Cheap vs Expensive PC Monitors: Which Gaming Display Delivers Real Value in 2025?
TL;DR
We tested four monitors ranging from £52 to £500 to answer the ultimate question: do expensive monitors justify their premium price? The KOORUI E2212F at £51.95 delivers shocking value for basic gaming, whilst the MSI MAG 272QPW QD-OLED at £499 transforms your gaming experience with cutting-edge OLED technology. For most gamers, the sweet spot sits somewhere between these extremes. Here’s what we discovered after 40+ hours of testing cheap vs expensive PC monitors.
Quick Picks
- 🏆 Best Overall: MSI MAG 272QPW QD-OLED – Premium gaming perfection with stunning OLED visuals
- 💰 Best Budget: KOORUI E2212F – Incredible value at £51.95 for casual gaming
- 📊 Best Productivity: Philips 24E1N1100A – Solid all-rounder with IPS panel and speakers
- 🎮 Best Premium Alternative: ASUS ROG Strix XG32AQ – Larger screen with excellent HDR performance
The debate around cheap vs expensive PC accessories and monitors has never been more relevant. Walk into any electronics shop and you’ll face a bewildering range: budget displays under £60 promising “gaming performance” alongside premium panels costing ten times more. What’s actually worth your hard-earned cash?
We’ve spent weeks testing monitors across the entire price spectrum to answer this question properly. The results surprised us. Whilst premium monitors absolutely deliver superior experiences, budget options have improved dramatically. Some cheap monitors now offer features that were premium-only just two years ago.
This comprehensive comparison examines cheap vs expensive PC monitors through real-world testing, not just spec sheets. We’ve gamed, worked, and watched content on each display to understand where your money actually goes.
How We Tested These Monitors
Our testing methodology for comparing cheap vs expensive PC accessories focuses on real-world performance rather than laboratory measurements. Each monitor underwent identical testing procedures:
- Gaming Performance: 20+ hours across multiple titles including Cyberpunk 2077, Counter-Strike 2, and Forza Horizon 5
- Colour Accuracy: Visual assessment using reference images and video content
- Response Times: Motion blur testing with fast-paced gameplay and UFO test patterns
- Build Quality: Physical inspection, stand adjustability, and long-term durability assessment
- Eye Comfort: Extended use sessions to evaluate strain and fatigue
- Value Analysis: Price-to-performance ratio considering target audience needs
Each tester used their primary gaming PC (RTX 4070 Ti, Ryzen 7 7800X3D) to ensure consistent performance across all displays. We also consulted professional reviews from Tom’s Hardware and RTINGS to validate our findings.
Quick Comparison: Cheap vs Expensive PC Monitors at a Glance
| Monitor | Price | Screen Size | Resolution | Refresh Rate | Panel Type | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOORUI E2212F | £51.95 | 22″ | 1920×1080 | 100Hz | VA | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5 | Budget Gaming |
| Philips 24E1N1100A | £54.97 | 24″ | 1920×1080 | 100Hz | IPS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4/5 | Office Work |
| MSI MAG 272QPW | £499.00 | 27″ | 2560×1440 | 280Hz | QD-OLED | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3/5 | Premium Gaming |
| ASUS ROG Strix XG32AQ | £499.99 | 32″ | 2560×1440 | 175Hz | Fast IPS | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2/5 | All-Round Premium |
Understanding the Budget vs Premium Monitor Divide
When comparing cheap vs expensive PC monitors, the price gap reflects fundamental technology differences. Budget monitors under £100 typically use older panel technology, basic stands, and minimal features. Premium displays above £400 incorporate cutting-edge panels, advanced colour processing, and extensive adjustability.
Here’s what separates budget from premium in the monitor market:
Panel Technology: Budget monitors use standard VA or TN panels with decent contrast but limited viewing angles. Premium options feature IPS, Fast IPS, or OLED technology with superior colour accuracy and response times. The MSI’s QD-OLED panel, for instance, delivers infinite contrast ratios impossible on budget displays.
Refresh Rates: Entry-level monitors now offer 100Hz refresh rates, a massive improvement from 60Hz displays of previous years. Premium monitors push this to 175Hz-280Hz for competitive gaming advantages. The difference matters most in fast-paced shooters.
Build Quality: Cheap monitors sacrifice adjustability with fixed stands and plastic construction. Expensive options provide height adjustment, pivot, tilt, and premium materials. This affects long-term comfort significantly.
Colour Performance: Budget displays cover roughly 72% NTSC colour space with basic calibration. Premium monitors achieve 99% sRGB or wider gamuts with factory calibration, crucial for content creation.
Budget Champion: KOORUI E2212F (£51.95)
The KOORUI E2212F represents everything right about the budget monitor market in 2025. At £51.95, this 22-inch display delivers features that would’ve cost £200 just three years ago. It’s proof that cheap vs expensive PC accessories comparisons aren’t always straightforward.
This monitor shocked us during testing. The 100Hz refresh rate provides noticeably smoother gameplay than traditional 60Hz panels. The VA panel delivers decent contrast ratios (3000:1 typical), making dark scenes in games more atmospheric than cheap IPS alternatives.
What impressed us most: The adaptive sync technology works flawlessly with both AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards, eliminating screen tearing without the premium price tag. Gaming at 1080p feels responsive and fluid, particularly in titles like Forza Horizon 5 where the higher refresh rate enhances the experience.
The 5ms response time isn’t cutting-edge, but it’s perfectly adequate for casual gaming. We noticed minimal ghosting in fast-paced shooters, though competitive players might prefer faster panels. For the price, it’s remarkable.
✅ Pros
- Exceptional value at £51.95
- 100Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming
- Adaptive sync eliminates screen tearing
- Decent VA panel contrast
- VESA mount compatible
- Low blue light eye care features
❌ Cons
- Limited viewing angles (VA panel)
- Basic fixed stand with no adjustment
- Smaller 22-inch screen size
- Colour accuracy not suitable for professional work
- Build quality feels budget-appropriate
Our Verdict
The KOORUI E2212F is the best budget gaming monitor for cost-conscious gamers. It delivers 90% of what casual players need at 10% of premium prices. Perfect for students, first-time PC builders, or secondary displays. Just don’t expect premium build quality or colour accuracy.
Read our full KOORUI E2212F review for detailed testing results and more gaming benchmarks.
Budget Alternative: Philips 24E1N1100A (£54.97)
Just £3 more than the KOORUI, the Philips 24E1N1100A targets a different audience. This monitor prioritises productivity and all-day comfort over pure gaming performance, making it ideal for home office setups or students needing a versatile display.
The key advantage here is the IPS panel. Whilst the KOORUI’s VA panel offers better contrast, the Philips provides superior viewing angles and colour consistency. This matters tremendously if you’re working with documents, spreadsheets, or sharing your screen with others.
Built-in speakers are surprisingly useful. They’re not audiophile quality, but they’re perfectly adequate for video calls, YouTube, and casual media consumption. This eliminates the need for separate speakers in space-constrained setups.
The 1ms response time (MPRT) is faster on paper than the KOORUI, though real-world gaming performance feels similar. The 100Hz refresh rate matches the KOORUI, providing smooth gameplay for casual gamers.
Flicker-free technology and LowBlue mode make extended work sessions more comfortable. After eight-hour testing days, we experienced less eye strain with the Philips compared to the KOORUI.
✅ Pros
- IPS panel with excellent viewing angles
- Built-in speakers (basic but functional)
- Larger 24-inch screen
- 1ms MPRT response time
- Superior eye care features
- Better colour consistency than VA panels
❌ Cons
- Lower contrast than VA panels
- Basic stand with limited adjustment
- Speakers lack bass response
- Not ideal for dark room gaming
- Slightly higher price than KOORUI
Our Verdict
The Philips 24E1N1100A is the smarter choice for productivity-focused users who occasionally game. The IPS panel and built-in speakers justify the minimal price premium over pure gaming monitors. Best for home office workers, students, and casual users who value versatility.
Read our full Philips 24E1N1100A review for comprehensive productivity testing and eye care analysis.
Premium Champion: MSI MAG 272QPW QD-OLED (£499.00)
Now we enter premium territory where cheap vs expensive PC monitors show their most dramatic differences. The MSI MAG 272QPW QD-OLED costs nearly ten times more than our budget picks, but the experience gap is even wider.
This monitor features quantum dot OLED technology, representing the cutting edge of display innovation. Each pixel produces its own light, delivering infinite contrast ratios and perfect blacks. Gaming in dark environments becomes transformative—shadows have depth, HDR content pops with incredible luminance, and colours achieve vibrancy impossible on LCD panels.
The 280Hz refresh rate is overkill for most gamers but glorious for competitive players. Combined with 0.03ms response time, motion clarity surpasses anything we’ve tested under £300. Fast-paced shooters like Counter-Strike 2 feel incredibly responsive, with zero motion blur or ghosting.
What genuinely impressed us: The 2560×1440 resolution hits the sweet spot for gaming. It’s sharper than 1080p without the performance penalty of 4K. Modern graphics cards can actually push 280fps at this resolution in competitive titles.
DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification means proper HDR performance, not the fake HDR found on cheaper displays. Peak brightness reaches 1000 nits in HDR mode, making highlights genuinely eye-catching.
The white aesthetic looks stunning on any desk. Build quality feels premium with excellent adjustability including height, tilt, and pivot. USB-C connectivity with 15W power delivery adds convenience for laptop users.
Here’s the thing though: OLED brings concerns. Burn-in risk exists with static content, though MSI includes pixel shift and screen savers. We’d recommend this for gaming-focused setups rather than productivity-heavy use.
✅ Pros
- Stunning QD-OLED picture quality
- Infinite contrast ratio with perfect blacks
- 280Hz refresh rate for competitive gaming
- 0.03ms response time eliminates motion blur
- True HDR performance (400 nits True Black)
- 1440p resolution balances sharpness and performance
- USB-C with power delivery
- Premium build quality and aesthetics
❌ Cons
- Expensive at £499
- OLED burn-in risk with static content
- Lower peak brightness in SDR mode
- Glossy screen reflects ambient light
- Overkill for casual gamers
- Requires high-end GPU to maximise potential
Our Verdict
The MSI MAG 272QPW QD-OLED is the best premium gaming monitor for enthusiasts who demand cutting-edge performance. The OLED picture quality alone justifies the premium for serious gamers. If you have the budget and a powerful GPU, this monitor transforms your gaming experience completely. Just be mindful of OLED limitations for productivity work.
Read our full MSI MAG 272QPW QD-OLED review for detailed OLED performance analysis and burn-in prevention tips.
Premium Alternative: ASUS ROG Strix XG32AQ (£499.99)
The ASUS ROG Strix XG32AQ costs virtually identical to the MSI but takes a different approach. Instead of OLED technology, ASUS opted for a larger 32-inch Fast IPS panel with DisplayHDR 600 certification. This makes it more versatile for mixed-use scenarios.
The 32-inch screen provides significantly more desktop real estate than 27-inch alternatives. For productivity work alongside gaming, this extra space proves invaluable. We could comfortably run two full-size windows side-by-side at 1440p resolution.
Fast IPS technology delivers 1ms GTG response times, matching premium gaming performance without OLED burn-in concerns. The 175Hz refresh rate is lower than the MSI’s 280Hz but still exceptional for most gaming scenarios. Honestly, most gamers won’t notice the difference beyond 165Hz.
DisplayHDR 600 certification means brighter peak luminance than the MSI in HDR content, though contrast ratios can’t match OLED’s infinite blacks. The trade-off favours bright room usage where OLED struggles with reflections.
Variable Overdrive technology automatically adjusts response time settings based on refresh rate, eliminating the need for manual tweaking. This smart feature works brilliantly, maintaining optimal clarity across different frame rates.
NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility ensures tear-free gaming, though it works equally well with AMD FreeSync. The extensive connectivity includes DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, and a USB hub for peripherals.
Build quality matches the premium price with a robust stand offering full ergonomic adjustment. The ROG aesthetic might be too “gamer” for professional environments, but it looks fantastic in dedicated gaming setups.
✅ Pros
- Large 32-inch screen for immersive gaming
- Fast IPS panel with excellent colours
- DisplayHDR 600 for bright HDR content
- No OLED burn-in concerns
- Variable Overdrive technology
- 175Hz refresh rate with 1ms response
- Better for mixed gaming/productivity use
- Extensive connectivity options
❌ Cons
- Can’t match OLED contrast ratios
- IPS glow visible in dark scenes
- Lower refresh rate than MSI (175Hz vs 280Hz)
- Aggressive gamer aesthetic
- Requires more desk space
- Slightly more expensive than MSI
Our Verdict
The ASUS ROG Strix XG32AQ is the best premium all-rounder for gamers who also use their PC for productivity. The larger screen and no burn-in risk make it more versatile than OLED alternatives. Choose this over the MSI if you need a monitor for work and play, or if you’re concerned about OLED longevity.
Read our full ASUS ROG Strix XG32AQ review for detailed Fast IPS performance testing and productivity workflow analysis.
Head-to-Head: Key Feature Comparisons
Gaming Performance: Response Times and Refresh Rates
When comparing cheap vs expensive PC monitors for gaming, refresh rate and response time differences become immediately apparent. The budget KOORUI and Philips both offer 100Hz refresh rates—perfectly adequate for casual gaming and a massive improvement over 60Hz displays.
The premium monitors push this significantly further. The MSI’s 280Hz refresh rate provides competitive advantages in fast-paced shooters, though you’ll need a powerful GPU to actually reach those frame rates. The ASUS’s 175Hz is more realistic for most gaming PCs whilst still delivering buttery-smooth motion.
Response times tell a similar story. Budget monitors claim 5ms (KOORUI) and 1ms MPRT (Philips), which sound impressive but don’t match premium panel performance. The MSI’s 0.03ms OLED response time is genuinely instantaneous—we detected zero motion blur even in the fastest gameplay scenarios.
Winner: MSI MAG 272QPW for competitive gaming, but budget options are surprisingly capable for casual players.
Picture Quality: Contrast, Colours, and HDR
This category shows the widest gap in our cheap vs expensive PC accessories comparison. Budget monitors deliver acceptable picture quality for basic use, but premium displays operate in a different league entirely.
The KOORUI’s VA panel provides decent 3000:1 contrast, making it the better budget choice for dark room gaming. The Philips IPS panel sacrifices contrast for superior viewing angles and colour consistency—better for office work but less impressive for movies and games.
Premium monitors transform the experience. The MSI’s OLED technology delivers infinite contrast ratios with perfect blacks. HDR content genuinely pops with 1000-nit peak brightness. Colours achieve saturation and accuracy impossible on budget panels.
The ASUS can’t match OLED contrast but its DisplayHDR 600 certification provides brighter overall performance. For HDR content in bright rooms, the ASUS actually performs better than the MSI’s glossy OLED screen.
Winner: MSI MAG 272QPW for pure picture quality, ASUS ROG Strix for bright room versatility.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
Budget monitors make their biggest compromises in physical construction. Both the KOORUI and Philips feature basic fixed stands with minimal adjustment. You’re stuck with whatever angle the stand provides unless you invest in VESA mounts (both support 100x100mm mounting).
Premium monitors justify their prices partially through superior ergonomics. Both the MSI and ASUS provide full height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and pivot functionality. This matters enormously for long-term comfort and proper ergonomic positioning.
Materials quality differs dramatically too. Budget monitors use lightweight plastics that feel somewhat flimsy. Premium options incorporate metal components, thicker plastics, and generally inspire more confidence in longevity.
Cable management is another differentiator. Premium monitors include routing channels and clips, whilst budget options leave cables dangling awkwardly.
Winner: Premium monitors dominate this category entirely. The ergonomic advantages alone justify significant price premiums for all-day use.
Connectivity and Features
Budget monitors provide basic connectivity: HDMI and VGA (KOORUI) or HDMI and VGA (Philips). This covers essential needs but lacks modern conveniences.
Premium options expand connectivity significantly. The MSI includes DisplayPort 1.4a, HDMI 2.1, and USB-C with 15W power delivery—perfect for laptop users. The ASUS provides DisplayPort 1.4, dual HDMI 2.0, and a USB hub for peripherals.
Additional features separate budget from premium too. The MSI includes KVM switch functionality, gaming-specific OSD options, and extensive colour calibration. The ASUS adds Variable Overdrive, GamePlus enhancements, and shadow boost technology.
Budget monitors keep things simple with basic brightness and contrast controls. The Philips edges ahead with built-in speakers and eye care modes.
Winner: Premium monitors offer significantly more connectivity and features, though budget options cover basic needs adequately.
Price-to-Performance Analysis: Where Does Your Money Go?
Understanding cheap vs expensive PC monitors requires examining what each price tier actually delivers. We’ve broken down the value proposition at each level:
Budget Tier (£50-60): Maximum Value, Minimum Frills
At this price point, you’re getting functional gaming monitors with surprisingly decent specifications. The 100Hz refresh rates and adaptive sync technology were premium features just a few years ago. You sacrifice build quality, ergonomics, and colour accuracy, but core gaming performance exceeds expectations.
Best for: Students, first-time PC builders, secondary monitors, casual gamers on tight budgets. You’re getting 70% of the gaming experience for 10% of premium prices.
Premium Tier (£450-500): Cutting-Edge Technology
Premium monitors incorporate the latest display technology with no compromises. OLED panels, high refresh rates, true HDR, and premium build quality justify the 10x price increase for enthusiasts who demand the best.
Here’s the reality though: you’re paying exponentially more for incremental improvements. The jump from 100Hz to 280Hz matters far less than the jump from 60Hz to 100Hz. Diminishing returns kick in hard at this price level.
Best for: Serious gamers with high-end PCs, content creators needing colour accuracy, enthusiasts who appreciate cutting-edge technology. You’re paying premium prices for that final 30% of performance.
The Missing Middle Ground
Interestingly, our comparison reveals a gap between £60 and £450. The sweet spot for most gamers likely sits around £200-300, where you’d find 1440p IPS panels with 144Hz refresh rates and decent build quality. These weren’t included in our cheap vs expensive PC monitors comparison but represent excellent value for mainstream users.
Who Should Buy Budget vs Premium Monitors?
Buy Budget If You:
- Have a limited budget under £100
- Game casually rather than competitively
- Need a secondary display for multitasking
- Don’t care about colour accuracy or HDR
- Use a mid-range or entry-level graphics card
- Prioritise value over features
- Accept basic build quality and ergonomics
Buy Premium If You:
- Have a high-end gaming PC (RTX 4070 or better)
- Play competitive games where every frame matters
- Create content requiring colour accuracy
- Want the absolute best picture quality
- Value premium build quality and ergonomics
- Can afford the 10x price premium
- Appreciate cutting-edge display technology
The Verdict: Is Expensive Worth It?
After extensive testing, our cheap vs expensive PC monitors comparison reveals a nuanced answer: it depends entirely on your needs and budget.
Budget monitors have improved dramatically. The KOORUI E2212F at £51.95 delivers genuinely impressive gaming performance for casual players. If you’re building your first gaming PC or working with limited funds, these budget options won’t disappoint. You’re not getting premium quality, but you’re getting far more than you’d expect for the price.
Premium monitors justify their prices for enthusiasts. The MSI MAG 272QPW’s OLED technology genuinely transforms the gaming experience. If you have a high-end gaming PC and the budget to match, premium displays unlock your hardware’s full potential. The picture quality difference is night and day.
However, the value proposition shifts dramatically based on your use case. Competitive gamers benefit from 280Hz refresh rates and 0.03ms response times. Casual players won’t notice much difference beyond 100Hz. Content creators need colour accuracy and HDR. Office workers prioritise ergonomics and eye comfort.
Our recommendation: Most gamers should consider the middle ground we didn’t test here—monitors around £200-300 offering 1440p, 144Hz, and decent IPS panels. These balance performance and price more effectively than either extreme.
That said, if you’re firmly in either the budget or premium camp, both our top picks deliver exceptional value within their price tiers. The KOORUI maximises performance per pound, whilst the MSI delivers the ultimate gaming experience money can buy.
Final Recommendations by Use Case
Best Budget Gaming Monitor: KOORUI E2212F (£51.95) – Incredible value for casual gamers. Read our full review
Best Budget Productivity Monitor: Philips 24E1N1100A (£54.97) – IPS panel and speakers make it ideal for office work. Read our full review
Best Premium Gaming Monitor: MSI MAG 272QPW QD-OLED (£499.00) – Cutting-edge OLED technology for serious gamers. Read our full review
Best Premium All-Rounder: ASUS ROG Strix XG32AQ (£499.99) – Larger screen and no burn-in risk for mixed use. Read our full review
The cheap vs expensive PC accessories debate ultimately comes down to personal priorities. Both budget and premium monitors serve their audiences well in 2025. Choose based on your actual needs rather than aspirational wants, and you’ll be satisfied with either tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth buying an expensive gaming monitor over a cheap one?
For serious gamers with high-end PCs, yes. Premium monitors offer superior picture quality, faster response times, and better build quality. However, casual gamers get excellent value from budget options. The KOORUI E2212F at £52 delivers 70% of the gaming experience for 10% of premium prices. Consider your GPU capabilities—there’s no point buying a 280Hz monitor if your graphics card can’t push those frame rates.
What’s the main difference between cheap and expensive monitors?
Panel technology makes the biggest difference. Budget monitors use basic VA or IPS panels with limited colour accuracy and slower response times. Expensive monitors feature cutting-edge OLED or Fast IPS technology with superior contrast, colours, and motion clarity. Build quality, ergonomics, and features also improve dramatically at premium price points. Our testing showed the MSI’s OLED panel delivers infinite contrast versus the KOORUI’s 3000:1 ratio.
Can cheap monitors handle modern gaming?
Absolutely. Budget monitors like the KOORUI E2212F and Philips 24E1N1100A both feature 100Hz refresh rates and adaptive sync technology, making them perfectly capable for casual gaming. We tested them with demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and experienced smooth, tear-free gameplay. They won’t match premium monitors for competitive gaming, but they’re surprisingly competent for the price.
Should I buy a budget monitor now or save for premium?
Buy budget now if you need a monitor immediately and have limited funds. The KOORUI at £52 provides excellent value and you can always upgrade later. Save for premium if you have a high-end gaming PC (RTX 4070 or better) and want to maximise its potential. Premium monitors like the MSI MAG 272QPW genuinely transform the gaming experience, but only if your hardware can take advantage of their capabilities.
Do expensive monitors last longer than cheap ones?
Generally yes, but with caveats. Premium monitors use better components and construction, suggesting longer lifespans. However, OLED monitors like the MSI face burn-in risks that LCD panels don’t. Budget monitors may have shorter lifespans due to cheaper components, but many users report years of reliable service. Both our budget picks include standard warranties. For longevity without concerns, the ASUS ROG Strix’s Fast IPS panel offers the best balance.
What’s the best cheap vs expensive monitor for office work?
For budget office use, the Philips 24E1N1100A at £54.97 is ideal with its IPS panel, built-in speakers, and eye care features. For premium office work, the ASUS ROG Strix XG32AQ provides a massive 32-inch workspace with excellent colour accuracy, though its gamer aesthetic might not suit professional environments. The larger screen significantly improves productivity with multiple windows open simultaneously.
How much should I spend on a gaming monitor in 2025?
Budget gamers should spend £50-100 for capable 1080p displays with 100Hz refresh rates. Mainstream gamers benefit most from £200-300 monitors offering 1440p and 144Hz. Premium gamers with high-end PCs should consider £400-500 for cutting-edge OLED or Fast IPS technology. Our testing revealed diminishing returns above £500 unless you’re a professional gamer or content creator requiring absolute top-tier performance.
Are OLED monitors worth the premium price?
For gaming enthusiasts, yes. The MSI MAG 272QPW’s OLED technology delivers picture quality that LCD panels simply cannot match. Infinite contrast ratios, perfect blacks, and vibrant colours transform gaming experiences. However, OLED brings burn-in risks with static content, making them less ideal for productivity-heavy use. If you primarily game in dark environments and can afford the £499 price tag, OLED is genuinely worth it.
What refresh rate do I actually need for gaming?
Casual gamers are perfectly satisfied with 100Hz, as found on our budget picks. Competitive gamers benefit from 144-175Hz for smoother motion in fast-paced titles. The MSI’s 280Hz is overkill for most users unless you’re a professional esports player. Our testing showed diminishing returns beyond 165Hz—the difference between 175Hz and 280Hz is far less noticeable than between 60Hz and 100Hz. Match your refresh rate to your GPU capabilities.
Can I use a cheap monitor with an expensive gaming PC?
Yes, but you’re not maximising your hardware investment. A high-end GPU like the RTX 4080 can push 200+ fps at 1440p, but a budget 100Hz 1080p monitor bottlenecks that performance. You’ll still get smooth gameplay, but you’re wasting your GPU’s potential. If you’ve invested £800+ in a graphics card, spending £400-500 on a premium monitor makes sense to actually utilise that power. For mid-range GPUs, budget monitors are perfectly matched.
