As an avid gamer and hardware analyst, friends often ask me for advice when building new systems. Lately, many wonder whether they should splurge on 2023‘s flashy new 500Hz+ gaming monitors or ultra wide curved displays with near TV-sized dimensions. My answer always remains a resounding "no!"
While these cutting edge monitors boast eye catching specs, they provide surprisingly few real world benefits for most people past cheaper alternatives. Yet they demand absurdly expensive prices.
In this guide, I‘ll highlight 7 key reasons why average gamers should avoid upgrading their monitors this year. I‘ll also showcase fantastic monitors that offer nearly equal performance at far lower costs.
Let‘s dig in!
Blazing Fast Refresh Rates, But Who Actually Benefits?
The most publicized monitor innovation comes through astronomically high refresh rates. We‘ve gone from 240Hz to 360Hz to now over 500Hz in some 2023 models! Ever faster displays clearly rank among the main tech talking points.
But let‘s analyze whether these lightning quick frame rates provide any actual improvements for ordinary gamers:
| Refresh Rate | Performance Gains | Who Benefits? |
|---|---|---|
| 60Hz | Baseline – Playable | Everyone |
| 144Hz | Much Smoother Gameplay | Mainstream Gamers |
| 240Hz | Ultra Smooth Competitive Gaming | Esports Players |
| 360Hz | Hyperfluid Motion | Pro Esports Scene |
| 500Hz+ | Practically Imperceptible Gains | Elite Professionals? |
As this table shows, while incredible 500Hz+ displays grab attention, they realistically only benefit an extreme niche of professionals. The difference between 360Hz and 500Hz likely gets lost among other system bottlenecks for even great gamers.
Yet companies charge exorbitantly for thesetet minute improvements. The Acer Predator X45U asks $1899 despite providing gains only tournament level players may ever utilize! Compare to the similarly stellar Acer Nitro XV3 costing just $799.
Does an ordinary gamer really need to double their monitor investment for unnoticeable upgrades? I think not!
Beyond refresh rates, many new monitors also boast expansive curved widescreen designs spanning over 40+ inches. But while immersive in concept, their impractically large sizes often overwhelm desk spaces driving many to uncomfortable viewing positions. Just something to consider!
Fantastic Alternatives Cost Hundreds Less
Rather than overspending on cutting edge monitors with questionable value, a smarter idea comes from buying excellent displays from last year or the year before.
Gaming monitor technology just hasn‘t changed quick enough annually. As my data comparisons throughout this guide show, just 1-2 year old monitors still compete handsomely against the fanciest 2023 models that demand far bigger investments.
Let‘s analyze some fantastic monitors which match and sometimes even beat the latest screens in key areas while costing hundreds less:
| Monitor | Price | Panel | Refresh Rate | Resolution | Size | Curved? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Acer Predator X27U | $1,699 | Mini LED IPS | 240Hz | 1440p | 27" | No |
| 2022 Razer Raptor 27 | $429 | IPS | 165Hz | 1440p | 27" | No |
In monitors like the Razer Raptor 27 we find outstanding 1440p resolutions paired with buttery smooth 165Hz refresh rates – enough for even serious competitive gamers. The high quality IPS panel provides vibrant lifelike color too. This costs $1,200 less than Acer‘s brand new equivalent delivering just a minor step up to 240Hz rates. Hard to justify that enormous gap for most people!
My Verdict – Avoid the Latest Monitor Upgrades!
I won‘t claim new monitors boast no improvements. Advancements like Mini LED and forthcoming OLED raise visuals to new heights. And 500Hz makes hyper competitive gaming more seamless than ever before.
However, we must separate aspirational peak technology from what ordinary gamers require for killer experiences. The difference between existing monitors and 2023 models arguably provides the most paltry generational gains in all PC components. Tiny changes for massive costs just don‘t cut it!
Instead focus on your core system first. Processors, GPUs, RAM – that‘s where budget gets best allocated for tangible FPS and performance lifts. THEN revisit a monitor upgrade in 1-2 years once prices normalize.
By that point we‘ll also see smaller OLED panels trickle down along with likely better optimized ultra wide resolutions. Going this route sets you up for vastly improved overall value.
So in summary – avoid the upgrade itch this year no matter how enticing those new monitors appear. Reign in your desires and exercise some patience for the greater good of your wallet! 2024 will offer even better options.
Let me know if this helps explain why staying steady on a monitor upgrade makes sense this year! Feel free to reach out with any other tech questions.
Happy gaming!
