What are the advantages of gaming on a 4K monitor?
What's 4K?
A gaming monitor with a 4K resolution has a minimum sharpness of 3840x2160 pixels. Thanks to the large number of pixels, images are displayed very sharply and even the smallest details pop. That makes the difference between a Full HD gaming monitor and a 4K gaming monitor clearly noticeable, since a 4K monitor has 4 times more pixels.
Graphic advantages
More detail and sharpness
As mentioned, a 4K gaming monitor has 4 times more pixels than a Full HD gaming monitor. Thanks to the larger number of pixels, details stand out more clearly. For example, the wrinkles in the face of your character. The surroundings will look a lot better as well. A shadow looks less blocky, creases in clothes change with movement, and the waves in the water move more realistically. In short, the graphics of your game reach their full potential.
More space in the game world
Because of the large number of pixels, the image becomes smaller on a 4K gaming monitor. That means you have a wider field of view and see more of your surroundings. This gives you an advantage on your opponents, especially in online shooters. You'll spot them just before they spot you. Or you can stand on top of a mountain in Assassin's Creed Valhalla and enjoy the breathtaking view of the English landscapes.
Better gaming experience
Future-proof
Developers are continuously upgrading games. With a 4K gaming monitor, you're 2 steps ahead. That's because it also supports QHD resolutions. That way, you won't overload the video card if it's not strong enough for 4K images. In addition, you're ready for a future upgrade of your components in case you want to take it to the next level.
Compatible with next gen consoles
Do you want a gaming monitor instead of a television for console gaming? A 4K gaming monitor provides a razor-sharp image quality, even with the latest consoles. Connect your PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X to your gaming monitor and combine the high refresh rate of up to 120Hz with the visual power of the 4K resolution.
Hardware and requirements
A 4K gaming monitor isn't enough to actually game in 4K. You'll need a powerful video card that makes the images run smoothly. For example, a future-proof GPU like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080, RTX 3090, AMD RX 6800 XT, and the RX 6900. You'll also need the right cables. Your HDMI cable has to be at least version 1.4 or higher. DisplayPort supports 4K from version 1.2 and higher.
Console gaming
As mentioned, 4K gaming monitors are also suitable for next generation console gaming. The most important thing is that your monitor has an HDMI 2.1 port or a DisplayPort with at least version 1.2. Keep in mind that consoles aren't connected directly via DisplayPort. You need an adapter that supports at least HDMI 2.1 for this. If the adapter doesn't support this, you can't use your monitor for console gaming in 4K. Make sure you check this for your PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S.
What else do you keep in mind?
Resolution isn't the only thing that matters for games. You want a monitor that displays smooth images without stuttering, tearing, or ghosting. The image should remain smooth and fluid in both calm situations and during hectic gameplay with a lot of animations. That's why you should pay attention to the following features in this advice article for your 4K gaming monitor.
