates for competitive multiplayer titles, it‘s really all the monitor you need for immersive, high-fidelity gaming.
Best All-Around 32 Inch Gaming Monitor – LG 32GP850-B
Screen Size: 32 inch
Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate: 165 Hz (overclocked)
Response Time: 1ms (GtG)
Panel Type: Flat IPS
Adaptive Sync: Nvidia G-Sync Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
LG‘s 32GP850 nails that sweet spot between performance and price, giving you nearly every cutting-edge spec you could ask for without costing a small fortune. It starts with a sharp 1440p Nano IPS display spanning 32 inches diagonally for expansive real estate. The 1ms GtG response time and VRR range from 48Hz to 165Hz deliver supremely fluid motion clarity free from artifacts.
This LG monitor is equally suited for Xbox and PlayStation gaming too, thanks to HDMI 2.1 connectivity and Auto Low Latency Mode. HDR10 support allows more vivid colors and contrast when playing HDR-mastered games.
With LG‘s excellent reputation for color accuracy and factory tuning, you can expect stellar image quality out of the box with wide viewing angles. SDR color coverage hits 98% of DCI-P3 while HDR pushes past VESA DisplayHDR 600 requirements. The whole package adds up to a monitor ready for today‘s top AAA titles yet won‘t leave your bank account drained.
If you want a premium gaming experience without paying through the nose, the LG 32GP850 is hands-down the top option that balances performance, features and value.
Best High-End 32 Inch Gaming Monitor – ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX
Screen Size: 32 inch
Resolution: 3840 x 2160 4K
Refresh Rate: 144 Hz (overclocked)
Response Time: 1ms (MPRT)
Panel Type: IPS with Quantum-dot
Adaptive Sync: Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate
When only the best will suffice, enter the ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX. This tour de force monitor pulls out all the stops to deliver an unrivaled visual experience. At the heart sits an advanced 32-inch 4K IPS panel featuring a full-array local dimming (FALD) backlight with 1,152 zones. Quantum-dot technology allows 95% of the cinema-grade DCI-P3 color gamut for incredibly vivid, true-to-life images.
With a peak brightness over 1,400 nits, searing highlights really pop in HDR content while 384 dynamic local dimming zones maintain inky blacks. ASUS worked directly with NVIDIA engineers to earn the exclusive G-Sync Ultimate badge by meeting stringent requirements for low latency and dynamic range.
Despite the 4K resolution, a maximum 144 Hz refresh rate (overclocked) keeps gameplay smooth as butter while a variable refresh rate adjusts between 48 and 144 Hz on the fly. Extreme low motion blur sync and 1ms gray to gray response time ensure visual clarity when the action heats ups.
For the ultimate gaming experience with no compromises, the ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX stands at the apex. Expect to pay a premium for this incredible technology though. But if you desire the best, look no further.
Which 32 Inch Gaming Monitors Are Best For Consoles?
Gaming monitors can also enhance your experience with consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X. But not all models are fully compatible. Here are ideal picks for getting the most out of your PlayStation or Xbox with a monitor:
BenQ MOBIUZ EX3210U – With HDMI 2.1 ports, 4K 120Hz support, and VRR, the EX3210 features tailor-made for new consoles. An IPS panel keeps viewing angles wide for multiplayer plus 10-bit color and HDR600 certification ensure gorgeous visuals.
Gigabyte M32U – Another excellent 4K monitor with HDMI 2.1, 144Hz refresh rate, Auto-Low Latency Mode, and next-gen optimizations. Its 32-inch size is also ideal for couch gaming if you play on a TV normally.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG28UQL1A – Can‘t afford 4K? No sweat. This 28-inch ASUS model still handles up to 4K 60Hz over HDMI 2.0b with ALLM while giving you slick 144Hz performance at 1440p for buttery smooth gaming.
Ideally, pick a monitor matching the native resolution of your console and with multiple HDMI ports. Support for the latest HDMI 2.1 standard helps enable 4K at 120 Hz. Auto-Low Latency Mode, AMD FreeSync Premium or Nvidia G-Sync Compatibility guarantee fluid high frame rate gameplay.
Gaming Monitor Buying Advice and Tips
Match Your Monitor Resolution To Your PC‘s Graphics Card
To unleash your gaming monitor’s full potential, its native resolution should align with your graphics card‘s capabilities for ideal performance.
Here are good pairings to target:
- 1080p monitor @ 60+ FPS – Entry level GPU like GTX 1650 or RX 6400
- 1440p monitor @ 100+ FPS – Mid-range GPU like RTX 3060 Ti
- 4K monitor @ 60+ FPS – High end GPU like RTX 3080 or RX 6800 XT
When your graphics card consistently surpasses your monitor‘s refresh rate, you benefit from lower input latency and can better enable adaptive sync for super smooth gaming.
Tweak Monitor Calibration and Enable Performance Modes
Out of the box, most monitors won‘t have ideal settings for color accuracy, brightness and contrast. Taking time to tune these visual parameters to fit your viewing environment can significantly upgrade image quality. Most monitors include various preset modes for gaming, movies or specific color spaces – take advantage of these!
Gaming monitors also tend to feature toggle-able overdrive or response time settings. Enabling the highest mode can reduce motion blur but also introduces overshoot artifacts in some cases. Try each mode to find the right balance for your preference.
Ensure You Have the Right Cables and Connections
To enable the highest resolutions and refresh rates gaming monitors are capable of, you need cables up to the task. For example, only newer HDMI 2.0+ standards support 1440p at 144+ Hz. Some GPUs and monitors also require a DisplayPort cable for peak performance. Having high-quality, high-bandwidth cables like DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 ensures you aren‘t leaving any speed potential untapped.
FAQs
Is a curved or flat screen better for gaming?
This ultimately comes down to personal preference. Curved displays can feel more immersive for gaming but also introduce subtle distortions around the edges. Flat screens offer more versatility for other uses. Curved monitors also tend to cost more with fewer options.
What GPU do I need for 1440p or 4K gaming?
To fully leverage higher resolutions for PC gaming, you‘ll want a higher end GPU:
- 1440p at high frame rates (100+ FPS) – RTX 3070 / RX 6700XT
- 4K at 60+ FPS – RTX 3080 / RX 6800 XT or better
Do "1ms" response time claims matter?
Not really. The 1ms times advertised for gaming monitors apply only under very specific test conditions. Real world response times end up around 4 – 8ms for modern LCD monitors, even those claiming 1ms. This is still plenty fast for gaming as long as a display also has a high 144 – 240 Hz refresh rate.
Is HDR worth it for PC gaming?
HDR capable monitors can enhance image quality but lack the extreme brightness of televisions that really make HDR shine. Unless you‘re looking at very high-end monitors with FALD backlights, good SDR color performance is more pivotal for gaming monitors than mediocre HDR implementation. Prioritize refresh rates and adaptive sync over HDR.
Closing Recommendations
I hope this guide has presented you with everything to confidently choose an awesome new 32 inch gaming monitor ready for today‘s top titles! Within the budget, performance and feature set you need, there are outstanding options from ASUS, LG, Dell Alienware and others.
Focus on display resolution, refresh rates, VRR support and response times but don‘t neglect ergonomic adjustability either. This ensures both in-game performance and your long term comfort. For most enthusiast PC gamers, moving up to a QHD 2560 x 1440 resolution on a monitor in the 27 to 32 inch range is the best move.
Still have questions? Let me know in the comments! For more in-depth monitor recommendations and technology analyses, follow me on YouTube at [My Channel]. Enjoy your new display!
