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When setting up a desk environment for remote work, choosing a monitor is surprisingly confusing.
« Is 24 inches or 27 inches better? »
« Is Full HD enough for work? »
« If I also play games, should the refresh rate be high? »
I think the points of concern vary from person to person like this.
I currently use two monitors at the same desk for my work and personal PCs.
I work with two screens during the day, and when work is finished, I enjoy games and other activities on my personal PC.
Furthermore, I am now considering adding a third monitor.
Therefore, when choosing my next monitor, I want to consider not only ease of work but also how I use it for gaming and how to connect it.
This time, while incorporating my own desk environment, I will summarize 7 points for choosing a monitor to use for both work and gaming.
Should you separate monitors for work and gaming?
In conclusion, I don’t think it is necessarily required to separate them.
You can use one monitor for multiple purposes, such as checking documents and web conferencing for work, and playing games or watching videos for personal use.
However, the aspects you want to prioritize differ between work and gaming.
For example, while you might be concerned about the readability of text and the size of your workspace for work, you might be concerned about the smoothness of screen movement and response speed for gaming.
If you want to use it comfortably for both purposes, it is important to think about what kind of work and games you usually do.
Since I work and play games at the same desk, I want to consider both ways of using it when choosing a monitor.
7 points to check when choosing a monitor for remote work
1. Whether you prioritize work or gaming
The first thing to consider is the primary purpose of the monitor.
If you frequently open Excel or documents for work, screen size and text readability become important.
On the other hand, if you enjoy fast-paced games like FPS, refresh rate and response time are also points of concern.
When using it for both work and gaming, it is important not to judge based on the performance of just one.
For example, even a high-performance monitor for gaming might feel difficult to use for work if it doesn’t fit on your desk or if the text is hard to read.
By organizing your intended uses first, I think the performance you need will become clear.
2. Match the screen size to the desk space
Monitors come in various sizes, such as around 24 inches, 27 inches, and 32 inches.
A larger screen can sometimes make it easier to work with multiple windows open.
However, bigger does not always mean more comfortable.
If the desk depth is insufficient, the distance to the screen may become too close.
Also, when placing multiple monitors side by side, you need to pay attention to the width.
For example, a configuration with two 24-inch monitors and a configuration with two 27-inch monitors require different installation spaces.
Before purchasing, be sure to check the width, depth, and stand size of the monitor itself.
If I were to add a third monitor in the future, I would need to consider not only the screen size but also how to arrange it on my current desk.
3. Check the differences between Full HD, WQHD, and 4K resolutions
Resolution represents the number of pixels that can be displayed on the screen.
The main resolutions include the following:
Full HD (1920×1080): A resolution used for general PC work and gaming
WQHD (2560×1440): A resolution that can display more information than Full HD
4K (3840×2160): High resolution with even more pixels
However, just because the resolution is high does not mean it will be easy for everyone to use.
Depending on the combination with screen size, text may appear small.
Windows has a feature to adjust the display scale of text and apps, so you can review the settings as needed.
Also, if you are running games at high resolution, the performance of your PC is also important.
When choosing a monitor, I prefer to judge based on the readability of text for work and the performance of the PC running the games, rather than just thinking ‘higher resolution is always better’.
4. Match the refresh rate to how you use games
The refresh rate is a value that indicates how many times the screen is updated per second.
It is displayed as ’60Hz’, ‘144Hz’, ‘180Hz’, etc., and the higher the number, the smoother the corresponding video can be displayed.
Microsoft’s official support also explains that a higher refresh rate allows for smoother display of movement in games.
You may notice the difference more easily in fast-paced games, especially FPS or racing games.
On the other hand, if you mainly use it for document creation or web browsing, a high refresh rate for gaming is not essential.
Also, even if a monitor supports a high refresh rate, if your PC, game console, connection ports, or cables do not support it, you may not be able to fully utilize that performance.
It is important to check not only the monitor’s specifications but also the actual connection environment.
5. Check connection ports such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB Type-C
One thing you should definitely check before purchasing is the connection ports.
Methods for connecting a monitor to a PC include HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB Type-C that supports video output.
However, even with ports of the same shape, the supported resolution and refresh rate may differ.
In particular, just because a port is USB Type-C does not necessarily mean it can output video.
Also, if you use two PCs for work and private use, you should check how many input ports the monitor has.
In my case, I use an HDMI switcher on my main monitor to toggle between my work PC and my personal PC.
For my second monitor, I use different connection paths for work and personal use.
Because of this setup, the type and number of input ports are important points to check when choosing a new monitor.
I explain the differences in connection methods in detail in this article.
→ How to Use Work and Personal PCs with an HDMI Switcher and USB Hub: My Experience Working from Home
Also, I have summarized information about USB video conversion here.
→ What is a USB Video Conversion Adapter? How to Connect and Choose a Second Monitor
6. Check the Stand’s Adjustment Features and Compatibility with Monitor Arms
When choosing a monitor, check not only the screen performance but also the installation method.
Some products allow you to adjust the height and angle with a stand.
On the other hand, some products do not support height adjustment.
If you look at a monitor for long hours for work, it is important to set it up in a position where you can view the screen with a comfortable posture.
Also, if you want to use a monitor arm, you need to check the mounting standards and weight capacity on the monitor side.
I currently have two monitors set up with their original stands.
However, if I add a third monitor in the future, I am considering a layout with two on the bottom and one on top.
I am also considering monitor arms as a way to achieve this configuration.
At this moment, I have not introduced a third monitor or a monitor arm.
I introduce the benefits of monitor arms and points to note before installation in this article.
→ Are Monitor Arms Necessary for Remote Work? Benefits, How to Choose, and Points to Note Before Installation
7. Consider the Balance Between Necessary Features and Budget
The last thing to check is the balance between the features you need and your budget.
Monitors come with various features, such as built-in speakers, HDR support, and screen angle adjustment.
Gaming-oriented products may also include higher refresh rates or support for variable refresh rates.
However, not every feature is necessarily essential for you.
For example, if you use external speakers or earphones, the priority for built-in monitor speakers might be lower.
Also, if your focus is on web conferencing or document creation, it might be better to prioritize screen size or ease of setup over high gaming performance.
Before purchasing, it is easier to choose if you organize which features you need and which ones you rarely use.
For those looking for monitor candidates
If you are looking for a monitor that can be used for both work and gaming, the Pixio official website is also a good reference.
At Pixio, you can search for various monitors while checking screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and more.
I have never used Pixio products myself, but I am interested in them as one of the comparison candidates when adding a monitor in the future.
→ Add color to your desk with a Pixio gaming monitor (Advertisement)
*Specifications and prices on the linked site are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information before purchasing.
Can gaming monitors be used for work?
Gaming monitors are not just for gaming.
You can connect them to a PC and use them for general tasks such as document creation and web browsing.
Therefore, for those who enjoy both work and gaming at the same desk, they are one of the options.
However, there are various products among gaming monitors as well.
Some models emphasize refresh rates, while others emphasize resolution or screen size.
It is important not to assume that just because it is labeled « gaming, » it will be easy to use for your work.
For example, while you might prioritize smooth motion for gaming, displaying fine text and the ease of handling multiple windows can be more important for work.
Choose a monitor by confirming that its performance matches your typical usage.
Things I would consider if I were choosing a third monitor
I currently use two monitors for my remote work.
I use both screens for work, and when I finish, I use my personal PC at the same desk.
I can get my work done in my current setup, but I am considering adding another screen.
However, if I add a third one, it doesn’t necessarily mean I’m finished just by buying the monitor.
I am particularly concerned about the following points:
Is there enough space on the desk to set it up?
Can my current PC support a three-screen output?
Which port will I use to output the video?
Do I need mounting equipment like a monitor arm?
Will I use it for work or for personal use?
For example, in the « two on the bottom, one on top » configuration I am considering, how to secure the monitors is also important.
Also, I might need to change my current connection method.
Therefore, before buying a third monitor, I want to first organize my connection methods and installation location.
I introduce the benefits I felt from actually using dual monitors in this article.
→ Are Dual Monitors Necessary for Remote Work? | Benefits and How to Choose Based on Actual Experience
Check your Windows display settings before purchasing
Before buying a new monitor, it is also important to check what kind of display settings your current PC supports.
In Windows 11, you can check the screen layout and resolution by going to « Settings » > « System » > « Display ».
Additionally, you can check the monitor’s refresh rate and other settings in « Advanced display settings ».
However, the items displayed on the current settings screen do not necessarily indicate the full video output capabilities of your PC.
To ensure the monitor you purchase can be used at your desired resolution and refresh rate, be sure to also check the specifications of your PC and connection equipment.
Summary: If you are using it for both work and gaming, think about the performance you need first
When choosing a monitor for remote work, it is important to check not only the screen size and price, but also the performance that suits your actual usage.
In particular, if you are using the same monitor for both work and gaming, try checking the following seven points.
Whether you prioritize work or gaming
Screen size and desk space
Resolution such as Full HD, WQHD, or 4K
Refresh rate
Connection ports such as HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB Type-C
Stand adjustment functions and monitor arm compatibility
Balance between necessary features and budget
I am also considering adding a third monitor, but I want to check the connection methods and installation space that fit my current desk environment before choosing one.
The important thing is not to choose a high-performance model with big numbers, but to choose a monitor that suits your own way of using it.
To ensure you can spend your time comfortably for both work and private life, why not start by organizing your current desk environment and the features you need?
Reference Information
Microsoft | Change screen resolution and layout in Windows
This is official documentation explaining how to check and change the resolution and display scaling in Windows.
Microsoft | Changing the Monitor Refresh Rate in Windows
This is an official document explaining the meaning of refresh rates and how to configure them in Windows.
EIZO | Before Buying a Monitor! Checking Connection with Your PC
This is an official document introducing items you should check before purchasing, such as PC-to-monitor connection ports and supported resolutions.
Pixio | Gaming Monitor Selection Guide
This is an official guide that allows you to search for products based on usage such as work, remote work, or gaming, as well as screen size and resolution.
*This is not a hands-on review of Pixio products. We are introducing the official selection guide as reference information.
