If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I use my TV as a computer monitor?” you’re not alone. It’s a common question, especially as TVs get bigger and cheaper. In this article, we’re breaking down all the pros and cons of using a TV as a gaming monitor.
Why Use a TV as a Monitor?
While there’s nothing better than a QLED, 240Hz, G-SYNC display for a gaming monitor, they can cost a small fortune. A great way of saving money when first getting into PC gaming is to use what you already have to save more budget for the actual PC itself. What’s more, if you have limited space to game you can easily switch between playing on your PC and watching TV.
Setting It Up
Setting up your TV as a monitor is pretty straightforward. Every TV made in the last decade will almost certainly have an HDMI or even a DisplayPort to which you can connect your PC. Oh, and you don’t need a special £200 gold-plated HDMI cable from your local big box store… they’re a waste of money and provide no real benefit over a £6 HDMI cable.
Adjusting the Settings
Once you’ve got everything connected, you might need to tweak a few settings to get the best picture quality. Here are some tips:
Resolution and Scaling: Make sure your computer is set to the TV’s resolution. Usually, this will be either 1920×1080 (Full HD) or 3840×2160 (4K). You might need to adjust the scaling settings on your computer to make text and icons look right.
Refresh Rate: Check your TV’s refresh rate. A higher refresh rate (like 60Hz or higher) can make a big difference, especially for gaming and video playback.
Game Mode: A lot of modern TVs have this feature, and it can be a game changer! Game Mode can do everything from increasing the refresh rate to reducing input lag.
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The Downside
While there are definitely some benefits to using your TV as a monitor, there are some downsides to consider, especially for gaming.
Input Lag
One of the biggest issues is input lag. TVs are not typically designed with gaming in mind, which means they can have a noticeable delay between when you press a button and when the action appears on screen.
Pixel Density
Even though modern TVs can have high resolutions like 4K, their pixel density (pixels per inch) is usually lower than that of computer monitors. This can make text and small details look less sharp, especially when viewed up close.
Refresh Rate
Most standard TVs have a refresh rate of 60Hz, which is great for chilling out and watching some movies, but it kind of sucks for gaming
High refresh rate monitors come packed with plenty of gaming essentials, designed to notably enhance both your performance and in-game immersion. In this article we’ve covered everything you need to know.
ASUS 27″ TUF Gaming VG27AQ 2560×1440 IPS 165Hz 1ms FreeSync/G-Sync Compatible Gaming Monitor
- 27-inch WQHD (2560×1440) IPS gaming monitor with ultrafast 165*Hz refresh rate designed for professional gamers and immersive gameplay
- ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB SYNC) technology enables a 1ms response time (MPRT) together with G-SYNC Compatible, eliminating ghosting and tearing for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates.
- Certified as G-SYNC Compatible, delivering a seamless, tear-free gaming experience by enabling VRR (variable refresh rate) by default.
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Samsung 55″ LS55CG970NUXXU G97NC 3840×2160 VA 165Hz 1ms Mini-LED Odyssey Ark Smart Curved Gaming Monitor
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- Overwhelm your senses with 55″ large screen & 1000R curvature
- Swing into groundbreaking views with Cockpit Mode & Eclipse Lighting
- Ark Dial puts the player in full control of Ark, allowing quick and simple access to a variety of functions
- New perspectives to explore
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- Multi View with 4 inputs
- Tired of managing multiple monitors? The new Multi View shows you up to 4 inputs on screen at once, to give you full command and convenience.
TL;DR
Let’s be honest: a gaming monitor is always going to be better than a TV for PC gaming. However, if you’re looking to save some money, using your TV is a great idea! Make sure to let us know what you use as a monitor in the comments.
- 5 min read
Robert Mullane
Author
When not working, you'll find me in VR or losing in bottom-tier Valorant matches. I write about all topic's tech and gaming with a particular focus on representation in gaming, virtual reality, and LGBTQ+ themes. If you're still not fed up with me, you can also catch me over on the Overclockers UK TikTok and YouTube accounts.
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