12 Gaming Monitor Settings You Should Change Right Now

Optimizing your gaming monitor for peak performance is crucial for an immersive gaming experience. This checklist simplifies the process, guiding you through essential settings adjustments. Many monitors have these settings correctly configured out-of-the-box, but OS-specific settings require review for optimal results.

1. Cable Selection: Begin by ensuring you're using the correct cable (HDMI or DisplayPort). Both your monitor and graphics card must support the same standard version for maximum bandwidth. Using an inadequate cable will limit refresh rate, even at lower resolutions (e.g., HDMI 1.4 and 240Hz). DisplayPort 2.0/2.1 is ideal; if unavailable, use HDMI 2.1, or DisplayPort 1.4 as a fallback. Sufficient bandwidth ensures optimal monitor performance.

Related: Choosing the Right Cable for Your 4K Monitor

2. Resolution and Refresh Rate: These are typically OS-controlled (Windows: Right-click desktop > Display Settings). Set resolution to the recommended option (native resolution). Find the refresh rate under "Advanced Display settings" and set it to the monitor's maximum. Disable "Dynamic Refresh Rate" on PCs to prevent battery-saving reductions in refresh rate. Monitors with "overclock" modes may require initial refresh rate adjustment through the monitor's settings. Use the monitor's default aspect ratio (16:9 or ultrawide) unless playing older games requiring 4:3 (though a CRT is recommended for retro gaming).

3. HDR Setup: If your monitor supports HDR, it should automatically detect and enable HDR signals. Enable/disable HDR in Windows (Win key Alt B, or Display Settings > "Use HDR"). Ensure HDR is enabled in your game's settings. Fine-tune HDR options, disabling battery-saving HDR shutdown and considering "Auto HDR" (though it may not work perfectly in all games). Use HDR only for HDR content; disabling it for SDR prevents image issues and unnecessary power consumption. Note that DisplayHDR 1000 monitors offer superior HDR quality compared to lower standards (DisplayHDR 400/600).

4. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Enable VRR (FreeSync/G-Sync) in both your GPU driver settings and monitor menu. "Extended" VRR mode (on some monitors) expands the VRR range, improving performance even at lower FPS. Keep VRR enabled unless experiencing flickering; switch to "Basic" or disable it via GPU drivers if necessary.

Related: Troubleshooting VRR Flickering

5. Game Mode: This varies by manufacturer but typically optimizes settings (color, contrast, sharpness, brightness, input lag). Use the default Game Mode or explore manufacturer-specific profiles (FPS, RTS). On some TVs/monitors, Game Mode disables post-processing for reduced input lag.

6. Overdrive/Response Time: This adjusts pixel transition speed. While the fastest setting might seem ideal, it can cause "inverse ghosting" (halo effect). Use the second or third-fastest setting to avoid this artifact. Use online tools (UFO test) to check for inverse ghosting.

7. Motion Blur Reduction: This feature improves clarity but may add input lag, flickering, and reduce brightness. Test it in games to determine its suitability for your gameplay.

8. Brightness, Contrast, Gamma, Color, Sharpness: These are often pre-calibrated. Adjust brightness for comfort; disable auto-brightness. Only adjust other settings if you have calibration tools. Sharpness is a personal preference (50-80 is usually good).

9. Energy Saving: Enable deep sleep and auto-standby. Disable picture-affecting algorithms (e.g., LG's Smart Energy Saving) as they can negatively impact brightness and HDR.

10. Blue Light Filter: Disable this during gaming sessions as it affects color accuracy. Avoid using both monitor and OS blue light filters simultaneously.

11. Black Stabilizer/Dark Boost: Slightly increase this for competitive games to improve visibility in dark areas; reduce it or use default for single-player games to maintain contrast.

12. Sound Settings: If using monitor speakers or the 3.5mm jack, check for audio enhancement features (e.g., LG's DTS Headphone:X).

LG UltraGear 32GS95UE

After configuring these settings, you'll enjoy optimal image quality, response time, and overall gaming performance. Consider exploring our guides on the best gaming monitors for further upgrades.

Related: Best Gaming Monitors of 2025

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