5 How To Pick The Right Monitor For Sim

These days varieties of gaming monitors are available in different shapes and sizes with a wide array of advanced specs and features. It is really hard to keep you updated with every new launch and up-gradation news of the industry. Sometimes, you might even struggle to find out the changes; hereafter, you need to research the pros and cons of the newly added elements. 

Don’t worry! We would do so on behalf of you. However, if you recently upgraded the PC or started planning to invest in a sim racing rig, this article is genuinely going to help you; read on till the end. 

How to pick the right monitor for Sim Racing?

However, three monitor setup options are already available at this moment for hard-core gamers, a single screen setup, a triple or multiple-monitor setup, and a virtual or augmented reality headset. Now, the question is, which makes perfect sense for sim racers; Right? 

What to choose – Single screen, triple-screen or ultra-wide?

Every setup has its benefits; all are ergonomically pleasing and designed for desk-playing. But, sim racing is pretty different from other gaming genres, like adventure, shooters, role-playing, etc. The racing game requires a larger field of view than other gaming genres.

A monitor setup with approximately 180° FOV would fully immerse you in the game and stimulate a feeling inside you like you’re in the driver’s seat of a real car. It allows you to see what’s behind and beside you through the entire windscreen, mirrors, and side windows. 

To achieve this peripheral vision, you could go for an ultra-wide / giant ultra-wide screen or a triple-screen setup. Make sure that the peripheral vision is curved around you. With a triple-screen monitor setup, the size of the visual field around you will be increased, which would enhance your immersion and awareness of your surroundings. 

Though, ultra or super ultra-wide monitors with a 34” screen or more offer a satisfying display to see you through the entire windscreen. But, if you add two extra monitors beside it, everything would look more natural; Right? In my opinion, a sim rig with a single screen could limit a racer’s immersion. Whereas many users would like the bezel-free view of the ultra-wide or super ultra-wide monitors. But, I think a single screen can’t reach the levels of immersion that three screens can offer.

Essential Technical Specifications

Besides the FOV, some crucial technical factors, like panel type, screen resolution, response time, frame rate, refresh rate, and G-Sync or FreeSync support, are also there that will define the performance level of your chosen monitor. Let’s discuss some important factors in detail –

• Screen Resolution

We would recommend using the highest resolution possible; though, you have to choose the resolution of your monitor depending on the GPU and PC that you have. However, the industry is moving towards 4K gaming; as a result, most modern computer systems could easily handle triple monitors of 1440P 2K resolution. Before purchasing one, never forget to check whether your system is compatible with such resolution or not. 

• Response Time

Response time refers to a millisecond value that defines how rapidly your monitor can update the pixels from grey to grey. A monitor with more than 1ms response time could disappoint the hardcore gamers. The response time of more than 4ms is not acceptable for such racing games, even for any high-end gaming genre.

• Frame Rate and Refresh Rate

A monitor with a steady 120 FPS (frames per second) frame rate and a 120 Hz refresh rate is considered the best monitor for Sim Racing. The 60 fps frame rate is an absolute minimum for Sim racing games, whereas the faster refresh rate also ensures flicker-free views and high image quality during gaming.

• FreeSync and G-Sync Compatibility

When it comes to a computer game, the graphics card communications protocols like FreeSync (AMD) and G-Sync (NVIDIA) do the main job. They enable variations in refresh rate and synchronize the game rendering frame rate. These factors are not cross-compatible, so you have to check whether the monitor has FreeSync or G-Sync compatibility or not; though, it also depends on your GPU of the system.  

Lastly, we would like to add that 8K monitors have stepped into the market; though, their refresh rate and response time are still relatively low. So, it would be better to keep your hand on a 2K resolution multi-screen setup with a low response time, minimum 120Hz or higher refresh rate, and either FreeSync or G-Sync support.

Conclusion

The monitor is the thing that would significantly impact your overall immersion unless you’re using a virtual or augmented reality headset. So, you need to choose the right one that could complement your gaming system and ensure the ultimate virtual driving experience. To find the right one, you have to look at these above-mentioned technical specifications. 

Hoping, you will end up with a great monitor, and wishing you the best of luck in advance for your upcoming racing match.