• Log InLog In
  • Register
Liquid`
Team Liquid Liquipedia
EDT 23:05
CEST 05:05
KST 12:05
  • Home
  • Forum
  • Calendar
  • Streams
  • Liquipedia
  • Features
  • Store
  • EPT
  • TL+
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Smash
  • Heroes
  • Counter-Strike
  • Overwatch
  • Liquibet
  • Fantasy StarCraft
  • TLPD
  • StarCraft 2
  • Brood War
  • Blogs
Forum Sidebar
Events/Features
News
Featured News
Power Rank - Esports World Cup 202561RSL Season 1 - Final Week9[ASL19] Finals Recap: Standing Tall15HomeStory Cup 27 - Info & Preview18Classic wins Code S Season 2 (2025)16
Community News
BSL Team Wars - Bonyth, Dewalt, Hawk & Sziky teams10Weekly Cups (July 14-20): Final Check-up0Esports World Cup 2025 - Brackets Revealed19Weekly Cups (July 7-13): Classic continues to roll8Team TLMC #5 - Submission re-extension5
StarCraft 2
General
#1: Maru - Greatest Players of All Time Server Blocker Team TLMC #5 - Submission re-extension Greatest Players of All Time: 2025 Update The StarCraft 2 GOAT - An in-depth analysis
Tourneys
Esports World Cup 2025 FEL Cracov 2025 (July 27) - $8000 live event Sparkling Tuna Cup - Weekly Open Tournament Master Swan Open (Global Bronze-Master 2) Sea Duckling Open (Global, Bronze-Diamond)
Strategy
How did i lose this ZvP, whats the proper response
Custom Maps
External Content
Mutation #239 Bad Weather Mutation # 483 Kill Bot Wars Mutation # 482 Wheel of Misfortune Mutation # 481 Fear and Lava
Brood War
General
BGH Auto Balance -> http://bghmmr.eu/ Ginuda's JaeDong Interview Series [Update] ShieldBattery: 2025 Redesign BW General Discussion Dewalt's Show Matches in China
Tourneys
[Megathread] Daily Proleagues [BSL20] Non-Korean Championship 4x BSL + 4x China CSL Xiamen International Invitational [CSLPRO] It's CSLAN Season! - Last Chance
Strategy
[G] Mineral Boosting Does 1 second matter in StarCraft? Simple Questions, Simple Answers
Other Games
General Games
Stormgate/Frost Giant Megathread Total Annihilation Server - TAForever Nintendo Switch Thread [MMORPG] Tree of Savior (Successor of Ragnarok) Path of Exile
Dota 2
Official 'what is Dota anymore' discussion
League of Legends
Heroes of the Storm
Simple Questions, Simple Answers Heroes of the Storm 2.0
Hearthstone
Heroes of StarCraft mini-set
TL Mafia
TL Mafia Community Thread Vanilla Mini Mafia
Community
General
Stop Killing Games - European Citizens Initiative Things Aren’t Peaceful in Palestine Russo-Ukrainian War Thread US Politics Mega-thread Post Pic of your Favorite Food!
Fan Clubs
INnoVation Fan Club SKT1 Classic Fan Club!
Media & Entertainment
[\m/] Heavy Metal Thread Anime Discussion Thread Movie Discussion! [Manga] One Piece Korean Music Discussion
Sports
Formula 1 Discussion 2024 - 2025 Football Thread TeamLiquid Health and Fitness Initiative For 2023 NBA General Discussion
World Cup 2022
Tech Support
Installation of Windows 10 suck at "just a moment" Computer Build, Upgrade & Buying Resource Thread
TL Community
TeamLiquid Team Shirt On Sale The Automated Ban List
Blogs
Ping To Win? Pings And Their…
TrAiDoS
momentary artworks from des…
tankgirl
from making sc maps to makin…
Husyelt
StarCraft improvement
iopq
Socialism Anyone?
GreenHorizons
Eight Anniversary as a TL…
Mizenhauer
Customize Sidebar...

Website Feedback

Closed Threads



Active: 727 users

Best Resolution For SC2?

Forum Index > Closed
Post a Reply
Normal
EnE
Profile Blog Joined June 2012
417 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-07-10 20:05:05
July 10 2012 19:46 GMT
#1
Hi. I was going to buy a 22 inch 1080p monitor to replace my x768 but I was worried it could actually be worse for sc2.

What do you guys think is the best resolution 1080p/720p for playing sc2 on? What do the pros use?

EDIT: What I mean is, a 22 inch screen vs a smaller screen. Bigger vs smaller. Which do pros use/ which is better for playing competitively.
I'm embarrased by my past actions and even more ashamed of my present thoughts and future endeavors to clear my name.
NoDDiE
Profile Joined November 2006
Poland170 Posts
July 10 2012 19:49 GMT
#2
dont follow pro's in this case... anyway as ur monitor native resolution is going to be 1080 then simply use 1080. if your machine is strong (actually for sc strong = not terrible bad) u should be fine with 1080 without huge fps loss
One for the money , two for the show , straight to hell is where i go
ZenithM
Profile Joined February 2011
France15952 Posts
July 10 2012 19:49 GMT
#3
Like, the max you can reach while playing smoothly? It's really not more complicated than that.
It depends mainly on your computer specs, not really on preference (except if you want an exotic aspect ratio like 4:3)
cmcnutt34
Profile Joined June 2012
United States43 Posts
July 10 2012 19:52 GMT
#4
Go into properties and hit run in 640x480.
totalpigeon
Profile Joined September 2010
United Kingdom162 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-07-10 19:56:54
July 10 2012 19:54 GMT
#5
The resolution of your monitor doesn't matter all that much for sc2, going up from 720p to 1080p will make your game look nicer if your card can handle it, but it won't make it harder to play by affecting the layout or zoom level. The only thing which might affect your game is the aspect ratio of the monitor, which can have a significant effect on how the game window looks, how closely you are zoomed in and how much of your monitor you actually get to use. The aspect ratio with the furthest zoom is 16 : 9, which I believe the majority of players use. There are notably several pros who elect to play on a 5 : 4 resolution as they are most comfortable with that screen size (generally due to a history with brood war), but they are by far the minority.
Gosi
Profile Blog Joined June 2011
Sweden9072 Posts
July 10 2012 19:55 GMT
#6
The best resolution in SC2 is 1920x1080. Everything other than that gives you a disadvantage because you will see less on the screen. Not like it will make you a worse player if you don't use that, but the game is made for that resolution so yeah, it's the best.
[13:40] <Qbek> gosi i dreanmt about you
CrazyF1r3f0x
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
United States2120 Posts
July 10 2012 19:56 GMT
#7
my 1920x1080 works just fine for me; I used to play in 1600x1200, and Axslav plays in 1024x768--it's all a matter of preference.
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the overcompensations for misery."
tonycheese
Profile Joined June 2011
9 Posts
July 10 2012 19:58 GMT
#8
On July 11 2012 04:55 Gosi wrote:
The best resolution in SC2 is 1920x1080. Everything other than that gives you a disadvantage because you will see less on the screen. Not like it will make you a worse player if you don't use that, but the game is made for that resolution so yeah, it's the best.


This is not correct. Your resolution doesn't determine how much you see. Your aspect ratio is the factor that determines how much you see on your screen. The only advantage of 1080 vs 720 is that the graphics will look better/cleaner. Nothing in terms of gameplay. In fact, if you want the best performance and don't care about graphics at all, 720 will give you better fps.
Steelo_Rivers
Profile Blog Joined January 2011
United States1968 Posts
July 10 2012 19:59 GMT
#9
I still use my old crt (I prefer it over my LCD) and I rock dat 1280x1024.
ok
EnE
Profile Blog Joined June 2012
417 Posts
July 10 2012 20:00 GMT
#10
No, I meant the size of the screen. Im pretty sure that a 22 inch 1080p would be bigger than a 17-19 inch 720p...

Therefore, the units etc would be bigger and the mouse would have further to move relatively. I'm saying from THIS perspective, which is best?
I'm embarrased by my past actions and even more ashamed of my present thoughts and future endeavors to clear my name.
aleun
Profile Joined November 2009
United States27 Posts
July 10 2012 20:04 GMT
#11
If your units are bigger, your mouse cursor is also bigger as is the cursor's movement relative to those units. I don't think the size of the monitor matters so much as the resolution/mouse sensitivity.
polyphonyEX
Profile Joined May 2012
United States2539 Posts
July 10 2012 20:04 GMT
#12
99.9% of pros use 1080x1920.
Chessz
Profile Joined August 2010
United States644 Posts
July 10 2012 20:05 GMT
#13
On July 11 2012 04:55 Gosi wrote:
The best resolution in SC2 is 1920x1080. Everything other than that gives you a disadvantage because you will see less on the screen. Not like it will make you a worse player if you don't use that, but the game is made for that resolution so yeah, it's the best.


uh.. no. higher resolution doesn't show you more because the UI/frames are also upscaled when you increase resolution. The only thing that actually affects the total space you see is aspect ratio
EnE
Profile Blog Joined June 2012
417 Posts
July 10 2012 20:05 GMT
#14
On July 11 2012 05:04 polyphonyEX wrote:
99.9% of pros use 1080x1920.


Source please?
I'm embarrased by my past actions and even more ashamed of my present thoughts and future endeavors to clear my name.
Bunn
Profile Blog Joined September 2010
Estonia934 Posts
July 10 2012 20:08 GMT
#15
http://au.gamespot.com/features/starcraft-ii-beta-performance-and-image-preview-6251839/
"There are no limits. There are plateaus, but you must not stay there, you must go beyond them. If it kills you, it kills you. A man must constantly exceed his level." - Bruce Lee
branflakes14
Profile Joined July 2010
2082 Posts
July 10 2012 20:08 GMT
#16
"I swear to make Probes and Pylons non sto-

Oh. Never mind.
RiSkysc2
Profile Joined September 2011
696 Posts
July 10 2012 20:08 GMT
#17
On July 11 2012 05:04 polyphonyEX wrote:
99.9% of pros use 1080x1920.

That's a funny resolution.
spbelky
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States623 Posts
July 10 2012 20:11 GMT
#18
On July 11 2012 05:05 EnE wrote:
Show nested quote +
On July 11 2012 05:04 polyphonyEX wrote:
99.9% of pros use 1080x1920.


Source please?


Pretty sure he is joking

1080x1920 would look like this

[image loading]
Tomba
Profile Joined January 2012
Norway106 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-07-10 20:16:24
July 10 2012 20:12 GMT
#19
What matters is aspect ratio ( 16: 10 , 16: 9 , 4:3 )
It is with the 16: 9 screens you see the most with in starcraft 2.

Resolution doesn't have anything to do with size, just quality of the picture. Size of pixels vary, you can have 1920x1080 on a 17 inch screen.

edit: damn smileys!
spbelky
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
United States623 Posts
July 10 2012 20:13 GMT
#20
lol
: 9
Lonyo
Profile Blog Joined December 2009
United Kingdom3884 Posts
July 10 2012 20:13 GMT
#21
16 is the best aspect ratio for SC2.
How you get there (resolution wise) isn't relevant.
16 shows the most game area. 720p vs 1080p shows the same amount of game, one just shows it with more pixels.
HOLY CHECK!
Excludos
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
Norway8073 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-07-10 20:15:58
July 10 2012 20:15 GMT
#22
Why would you use anything other than your native resolution? Especially important if you use a hdmi cable. If you use dvi it doesn't matter as long as the ascept ratio is the same.
EnE
Profile Blog Joined June 2012
417 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-07-10 20:18:47
July 10 2012 20:17 GMT
#23
So there's no consensus on whether its better to have bigger (larger to the eye) or smaller?

hmm well, if pro gamers really do use 1080p (22 inch+) monitors then I will get one but im still worried that sc2 is better to play competitively on a smaller screen.

@Above: I'm not discussing using something other than your native resolution... im discussing 17-19 inch 768 native resolution vs 22 inch 1080p native resolution for playing sc2.
I'm embarrased by my past actions and even more ashamed of my present thoughts and future endeavors to clear my name.
Excludos
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
Norway8073 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-07-10 20:36:54
July 10 2012 20:19 GMT
#24
On July 11 2012 05:17 EnE wrote:
So there's no consensus on whether its better to have bigger (larger to the eye) or smaller?

hmm well, if pro gamers really do use 1080p (22 inch+) monitors then I will get one but im still worried that sc2 is better to play competitively on a smaller screen.


Too large (27'') and too small (15'') is a problem, anything between doesn't really matter. But you could experience a fps drop by not using your native resolution if you are using a hdmi cable.

edit: Ohsi, my bad. I forgot 720p screens are still sold outside of laptops and just assumed you talked about ingame resolution. In that case 1080p are cheaper by now (at least in my country, could depend I guess), especially if bought new. I see no reason to buy a lower resolution screen for more money tbh. Whats much more important is going to be your framerate and type og material. If possible, buy a 120hz screen (mostly referred to as "3d" screens). Also try to get a led screen, though they tend to be a bit more expensive than lcds

edit2: Also widescreen, obious choice. Simply because you get more "screen" than any other aspect ratios. 16'9 is the most used, altough 16:10 gives you an inch more "game", they tend to be very pricy and not worth it.
EnE
Profile Blog Joined June 2012
417 Posts
July 10 2012 20:25 GMT
#25
On July 11 2012 05:19 Excludos wrote:
Show nested quote +
On July 11 2012 05:17 EnE wrote:
So there's no consensus on whether its better to have bigger (larger to the eye) or smaller?

hmm well, if pro gamers really do use 1080p (22 inch+) monitors then I will get one but im still worried that sc2 is better to play competitively on a smaller screen.


Too large (27'') and too small (15'') is a problem, anything between doesn't really matter. But you could experience a fps drop by not using your native resolution if you are using a hdmi cable.

edit: Ohsi, my bad. I forgot 720p screens are still sold outside of laptops and just assumed you talked about ingame resolution. In that case 1080p are cheaper by now (at least in my country, could depend I guess), especially if bought new. I see no reason to buy a lower resolution screen for more money tbh. Whats much more important is going to be your framerate and type og material. If possible, buy a 120hz screen (mostly referred to as "3d" screens). Also try to get a led screen, though they tend to be a bit more expensive than lcds


Okay. So there shouldnt really be a difference in gameplay from the size, and playing games like Tribes: Ascend will be nicer with the larger monitor.

And I assume there wont be a big performance change either since I'll play sc2 on lowest usually and I have a 2GB Radeon 7850.
I'm embarrased by my past actions and even more ashamed of my present thoughts and future endeavors to clear my name.
Excludos
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
Norway8073 Posts
July 10 2012 20:29 GMT
#26
On July 11 2012 05:25 EnE wrote:
Show nested quote +
On July 11 2012 05:19 Excludos wrote:
On July 11 2012 05:17 EnE wrote:
So there's no consensus on whether its better to have bigger (larger to the eye) or smaller?

hmm well, if pro gamers really do use 1080p (22 inch+) monitors then I will get one but im still worried that sc2 is better to play competitively on a smaller screen.


Too large (27'') and too small (15'') is a problem, anything between doesn't really matter. But you could experience a fps drop by not using your native resolution if you are using a hdmi cable.

edit: Ohsi, my bad. I forgot 720p screens are still sold outside of laptops and just assumed you talked about ingame resolution. In that case 1080p are cheaper by now (at least in my country, could depend I guess), especially if bought new. I see no reason to buy a lower resolution screen for more money tbh. Whats much more important is going to be your framerate and type og material. If possible, buy a 120hz screen (mostly referred to as "3d" screens). Also try to get a led screen, though they tend to be a bit more expensive than lcds


Okay. So there shouldnt really be a difference in gameplay from the size, and playing games like Tribes: Ascend will be nicer with the larger monitor.

And I assume there wont be a big performance change either since I'll play sc2 on lowest usually and I have a 2GB Radeon 7850.


You wont get any noticeable changes in framerate with that graphics card, no. You'll still be far far above "maxed out"
ZAiNs
Profile Joined July 2010
United Kingdom6525 Posts
July 10 2012 20:33 GMT
#27
16 : 9 gives you the most vision and is basically the tournament standard. I think most tournaments use 24" as well. I wonder if pros who play on 16 : 10 play with black bars in tournaments or just go 16 : 9. I've noticed Grubby and Nony playing with 16 : 10, and I remember Ace played 4 : 3 with black bars at IEM.
Excludos
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
Norway8073 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-07-10 20:38:42
July 10 2012 20:36 GMT
#28
[image loading]

found this in another thread btw. Shows how much screen you get with different aspect ratios. I honestly though 16'10 would give you more, but I guess I was wrong on that point. 16'9 is the most optimal then

edit: Those pictures are 2 years old though. Probably not much has changed since then, but keep it in mind.
HornyHerring
Profile Joined March 2011
Papua New Guinea1059 Posts
July 10 2012 20:38 GMT
#29
Been playin on 1680x1080 and 1920x1200 on 22' 16:10 and it's all just a matter of getting used to. There is no one best resolution.
oh, hai
grindC
Profile Blog Joined October 2010
Germany274 Posts
July 10 2012 20:43 GMT
#30
imho, bigger =/= better for gaming...

I find that watching the minimap is much easier on smaller screens... also keeping an eye on everything in general is easier, since everything is packed together nicely... however, microing is also easier on a bigger screen (to me)

Resolution doesn't really matter for SC2, except when it's different aspect ratios.
felisconcolori
Profile Blog Joined October 2011
United States6168 Posts
July 10 2012 20:46 GMT
#31
Allow me to bitter old guy a moment here. It doesn't matter. 720p, 1080p, 1080i, HD, whatever, that's all television lingo. All it means is, that you are going to get a monitor that is a regression from where CRT monitors were in the late 90s. You'll have 1920x1080, or 1280x720, with a 16 default ratio. The differences really don't matter - it won't make you play any better or worse, and the graphics settings you have in game are going to be much more important.

I remember when 2048x1536 wasn't all that uncommon. I miss you, QXGA.
Yes, I email sponsors... to thank them. Don't post drunk, kids. My king, what has become of you?
optical630
Profile Joined August 2010
United Kingdom768 Posts
July 10 2012 20:51 GMT
#32
On July 11 2012 05:36 Excludos wrote:
[image loading]

found this in another thread btw. Shows how much screen you get with different aspect ratios. I honestly though 16'10 would give you more, but I guess I was wrong on that point. 16'9 is the most optimal then

edit: Those pictures are 2 years old though. Probably not much has changed since then, but keep it in mind.


didnt they fix this ?
p4NDemik
Profile Blog Joined January 2008
United States13896 Posts
July 10 2012 21:29 GMT
#33
I don't think a thread is really necessary for this subject.
Moderator
Normal
Please log in or register to reply.
Live Events Refresh
Next event in 6h 55m
[ Submit Event ]
Live Streams
Refresh
StarCraft 2
WinterStarcraft318
Nina 229
RuFF_SC2 158
StarCraft: Brood War
Sea 4172
Sexy 69
NaDa 57
Terrorterran 14
Icarus 6
Dota 2
LuMiX1
Counter-Strike
Stewie2K1117
Super Smash Bros
Mew2King169
amsayoshi49
Other Games
summit1g11062
tarik_tv8941
shahzam710
JimRising 391
C9.Mang0208
ViBE208
Organizations
Other Games
gamesdonequick1262
BasetradeTV17
StarCraft 2
Blizzard YouTube
StarCraft: Brood War
BSLTrovo
sctven
[ Show 16 non-featured ]
StarCraft 2
• Hupsaiya 89
• practicex 2
• AfreecaTV YouTube
• intothetv
• Kozan
• IndyKCrew
• LaughNgamezSOOP
• Migwel
• sooper7s
StarCraft: Brood War
• HerbMon 52
• BSLYoutube
• STPLYoutube
• ZZZeroYoutube
League of Legends
• Doublelift4497
• Lourlo678
• Stunt308
Upcoming Events
CranKy Ducklings
6h 55m
BSL20 Non-Korean Champi…
10h 55m
CSO Cup
12h 55m
BSL20 Non-Korean Champi…
14h 55m
Bonyth vs Sziky
Dewalt vs Hawk
Hawk vs QiaoGege
Sziky vs Dewalt
Mihu vs Bonyth
Zhanhun vs QiaoGege
QiaoGege vs Fengzi
FEL
1d 5h
BSL20 Non-Korean Champi…
1d 10h
BSL20 Non-Korean Champi…
1d 14h
Bonyth vs Zhanhun
Dewalt vs Mihu
Hawk vs Sziky
Sziky vs QiaoGege
Mihu vs Hawk
Zhanhun vs Dewalt
Fengzi vs Bonyth
Sparkling Tuna Cup
3 days
Online Event
3 days
uThermal 2v2 Circuit
4 days
[ Show More ]
The PondCast
5 days
Replay Cast
5 days
Korean StarCraft League
6 days
Liquipedia Results

Completed

CSL Xiamen Invitational
Esports World Cup 2025
Murky Cup #2

Ongoing

Copa Latinoamericana 4
Jiahua Invitational
BSL20 Non-Korean Championship
BSL Team Wars
CSLPRO Last Chance 2025
CC Div. A S7
Underdog Cup #2
IEM Cologne 2025
FISSURE Playground #1
BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025
ESL Impact League Season 7
IEM Dallas 2025
PGL Astana 2025
Asian Champions League '25

Upcoming

ASL Season 20: Qualifier #1
ASL Season 20: Qualifier #2
ASL Season 20
CSLPRO Chat StarLAN 3
BSL Season 21
RSL Revival: Season 2
Maestros of the Game
SEL Season 2 Championship
uThermal 2v2 Main Event
FEL Cracov 2025
HCC Europe
ESL Pro League S22
StarSeries Fall 2025
FISSURE Playground #2
BLAST Open Fall 2025
BLAST Open Fall Qual
Esports World Cup 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall 2025
BLAST Bounty Fall Qual
TLPD

1. ByuN
2. TY
3. Dark
4. Solar
5. Stats
6. Nerchio
7. sOs
8. soO
9. INnoVation
10. Elazer
1. Rain
2. Flash
3. EffOrt
4. Last
5. Bisu
6. Soulkey
7. Mini
8. Sharp
Sidebar Settings...

Advertising | Privacy Policy | Terms Of Use | Contact Us

Original banner artwork: Jim Warren
The contents of this webpage are copyright © 2025 TLnet. All Rights Reserved.