To enable and use HDR (High Dynamic Range) on a gaming monitor, follow these steps:
- Check monitor compatibility: Verify if your gaming monitor supports HDR. Look for HDR10 or Dolby Vision certification, as these are the two most common HDR formats.
- Enable HDR on your computer: Open the display settings on your PC and ensure that HDR is enabled. On Windows, go to Settings > System > Display, and toggle on "Play HDR Games and Apps." On macOS, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Displays, and check the "High Dynamic Range" box.
- Adjust monitor HDR settings: Most HDR displays have their own settings. Navigate through the on-screen menu options and find the HDR mode. Set it to either HDR10 or Dolby Vision, depending on your monitor's capabilities.
- Adjust in-game HDR settings: Launch a game that supports HDR and look for in-game HDR settings. Typically, there will be an option to enable HDR or adjust its brightness level within the game's graphics or display settings.
- Calibrate HDR settings: To ensure optimal HDR performance, consider calibrating your monitor's HDR settings. Some monitors have an automatic calibration feature, while others require manual adjustment. It's advisable to reference your monitor's user manual or manufacturer's website for specific instructions.
- Enjoy enhanced HDR visuals: Once everything is set up correctly, you can experience the benefits of HDR gaming. HDR enhances the contrast between bright and dark areas, providing a wider color range and more vibrant visuals, resulting in a more immersive gaming experience.
- Troubleshooting: If you encounter issues, such as overly bright or washed-out colors, first check your monitor's settings to ensure HDR is properly enabled. You can also check for updated graphics card drivers, as they may include fixes or improvements for HDR functionality.
Remember, not all games or content are HDR compatible. Make sure the game you're playing supports HDR for the best results.
Best Gaming Monitors of 2024
1
Rating is 5 out of 5
LG UltraGear QHD 34-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor 34GP63A-B, VA with HDR 10 Compatibility and AMD FreeSync Premium, 160Hz, Black
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Great for gaming, this ultra-wide QHD (3440 x 1440, 21:9 aspect ratio) curved monitor immerses you in the action and increases your field of view, allowing you to see more on-screen.Specific uses for product - Gaming
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A high native 160Hz refresh rate with 1-millisecond Motion Blur Reduction (MBR) keeps you firmly in the action while reducing blur and ghosting, helping you to respond to opponents quickly
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With HDR10 support and color performance with 99% coverage of the sRGB spectrum, you'll see the game as the developers intend, with accurate and vivid color
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AMD FreeSync Premium manages refresh rate, reducing screen tearing, flicker, and stuttering for an effortlessly smooth gaming experience with supported video cards such as the AMD Radeon series
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Dynamic Action Sync helps reduce input lag to help you respond to on-screen action quickly. Black Stabilizer dynamically brightens dark scenes to help you find enemies in the dark. Enhance your accuracy in firefights with the Crosshair feature
2
Rating is 4.9 out of 5
MSI G271CP, 27" Gaming Monitor, 1920 x 1080 (FHD), VA, 165Hz, FreeSync Premium, HDMI, Displayport, Tilt, Swivel, Height Adjustable,Pivot,Black
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27" LCD panel LED backlight (1920 x 1080 FHD)
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165Hz refresh rate - Display without after image.
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1ms response time helps eliminate screen tearing and choppy frame rates
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Gaming OSD App – Create the ultimate viewing settings for your game
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1000R
3
Rating is 4.8 out of 5
Sceptre 30-inch Curved Gaming Monitor 21:9 2560x1080 Ultra Wide/ Slim HDMI DisplayPort up to 200Hz Build-in Speakers, Metal Black (C305B-200UN1)
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30" Curved Gaming Monitor 2560 x 1080 Full HD Resolution. Response Time- 5ms GTG.Aspect Ratio: 21:9. Viewing Angle is 170° (H) / 170° (V). Brightness(typ) is 250. Without Stand (W x H x D)-27.82 x 12.64 x 3.69 inches
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DP Up to 200Hz Refresh Rate / HDMI 2. 0 Up to 120Hz Refresh Rate: More than double the standard refresh rate, 200Hz gives gamers an edge in visibility as frames transition instantly, leaving behind no blurred images
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AMD Free Sync With Free Sync, gamers now enjoy smooth video and seamless on the spot movement through their fast paced games. Free Sync is an AMD technology that nearly eliminates tearing and stuttering due to differences between a graphics card's frame rate and a monitor's refresh rate.
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FPS-RTS FPS and RTS are Scepter's custom set display settings built for an enhanced gaming experience. FPS (First Person Shooter) , RTS (Real-Time Strategy).
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Blue Light Shift Reduce your monitors blue light to protect you from eye fatigue, irritation and strains. This enables you to work on you documents, watch movies, or play games more comfortably for extended periods.
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Gaming LED Light
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VESA Wall Mount Pattern Using the VESA wall mount pattern, easily mount your Scepter LED monitor on the wall in a manner that is both aesthetically pleasing and conveniently practical. You will be able to save ample space and view the screen in a position that affords the greatest visibility possible.
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Built-in Speakers With built-in speakers, the monitor delivers office level audio for conference calls and internet workshops. Similarly, enjoy engaging audio while listening to your favorite tunes.
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Thin Bezel Savor every inch of the large screen as the bezel is a mere . 80 cm wide.
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Anti-Flicker Provides a crisper picture by preventing the backlight from flickering periodically
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Rating is 4.7 out of 5
SAMSUNG 32" Odyssey G55A QHD 165Hz 1ms FreeSync Curved Gaming Monitor with HDR 10, Futuristic Design for Any Desktop, LS32AG550ENXZA
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HANDPICKED BY AMAZON: They did the research so you don’t have to..
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STUNNING WQHD: Your gaming world, now astoundingly lifelike; Packing in 1.7 times the pixel density of Full HD, WQHD resolution boasts incredibly detailed, pin-sharp images; Experience a fuller view with more space to take in all the action.Mounting Type:Wall Mount 75 x 75.Aspect Ratio 16:9
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165HZ REFRESH RATE: Ready to conquer enemies, lag, and blur; The ultra fast 165Hz refresh rate handles even the most exhilarating scenes and super quick visuals
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1MS RESPONSE TIME: Make every move count with a 1ms response time; Jump on enemies as soon as you see them and stay ahead with precise mouse movements; Your on-screen performance is as swift as your own reflexes
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AMD FREESYNC PREMIUM: Effortlessly smooth gameplay; AMD FreeSync Premium features adaptive sync technology which reduces screen tearing, stutter, and input latency; Low framerate compensation ensures every scene flows seamlessly
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TRULY REALISTIC HDR: Awe-inspiring graphics with HDR10; A kaleidoscope of shades brings game scenes to life more vibrantly than ever before; Uncover the secrets hiding in the shadows with deep dark blacks, luminous whites, and outstandingly detailed resolution
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FUTURISTIC DESIGN: The Odyssey G55A Gaming Monitor’s futuristic design looks attractive in any desktop setting
5
Rating is 4.6 out of 5
LG UltraGear QHD 27-Inch Gaming Monitor 27GL83A-B - IPS 1ms (GtG), with HDR 10 Compatibility, NVIDIA G-SYNC, and AMD FreeSync, 144Hz, Black
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Designed for gaming, this monitor with a 1-millisecond (GtG) response time delivers all of the benefits of IPS (In-Plane Switching), delivering responsive, crisp visuals with sharp clarity to immerse you in gameplay.Aspect ratio:16:9.Specific uses for product - Gaming
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Color accuracy with sRGB 99% and wide viewing angles (up to 178° horizontal / 178° vertical) from IPS reproduce colors with high fidelity to being vivid scenes to life
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A high native 144Hz refresh rate with 1-millisecond Motion Blur Reduction keeps you firmly in the action while reducing blur and ghosting, rendering screen objects more clearly
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With compatible video cards, NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium virtually eliminate screen tearing and minimize stutter in high-resolution and fast-paced games for a fast and fluid gaming experience
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Dynamic Action Sync helps reduce input lag to help you respond to on-screen action quickly. Black Stabilizer dynamically brightens dark scenes to help you find enemies in the dark. Enhance your accuracy in firefights with the Crosshair feature
6
Rating is 4.5 out of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming 32" 1440P HDR Curved Monitor (VG32VQ1B) - QHD (2560 x 1440), 165Hz (Supports 144Hz), 1ms, Extreme Low Motion Blur, Speaker, FreeSync Premium, VESA Mountable, DisplayPort, HDMI,BLACK
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31.5-inch WQHD (2560x1440) 1500R gaming monitor with ultrafast 165Hz refresh rate (supports 144Hz) designed for professional gamers and immersive gameplay.Specific uses for product - Gaming
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ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) technology enables a 1ms response time (MPRT) together with Adaptive-sync, eliminating ghosting and tearing for sharp gaming visuals with high frame rates
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FreeSync Premium technology supported through DisplayPort and HDMI ports providing variable refresh rates for low latency, stuttering-free and tearing-free while gaming
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Shadow Boost enhances image details in dark areas, brightening scenes without over-exposing bright areas
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Supports HDR-10 to enhance bright and dark area, delivers lifelike gaming experience
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Robust connectivity with HDMI (v2.0) x2 and DisplayPort 1.2
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Pixel Pitch : 0.272mm
7
Rating is 4.4 out of 5
Acer Nitro XZ270 Xbmiipx 27" 1500R Curved Full HD (1920 x 1080) VA Zero-Frame Gaming Monitor with Adaptive Sync, 240Hz Refresh Rate and 1ms VRB (Display Port & 2 x HDMI 2.0 Ports) , Black
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27.0" Full HD (1920 x 1080) 1500R Curved Widescreen VA Gaming Monitor
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Adaptive-Sync Technology | Zero-Frame Design | 2 Speakers, 2 Watts per Speaker
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Refresh Rate: 240Hz | Response Time: 1ms VRB | Pixel Pitch: 0.3114mm
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Ergonomic Tilt: -5° to 25° | Height Adjustment Range: 4.7" | Swivel: plus/minus 180°
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Ports: 1 x Display Port & 2 x HDMI 2.0 (HDMI Cable Included)
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Rating is 4.3 out of 5
Dell Curved Gaming Monitor 27 Inch Curved with 165Hz Refresh Rate, QHD (2560 x 1440) Display, Black - S2722DGM
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A NEW VIEW: This 1500R curved gaming monitor provides a truly immersive experience that offers more realistic visuals and comfortable viewing.Specific uses for product - Gaming
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SEE EVERY DETAIL: A QHD (Quad HD) curved monitor screen provides a display resolution of 2560 x 1440 on a 27-inch panel
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A SMOOTHER EXPERIENCE: A 165Hz refresh rate allows fast-moving visuals to be seen with incredible clarity for faster reaction times
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REMARKABLE CLARITY: AMD FreeSync premium technology allows gamers to stay engaged during battle with swift, responsive, stutter-free gameplay
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WIN FROM ANY ANGLE: Game in comfort for extended periods due to a new slim, tapered stand with easy height and tilt adjustability
9
Rating is 4.2 out of 5
SAMSUNG 24" Odyssey G32A FHD 1ms 165Hz Gaming Monitor with Eye Saver Mode, Free-Sync Premium, Height Adjustable Screen for Gamer Comfort, VESA Mount Capability, LS24AG320NNXZA
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165HZ REFRESH RATE: Conquer every enemy, even at soaring speeds; 165Hz refresh rate eliminates lag and motion blur for exhilarating gameplay with ultra smooth action
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1MS RESPONSE TIME (MPRT): Make every move count with a 1ms(MPRT) response time; Screen pixels change colors with near instant response, enabling fast-paced action to flow with real-world accuracy; Your on-screen performance is as swift as your own reflexes
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AMD FREESYNC PREMIUM: Effortlessly smooth gameplay; AMD FreeSync Premium features adaptive sync technology which reduces screen tearing, stutter, and input latency; Low framerate compensation ensures every scene flows seamlessly
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ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Reach the height of winning; Swivel, tilt, and adjust your monitor until all enemies are in perfect view; Your display can be moved freely so you can find total gaming comfort
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3-SIDED BORDERLESS DESIGN: Your legacy has no boundaries; The 3-sided borderless design unveils maximum space for bigger, bolder gameplay; Line up two displays precisely in a dual monitor setup, so no enemies slip through the crack
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INFINITY CORE LIGHTING: Odyssey’s Infinity Core is a striking addition to any desktop, matching world firsts in technology, with stunning visual design
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LIGHTNING FAST 1ms(MPRT) RESPONSE TIMES: A fraction of a second can be the difference between your destruction, or your enemy’s; Odyssey’s grey to grey 1ms(MPRT) response time ensures that you’re receiving information as fast as technologically possible
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CUTTING EDGE QLED TECHNOLOGY: Utilizing Quantum Dot technology, Samsung QLED creates more vivid colors with 125% more color space compared to sRGB, ensuring the highest class of color reproduction
What is the difference between HDR and SDR gaming?
HDR (High Dynamic Range) and SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) are two different technologies used in gaming and content display.
- Dynamic Range: Dynamic range refers to the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of an image. HDR offers a much higher dynamic range compared to SDR, resulting in more vibrant and lifelike visuals.
- Color Depth: HDR allows for a wider color gamut, producing more vivid and accurate colors. It can display a wider range of colors, including deep blacks and bright whites, enhancing the overall visual experience.
- Brightness and Contrast: HDR gaming supports higher peak brightness, allowing for brighter highlights and deeper black levels simultaneously. This creates more realistic lighting effects, sharper contrast, and better details in brighter and darker scenes.
- Tone Mapping: HDR uses advanced tone mapping techniques to adjust the brightness and color mapping of content to suit the capabilities of the display. This ensures that HDR content appears correctly on a wide range of HDR displays.
- Improved Visuals: HDR gaming brings out more details in shadows and highlights, providing a more immersive and realistic experience. Details that were previously lost in highlights or shadows can be seen in HDR, giving a greater sense of depth.
- Display Requirement: To enjoy HDR gaming, you need a display that supports HDR technology. This can be in the form of an HDR-enabled TV or monitor.
Overall, HDR gaming offers visually superior and more realistic graphics compared to SDR gaming, with enhanced brightness, contrast, color depth, and overall image quality. However, it is important to note that both the gaming device (console or PC) and the display device need to support HDR for users to experience the benefits.
How to enable HDR on a specific brand/model of gaming monitor?
Enabling High Dynamic Range (HDR) on a specific brand/model of gaming monitor can vary depending on the manufacturer and specific model. However, here are some general steps you can follow:
- Ensure compatibility: Before attempting to enable HDR, make sure that your gaming monitor supports HDR technology. Check the manufacturer's website or user manual to confirm this information.
- Update drivers and firmware: Ensure that your graphics card drivers and gaming monitor's firmware are up to date. Visit the manufacturer's website to download and install the latest available updates.
- Connect via HDMI: Use an HDMI cable to connect your gaming monitor to your graphics card. For HDR, it is recommended to use an HDMI 2.0 or higher cable to ensure sufficient bandwidth.
- Enable HDR in Windows settings: Right-click on the desktop and select "Display settings" from the context menu. Scroll down to the "Windows HD Color settings" section and toggle the "Play HDR games and apps" option to On.
- Adjust monitor settings: On your gaming monitor, access the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu by using the physical buttons on the monitor or through software, if available. Look for settings related to HDR, such as "HDR Mode" or "Brightness Peak." Turn on HDR mode and adjust other settings, if necessary.
- Configure in-game HDR settings: Launch a game that supports HDR and navigate to its display settings. Look for an option to enable HDR. Depending on the game, it may also have additional HDR-specific settings like brightness or contrast adjustment.
Remember that specific brands and models may have unique steps or different names for HDR settings. Refer to the user manual or support documentation provided by the manufacturer for detailed instructions tailored to your specific gaming monitor.
How to enable HDR on a Freesync or G-sync compatible gaming monitor?
Enabling HDR on a Freesync or G-sync compatible gaming monitor involves a few steps. Here's a general guide:
- Ensure your monitor and graphics card support HDR. Check the specifications of your monitor and graphics card to determine if they have HDR capability.
- Connect your monitor to your computer using an appropriate cable. HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.4 are common cables that support HDR.
- On your computer, open the graphics card control panel. This varies based on the brand of your graphics card. For NVIDIA, it's the NVIDIA Control Panel, and for AMD, it's usually the Radeon Settings.
- In the control panel, navigate to the display settings or the settings specific to your graphics card.
- Look for the HDR settings or options. This might be present under a specific monitor profile or graphics settings section. Enable HDR if it's not already enabled.
- Adjust the color settings based on your preference. HDR can provide a wider color gamut range, so you may want to tweak the color saturation, brightness, and contrast to your liking.
- Confirm that HDR is enabled on your monitor. Most monitors have an OSD (on-screen display) menu accessible through buttons on the monitor itself. Check the monitor's manual for instructions on navigating the OSD and verifying HDR is enabled.
- Test HDR by launching HDR-enabled content or games. Ensure that the content is HDR-compatible, like HDR videos or games that support HDR.
Keep in mind that the specific steps might vary depending on your monitor, graphics card, and operating system. It's always a good idea to consult the user manual or support documentation for your specific hardware if you encounter any issues.
