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The debate about 1440p vs 1080p never seems to end. The biggest question that arises when it comes to PC gaming monitors is whether gamers should invest in a 1440p or 1080p monitor. A few years ago, only competitive gamers with high-end rigs could enjoy playing games at 1440p, but now you can even run most AAA titles at ultra settings on ultra-wide 1440p monitors to have competitive edge.
Key Takeaways
- 1440p monitors are generally a standard for PC gamers now
- You shouldn't have too much trouble finding one on a budget
- 1080p is not only cheaper than 1440p monitors, but they also require less power to run
- 1080p monitors are far more common than their 1440p counterparts
- Lower screen resolution on 1080p will be more apparent on bigger screen size
Coupled with a 144Hz refresh rate, the smoothness achieved by running most AAA titles on a full HD monitor is second to none. If you thought 1080p was nice, then wait till you try 1440p – it's incredible.
What Is 1440p?
1440p is simply a 2560 x 1440 resolution, which means latest big games will render at a full HD 3840 x 2160 on high resolution screens. That's four times higher pixel density than 1080p. However, some manufacturers are now releasing gaming displays with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz at resolutions lower than 1440p – the ViewSonic XG2530 is an example.
What Is 1080p?
1080p is a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080. Most gaming monitors have a 2560 x 1440 resolution as their maximum in this day and age. Some even go as high as 5K or 8K. As you can tell, a 1080p screen resolution is significantly less demanding on a PC's hardware than 1440p, as the graphics has to render 2.25 times more pixels than it would have to at 1440p.
1080p vs 1440p: The Density of Pixels
Although 1440p has higher pixel density than 1080p, it isn't necessarily better. You see, although there are 3840 x 2160 pixels in a 1440p resolution monitor, the pixel density per inch is lower than on a 1080p monitor. That's because individual pixels are more significant on a 1440p monitor than those that make up the same actual screen size on a 1080p monitor.
As such, 1440p isn't always the most suitable choice for gamers with relatively low-end hardware. You can have a decent 1440p monitor, but you'll need to have an even better graphics if you want it to run smoothly at 60+ FPS.
Is Resolution the Only Difference Between 1440p vs. 1080p?
No, there are other differences between 1440p and 1080p monitors. For example, you can get a 75Hz or 144Hz refresh rate on1080p monitors. You'll often find 60Hz as the maximum refresh rate on most 1440p monitors.
It's because there are currently far more options available for a PC gamer who want a 1080p gaming display with a high refresh rate. With 1440p, you have limited choices, limited to the expensive side of things.
Is There a Big Difference Between 1440p and 1080p?
If you've played a demanding game at 1440p before, you'd understand why many consider it the sweet spot of gaming. However, if you haven't tried 1440p before, even 1080p will seem impressive. It's really up to personal preference or tight budget as most modern GPUs can handle 1440p with ease – but won't have the same luck with a higher resolution display at 8K.
There are a few factors worth mentioning when it comes to the key difference between the two. For starters, you're going to need a PC that can handle running games at 1440p if you want an ultra-smooth gaming.
1080p vs 1440p: Can the Human Eye See Past 1080p?
Despite the rumors you may have heard floating around, the human eye is capable of seeing the difference between a 1080p screen and a 4K screen. The most important factors to remember are the quality of your eyesight, more screen real estate, and the distance you sit from that screen when watching it.
If you're looking for smooth gameplay, then you're going to need a rig that has an NVIDIA GTX 1070 or higher. Alternatively, you could go for an AMD RX Vega graphics card as well as an Inte Las Vegas X-series processor. You'll also need at least 8GB of RAM and a decent CPU power.
However, that's not to say your graphics can't handle 1440p screen resolution. You might just be running games at 1080p or below on your monitor's native resolution. If so, you may need an upgrade in the future if you want to take full advantage of a 1440p monitor.
Pros And Cons of 1440p Gaming
Pros
1440p monitors are somewhat of a standard for gaming now, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one that fits your budget.
Some models offer a higher color gamut of around 90% of the NTSC range. It means more vivid colors and an improved contrast ratio, resulting in brighter picture quality.
1440p is the best resolution to enhance your gaming experience if you don't want to break the bank. You'll need a high-end GPU to play at this resolution, but your graphics will be able to handle many modern games with ease.
Cons
You'll need a powerful PC for gaming at 1440p, but it's definitely worth the effort if you're looking for an immersive gaming.
Pros And Cons of 1080p Gaming
Pros
1080p does not only come at more affordable prices than 1440p monitors, but they also require less power to run. As such, you'll be able to play most modern games without having to upgrade.
As mentioned above, 1080p monitors are far more common than their 1440p counterparts. It makes them much cheaper to buy while still offering a great gaming sensation.
Cons
While it's certainly easier on your graphics card, you might have trouble reading the text in certain games if you have a monitor with 1080p resolution. Remember that the bigger the screen is, the more apparent this issue will be.
When Should I Buy a 1440p Monitor?
If you're looking for a new monitor with excellent color reproduction, buying a top 1440p monitor is the best choice. Most monitors that play video games at 1080p or below tend to look blurry and washed-out.
With 1440p, you'll find it much easier to spot enemies in first-person shooters like CS:GO. It's because how much detail there is is more defined on a monitor with higher resolutions, making it ideal for FPS players who want to see what's ahead of them without being spotted.
When Should I Buy 1080p Monitor?
1080p monitors are ideal for gamers who want a budget monitor, as they're typically cheaper than 1440p monitors. Additionally, if you have an average-performing GPU or CPU, investing in a 1080p monitor will be the best choice. If not, then at least you won't have to worry about upgrading your hardware for a while.
1080p monitors are also ideal for creating smooth gameplay at high framerates. You can even opt for G-Sync or FreeSync on the 1080p Monitor, which will reduce screen tearing and other issues that arise due to lack of sync between the Monitor's refresh rate and GPU's rendering output.
Why Does 1080p Sometimes Look Better Than 1440p?
1080p monitors can have significantly higher refresh rates, usually up to 240Hz. 1440p monitors on the other hand can go up to 144Hz. If you have a 1440p monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz, then you also must have a powerful CPU and GPU that can achieve higher frame rates at higher resolutions.
If you're looking for a fantastic monitor for graphic design or other work that requires color accuracy, then you should consider buying a 1440p monitor. 1440p gives you 33 percent higher pixel count than 1080p (108 PPI vs. 81 PPI), making edges sharper and text more readable. It means that you can enjoy an ultra-detailed image quality on your screen.
It's especially true if you own a 27-inch monitor, as it has more pixels to keep things sharp and detailed – plus, you'll be able to see details that would otherwise go unnoticed on a regular 1080p monitor. Viewing angles tend to matter less for graphic designers, or any other professionals who work with images or do video editing, as you'd typically be looking at the monitor head-on.
However, when gaming or watching movies, it's vital that you have a TV or Monitor that can deliver crisp colors from all angles.
1080p vs 1440p: Which Is Better for You and Why?
Both have their pros and cons, so to decide which option is best for you, you need to figure out whether your PC hardware can handle 1440p or if it's better suited for 1080p. If not, then buying a 1080p monitor will be the wisest choice. If you're aiming for color accuracy, it'd also be wise to get an IPS (In-Plane Switching) monitor. If not, a TN (Twisted Nematic) monitor will be more than enough - see TN vs IPS vs VA.
Additionally, if you want a fantastic gaming sensation and care about sharper image quality, buying a 1440p monitor is your best bet. Higher resolutions are just but one factor to consider when buying the best monitor for gaming.
FAQ
Q. 1080p vs 1440p: Is 1440p better than 1080p for FPS?
A. It's essential to note that 1440p is not better quality than 1080p for FPS. They're both great choices, but it all comes down to the power of your PC as well as your personal preference.
Q. 1080p vs 1440p: Will I need to upgrade my PC to play games at 1440p?
A. If you're running an older model, then it might be worth upgrading your graphics alone to ensure that you'll be able to play games from leading digital publishers at higher resolutions like 1440p. You might also need to upgrade other components if you want to go beyond 1080p.
Q. 1080p vs 1440p vs 4K vs 8K: Which resolution is best for gaming?
A. 1080p vs 1440p are still the two most commonly used resolutions for gaming, but there's also 4K and 8K, to double the number, to consider for most advanced users. While they might not be quite as affordable, they offer excellent results if you have a powerful enough PC.
Final Word on 1440p vs 1080p
You should buy a 1440p monitor if your PC can handle it. You should also get one if you want to see more details in first-person shooters without any blur. However, you may also choose to get a 1080p monitor instead, which would be the wisest choice for people with average-performing hardware (like GPUs and CPUs).
