Looking for Gaming Monitor Advice

NSM1986 on 25/05/2025 - 13:51
Last edited 25/05/2025 - 14:35 by 1 other user

Hi Guys, just received my 5080 Gaming PC and I think it’s time for a more appropriate monitor.

I have a Xiaomi gaming monitor but it’s a good few years old now and not sure it will cut it.

I am happy to spend between $1000-$1500. Maybe $2k if it’s going to last.

I am looking for some advice. It all gets lost on me a little. I know I need a good refresh rate but I am looking for at least a 34 inch curved screen.

Where I get stuck is with the resolution and g-sync etc. I like the Alienware AW3425DW 34" WQHD QD-OLED 240Hz Curved Gaming Monitor but worry that it’s not 4K and maybe there is better for the money.

Any advice would be amazing just to give me a few ideas of which 2 or 3 monitors might suit me.

Will only be used for gaming.

Computing Gaming Monitor Monitor

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 25/05/2025 - 14:47
    +5

    34 inch curved display means it is going to be a WQHD (3440 x 1440p) resolution, there isn't any Ultra-widescreen OLED monitor in the 34" inch size that offers higher than 3440 x 1440p currently. The next step up in both screen size and resolution is the LG 45GX950A which is a 5k2k monitor at $2799

    If you want a 4K (2160P) OLED you will be looking at a 32" OLED, these won't be ultrawide, just 16:9 ratio.

    There's the MSI MPG 341CQPX which sells for $1549, extremely similar to the Alienware but it has the benefit of USB-C connectivity with 98w charging.

    • NSM1986 on 25/05/2025 - 15:25

      Thanks mate. What’s the pros and cons of different aspect ratios? Is 16:9 generally ok? I am not bothered about it being ultra wide wide.

      I love the look of that LG but probably a little pricey for me.

      The MSI looks good but do they make good monitors compared to Alienware ?

      • scrimshaw on 25/05/2025 - 16:02

        With a 21:9 aspect ratio, these monitors provides about one-third more horizontal screen space compared to a 16:9 monitor of similar vertical height

        https://www.reddit.com/r/ultrawidemasterrace/comments/158jm6…

        If you were using the Xiaomi Curved 34" 1440p gaming LCD that was popular years ago, that is an example of a 21:9 ultrawide. 1440p refers to the vertical pixel count.

        To address your resolution worry-

        a 32" OLED with a 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) is 16:9 ratio, which is the standard aspect ratio for monitors and TV's. 2160p has higher pixel density than 1440p so images looks sharper when you're comparing monitors of the same relative size.

        On the other hand, an ultrawide monitor 21:9 monitor at 1440p will look slightly more pixelated close-up due to lower pixel density, but it'll give you a wider field of view (more immersive) as the display will take up the vast majority of your peripheral vision.

        Both MSI and Dell Alienware don't actually produce OLED monitors — they only make the chassis and controller boards for the panel, but that OLED panel is actually made by one of the 2 giant korean OLED manufacturers (Samsung & LG). There are other smaller chinese OLED producers but Samsung and LG make the vast majority of OLEDs, especially curved ones.

  • 7ekn00 on 25/05/2025 - 15:52

    Kogan 48in OLED, it's damn good with a 144Hz refresh !

    (Similar width to a 34in Ultrawide, just much better height)

  • jk82 on 26/05/2025 - 13:07

    I've got a 9800x3d + RTX4080 paired with a 34" ultrawide (3440x1440) OLED 175hz monitor and I reckon it's the sweet spot. For AAA single player games you can max out the settings and with dlss and frame gen still punch well above 120fps. With tweaked settings even hit that 175 mark.

    If you go 4K with that 5080, unless you dial the settings down, or play competitive games, you won't be going near 240hz anyway.

    So it depends what you're after really, whether you prioritize max fidelity, or buttery smooth motion, but my recommendations would be obvs the 34" UW as I love it, but if you want something bigger maybe the LG C4 (yes it's a tv, but it's also a great monitor). Either way, do some serious research into it. And whatever you do… go OLED 100%

    • NSM1986 on 26/05/2025 - 16:55

      Can I ask which brand and model you went with. I am mainly doing single player and the sweet spot you found seems like what I am chasing.

      • jk82 on 26/05/2025 - 19:32

        I got the Alienware AW3423DW but I’ve had it for over 2 years now, and there weren’t any competitors at the time as it was the first OLED monitor. Not that I’m unhappy with it by any stretch, it’s absolutely amazing. But I’ve heard newer gen panels are better, so definitely worth doing your research if you’re dropping ~$2k on it. Make sure you’ll be happy for years to come.

        • NSM1986 on 26/05/2025 - 19:39

          Thanks mate. What would you get if you were buying now?

          • jk82 on 27/05/2025 - 17:01

            @NSM1986: Not sure, I haven't been paying close enough attention.

  • HereYeeHereYee on 28/05/2025 - 12:29

    sub this thread! Have an almost identical spec for my new gaming pc, and looking for a new monitor - let me know how you go mate with your selection!

    • jk82 on 28/05/2025 - 13:54
      +2

      @HereYeeHereYee @NSM1986
      check out Optimum tech on youtube, he's right into high end, and has reviewed quite a few OLED's over the years. From what I gather he plays competitive overwatch so his priority is low res high refresh, but that doesn't mean he disregards other features. Worth checking out

      https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLv8HwYhBwOOrgOHlAr4Hv…

      @NSM1986 to answer your question above; this LG 45" 5K2K is probably what I'd get if I were to get one now haha. Although it's $3.5k lol, and even a 5090 would struggle to pump the latest AAA's at max settings, high frame rates

      https://www.lg.com/au/monitors/ultragear-gaming/45gx950a-b-a…

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