If you like to game regularly but also have lots of coding to get through then finding a screen that can do both really well will save you time, space, and money.
It’s easy to associate programming with game development but can you also code effectively on a monitor that is designed for playing those games?
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Are Gaming Monitors Good For Programming?
A gaming monitor will be good for programming as long as it’s at least 27 inches wide so that you can set up 2 or 3 different windows for multitasking and has a minimum of 1080p resolution so that you can clearly see small lines of code on your screen.
If possible, go for a 1440p, 32-inch gaming monitor which will reduce pixelation and make text sharper to look at while programming.
And if your budget allows, A 38-inch ultrawide monitor with a resolution of 3840×1600 seems to work really well for most.
Some programmers find that a 4K display makes the code a lot nicer to read and stare at for hours on end.
But when considering gaming monitors, a 4K resolution will usually have you at the higher end of the price range so if you’re working on a budget then it’s best to go with a more affordable 1080P monitor.
Another good option is a gaming monitor with a 1920×1200 display that squeezes out a little extra vertical screen real estate which can make reading code a bit easier on the eyes.
Gaming monitors also come with some features that can make them even better to code on, such as fast refresh rates, and low response times which will give you a snappy feel when going in and out of menus and moving windows around the screen.
Also, keep in mind that for the sake of multitasking and productivity, most programmers would rather have 2 24-inch monitors than one 32-inch one.
Are There Any Disadvantages To Using A Gaming Monitor For Programming?
The disadvantages of using a gaming monitor for programming are that they are more expensive, usually come in lower resolutions, and have less of a selection for you to choose from.
High refresh rate gaming monitors usually come with lower image quality, unless you go high-end models.
Higher resolution monitors are less important for gaming because most AAA games will max out a PC at 1440p or even 1080p gaming.
High-resolution monitors are more of a luxury than a necessity for gaming and you will pay a premium for that luxury.
A sharper resolution is also less important for gaming because many games are fast-paced and the visuals just don’t stand still long enough for you to admire them.
This makes it more difficult for your eyes to pick up on the differences between higher and lower resolutions and makes it more acceptable to play at 1080p.
Until computer hardware advances to the point where gaming in 4K is the norm, there won’t be a wide range of ultra HD gaming monitors on the market.
How To Set Up Your Gaming Monitor For Programming
How you’ll set up your gaming monitor or monitors for programming will depend on your personal preference, your budget, and the type of programming you do.
Related Article: Is A Normal Keyboard Good For Gaming? (Explained)
The Dual Monitor Setup For Gaming And Programming
Most coders find that a dual monitor setup is far better for productivity than a single gaming monitor.
You could set up your monitor for coding vertically so that you can see large chunks of code all at once without having to scroll.
This can make it easier to scan what you’ve written and spot errors in code.
The vertical monitor also doesn’t have to be a gaming monitor so you may be able to pick up a cheaper 4K monitor for coding.
You could then set up your second gaming monitor in landscape mode for split-screen multitasking and playing games.
One-half of the screen could be set up for web browsing and the other half for watching YouTube.
The Single Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor Set-Up For Programming
Some programmers aren’t into the large vertical screen for coding and prefer to split an ultrawide 38+ inch gaming monitor’s screen real estate into 3 windows for coding, web browsing, and consuming media.
You should also consider getting a gaming monitor that’s VESA compatible and mount it on an arm so it can be adjusted.
This will make your setup more ergonomic and it will also free up space on your desk.
A basic arm can be got for around $50 so it’s well worth the investment.
The very best setup is going to be the one that you enjoy using the most.
Programmers have different needs and use monitors for different purposes so go through a couple of budget set-ups first to find what best suits your needs.
What Are Some Gaming Monitors That Would Be Good For Programming?
The LG 27GL850-B is a great 27-inch monitor for both gaming and programming. It has a very quick response time with very low input lag.
It features thin bezels, a 2560×1440 QHD resolution, wide viewing angles and it displays nice colors.
The Viotek GNV34DBE is a great high pixel density 34-inch curved monitor that performs well for gaming and coding.
It has a wide QHD resolution, a fast response time, and a high refresh rate with adaptive sync.
For an ultrawide, high-end 49-inch monitor you won’t get much better than the Samsung Odyssey G9.
Its high resolution (5120 by 1440) provides tons of space to view windows side by side, and its high refresh rate (240 hertz) helps with fast-paced video games.
in conclusion, yes, you can code effectively on a gaming monitor.
It comes down to personal preference and your individual work style.
Any gaming monitor can work for programming so long as it meets the minimum requirements of a 1080p, 27-inch display.
If you have a budget to work with then it’s best to choose 2 smaller 24-inch monitors over one larger 32-inch monitor.
And if your budget allows for 4K, consider an ultrawide monitor with a 3840×1600 resolution for the most optimized coding experience possible.
