6 Things to Consider Before You Buy an Ultra Widescreen Monitor

Ultra-wide screen displays provide additional screen space, simplifying multitasking and enhancing gaming experience. However, before purchasing, you must consider factors such as your needs, desktop size, specifications, etc. Therefore, remember these factors so that you don’t regret it later.

1. Use scenarios

The first and most important point is to consider whether you really need an ultra-wide screen monitor, depending on how you plan to use it. If you are a professional who often needs to open multiple windows, or want to replace the dual monitor setup, an ultra-wide screen display may be a good choice. It is also perfect for veteran gamers looking for a broader horizon.

Ultra-wide screen provides content creators with an extended timeline and additional space. However, if your main activities include web browsing, using apps, and watching YouTube, it may seem redundant. Small displays with high refresh rates will be more practical and more affordable.

2. Workspace and desktop size

Ultra-wide screen displays take up more space than standard displays. So, before you purchase, you should make sure your desktop settings can accommodate it. Check the size of the monitor and imagine how it fits into your workspace. It should improve your setup without making it feel crowded, especially if you like the minimalist beauty.

If the monitor looks too big for your current desk, or adding it will make an already crowded workspace more cluttered, consider upgrading to a larger desk and considering the extra cost. If changing the table is not feasible, choosing a slightly smaller and more comfortable monitor may be a better solution.

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Related Article 3. Compatibility with your hardware and software

While ultra-widescreen displays offer a stunning visual experience, they demand more from your hardware. Therefore, you should make sure it is compatible with your system.

First, check the resolution supported on the graphics card manufacturer's website to confirm that it can handle the native resolution of the monitor. A powerful GPU is required to provide smooth frame rates at ultra-wide resolutions such as 3440×1440 or 5120×2160. If you're using an older GPU, it can be hard to cope, so you may need to upgrade it for the best performance.

Also, verify that your computer has the necessary ports, such as DisplayPort 1.4 or 2.0 and HDMI 2.0 or higher, to support the maximum resolution and refresh rate of the monitor. If not, you may need an external adapter. Also, remember that some apps don't scale well on ultra-wide screens, resulting in black bars on the sides. This can be a disadvantage if you use such an application.

4. Curved and flat displays

Ultra-wide displays are available in two types of display: curved and flat. Each type has its pros and cons, so you should choose according to your needs.

Curved displays are a great choice for gaming and media consumption as they surround your field of view. They reduce distortion on the edges and minimize excessive head and neck movements, thus providing an immersive experience. They also help reduce eye fatigue. However, they are best for close-up use and may experience glare when viewed at an angle of incline.

On the other hand, flat displays are often more suitable for professional tasks such as graphic design, video editing, and CAD work. They are also more suitable for wall-mounted installations and long-distance viewing, as they do not show glare like curved screens. In addition, flat displays are more affordable than curved displays.

5. Refresh rate and response time

Refresh rate and response time are two other key factors you should consider when choosing a monitor.

Refresh rate refers to the frequency at which the display updates an image per second, measured in Hz (Hz). The 60Hz refresh rate is sufficient for leisure use and office tasks. However, for the best gaming experience, a refresh rate of 120Hz, 144Hz or 165Hz is ideal. While there are 240Hz and 360Hz options, they are usually overwhelming for most users.

However, response time measures the speed at which a pixel changes from one color to another, usually expressed in milliseconds. For gaming, 5 milliseconds or less response time is enough to minimize motion blur, and 1 millisecond is ideal for high-performance gaming. 8 milliseconds or higher response time should be more than enough for general use.

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Related Articles 6. Resolution and Screen Size

You need to balance the screen size and resolution to get the best visual experience. Large screens with lower resolutions can lead to image stretching and pixelation.

Ultra-wide screen displays usually have several common resolutions. Full HD ultra-wide (2560×1080) is ideal for economical settings and is the minimum requirement for a 29- to 34-inch screen. However, it may appear pixelated on a large screen. If your main uses are web browsing and video streaming, this resolution is sufficient.

For screens larger than 34 inches, UWQHD (3440×1440) is recommended. It provides excellent clarity, making it an excellent choice for gaming and entertainment. Ultra-wide (5120×2160) is best for screens above 40 inches. It may be a good choice for professional work, but requires powerful hardware to run efficiently.

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Keep these key factors in mind when buying an ultra-wide screen monitor to make the right buying decision. Also, choose a reputable brand that offers a warranty.

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