Graphics cards are getting more powerful, packed with fancy features like AI upscaling and ray tracing. However, as they get better, they also get more expensive, with some of the best RTX 4090 models coming in at over $2000. While the RTX 4090 delivers absolutely exceptional results, the power it provides is only potential, with so many other factors contributing to whether your graphics card can deliver its full output.

On the other hand, your monitor is a part of your setup that you are guaranteed to use 100% of the time. What is the use of having a graphics card that can generate a whole load of frames if your monitor can't actually display them for you? Upgrading your monitor gives you the most tangible, constant, and impactful upgrade.

The constant upgrade

Your monitor affects absolutely everything

Having a high-performance GPU can deliver amazing graphics and high frame rates, but without an equally high-performance monitor, you won't even notice the difference. High frames can only be perceived with a high-refresh-rate monitor, and features like DLSS and ray tracing are better represented on a 4K display.

Alongside gaming, upgrading your display provides you with a constant upgrade, as you can take advantage of the benefits at every point of using your rig. Whether it's web browsing, watching videos or movies, or even editing images, you'll see and feel the benefits of a higher-resolution monitor.

There are multiple elements of your monitor you can upgrade, including refresh rate, panel type, or resolution. The jump from 60Hz to 144Hz provides you with a fundamental change, which will lead to perceived smoothness even when just watching movies. Going from an IPS panel to an OLED or Mini-LED panel will provide you with a much better viewing experience both in-game and out, thanks to features like perfect blacks and color contrast.

You can also pick up monitors with a range of other features, like a variable refresh rate (VRR) or a 0ms response time, which will benefit you greatly in-game. VRR can lead to decreased screen tearing and stuttering, which delivers you a smooth experience across all frame rates. Shorter response times can eliminate ghosting and make fast-paced action much clearer.

The situational upgrade

Top-end graphics cards are rarely 100% utilized

Upgrading your monitor will likely provide you with a significantly bigger quality-of-life change than opting for one of the best-of-the-best GPUs. The differences between a mid or high-range card like an RTX 4070Ti and a top-tier card like an RTX 4090 will likely only manifest in niche, demanding titles or when chasing max frame rates.

When playing older titles or competitive games where frames are fundamental, it's likely that an RTX 4070Ti is already hitting the refresh rate ceiling or frame rate cap that the human eye can perceive. This means opting for an RTX 4090 results in marginal gains beyond, so much so that you likely won't notice them.

The price difference between a mid or high-range card and the very top of the line GPU can be anywhere between $400 and $800, based on the model you're picking up. Spending this money on a better display can provide you with a flurry of features, high resolution, and a better panel. For example, instead of a $1600 GPU and a $400 basic 4K monitor, you could pick up a $900 GPU and a $900 OLED/Mini-LED 4K 0ms monitor. This not only gives you a much better user experience but also saves you some money too.

Alongside this, a good quality display will likely provide you with a much longer useful lifespan than a top-end graphics card. While the RTX 4090 is a fantastic graphics card right now, as games continue to become more demanding, eventually it will be supplanted by the 60 series cards. At the same time, a 4K OLED monitor with a low refresh rate will likely still serve you just as well even in five years' time.

Prioritize the visual experience

Look beyond benchmarks and bragging rights

While your GPU renders the frames, your monitor actually displays them, meaning that if you don't have a high-quality display, there's no use in having a high-performance graphics card. If you're considering a top-of-the-line GPU, an alternative is picking up a high-end card and spending the savings on a much better monitor with a higher resolution or a better panel.

The difference between a high-end GPU and the absolute best option is pretty minimal in terms of output, but still significant in terms of cost. The RTX 4090 is for bragging rights. A high-end OLED monitor is for genuinely enjoying every single minute you spend in front of your PC. Choose your priority wisely.