A Monitor Buying Guide - What You Need to Know

Looking for a new monitor but not sure which one to buy? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Whether you're a student, gamer, office worker, or just someone who wants a better screen, picking the right monitor can feel confusing. In this monitor buying guide, we’ll break it down for you in the simplest way possible.

From screen size to resolution, refresh rate to ports—this guide covers everything Malaysians like you search for when buying a monitor.

How to Choose a Monitor in Malaysia

Looking for a new monitor for your home, office, or gaming setup? In this monitor buying guide, we’ll make it super easy for you to pick the best monitor for your needs.

1. What Will You Use the Monitor For?

Before anything else, think about your usage. This helps narrow down your choices fast.

• For Work or Study – Go for a Full HD (1080p) monitor with good colour and anti-glare. A 24-inch screen is enough.
• For Gaming – You’ll need high refresh rates (at least 144Hz) and low response time (1ms is great). Look for gaming brands like ASUS or MSI.
• For Photo/Video Editing – A monitor with accurate colours (look for sRGB or AdobeRGB) and high resolution (QHD or 4K) is a must.
• For Watching Movies - A bigger screen size (27-inch and above) and better resolution (2K or 4K) give you that cinema feel.

2. Screen Size & Resolution – Bigger Is Not Always Better

Here’s the thing: bigger screens look cool, but they also cost more and take up space.

If you’re sitting close to your desk (like most Malaysians do), 24 to 27 inches is the sweet spot.

3. Refresh Rate & Response Time – For Smooth Viewing

These two are super important if you play games or watch fast videos.

• Refresh Rate (Hz) – Tells how many times your screen updates per second.
• 60Hz = good enough for normal use
• 120Hz–165Hz = best for gaming
• Response Time (ms) – How fast a pixel changes. Lower = better.
• 5ms is okay, but 1ms is better for gamers

Tip: For casual users, you don’t need to spend extra for 165Hz unless you're into esports.

4. Colour Accuracy – Especially for Editors and Designers

If you’re editing photos, videos, or designing stuff, colour accuracy is super important.

Look for:

• IPS Panel – Best for colour and viewing angles
• sRGB Coverage – 99% sRGB is great
• HDR – Gives more depth to colours (only useful if the content supports it)

5. Ports and Connectivity – Make Sure It Fits

You need the right ports to connect your monitor to your PC, laptop, or console.

• HDMI – Common for most devices
• DisplayPort – Better for higher refresh rates and PCs
• USB-C – Great for MacBooks and modern laptops
• Built-in Speakers – Okay for casual use, but don’t expect much

Some monitors also have height-adjustable stands and VESA mount support if you want to save desk space.

6. Ergonomics and Eye Care Features – For Long Hours

If you spend hours in front of the screen (like most of us), this matters a lot.

Look for:

• Blue Light Filter – Reduces eye strain
• Flicker-Free Tech – Less flickering means fewer headaches
• Adjustable Stand – Lets you tilt or raise the monitor to your eye level

Pro tip: Make sure your monitor is at eye level to avoid neck pain.

7. Set Your Budget Wisely

Let’s be real, budget is a big deal. You can find decent monitors in Malaysia from as low as RM400, but it depends on what features you need.

• RM400–RM700 – Basic 1080p monitors for work/study
• RM700–RM1,200 – Gaming and productivity monitors (better refresh rate)
• RM1,300+ – 4K, editing, or curved ultrawide monitors

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the right monitor doesn’t have to be hard. Just think about what you’ll use it for, check the size and features, and match it with your budget. This monitor buying guide is here to help you make a smart choice—whether it’s for gaming, working from home, or just Netflix and chill.

At the end of the day, the best monitor is the one that fits your needs (and your desk). So take your time, compare specs, and happy shopping!