Monitor recommendations. What's good?

Thanks guys. I'm tempted... Need to figure out if I have enough desk space

Arise monitor thread.

I have a 980ti inbound from ThinJ today, which will be replacing a GTX 660ti. Quite the leap, and one I'm hoping to use with VR at Christmas, but in the meantime I should probably upgrade my ancient 20" Dell Ultrasharp, since I'm not even gaming at 1080p.

What would be the hive mind's recommendation considering that my desk space could most easily accommodate a 24" monitor, with the outside chance that I could squeeze in a 27" and I would like to keep my budget under 300.

From my research, I think I want to go with a 144hz 24" monitor as I'm not seeing many/any 27" 1440p close to my max budget.

In a related question, is there a consensus on what is more enjoyable, 144hz at 1080p or 60hz at 1440p?

I'm aware that 1440p 144hz monitors are out there and are drool worthy, but way too pricey for me.

I would check out the 27" 1440P Perfect Pixel monitors at Newegg. You can get a good value for your money.

Hmm, looks like there is a whole world of off brand Samsung panels, which may or may not be overclockable.

Since I mostly play MMOs including PvP, how noticeable would a high MHz panel be versus higher resolution?

It will probably be a few weeks before I pull the trigger on something. I'm intrigued by a monitor from something called Pixio that is available for 250 at both Newegg and Amazon but it looks like it just launched and I can't find any reviews of it.

I've been extremely happy with my Acer XB270HU, which I believe is available in both 24" and 27" varieties (that, or its successor). I'd recommend making sure that whatever monitor you get can make use of G-Sync and a 144Hz screen is very nice indeed.

Coldstream wrote:

I've been extremely happy with my Acer XB270HU, which I believe is available in both 24" and 27" varieties (that, or its successor). I'd recommend making sure that whatever monitor you get can make use of G-Sync and a 144Hz screen is very nice indeed.

He said under $300.

Tyops wrote:
Coldstream wrote:

I've been extremely happy with my Acer XB270HU, which I believe is available in both 24" and 27" varieties (that, or its successor). I'd recommend making sure that whatever monitor you get can make use of G-Sync and a 144Hz screen is very nice indeed.

He said under $300.

Ah, I missed that fine detail. Although, honestly, if you're trying to match a monitor with a powerhouse graphics card, it's probably worth sticking with the old monitor for a while longer and saving up for a really nice one. I regard monitors as long-term investments that outlive most other components, so it's really worth trying to get the best possible quality so you end up getting the most value for your dollars.

Coldstream wrote:
Tyops wrote:
Coldstream wrote:

I've been extremely happy with my Acer XB270HU, which I believe is available in both 24" and 27" varieties (that, or its successor). I'd recommend making sure that whatever monitor you get can make use of G-Sync and a 144Hz screen is very nice indeed.

He said under $300.

Ah, I missed that fine detail. Although, honestly, if you're trying to match a monitor with a powerhouse graphics card, it's probably worth sticking with the old monitor for a while longer and saving up for a really nice one. I regard monitors as long-term investments that outlive most other components, so it's really worth trying to get the best possible quality so you end up getting the most value for your dollars.

I dont disagree with that, I think I had my previous monitors for at least 10 years (also recently got an XB270HU).

If you're looking for an interim step, the ACER 1080p IPS monitors will run you < $200 and they seem pretty liked.

So I found a review of the Pixio 27" 144hz on youtube:

It's a Freesync, which I know doesn't work with Nvidia cards, but the 144hz should still apply, yes?

For $380, seems like pretty good bang for the buck.

As I mentioned earlier, will take a bit to save up. Will report back once I pull the trigger on something.

I really like my new Dell S2716g Gsync monitor. It's not IPS panel but I really can't tell. Much cheaper too. I got it for $460 at Newegg on sale.

What do you guys think of multiple monitors for gaming? I currently use a 32 inch tv for PC gaming. I Also have a 20 something inch dell that is over 15 years old but I don't use it for gaming.

I'm thinking of replacing the dell, which is bleeding to death, with multiple monitors and using the tv only for tv. I can currently drive 3 monitors at once but I'm not sure if that is overkill.

Things I worry about is if I play games will the edges of the monitor annoy me. This might be a bigger issue with two monitors. I'm thinking with 3 the screen can be centered on the center monitor.

I'm waffling like a crazyman!

OK, So the amount of $$ I have available to me isn't going to buy me that sweet G-Sync ultra-wide or the 1080TI.
SOOO, I have about $1000 CAD to spend and want to update my monitor from the LG 34UM67. Note I am using a MSI GTX1070.

I can either opt for the adaptive-sync Acer XR342CK (https://www.amazon.ca/Acer-XR342CK-3...) at x1440 75hz

OR drop out of the Ultrawide world and go Predator 27 inch G-Sync 1440 If I act NOW I can get the 4K model for $1090 (https://www.amazon.ca/gp/offer-listi...)

I just can't decide. I've loved that ultrawide so much. Going back to a 27 in screen would feel like a step back.

What is the collective GWJer thought? I suppose it's possible that black-friday sales may get me the ultrawide option so maybe I'll wait to see what the sales bring.

Didn't knew there was a separate monitor thread. Just following for now. Going to look at a new monitor sometime early next year.

Arent you still better off with a 1440p monitor if you have a 1070?

Tyops wrote:

Arent you still better off with a 1440p monitor if you have a 1070?

do you mean as opposed to going to the 4K? Probably. I think I'd need to get the 1080 or TI model to go 4K.

So I know it's all personal preference, and as I said, I'd hate to lose my ultrawide format. I'm heavily leaning towards the non-G-Sync monitor. From what I've read, the Fastsync setting that NVidia uses with Pascal cards (my 1070) is quite good, as long as the FPS is higher than my Hz.

Anyone know for sure?

RoughneckGeek wrote:

Maybe a stupid question, but if you already have experience with the Ultrawide format and love it, why not get the G-sync Acer?

I ultimately switched to an AMD card when I upgraded because I have the Freesync version of that monitor.

I would do that in a heartbeat but in Canadian dollars I'd ad another 3-400 to that price. It's beyond my means at the moment. I suppose if I try to save but money burns a hole in my pocket and the $1000 I have now would likely dwindle away before I save another $300.

Sigh.

groan wrote:
Tyops wrote:

Arent you still better off with a 1440p monitor if you have a 1070?

do you mean as opposed to going to the 4K? Probably. I think I'd need to get the 1080 or TI model to go 4K.

So I know it's all personal preference, and as I said, I'd hate to lose my ultrawide format. I'm heavily leaning towards the non-G-Sync monitor. From what I've read, the Fastsync setting that NVidia uses with Pascal cards (my 1070) is quite good, as long as the FPS is higher than my Hz.

Anyone know for sure?

FastSync really requires you to be *way* over your monitor refresh rate to be effective. If you're only slightly over - or worse, under - it can introduce tons of microstutter. You need to pump a lot of frames through it for the frame dropping that it does to not cause visible stutters. Your 1070 is not going to get you there at 1440p except on not-very-demanding titles.

If it were me, I would go with one of these:

Door #1: Abandon the ultrawide format, buy a top tier 1440p G-Sync monitor (the Predator, or the ViewSonic XG2703 that I myself bought). Add a second crap display to my desk for multi-monitor usage if I miss the extra display space for non-gaming use.

Door #2: Buy the FreeSync ultrawide, sell the 1070, buy a Vega 56 (or Vega 64) using the money from the 1070 sale.

Door #3: Buckle down, save money, buy the G-Sync ultrawide.

Thanks Legion.
I'm too in love with NVidia to sell it, so I can't do #2

I'll consider the #1 and #3 but damn, i'm impatient!

Another thing for you to consider: buying refurbished. These high-end monitors are being sold refurbished extremely often, and you can typically pick one up with a return period that allows you to try it, and send it back if it's not a keeper.

I did this twice during my latest monitor upgrade. I picked up a Dell 27" G-Sync 1440p TN panel refurb, and hated the pixel inversion. Sent it back, then picked up my Viewsonic as a refurb. The Viewsonic was great, and so I kept it.

One thing with all of these displays is that every display panel technology has flaws. It's a matter of choosing which flaws you can live with and which you can't. For some people, IPS glow is a deal-breaker, and for others (me included), it's one of the least of all the evils. So people from the second group get to feast on the refurbished sales of panels that the first group bought new and returned.

This is probably a little easier to swing in the US than in Canada because of availability and shipping and all, but it's something to consider.

Thanks again,
I'm keeping my eyes open for that option.

Incidentally, I already do use 2 smaller (19 inch) monitors on either side, as "offline" monitors. I use them for keyboard layout and joystick button assignment diagrams, or other guides that I need for whatever game I'm playing.

groan wrote:

I would do that in a heartbeat but in Canadian dollars I'd ad another 3-400 to that price. It's beyond my means at the moment. I suppose if I try to save but money burns a hole in my pocket and the $1000 I have now would likely dwindle away before I save another $300.

Sigh.

I'd suggest physically taking the money and stashing it somewhere, if it's really that much of an issue. Or open a savings account and stick it there. Whatever other toys you want, just tell yourself they're not as important as the monitor you really want, and be strong. Just keep salting away a little bit each week. Even if it's only $25/week, you'll still be able to afford it by February or so.... and it will likely be cheaper by then.

You could also save a little bit more and target buying it in early January, when it's likely to be on sale.

Me, I wouldn't want to give up ultrawide either. And a 1070 won't drive 4K at all well, so you'd be kinda screwing yourself two ways at once.... killing your field of view AND your framerate.

edit: and then once you've got the habit of saving $25/week or whatever, continue doing that! That is a truly excellent habit to have.

Thanks Malor,
I'll do that. Or I'll put it on credit and pay it back later!

Holyu Crapoly! Look at this
http://www.canadacomputers.com/produ...

AOG with G-Sync for about $1000. 35 inch curved.
Rates well
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/aoc...
And they have it as being rated at a much higher price.

YOINK

Personally I would wait until 2018 for the new AOC panels that have HDR and 144hz

https://www.pcgamesn.com/nvidia/4k-g...

Yep, its something like that I am holding out for. Except the 4K, wont realistically be able to drive it anyway.

TheGameguru wrote:

Personally I would wait until 2018 for the new AOC panels that have HDR and 144hz

https://www.pcgamesn.com/nvidia/4k-g...

Thanks GG,
I would but I don't foresee having this money in 2018 as no doubt something will come up that I will need to spend it before I can buy the monitor. Besides, The price at Canada Computers for this particular model is $400 cheaper than ANYONE else is selling it for. I don't get it. I've looked all over to make sure it's the same model and it is. Has everythign I am looking for at a price I can afford now and according to all teh reviews, rates up there with the Acer and ASUS. Besides the 2018 HD displays will probably be a lot more expensive.

Display Size 35"
Resolution 3440x1440
G-Sync

Anyways, I have it on hold and will have it at home tomorrow night (damn late shift today). I'll report back with my own review.

And at least that panel has a 100hz refresh rate. I could never go back to a 60hz panel. My monitor now is 165hz, but the jump from 60hz up to 90-100hz is really the biggest jump. The upgrades are smaller after that.

HDR I'm still pretty skeptical about until I see implementations prove out that don't introduce latency. Doing that at 60hz is one thing, doing it at 165hz when the frame times are almost 1/3rd as long... we'll see.

I was playing Shadow of War this mornign, after enabling Fast Sync on my nvidia control panel and I was getting 100 FPS consistently! This is at 75 hz (overclocked from 60). I was amazed. I'm still looking forward to the 1440 on the new one. Is it tomorrow night yet?

*Legion* wrote:

And at least that panel has a 100hz refresh rate. I could never go back to a 60hz panel. My monitor now is 165hz, but the jump from 60hz up to 90-100hz is really the biggest jump. The upgrades are smaller after that.

HDR I'm still pretty skeptical about until I see implementations prove out that don't introduce latency. Doing that at 60hz is one thing, doing it at 165hz when the frame times are almost 1/3rd as long... we'll see.

Personally I'm all about Picture Quality.. so I going to wait until OLED or Micro LED Monitors with variable refresh rate exists.. oh also in 43" Size.

Waiting for OLED was my original plan, but not sure OLED will ever really arrive in monitors anymore :/
So think I'll settle for an OLED tv + a decent monitor instead.
Got the impression that TVs were starting to get reasonably low latency with HDR though?