5 signs you desperately need a new monitor instead of a GPU

I'll go out on a limb here: if you have an RTX 30 or RX 6000 series GPU, you're probably considering a GPU upgrade. PC gamers have this unquenchable thirst for new hardware, mostly GPUs, that's renewed each time a new product generation arrives. Granted, your old GPU might look tame in comparison, but if it can still run the latest games at decent framerates, you might want to look at a monitor upgrade instead. A large population of gamers still ignores the importance of a capable display. Here are some signs your monitor has overstayed its welcome, and you should save for a new gaming monitor instead of a GPU.

Your GPU is already capable of 100+ FPS

Don't be so quick to ditch your old GPU

It all begins with taking a real assessment of your existing GPU horsepower. I know it's tempting to conclude that your RTX 30, RX 6000, or older GPU is "outdated" in 2025, but that's not always the case. It depends on the kind of games you spend the most time on, and how your GPU performs in those particular titles. And that doesn't mean you should deprive yourself of the latest titles — my 5-year-old RTX 3080 can still run some of the newest games at smooth framerates.

If your PC can still pump out respectable FPS in most of the games you play, you don't need a GPU upgrade for another year or two. It's crucial to note that we're talking about a new monitor here, so take into account the increased resolution and refresh rate of the new display you're eyeing when determining the strength of your existing GPU. Once you're confident that your GPU will be able to support a more powerful monitor, with or without the aid of upscaling and frame generation, it's time to check whether your current monitor is due for an upgrade.

Your monitor doesn't feel immersive

A 27-inch display is the new minimum

Immersion is subjective, but I think most of us will agree that a 22" or 24" monitor just doesn't cut it anymore. When I first moved to a flat-screen 22" TN panel around 15 years ago, it felt like a massive upgrade over my 15" CRT monitor. Today, however, a 27" gaming monitor is considered the bare minimum for an immersive gaming setup. These monitors aren't expensive anymore, and you can get a decent hi-res, high-refresh-rate model from one of the reputable brands for as low as $160.

Size alone won't cut it when you're shopping for a gaming display, but it's the foundation for an enjoyable gaming experience. You could consider 32" displays, curved ultrawide monitors, or straight-up gaming TVs if your budget permits. Of course, you need to be cognizant of your preferences and the size of your desk as well. The bigger you go, however, the higher the resolution needed to sustain image clarity, especially when it's a display that sits inches away from your eyes.

You can almost count the pixels

1440p is the new 1080p

The resolution of your monitor might not feel like a huge factor if you're still using a 1080p display. On a relatively smaller screen, 1920x1080 is a perfectly adequate resolution for gaming, but as you climb higher in display size, a resolution increase is necessary to maintain image sharpness. This is why 1440p is the sweet spot for gaming even in 2025; it plays well with a 27" screen size in terms of the PPI. The jump from 1080p to 1440p brings a massive jump in pixel count, enhancing the image quality tangibly.

1440p isn't as heavy as 4K on your graphics card, but the upgrade feels real. When I upgraded to a 1440p monitor four years ago, my GTX 1660 Ti never struggled to maintain 60+ FPS in most titles. If you own a 5-year-old GPU that used to be somewhat high-end back then, it can reasonably power 1440p gaming in 2025, provided you enable upscaling and maybe frame generation (in some cases). Once you're able to appreciate the appeal of 1440p over 1080p, you'll struggle to go back.

PC gaming feels like console gaming

Abandon your 60Hz monitor already

Consoles like PS5 and Xbox Series X are still stuck at 60 FPS in many AAA titles. If your gaming PC delivers the same experience, what's the point of choosing a superior platform, yet sticking to a subpar experience? Your 60Hz monitor might feel okay if you're used to it, but it's high time you got a taste of what high-refresh-rate gaming feels like. When you first jump from a 60Hz display to a 144Hz or 180Hz display, you'll wonder how you stayed at 60Hz for years. Fortunately, 27" 1440p 180Hz displays are easily available for under $200 now.

Consoles are great at what they do, especially at the price point, but the smoothness that 100+ FPS injects into your gaming experience is unparalleled. With quality upscaling, even older GPUs can pump out high framerates in most modern games. The only change you need to make? — swap your ancient 60Hz display for a high-refresh-rate model, and see the magic happen. With FreeSync or G-SYNC, your new monitor will be able to eliminate visual artifacts even if your FPS can't saturate the refresh rate of the screen.

Color and contrast appear lackluster

Get a decent IPS or VA, at least

If you're rocking an antique display, it could very well have a TN panel. These panels have been superseded in every aspect by modern VA, IPS, Mini LED, and OLED monitors. Be it color reproduction, response times, viewing angles, high contrast, or brightness, today's VA and IPS monitors feel like a new species compared to TN models of yore. You don't even need to switch to an OLED monitor to see a massive difference from your old TN display. Even a high-quality VA monitor from the likes of Samsung will be a far cry from your old monitor.

Most high-quality VA monitors will boast better contrast than IPS monitors, but the latter will usually excel in color reproduction. When shopping for a new monitor, it's best to consult reviews of particular models before making a decision. If you have the budget to spare, you could consider an older but still excellent OLED ultrawide monitor, such as the Alienware AW3423DWF, which frequently retails for around $550–$600. Newer OLED monitors can also be had for around $500, and tandem WOLED monitors have started to arrive on the market at around the same price.

It might be time for a modern gaming display

If you've been rocking a monitor that launched 10 years ago, it could be overdue for an upgrade. A high-quality gaming experience demands a large and immersive display with a high resolution and refresh rate. A jump from a TN panel to a VA or IPS model could be all you need in terms of an image quality upgrade. Instead of replacing a GPU that's still capable of high-refresh-rate gaming, it's better to bring your display game to the modern age.