In This Article
What is 4k Gaming?
4K gaming refers to playing video games at a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels, which is four times the resolution of the standard 1080p resolution. This results in much higher visual detail, clarity, and sharpness in the game’s graphics, allowing for a more immersive and realistic gaming experience.
To achieve 4K gaming, a computer or gaming console must have hardware capable of processing and displaying graphics at such a high resolution, including a powerful graphics card and a compatible monitor or TV.
4K gaming is considered the next step in high-end gaming and is becoming increasingly popular as more gamers seek to push the limits of their gaming setups.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- 4K is actually a technical term which signifies the resolution of the video which is played back. However, it is different from Ultra High Definition or UHD which is more complex and made up of 4K resolution and High Dynamic Range or HDR.
- 4K gaming will offer a much better visual and gaming experience through images with better aesthetics and details.
- 4K gaming involves high cost due to the necessary and high-end hardware and accessories that are required for it.
Understanding 4k Gaming
4K resolution is actually the measurement of the image, expressed in pixels. This measures the width versus the height.
Modern PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Wii U can playback a video at 1080p as compared to its previous generation consoles that ran as 1280×720 pixels or 720p.
The letter ‘p’ here means ‘progressive,’ which is the short form of ‘progressive scan.’
This is the process in which every line of a single frame is drawn in a perfect sequence starting from the top to the bottom.
This utilizes the entire space available in a one particular refresh cycle.
The 4K term can itself be confusing due to the fact that it is a misnomer, technically speaking.
Most people think that 4K is that which indicates an image that has a width of 4000 pixels and height of 2000 pixels, which is far from the truth.
However, this is partially true because in the movie industry this refers to images that are of 4,096 pixels in width and 2,160 pixels in height, which is double the height and width of a 2K image.
Ideally, 4K is much wider than the average normal widescreen that has an aspect ratio of 16:9.
Moreover, the term ‘2160p’ in the world of TV signifies a video standard that is specifically called Ultra High Definition or UHD.
This is much more than 1080p or Full High Definition, and even further more than 720p or High Definition terminology.
The video industry calls it ‘4K ultra HD’ or simply 4K which indicates that the images played back are of 3,840 by 2,160 pixels, which is why it may also be called 2160p.
Take a look at the math and you will understand it clearly:
- 720p image is made up of 921,600 pixels
- 1080p image has 2,073,600 pixels which is 2.25 times more and
- 2160p or 4K contains 8,294,400 pixels.
Therefore, it is four times of a 1080p image and nine times a 720p image. This also means that a 1080p image will take only one-quarter of a 4K image rectangle.
Such a big difference provides better visual acuity which makes 4K gaming all the more fun and exciting.
The Pros
1. Visual experience
The hi-fi monitors will provide an exceptional visual and gaming experience in comparison to a normal full HD screen.
The pictures are highly immersive and you will find it more realistic and as good as it possibly can.
The players actually find them lost in the fantasy world.
2. Beauty and detail
The high resolution of the images provides more detailed image and at the same time increases the aesthetics making the entire game more appealing to the gamers.
With the use of graphical fidelity, the characters, the titles and the background look awesome.
3. Future proofing
This is the most significant part as the manufacturers, developers of the games, and even the users can think a step or two ahead of the time.
The components you invest in will serve your purpose for several years to come and will not be obsolete soon like any low-cost hardware.
The Cons
4. Price
The high price is one of the most significant factors that people shy away from investing in 4K monitors and components.
With a stringent budget, they are often left with far too little cash in hand to invest in a 4K monitor after buying components like a powerful processor and a faster GPU, and, are therefore, deprived from the 4K gaming experience.
5. Upgrades
It is not enough to buy a 4K monitor for gaming. You will also have to upgrade your PC for that matter, which, once again, boils down to a lot of hard cash.
Questions & Answers:
Is 4k worth it for gaming?
You should go for 4K gaming if you want a better ROI for your upgrades. Moreover, the price of 4K hardware is coming down rapidly as well, which does away with the high-price excuse.
What graphics card can run 4K?
One of the most common graphics cards to use is the new Nvidia RTX 2080. You can also try a couple of others namely, GTX 1080 Ti, the Titan V, and the Titan Xp.
How much RAM do you need for 4k gaming?
Out of the 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128 GB RAM available, the best one for 4K gaming is a 16 GB RAM. This is not only enough for 4K gaming but it will also make your computer more future-proof.
How do you know if your PC is 4K?
Check the display specifications of the manufacturer. Click on ‘Display Settings’ and look for the resolution. If it reads 1920 x 1080, consider your PC to be 4K-ready.
Conclusion
4K gaming refers to playing video games at a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels, providing higher visual detail and immersion.
To achieve 4K gaming, a powerful graphics card and a compatible monitor or TV are required.
While 4K gaming offers exceptional visual and gaming experiences, it also involves a high cost due to the necessary hardware and accessories.
Future-proofing your gaming setup is the most significant advantage of 4K gaming, but the high price of upgrading to 4K components can be a major drawback.
Overall, investing in 4K technology is an excellent way to enhance your gaming experience if you have the budget for it.