It's that time of year again: Black Friday and Cyber Monday are fast approaching. That means now's the best possible time to buy your friends and loved ones killer gifts for the holidays.
Getting your fellow gamers a game will always be appreciated, but for those of you who want to go the extra mile, this Gift Guide will help you get that special gamer something rad and affordable this holiday: a 4k monitor.
Note: This guide is mainly for dedicated PC gamers and those shopping for them. However, if you're interested in learning more about PC gaming, here's a great guide on how to build a PC on a budget. After reading that, come back here, you might find just what you're looking for.
LG 27UD68P-B 27" FreeSync IPS LED Monitor 4K
For newcomers to PC gaming
Specs: UHD 3840x2160 resolution; 16:9 aspect ratio; widescreen; 60hz refresh rate; 5ms GTG; 2x HDMI; on-screen control, with screen-split game mode & black stabilizer.
Rating: 8/10
Price: $439.99
To begin, we have the most affordable 4K monitor from LG Electronics. For its modest price, this monitor has fantastic quality and great resolution. It looks sharp, has no dead pixels, and comes with a handy-dandy stand.
ViewSonic XG2700-4K 27" Ultra HD IPS Free Sync Gaming 4K Monitor
For gamers who don't play the most graphically-intensive games
Specs: 3840x2160 resolution; 5ms GTG; 1000:1 contrast ratio; 300cd/m2 USB; 1x HDMI; display port; built-in speakers; height, pivot, title and swivel adjustable; VESA mountable.
Rating: 9/10
Price: $539.99
This monitor's nowhere near as expensive as most high-end 4K monitors, and yet it's close to being perfect. The colors are beautiful, there isn't any lag to speak of and there are three USB ports. Although it doesn't hit 144 hz as advertised, this monitor can handle most games flawlessly and provides a good bang for your holiday buck.
ViewSonic - 23.6" 4K UHD Monitor - Black
For gamers and non-gamers alike
Specs: 3840x2160 resolution; 60hz refresh rate; 1x HDMI, display port, HML input; 16:9 aspect ratio; 120,000,000:1 contrast ratio.
Rating: 7/10
Price: $399.99
This 4K monitor from Viewsonic is a solid all-purpose monitor for all consumers. Its primary use isn't gaming, but it still presents games in a crisp resolution. Its 23.6-inch screen doesn't need much room, so it'll fit nicely on a desk, while still providing a wide-angle view for both games and movies.
Just be aware: FPS players HAVE reported that this monitor is not very well suited for them. A deduction in this monitor's rating has been made on that account.
Asus - 23.6" IPS LED 4K UHD Monitor - Black
For PC gamers -- not for people who want a monitor for their consoles.
Specs: 3840x2160 resolution; 60hz refresh rate; 2x HDMI, display port; 100,000,000:1 contrast ratio; built-in speakers
Rating: 7/10
Price: $363.99
This 4K monitor, especially for its low price, is worth every penny: This monitor keeps up with some of its best-in-class competitors just fine. That is when hooked up to a computer. There have been many reports of this monitor failing to properly run games and producing severe lag when hooked up to consoles like the Xbox One and the Playstation 4.
So while it's not the best monitor for all-purpose gaming, this is an affordable and solid 4K monitor, especially for the rabid PC gamer.
Samsung - UD590 Series 28" LED 4K UHD Monitor - Black
A monitor for everyone
Specs: 3840x2160 resolution; 60hz refresh rate; 1x HDMI, display port; 100,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio; 16:9 aspect ratio; VESA mountable
Rating: 10/10
Price: $369.99
This is one of the best 4K monitors on the market right now. With its large 28-inch screen, crisp resolution and unique features like eye-saver mode, it's an incredible monitor with few issues to speak of. Of course, it isn't the absolute best monitor on the market, but you'd struggle to find a better monitor in its price range.
Full disclosure: The author currently uses this monitor for his gaming escapades
Dell - 28" LED 4K UHD Monitor - Black
For gamers and video editors alike
Specs: 3840x2160 resolution; 60hz refresh rate; HDMI; 2x USB 3.0 ports; 16:9 aspect ratio; 8,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio.
Rating: 10/10
Price: $470.99
To cap off this guide, we have the perfect monitor for those who want to make videos about video games. Everything is presented clearly, there's no streaking or blurring during fast paced gameplay and it has a very nicely sized 28-inch screen.
My top recommendation is still Samsung's "UD590 Series 28" LED 4K UHD", but if you're willing to shell out just a little more, this 4K monitor will make a great gift as well.
Published: Nov 11, 2016 06:54 pm