higher refresh rate
The smartest PC upgrade in 2026 isn't a new computer -- it's a monitor
The Dell Laptop Buying Guide UK: Which Dell Laptop Should You Buy? When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Display prices aren't...and are arguably cheaper than ever. So why not invest in a new display that you'll stare at for hours at a time? You've heard all of the stories about skyrocketing laptop and PC component costs.
The pros and cons of using a TV as your computer monitor
You should also consider refresh rates, which affect the fluidity of movements on your screen. Typical monitors and TVs are locked at 60Hz. That's fine for spreadsheets and more static content, but if you like fast-moving video games, you'll benefit from a display with higher refresh rates like 120Hz. It's much easier to find a cheaper monitor with a higher refresh rate than a TV. Monitors are built for this.
10 Best Computer Monitors (2024): Budget, OLED, 4K, Ultrawide
Resolution: This is the big one you've probably heard of, and a higher resolution is generally better, but it's also worth considering the size of the monitor you're getting. The bigger the monitor, the more it will benefit from higher resolutions. That will allow you to have app windows that take up less space but are still legible. Refresh rate: This refers to how many times the display can refresh the picture per second, measured in hertz (or Hz). A higher refresh rate makes the action in games look smoother because you're seeing more information.