New Monitor Advice

HenSim on 28/10/2018 - 18:57

Hey there,

I've recently moved places and now have enough space to justify going back to a double monitor. I've had my BenQ 24" 1080p for quite some time (at least 4 years) and have no issues with it. However, I figure that my second monitor can be a decent upgrade. However, it's not urgent, so I can wait on a good sale or a good upcoming model (especially since there may be a second-hand office-quality screen that I can borrow). I was hoping that people here might be able to lend their wisdom on which models they prefer, and what kind of prices I should expect for Australia.

Some notes on features:

  • G-Sync is what I'm most interested in. I realise that this is a big price pusher, but it is something that my 1060 6GB will benefit from.

  • At least 1080p. Not sure if I'd need more/if my computer could even run much beyond that.

  • It instinctively makes sense to go for another 24" for symmetry with the BenQ (and cost), but I've lived with different sized screens before.

  • Curious to see what 144Hz is like, and I doubt that I'd notice much beyond that.

  • I have speakers that plug into 3.5mm jacks, so in build speakers isn't an issue.

  • Not sure if I'd need more than one Display Port, one HDMI, and one headphone jack, although USB ports are a bonus.

Some models that I've seen that have piqued my interest:

  • Acer Predator xb241h

  • ASUS PG248Q ROG

  • Acer Predator XB252Q

  • Dell S2716DGR

I'm sure that I'm forgetting things, and my knowledge here is pretty rudimentary.

Thanks in advance on any help, and feel free to ask for any other questions for clarification.

Gaming Computer Peripheral LCD Monitor

Comments

  • Godric on 28/10/2018 - 19:11

    I had the BenQ E2420 for about 6 years, this year i switched it to my second monitor and replaced my main with the Acer xb271hu, even though there isn't a symmetry it doesn't really matter if you aren't going to use it for surround gaming.

  • Smashed Avo on 28/10/2018 - 19:17

    G-Sync is definitely nice, really smooths out any performance hiccups and will let your system age a little better.

    Honestly, the sweet spot for monitor price/performance is the 165hz/1440p/G-Sync/IPS panels such as the Asus PG279Q and the Acer Predator that used the same panel. Only issue is you'd ideally want a 1070 or higher to drive those. Monitor upgrades will typically last quite a bit longer than your hardware so even if you can't quite utilize it's full potential currently it may worthwhile splurging.

    If you want something more closely matched with your 1060 you're looking at a 60hz/1440p or 144hz/1080p panel, the latter of which I would recommend by a long shot. 144hz gaming is incredible, and even desktop usage is infinitely smoother, makes 60hz look like a slideshow.

    Any monitor in the pricerange you're looking at will have sufficient I/O, unless you're running some bizzare assortment of monitors and screens.

    The last factor to really weigh heavily on your choice is panel type. TN is garbage, VA has issues and IPS is beautiful. See what returns policy the retailer has, if it only covers a certain number of dead/stuck pixels, or if it is pixel perfect guarantee + backlight bleed etc. But seriously, just get IPS, look at the two side by side and you'll know.

  • p1 ama on 28/10/2018 - 20:33
    +1

    What sort of gaming experience are you after and what sort of games do you play?

    You'd be looking at either 1080p/144Hz or 1440p/60Hz. If you go with 1080p/144Hz, you would almost definitely have to get a GSync monitor because there's no chance that you'll be able to keep above 144 fps. If you go with 1440p/60Hz, then you should actually be okay with a 1060 6GB and not need GSync if you're willing to bump down the settings one notch sometimes.

    If you prefer more cinematic games, then I'd go with 1440p/60Hz. I don't really play competitive fast-paced shooters as much as I play more cinematic games where you want to appreciate the world design and graphics. If you're like me, then go with an IPS panel. I have friends who swear by TN panels and are willing to put up with its issues because they claim that it helps them win.

  • HenSim on 28/10/2018 - 22:23

    Thanks for the comments so far everyone.

    The PC games that I play the most are fighting games, typically Street Fighter. G Sync helps a lot here, as screen tearing is annoying and V sync causes to much lag to make them playable. However they're not performance drags and 1080p/60fps is fine for those. Otherwise I'm likely playing single player stuff, which will vary a lot. I do find anything under 60fps to be noticeable when playing those, so my current instinct is 1080p/144Hz.

    Although I'm definitely tempted to splurge and go 1440p/144Hz+. In the short term, is it noticeable to turn down the resolution on those to 1080p for games that need it? That's the biggest thing (outside of money) that would hold me back on that.

    And thanks for the comments on TN v. IPS. If I get TN I'll definitely make sure it's a place that I can easily return it to. But if I can manage IPS that sounds great.

    Other than that, I'll keep an eye out for sales! Might try to nab a spare monitor if it's still available to make it easier to hold off

    EDIT: Just reread a comment, are there issues with IPS comments for games, like lag? I forgot to mention that this would be a big factor for me.

    • djkelly69 on 29/10/2018 - 08:52

      TN are known to have the least lag, but the trade off is worse viewing angles and less picture quality.

      • HenSim on 29/10/2018 - 09:47

        Good to know, TN may have to be the go. Just got to make sure that it's a supplier that's easy to return to.

    • Smashed Avo on 29/10/2018 - 12:09

      In the short term, is it noticeable to turn down the resolution on those to 1080p for games that need it?

      It is noticeable, you're better off playing around with the settings until you can get an acceptable framerate. Lowering the details will be less noticeable than dropping to a lower, non-native resolution.

      EDIT: Just reread a comment, are there issues with IPS comments for games, like lag? I forgot to mention that this would be a big factor for me.

      Response time used to matter when early IPS monitors had like 50ms response times, at that time yes you needed a TN panel for competitive gaming (TN panels were listed at 15-16ms at the time, for comparison's sake). Now you'd be hard pressed to find a monitor above 8-10ms whether IPS or TN - 1ms for TN and 5ms for IPS for high quality gaming panels is the benchmark - but somehow the "IPS is no good for gaming" myth still gets tossed around by a few people out of the loop. If you buy a TN panel and then see an IPS panel you will actually shed a tear.

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