Do You Need a Monitor for a PC? [Available Alternatives]

Written By Farhan Max

It is always better to use monitors for your PC. Depending on your usage, you need an individual decision on whether you need an actual monitor made for using your PC or any other display panel just to see the primary output.

Unless you’re thinking about VNC, a monitor is always a better option. Even though the facts that I described are completely authentic, I will discuss the functions of a monitor, comparing its alternatives.do-you-need-a-monitor-for-a-pc

Let’s dive deeper.

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Do I Really Need A Monitor for My PC?

You must need a monitor if you are willing to use a computer as a regular person does by creating spreadsheets or playing games. While choosing the right display panel for your computer, you must be aware of the advanced monitors, which are highly compatible with modern hardware.

There are a few important facts that are the built-in quality of computer monitors. Computer monitors reduce input lag, the refresh rate is better in actual PC monitors, and the frame rate matches perfectly with your motherboard in monitors built for computers. It is always better to use computer monitors rather than VR glasses, TV, and other pluggable monitors.

Things you should Consider choosing a monitor for your PC

Before you buy any monitor for your PC, you should put your concern on the things that are going to enhance your experiences. Input lag, pixel ratio, refresh rate, and frame rate could be different varying on the type of monitor you will be using. Let us dive into the reasons.

Here are some facts about monitors and comparisons with alternatives:

1. Input Lag

Lag means the time needed between completing and showing any result after the input. It is imperative in the case of photo and video editing and gaming.input-lag

Anyone editing any video or playing any game will require to receive fast results, and the PC monitor takes priority. Because the movement and the fast result is the main key to editing.

Input lags are different in usual TV monitors from PC monitors. Most gaming computer monitors provide a lesser input lag time of 1ms to 5ms, whereas high-end TVs have a higher lag time which starts from 40ms and could be up to 65ms.

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2. Pixel Ratio

Pixel ratio matters to experience sharp and more visible images and videos. A high pixel density ranges between 110 to 110ppi. Whereas, a very high pixel ratio starts from 140ppi.pixel-ratio

You will find many monitors with 4k resolution and a pixel percentage of 163, like the LG 27UD68-W 4k. Other monitors, such as the Asus MX2&AQ and BenQ GW2765HT, are also rich in performance.

3. Screen Density

Screen density is also known as the resolution. Resolution is measured by the pixels. If a screen has 1920p and another has 720p, you can tell the differences by placing them side by side. A higher-density monitor will produce clear and more explicit images and videos.

TV monitors are made to watch from a distance, that’s why those monitors may have bigger pixels compared to computer monitors.

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4. Refresh Rate

Refresh rate is the density of resetting the input shown on the screen. Generally, computer screens prefer a refresh rate of 60Hz, which is also provided in some TV with higher specifications like 4k. Refresh is measured in Hz, extreme tasks like gaming and multitasking need 60hz, but you can also find 120Hz to 240Hz in the market. Which will be smoother to use.refresh-rate

5. The Frame Rate of your PC

The frame rate of your pc shows how many pictures the system can process in a minute. This feature controls the smooth performance of moving objects and photos on the screen. It puts concentration specially on 3D modeling and illustrator participation.

CPU and GPU control the frame rate for your screen, so the monitor you are using should have compatible features that can only be found in the pc monitors. If you use a TV for your monitor, you may not experience a reasonable frame rate.

So, you should consider these features before choosing the right monitor for your computer. In my opinion, monitors which are built for PC are far better in options and performance. If I say directly, yes, you need a PC monitor for your best experience.

What Can be the Alternative to a Computer Monitor?

Any device with HDMI, DVI, DP, and VGA ports can be a computer monitor. Generally, we can use televisions as electronic visual displays. Electronic visual displays can collect data and turn it into texts, pictures, and videos.

The main point is how well the device can modify and control the data.

Here are some devices which support electronic visual display:

Televisions

Most television can be used as a monitor for your PC. Generally, smart televisions have an HDMI port that can be used to plug your cables. Lucrative and large television screens attract most people to use those as a computer component.smart-televisions

Television screens have some demerits that can be troublesome: double screen or prone to ghosting, input lag, and reduced image quality. Though the Double screen can be fixed, the other issues may not be fixable because the feature comes with the preinstalled components of the devices.

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Projectors

Projectors are also electronic visual displays that receive input from the computer and project the date on a surface. Generally, projectors are used for a large audience. A projector can also blur the image quality depending on the surface the light is projected.projectors-for-visual

The picture you can see is not from a particular screen, but a flashlight reflected from a surface, so it will not be sharp. But you can use it as an alternate screen.

Virtual reality headsets

You can also use a virtual reality headset as an alternative monitor. It is a device worn on your head that covers your eyes and takes you on a ride in the virtual world. It is always quite interesting to wear those VR glasses. You can not only experience a screen in those glasses, but a world full of digital creation. You can touch and modify functions floating in the air.virtual-reality-headsets

Those are more advanced features of VR glasses where it can sense your movements, you can experience face-to-face conversation, and you can also sense the real presence of people. There are also some AI-featured games constructed for VR experiences.

You can use these options as an alternative to real PC monitors.

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FAQs

Do I need a monitor for my laptop?

You may need an extra screen for your laptop in meetings or if you need it for any other purpose. But generally, laptops provide a screen with the body.

Why does a computer need a monitor?

Theoretically, computers do not need a monitor, but its user does. A computer takes the input and provides the output on a screen to show it to whom it may concern.

Wrap up

In order to feel the real experience of a computer, you not only need a monitor, but also need to ensure the best of its qualities. And in this article, I tried to show what major things you can consider while choosing the best monitor for your PC.

You will now be able to know how a monitor is perfect for any PC and depending on which segments. If you have any other questions, you can put them down in the comment box.

About The Author
Farhan Max is a tech geek with a particular interest in computer hardware. He's been fascinated by gaming since childhood and is now completing his undergraduate studies while researching and testing the latest tech innovations. Alongside his love for all things geeky, Farhan is also a skilled photographer.

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