
Your PC build is nearly complete.
And the only thing that hasn’t arrived yet?
The monitor that you ordered months ago.
But you’re eager to test your computer out.
So, you wonder:
“Do I actually need a monitor for this?”
Let’s find out.
Keep reading to discover:
- How to use your TV as a PC monitor.
- 5 gaming monitors that are perfect for your computer.
- 5 crucial factors to consider when buying a new monitor for your PC.
- And so much more…
Do you need a monitor for a PC?
You need a monitor for your PC. It serves as a visual interface for your computer to see what you’re currently doing. Without it, you won’t be able to see the images generated by your Central Processing Unit (CPU) setup.
Do you need a monitor for a gaming PC?
You need a monitor for a gaming PC. And a pretty good 1 at that.
After all, when you’re gaming, you’d want something that will make your game feel better. Thus, making you play better in return.
When choosing a monitor for a gaming PC, consider these 5 features:
- Budget.
- Resolution.
- Ergonomics.
- Refresh rate.
- Other notable features.
Now, if you’re unfamiliar with some of these, let me explain.
#1: Resolution
720p. 1080p. 4K.
These are some buzzwords you’ve probably heard at least once.
But do you know what they mean?
This is about a screen’s resolution. It’s how many pixels a screen can accommodate in a single frame.
All you need to know is that the higher your resolution is, the better your screen will look.
For gaming PCs? I recommend getting at least a 1080p monitor. However, it’s always great to have 4K or even 8K if you have the money.
#2: Refresh rate
Another thing you have to consider when buying a monitor is its refresh rate. This is the maximum amount of frames your computer can process per second.
Let me put it this way:
Every second, your screen produces a set amount of pictures. Since these photos are played in rapid succession, they become what we see as “motion” or a video.
Now, the more frames your monitor can produce, the smoother it is.
I highly suggest getting a screen with at least 144 Hz for gaming PCs. This is especially important when playing First-Person Shooter (FPS) games.
How so?
Extra frames give you an advantage over your opponent. This means you can track them better or see them a millisecond earlier.
#3: Ergonomics
You must also consider your well-being when buying a monitor. To be more specific, you need to think of your posture.
In order for a PC to be great for your posture, it needs to be:
- Large.
- Customizable.
- Viewable from all angles.
That’s why you’ll need a gaming monitor that has:
- Anti-glare.
- Sizable screen and thin bezels.
- An adjustable (vertically and horizontally) stand.
- Amazing color quality with at least 24 BPP (bits per pixel).
#4: Other features
As for the other things to look for in a gaming screen, here are some of them:
- Anti-ghosting: To prevent burn-in.
- Strobe backlights: For smoother gameplay.
- High Dynamic Range (HDR): For better colors.
- Local Dimming: For truer blacks and strong contrast.
#5: Budget
Of course, you’ll also need something that fits your budget.
Nowadays, most gaming monitors retail at around $200 to $2000.
The sad reality is that the cheaper your budget is, the worse your monitor will be.
But don’t fret, there are many good deals in the market, which brings us to…
BONUS: Recommendations
For my money, here are the gaming monitors that I recommend:
Monitor | Maximum Resolution | Refresh Rate | Price |
Alienware AW2521 | 1920 x 1080 | 240 Hz | $450 |
Acer Nitro XF243Y | 1920 x 1080 | 144 Hz | $219.99 |
HP X27q | 2560 x 1440 | 165 Hz | $270 |
LG 27GN800-B | 2560 x 1440 | 144 Hz | $294.99 |
ViewSonic XG2431 | 1920 x 1080 | 240 Hz | $279.99 |
Interested in learning more about the ins and outs of buying a gaming monitor?
I highly recommend this video:
Does a PC come with a monitor?
Your PC doesn’t usually come with a monitor.
However, some companies sell pre-made PCs. This means that they’re the ones making your entire PC, which includes your:
- PC monitor.
- CPU configuration.
- Important software.
- Peripherals, like the speakers, mouse, and keyboard.
Can you use your TV as a monitor for your PC?
You can use a TV as a monitor for your PC. For that to work, you have two options:
Connect your PC to your TV with an HDMI cable
All you need for this method to work is to insert both ends of an HDMI cable to your TV and PC’s HDMI port.
However, there’s one thing you must consider:
The HDMI handshaking glitch.
This glitch happens when you have an incompatible HDMI cable for your devices. That’s why you must choose the proper cable for your PC and TV.
To do that, simply take notes of your device’s specs, which can be found on your device’s manual. Look for the following specs:
- Resolution.
- Refresh rate.
Then, use that information, along with this table, to purchase the right cable:
HDMI Cable Type | Resolutions | Refresh rate |
Cat 1 (Standard) | 720p to 1080p | 30 Hz |
Cat 2 (High Speed) | 1080p to 4K | 60 Hz at 1080p; 30 Hz at 4K |
Cat 2 (4K) | 4K | 60 Hz |
Cat 3 (8K) | 4K to 8K | 120 Hz at 4K; 60 Hz at 8K |
Connect your PC to your TV using Miracast

Alternatively, you can also wirelessly connect a Windows PC to your TV with Miracast. This is possible using these instructions:
- Go to your Desktop.
- Tap the Windows Key and P on your keyboard simultaneously.
- Select “Connect to a Wireless Display.”
- Choose Duplicate.
You may also be interested in: 3 Easy Steps To Use Smart TV Without HDMI Cable
Why does a computer need a monitor?
Your computer needs a monitor. Without a screen, your computer won’t have a visual interface to output its content.
You see, a computer is comprised of different parts that provide a specific function. For example, you can use a mouse as a pointer and a keyboard to type.
These functions are all done inside the Central Processing Unit or CPU.
Now, your CPU needs to display these functions so that you, as a user, can interact with them. That’s where the monitor comes in, and why it’s an important part of your computer.