Monitor (Displays)A monitor is the display device used to output the video that is processed by a video card. The most common PC monitor technologies are LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode). LCDLCD panels use a liquid crystal material made of polarized molecules to produce an image. An electric current is passed through the liquid and causes the crystals to align so that light cannot pass through them. There are two types of LCD panels. Active and passive matrix. Active matrix LCD panels offer a faster response time making them appropriate for full motion video, animation, mouse movement and gaming. Active matrix also provides a higher degree of color saturation. Passive matrix is an older form of LCD technology that controlls pixel processing for entire areas of the screen instead of individual pixels like active matrix dislplays. Passive matrix panels have reduced color, lower contrast ratios and higher response times. Choosing A LCD MonitorWhen choosing a LCD monitor, things to consider include response time, pixel pitch, screen size, viewing angle, brightness, contrast ratio, dead pixels, and resolution.
LCD AdvantagesLCD technology offers several advantages, particularly in terms of durability, longevity, and affordability. Unlike OLEDs, LCDs do not suffer from burn-in, making them more reliable for long-term use, especially in scenarios with static images. They also tend to have longer lifespans because they don’t rely on organic compounds that degrade over time. Additionally, LCD displays can be more energy-efficient when displaying bright content, as the backlight is evenly distributed across the screen. While they may not offer the same deep blacks or high contrast ratios as OLEDs, modern LCDs with LED backlighting and high refresh rates still deliver solid image quality and great color accuracy making them a popular and cost-effective choice for general use, gaming, and professional applications. OLEDOLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology is a type of display technology that uses organic compounds to emit light when an electric current is applied. Unlike traditional LCD screens that require a backlight, OLED displays are "self-emissive," meaning each individual pixel can produce its own light. This allows for deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more vivid colors, as pixels in dark areas can be turned off entirely, resulting in true black rather than a backlit dark gray. One of the main advantages of OLED technology is its flexibility, which makes it possible to create thinner, lighter, and even bendable or rollable displays. This has led to its increasing use in smartphones, TVs, and wearable devices. Additionally, because OLEDs do not need a separate backlight, they are more energy-efficient, especially when displaying darker images. However, OLED technology can be more expensive to produce, and the organic materials used in the displays can degrade over time, leading to a shorter lifespan compared to some alternatives, like LED or LCD. Despite these challenges, OLED remains a popular choice for high-end devices due to its superior image quality. The OLED Advantage: Speed and ContrastWhen it comes to gaming performance and responsiveness, OLED technology offers several advantages over traditional LCD displays, making it a popular choice among gamers. One of the key benefits of OLED displays is their near-instantaneous response times. OLED pixels can switch on and off much faster than the liquid crystals in LCDs, which reduces motion blur and ghosting—two common issues that can affect fast-paced gaming. This rapid response time leads to smoother motion and sharper visuals, especially in games with high-speed action or rapid camera movements. Another advantage is OLED’s superior contrast and color accuracy. Since OLEDs can achieve true blacks by turning off individual pixels, they deliver more immersive visuals with high contrast ratios, which enhances detail in dark scenes—a crucial aspect for many visually intense games. Additionally, OLEDs typically have lower input lag compared to most LCDs, especially those with LED backlighting. Lower input lag means faster reaction times between a player’s input and what appears on screen, offering a competitive edge in fast-paced games like first-person shooters or racing games. However, OLED displays may not always outperform LCDs in every aspect of gaming. High-refresh-rate TN panels (such as those with 360Hz or higher refresh rates) are often favored by competitive and pro gamers who prioritize ultra-smooth gameplay. While OLED displays are catching up in terms of high refresh rates, they can be more prone to image retention or burn-in, particularly if static images (like game HUDs) are displayed for extended periods. Despite this, OLED remains a strong contender for gaming due to its exceptional image quality, infinite black levels, responsiveness, and increasingly competitive performance features. OLED WeaknessOn paper OLED display technology sounds almost perfect, but there's a catch. One of the most significant weaknesses of OLED technology is the risk of burn-in and the relatively short lifespan compared to other display technologies, like LCDs. Burn-in occurs when static images, such as a channel logo, game HUD (heads-up display), or a navigation bar, are displayed for prolonged periods, causing those elements to leave a permanent "ghost" image on the screen. This happens because OLED pixels degrade over time, and if certain areas of the screen are used more intensively than others, they can wear out faster, resulting in uneven brightness across the display. For gamers and users who frequently watch content with fixed elements, burn-in can be a serious concern. The lifespan of OLED displays is also generally shorter due to the organic compounds they use to emit light. These materials naturally degrade over time, with blue OLEDs being particularly prone to faster deterioration compared to red or green pixels. This can lead to color shifts and a loss of overall brightness as the display ages. While manufacturers have implemented various techniques to reduce the risk of burn-in and extend lifespan—such as pixel shifting, brightness limiters, screen savers, and improved material longevity—the fact remains that OLED screens have a finite lifespan, often shorter than that of LCD alternatives. Despite these weaknesses, many users still prefer OLED displays for their superior image quality and response times, but it's an important trade-off to consider, especially for those looking for long-term reliability. CRTKarl Ferdinand Braun is the inventor of CRT technology. Braun built the first CRT oscilloscope in 1897. To this day some still refer to CRTs as the "Braun tube". CRT monitors use filaments located at the back of the CRT which emits a beam of electrons on the screen. The beam of electrons is directed by plates to the top of the screen first, from left to right, and then down to the next line creating the image as the beam moves from top to bottom of the screen. Choosing A CRT MonitorWhen choosing a CRT monitor, things to consider include screen size, refresh rate, dot pitch and maximum resolution.
CRT AdvantagesApril, 2008 Update: CRTs are all but obsolete with quality ones almost impossible to find, so they really offer no advantage over current LCD displays.
The main advantage of a CRT over LCD panels is price. CRTs are much cheaper than LCD panels. CRTs can operate in multiple screen resolutions without a loss in image quality and CRTs can also display a larger range of colors than LCDs, making them popular in graphics design, gaming and video editing.
When choosing either a LCD or CRT monitor, you should always look at the image quality of the unit before you purchase. Image quality varies greatly in PC monitors and a monitor should be selected with display characteristics that match your personal preferences.
Related Articles
|
Best Gaming Desk
IPS Monitor List
PC Cooling Guide
SSD Optimization
LCD Panel Types
Cable Management
Upgrade PSU
LCD Backlight Bleed
Hardware Glossary
![]() The Nvidia RTX 4090 is a powerhouse GPU that redefines gaming and creative performance with cutting-edge AI technology, delivering mind-blowing speed and stunning visuals. Learn More...
CPU RAM Case Monitor Video Card Hard Drive Motherboard Power Supply PCHardwareHelp.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
|