How many pixels is 1K?

As an avid gamer and content creator, I often get asked how display resolutions like 1K, 2K, and 4K differ in terms of pixels and gaming performance. For 1K resolution, the answer is straightforward:

1K resolution is 1024 x 768 pixels.

But why is 1080p referred to as 2K instead of 1K if it‘s closer to 1000 pixels wide? Keep reading to learn why – and what it means for your gaming rig.

1080p: 2K Not 1K

With a resolution of 1920 x 1080, 1080p has over 900 more horizontal pixels than the 1024 x 768 that defines 1K resolution. That‘s why 1080p is considered 2K rather than 1K.

Here‘s how the most common resolutions compare in terms of horizontal pixels:

As you can see, there‘s quite a jump in pixels going from 1K up to 4K resolution. But what do these numbers mean for real-world gaming?

Comparing Gaming Performance Across Resolutions

Based on my first-hand testing of numerous graphics cards and gaming rig configurations, here is how these resolutions generally compare for gaming workloads:

1K (1024 x 768)

Modern discrete GPUs essentially overkill for 1K gaming. Integrated graphics can easily handle over 60 fps. Best for retro gaming rigs and HTPCs.

1080p (1920 x 1080)

The current mainstream gaming resolution. RX 580 / GTX 1060 level GPUs can hit 60-100+ fps in most titles. Requires a good CPU to prevent bottlenecks.

1440p (2560 x 1440)

Sharp image quality with high demands on GPU horsepower. Targets 60-75 fps on high settings for a great experience. Ideal resolution for gaming at 24-27 inch monitor sizes.

4K (3840 x 2160)

Stunning visuals but extremely demanding. Even RTX 3080 struggles to hit 60 fps in some new titles. Better suited to 30-40 fps cinematic experiences for now. Jaw dropping visuals.

As expected, required graphics card power scales significantly with each resolution tier. But is higher always better for gaming? Not necessarily…

The Case for 1440p Gaming

Based on Steam‘s hardware surveys, over 60% of PC gamers continue to game at 1920 x 1080 (1080p) resolution. And I believe that is the current sweet spot for performance versus visuals.

However, 2560 x 1440 resolution (1440p) offers a nice middle ground – providing a sharper, more detailed image than 1080p without being as demanding as 4K.

My personal setup is a 27-inch 1440p 165Hz monitor paired with an RTX 3070 Ti graphics card. This enables me to play any modern title at over 60 fps even on highest settings, while also providing extra fluidity thanks to the high refresh rate.

If you have a capable mid-range or better GPU, I highly recommend gaming at 1440p. To me it represents the best overall visual quality and performance outside of 4K. Plus 27-inch 1440p monitors can be found for very reasonable prices now.

The Cutting Edge: 4K and 8K Gaming

4K gaming certainly provides a glimpse into the future with its incredible clarity and detail. However, it still remains extremely demanding and mostly suited to slower paced, cinematic style games in my opinion. The GPU power needed to consistently surpass 60 fps at 4K in titles like Cyberpunk or Red Dead Redemption 2 requires an RTX 3080 Ti or better.

And even above 4K we now have early consumer displays emerging with 8K resolution which takes things to the next level with over 32 million pixels! Needless to say, smooth 8K gaming is not feasible anytime soon. Even the $1200 RTX 3090 struggles to hit 30 fps in modern games at 7680 x 4320.

I suspect it will be at least 2-3 more generations of GPUs before 4K provides an uncompromised 60+ fps experience in AAA games. So for now, 1440p remains the gamer‘s resolution of choice to me when balancing visuals with buttery smooth framerates.

But with rapid advancements in GPU and display technology, 4K and even 8K could become feasible for high fps gaming sooner than we think! Are our eyes even able to perceive visual improvements beyond 4K at typical monitor sizes? We may find out sooner than expected.

The Bottom Line

While 1080p gaming still rules the roost, 1440p offers a great blend of improved visuals while still enabling high frame rates. 4K gaming is stunning but extremely demanding, requiring expensive GPU muscle to prevent sluggish performance. As GPU tech continues rapidly improving however, 4K 60+ fps gaming will become more accessible over the next few years.

But for now in 2024, I believe 2560 x 1440 is the ideal monitor resolution for PC gamers rocking mid-range through ultra high-end graphics cards. Combined with a high refresh rate, 1440p enables sharp visuals and extremely fluid frame rates. It‘s what I run personally with a 3070 Ti GPU.

So in summary – 1K is 1024 x 768 pixels, 1080p is 2K not 1K, and 1440p currently hits the gaming visuals sweet spot to my eye for high fps players. Let me know your thoughts and what resolution you are currently gaming at!