5K is a display resolution measuring 5120 x 2880 pixels. Resolution explains how many pixels a display, like a PC monitor or laptop screen, has in length x width format. The more pixels, the sharper the image looks.
In the world of computing, there aren't 5K laptops ready yet, but there are a few 5K desktop (opens in new tab)displays. For example, Apple's 27-inch iMac Pro (opens in new tab) all-in-one PC and LG's 27-inch Ultrafine 5K (opens in new tab) monitor output at 5120 x 2880.
So who needs 5K resolution with their PC? Few games benefit from running at that high of a resolution. You'll need a powerful graphics card (opens in new tab) to power 5K, and both of the 5K displays mentioned target creative professionals. So unless you fit that category, you can probably be satisfied with a lower-resolution screen.
Common Monitor Resolutions
| 5K | 5120 x 2880 |
| 4K | 3840 x 2160 (typical monitor resolution); 4096 x 2160 (official cinema resolution) |
| Ultra HD (UHD) | 3840 x 2160 |
| QHD aka WQHD aka 1440p | 2560 x 1440 |
| 2K | 2560 x 1440 (typical monitor resolution); 2048 x 1080 (official cinema resolution) |
| WUXGA | 1920 x 1200 |
| Full HD aka FHD aka 1080p | 1920 x 1080 |
| HD aka 720p | 1280 x 720 |
This article is part of the Tom's Hardware Glossary (opens in new tab).
Further reading:
- How to Choose a PC Monitor (opens in new tab)
- Best Gaming Monitors (opens in new tab)
- Best 4K Gaming Monitors (opens in new tab)
