The modern market for computer peripherals and components is ready to offer the consumer a great variety of monitor models. All of them can differ in the type of matrix, diagonal of the display, in the type of backlight or aspect ratio. Also, different monitors may have different screen resolutions. Modern models can easily hold even 4K resolution. But is it suitable specifically for your monitor? This is a big question. As a rule, manufacturers indicate only the maximum value that the device display is capable of. They tactfully omit the optimal number. So what is the best screen resolution for the monitor? This will be discussed in the material.
What determines the choice of resolution?
It depends on many factors. When choosing the optimal resolution, it is worth considering the diagonal of the screen, aspect ratio, type of matrix and the "hertz" of the monitor. Although the latter parameter was applicable to CRT displays. Modern LCD panels do not require fine tuning of "hertz". However, other characteristics affect the screen resolution for the monitor. Which is better? We will understand this using the trial and error method. He alone is effective in this case. Also, do not forget that the screen resolution directly depends on the capabilities of the operating system. For example, the Windows OS does very poorly at scaling text and icons for 4K resolution. While in Linux-like OS ("Ubuntu", "Mint") there are no such problems.
Matrix Type Selection
What is the best screen resolution for a TN + Film monitor? Consider this option, since this type of matrix is dominant in budget models. For such a monitor, the resolution will be Full HD (1920 by 1080 pixels). Even if it is designed for 2K. The fact is that in such matrices the distance between the pixels is pretty decent. Therefore, you should not get involved in setting permission. But with IPS panels is a completely different matter. Here you can set at least all 4K. But again, one should not forget about the scalability of the operating system. In general, we will analyze the screen resolution settings for monitors with different diagonals. Let's start with the smallest - 17 inches.
Monitors 17 "
So what is the best screen resolution for a 17 inch monitor? First you need to study the documentation for the device and determine the maximum resolution that the screen is capable of. For seventeen-inch devices, the standard resolution is 1024 by 768 pixels. This, according to manufacturers. But have you seen how wretched everything looks with this permission? Here. And manufacturers, apparently, did not see. If the screen is widescreen, then you can safely set the resolution to Full HD. If supported. Check it out is simple. We right-click on the desktop and select "Screen Resolution" in the menu that appears. A window for selecting options appears. Here it is necessary to calculate the extreme boundaries of the resolution. To do this, move the slider all the way. If the monitor supports Full HD, then boldly set this value. You will see how the picture is transformed.
Monitors 17 "CRT
If you still use an old CRT "seed" (you never know what the hell is not joking), then you first need to set the flicker frequency (the notorious "Hertz"). This can be done using the same algorithm as setting the maximum resolution. Only in the window should you click "Advanced", go to the "Monitor" tab and select the desired number of hertz in the "Screen refresh rate" list. Optimum - 75-85.
Now you are ready to select a permission. For CRT, the optimal screen resolution is 1280 by 1024 pixels. It is with this resolution that there will be no problems with displaying icons and text. You can, of course, set more, but then you can’t consider anything. This is not an LCD panel. The text will be blurry.
So, what screen resolution is better for a 17-inch monitor, we’ve already figured it out. We continue. And in line - 19 inches.
Monitors 19 "CRT
No matter how wild it may sound, among the 19-inch monitors there are also CRT models with an aspect ratio of 4 to 3. Here we start. So what is the best screen resolution for a 19 inch monitor? In the case of a CRT, again you need to start the setup with the refresh rate of the screen. And then just go to the resolution setting. No matter what computer gurus write in their publics, the standard resolution for the "nine" CRT is 1600 by 1200 pixels. Let it remain so. If set higher, then the use of the monitor will be uncomfortable. And if below, then the components (icons and fonts) will be very large. Be that as it may, a 19-inch CRT with an aspect ratio of 4 to 3 is extremely rare. But there are LCD panels with the same diagonal of 4 to 3. Oddly enough, the standard screen resolution for them is exactly the same.
Monitors 19 "
But what about 16 to 9? What is the best screen resolution for a 19 inch monitor? The widescreen monitor has a slightly different structure. Therefore, the resolution will be different. However, most manufacturers are advised to use Full HD resolution (1920 by 1080 pixels) on 19-inch "widescreen formatters". That it is the most comfortable for work. Moreover, if the user sits at the computer for days, then with this resolution the eye strain will be minimal. And this is important, since incorrect resolution can seriously damage the user's eyes. Now let's move on to more voluminous toys. Next in line are the giants with a screen diagonal of 22 inches.
Monitors 22 "
Well, with such a diagonal, thank Gates, there are only LCD panels. This is what they will be discussed about. What is the best screen resolution for a 22 inch monitor? It is not so simple. Devices with such a diagonal have both IPS and TN matrices. But this is not the main thing. And the main thing is that there are models with the declared Full HD-resolution, and with 2K. And if your monitor holds 2K resolution, then it is not a fact that it will be comfortable for work. Here you have to choose the resolution "by eye". Play with the settings, move the sliders. Try on different options. There are cases when the image in Full HD looked better on such a monitor than the "native" 2K. However, you should not get carried away. No need to underestimate the screen resolution "below the baseboard". The image from this will not get better.
You can also read the accompanying documentation of the device. Maybe there will be recommendations on what resolution is best for the monitor. But not the fact that they will match your preferences. In general, the screen resolution is a rather abstract quantity. Each user sets up a computer for himself, including a monitor. One thing is certain: this component must be configured in such a way that the user is as comfortable as possible to work with him. Because it is through the monitor that tons of information are transmitted. And if you sit for a long time at an incorrectly configured display, then you can go blind. Do you need it?
Okay, now let's move on to really big toys. The next in line monitors with a diagonal of 23 inches.
Monitors 23 "
These devices are still positioned like screens for home use. However, placing them on the desktop is already a bit problematic. But some manage. What is the best screen resolution for a 23-inch monitor? But it’s better to look in the accompanying documentation of the device, because these displays can support both Full HD, and 2K, and 4K. The optimal resolution for a screen of this size would be 2K resolution. If your device is designed for it, then feel free to expose. But with 4K it’s better to slow down. Such permission is still a fairly new "trick". Therefore, not all operating systems and programs are adapted to it. But the work is ongoing. Do not forget that in order to set such a resolution, you need a special driver from the manufacturer of the monitor. It can be downloaded from the official site or installed from the disk that comes with the device.
Keep in mind that monitors with a diagonal of 23 inches and above have an increased risk to eyes with incorrectly set resolution. Which screen resolution is best for the monitor is up to you. But to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer will be useful. The specifications indicate exactly those permissions that were tested under various operating modes. It was on these numbers that the monitor showed the best results. Therefore, you should not neglect the advice of engineers of the manufacturing company. Sometimes they have very sensible information. Meanwhile, we move on to an even larger diagonal - 24 inches.
Monitors 24 "
These devices are not very different from previous ones. And therefore, their working permit is similar. So what is the best screen resolution for a 24 inch monitor? Answer: exactly what it is designed for. Everything here is exactly the same as in the previous model. But due to the non-standard aspect ratio, you will have to adjust the resolution manually, "by eye". In 24-inch monitors, the aspect ratio is 16 to 10. That's why you have to choose a resolution that is comfortable for the eyes. By the way, 24-inch monitors are not as frequent guests on user desks as their 23-inch counterparts. Apparently, users are quite conservative and do not want to suffer with an unusual aspect ratio. However, the market share of these monitors is still very high. The next monitor, which we will consider, will be a real giant - a 30-inch screen.
Monitors 30 "
It is extremely rare to see such monsters on users' desktops. Unless professionals in any field will get such a display. Or a crazy gamer. The average user will never buy anything like this. In a standard apartment, this monitor will simply not be installed anywhere. It’s easier to already connect the computer to the TV. The effect will be the same. But there are such boxes, and one has to put up with this. So what is the best screen resolution for a 30 inch monitor? Again, it all depends on the manufacturer's specifications. But if you look purely at the diagonal, then you can safely set 4K. If the monitor supports this resolution. It makes no sense to put less. Icons and text will look wretched with lower resolution.
Some "thirty" are sharpened and under 2K-resolution. This is also normal. But in no case do not try to put Full HD. Nothing good will come of it. What screen resolution is best for the monitor, in this case, manufacturers know better. Therefore, it is worth following their recommendations. However, thirty-inch models can only be used by professionals. And in this case, the more the better. This is especially true for designers and those who work with images. There is not much text, but the image display quality will noticeably increase at high resolution.
If the maximum resolution is not set
This is a common problem for those who just sat at the computer. If in the settings of the operating system it is impossible to set a resolution of more than 600 by 800 pixels, this means that there are not enough drivers in the system. And it’s not at all a fact that drivers are needed specifically for the monitor. It is much more likely that the novice user just forgot to install the software for the video card. Then such tricks are possible. If the drivers are installed on it completely, then it makes sense to check their version. It also happens that the "firewood" of the old version is not willing to identify new monitors. Therefore, it is highly advisable to update the video card software to the latest version.
If the monitor does not show anything at all
Here are a few options. First: you did not plug it into a power outlet. Check power and connection cord. Second: we need special drivers for this monitor. The latter problem often occurs with devices that support G-Sync. You just need to install the software from the CD that came with the monitor. Option three: if you have a CRT monitor, then you set an unacceptably high "Hertz". Wait a minute and the image will return.
Conclusion
So, what is the best resolution for a computer monitor? As you already understood, this parameter directly depends on the diagonal, monitor type and matrix type. Therefore, you should first consider all the features, and then set the desired resolution. You can also pick it up "by eye". As comfortable as it is. Personal preferences also play an important role here. In any case, you will have to read the accompanying documentation of the device. Often the specifications proposed by the manufacturer are the most correct. But do not abuse the documents. What can they write about? Do not believe everything.