I'm aware that there really are a gazillion forum topics here and other places with similar things, but all of them are either old or not quite the same in my mind as my scenario, so here goes…
For some reason I decided to pick up the 3080 R12 deal. I have always enjoyed games but never really thought of myself as a "gamer". I decided to upgrade my current computer just because, and as much as I can gather, the 3080 is quite a good and should last me quite a few years. What I didn't think about at the time is monitors, but upon research, my two 24" 60Hz 1080p things I have at the moment will not display anything better than what I currently get at the moment so therefore the upgrade would be for nothing.
So the research started. I have always seen the Xiaomi 34" curved monitors come up here and they seem to fit the bill due to them being 144Hz. But then the other half of my brain says that if I have this GPU, I should go 4K to make the most of the card and futureproof me. I then get drawn into the seemingly never-ending discussion of response times, pixel density, productivity, etc.
Additional information regarding what I use computer for, which may or may not be of use…
- Not a game, but I do use my computer a lot for work outside of my work hours (PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, Teams, etc).
- The main game I play is Overwatch because they are nice quick matches which don't take long to get into with little commitment; this fits with my unpredictable lifestyle with a baby.
- I played ESO for maybe 2 years but deleted it maybe a year ago and don't regret it.
- RDR2 I played for a few months a while back, enjoyed, but then couldn't really see the long-term progress (kept thinking about the number of hours I spent for a satchel that I would never really use…)
- If it's not Overwatch, at the moment it's GTA Online, not because I particularly like it, but it's just something different.
- Battlefield 5 on the odd occasion. Been a massive Battlefield fan from console days so I just enjoy it.
- I love the idea about flying anywhere in the world with Flight Simulator, so thinking about picking this up in the future.
Ultimately, is it a waste to have a 3080 and not have 4k? Realistically, I am not going to prioritise upgrading this monitor so it's going to last me for as long as the computer does. As I really didn't factor this cost in, let's say I want to spend ABSOLUTELY max of $600, however I am happy to wait a month or two if the screen has a history of going on sale.
You play FPS, so frame rate is more important that resolution (or brand).
You can get 34" 144Hz UW QHD by the usual brands during sales for that money. If you want to save $20 and go AOC, they have been around for over a decade now so I wouldn't really call them a lesser brand, just one that hardly markets.
If it is a good idea depends on if overwatch extends or contracts the FOV of UW screens. If they extend, it is a no brainer. If they contract, a 4k 27" might give you a slight competitive advantage.