1080p vs 1440p gaming
Choosing a resolution is one of the biggest decisions when buying a gaming PC. Here's how to decide.
What is resolution?
Resolution is the number of pixels your monitor displays. 1080p (1920×1080) is the most common. 1440p (2560×1440) has around 78% more pixels, making everything sharper. 4K (3840×2160) has four times the pixels of 1080p.
1080p — Easier to run, great for competitive play
1080p is the easiest resolution to run, so you get higher frame rates for less money. It's ideal for competitive games like Valorant and CS2 where frame rate matters more than image sharpness.
1440p — The premium balance
1440p is noticeably sharper than 1080p, making single-player and AAA games look much better. The trade-off is that it needs a stronger GPU to maintain the same frame rates. An RTX 4060 or 4070 is a good starting point for 1440p.
4K — The sharpest, most demanding
4K looks incredible but needs a high-end GPU (RTX 4070 Ti or better) for high frame rates. It's the choice for enthusiasts who want the best image quality.
How to choose
- Play competitive shooters? 1080p with high frame rates.
- Play a mix of games? 1440p is the best all-rounder if your budget allows.
- Want the best visuals and have the budget? 4K.
Don't forget the monitor
Your PC can only output what your monitor can display. A 1440p PC with a 1080p monitor wastes its potential. If you don't have a monitor yet, factor that into your budget — or ask us and we'll help you choose a matching pair.