Computer gaming is much like sports, in that the equipment you use can affect your performance. This is particularly true for LCD monitors. LCD monitor technology was a vast leap forward for desktop computers, allowing computer monitors to slim down immensely thanks to flat panel monitors. However, the disadvantage of LCD monitors was a lower refresh rate and a phenomenon known as “trailing.” For high action games where tracking the movement and having dead on response times are key, a high end LCD gaming monitor is a must. Here are a few of the best.

Dell UltraSharp 2209WA 22-inch Widescreen LCD Monitor - $400

The Dell UltraSharp’s claim to fame is its E-IPS technology. E-IPS is slightly more expensive than TN panels, but with comparable viewing angles, image quality and 8-bit color reproduction that you’d see in a more expensive S-IPS or H-IPS monitor.

What makes the Dell UltraSharp so great is it’s low input lag, high resolution, large display size and fast response times. The E-IPS panel operates at up to 75 Hz, which is an improvement upon the standard 60 Hz.

Samsung Syncmaster 2233RZ 22-inch #D Gaming LCD Monitor – $304

The Samsung Syncmaster is worth the extra money if you’re going to be using Nvidia’s 3D technology. It has an excellent refresh rate of 120 Hz, and it also supports the conventional 60 Hz. It can even reproduce older games faithfully using its sRGB color support. This monitor has a native resolution of 1680 x 1050, a response time of 5 ms for 2D and 3 ms for 3D and a DVI input.

LG M2762D-PM Glossy Black 27" 5ms HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor with TV Tuner 300 cd/m2 DC 50000:1 - $350

Why would you want an HDMI LCD monitor? Simple: so you can use it with console games. Most consoles don’t support DVI or VGA out, but they usually have an HDMI port that allows you to send a high definition signal. This monitor is ready to support HDTV at 1080p and has a 5ms response time and a refresh rate of 75 Hz. It also has D-sub, DV-DI and composite connectors as well, meaning you’ll be able to hook it up to virtually anything. This is a great monitor for watching TV and movies or playing computer or console games. Best of all, it doubles as a TV, thanks to its built-in TV tuner. So instead of budgeting for a TV and a computer monitor, you can splurge on this all-in-one.

Conclusion

Investing in a quality monitor is a must for serious gamers. Look for one that supports the graphics cards that are required to run your favorite games and have excellent refresh rates and response times to get that edge.