4k vs. 1080p gaming – Which kind of monitor should you invest in?
Do you love gaming and are wondering about the right monitor to buy? One of the crucial things you have to be keen on is the resolution. You can either choose a 4k or 1080P monitor.
Since 4k monitors were released in 2013, they have continued drawing many people to gaming. The demand for these devices has encouraged manufacturers to continue producing more monitors to fulfill gamers’ needs. Though 4k monitors can take gaming to the next level, some people still prefer 1080p monitors due to specific reasons. Before you make your choice, you should find out how the two resolutions used in gaming devices differ. That is where we come in. We will discuss everything regarding 4k vs. 1080p gaming to help you learn the facts.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between 4k and 1080p gaming
Resolution |
4K gaming |
1080p gaming |
Screen size |
Above 27 inches |
21- 27 inches |
Images |
Quite sharp |
Not very sharp |
Compatibility issues |
Yes |
No |
Pixel count |
3840 x 2160 pixels |
1920 x 1080 pixels |
Hardware requirements |
More |
Less |
Call to action |
4k vs. 1080p gaming- How do they compare?
Screen size
Choosing the right gaming monitor is a challenge for most people. Despite this, you can start distinguishing different types by their screen sizes. Most 4k gaming monitors have larger screen sizes compared to 1080p gaming monitors. 1080p monitors have a screen size ranging from 21.5- 27 inches, while 4k monitors have a screen size of more than 27 inches. The screen size of 1080p monitors is better since you may not see individual pixels like in 4k monitors. Gaming from an average screen size can also prevent eye strain.
Future proof
Many people choose to invest in 1080p monitors since they have excellent response times and refresh rates. These characteristics can come in handy when you are playing on a competitive level. Such monitors are not, however, future proof. 4K technology is future proof since it will not disappear any time soon. Choosing this type of resolution can therefore eliminate any worries about being forced to upgrade your monitor soon. While 4k gaming is future proof, 1080p resolution is not.
Hardware requirements
Before investing in any gaming device, you need to think about the hardware requirements and assess them against your budget. Since 4k gaming has more hardware requirements than 1080p gaming, you may end up spending a higher amount for this option. Most of the decent graphic cards available can smoothly run different games at 1080p resolution. If you want to engage in AAA games in 4k, you have to invest in a higher-performing graphics card. 4k gaming requires more computation power than 1080p gaming. Therefore, the cost of a 4k monitor setup is more than that of a 1080p monitor setup.
Compatibility
Most monitors available in the market run in 1080p resolution. AAA games also offer native support in this resolution. A 4k monitor is limiting since you may not be able to play every game in 4k resolution. Most of the older games cannot be displayed in 4K. 4K gaming, therefore, has compatibility issues while 1080p gaming does not.
4k vs. 1080p gaming – A comparison overview
4k gaming
- 27 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) 144 Hertz HDR gaming monitor with integrated aura Sync and ambient light sensor...
- Nvidia G SYNC HDR for lifelike contrast and color, display HDR 1000 and UHD premium Certified with peak...
For you to enjoy 4k gaming, you have to invest in the right 4K monitor and a high-end GPU. Most 4k monitors come at large sizes of about 27 inches. For your 4k setup, you can choose a GPU such as NVidia’s GTX10 series since it can deliver an excellent performance.
4k monitors use 3840 x 2160 pixels. This is more than what most traditional gaming devices can deliver. You should therefore expect a good gaming experience when you choose to play games in 4k. 4k gaming captivates many people due to the intense color, enhanced image quality, and more clarity. The problem with this option is that some of the games do not support the resolution. You may not be able to play older games in 4k.
One reason why some gaming enthusiasts choose 4k is that the images are sharper than 1080p images. If you choose a 4k monitor, you can enjoy more detail than a monitor based on any other resolution. Though 4K hardware comes at a high cost, the rates are gradually going down. Graphics cards that can give you excellent performance are still quite expensive.
Pros
- Delivers excellent image quality and more detail
- Has a high pixel count
Cons
- Not all games are available in 4K
- The hardware is costly
- Issues with frame rate dips
1080p gaming
- Lightning-fast 240 Hz refresh rate performance for a smooth gaming experience.
- 1ms response time (GTG) TO eliminate ghosting and lag, providing the optimal gaming experience. Typ....
Though the technology used in monitors keep on advancing over time, the 1080p monitor remains the standard. A lot of the PC games support the 1080p resolution. Most esports gamers prefer using 1080p monitors to 4k due to the general feel of these devices. Choosing 1080p gaming can help you enjoy your experience and prevent you from eye strain. 1080p monitors have a better feel since they come in standard sizes and don’t require a lot of computational power.
1080p gaming devices are based on 1920 x 1080 pixels. You will not struggle to get a decent 1080p gaming device since the market offers a lot of diversity when it comes to this. Comprehensive research can help you find a 1080p monitor that will not only fulfill your needs but is also within your budget. Choosing 1080p can also help you enjoy more precise and smooth gameplay. This comes in handy when you game competitively in categories such as esports.
Pros
- Offers a precise and smooth gameplay
- It is affordable
- Most decent monitors offer games in this resolution.
- The average screen size leads to a better feel.
Cons
- Lower pixel count
Verdict: So, which is better? 4k or 1080p gaming
Though choosing between 4k gaming and 1080p gaming comes to personal preference, 1080p monitors seem to have more demand than 4K monitors. From our comparison, we found out that most of the games are available at 1080p resolution, while some of the older games are not available in 4k. Though 4K sounds great, it has not only compatibility issues but also more hardware requirements. You have to spend more on the hardware and invest in a costly graphics card to enjoy excellent 4k gaming performance.
We were also impressed by the average screen size of 1080p monitors and the precise gameplay they deliver. Though 1080p is not future proof, it offers great response times and refresh rates. Whether you are into esports or not, choosing 1080p gaming can help you enjoy a better experience than going for 4k gaming since the second resolution is quite limiting. 1080p gaming is, therefore, better compared to 4k gaming.
FAQs
What is the meaning of 4K gaming?
It refers to playing different games from a monitor that runs at 4K. To enjoy 4k gaming, you have to invest in powerful hardware. This involves getting a good monitor and a superior graphics card.
Why do most professional gamers prefer 1080p gaming?
1080p monitors are considered the standard since they offer excellent refresh rates and better response times than monitors based on other resolutions. Such monitors can also help you game competitively.
