Buying advice: New display

[drzeto]

Hi, I’m looking for a new display that will replace my current HP LP2465.

I want it to be bigger, be an IPS or PLS panel, non PWM and flicker free.

I’m not a hardcore gamer, but I do play games, and I enjoy ultra or high graphics quality. I rarely play fps intense games, but I hate lag in any games I play.

I also work a lot with photo and video editing (sRGB is sufficient). And of course the normal surfing, emailing, watching youtube and movies and word processing tasks.

I have a Core i7-4770K processor, and a Asus Nvidia GTX 780 DC2OC graphics card.

I’m looking at two possible variants:

1. 27” 2560x1440, WQHD
2. 32” 3840 x 2160, UHD 4K

Then there is the question about 144 Hz or 60 Hz. My current HP display is 60 Hz and I find everything working very smooth, nothing that bothers me. I’ve never experienced a 144 Hz display, so I’m wondering whether it’s worthwhile for me to get a 144 Hz display? Considering my graphics card might struggle.

Note that I use my displays for a very long time. I’ve used my HP for over 10 years now, and want the new monitor to last just as long. So I’m looking for a fairly future proof monitor with great quality. I change my computer almost every 3 years, but my display I want to keep for a lot longer before I buy a new one.

So the question is, do I get a 27” display where there is a lot of features to choose from, like 144 Hz, G-Sync and so on (like the Acer Predator XB270HU). Or do I go with a 32” 4k display (like the Acer 32" B326HK)? Or do I wait a bit longer?

 

[geok1ng]

choose here:
http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/articles/flicker_free_database.htm

 

[drzeto]

choose here:
http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/articles/flicker_free_database.htm

Thanks for your reply. I've browsed TFT Central many hours reading up on different displays. But my question was more a wish for good advice regarding 27" or 32", what's the best way to go regarding resolution vs refresh rate and other features like G-sync, or should I wait for freesync and so on. Fell free to share your thoughts and advice

 

[jamsomito]

I just went through this same decision. What's your budget? That was the deciding factor for me. The cheapest, best, all-around monitor I could find is the ASUS PB278Q - IPS equivalent 2560x1440 @ 60Hz, currently on sale for $415 at Amazon.

If you want IPS, you won't get 144Hz. Also, IPS is about equivalent to PLS and AHVA (not to be confused with VA, which is a compromise between IPS and TN on the quality scale). TN panels are fast, and just about any 120Hz or 144Hz panel will use them and you will see the color shift at off angles. If you want IPS (or PLS/AHVA), you're going to be stuck with 60Hz (or have to find one that overclocks higher). I'm the same as you though, never used a 144Hz panel and been fine with 60Hz my whole life, so it wasn't really an issue. I wanted the better picture quality of IPS.

I chose 2560x1440 over 4k. IMHO, 4k is still an emerging technology. Either you will pay through the teeth for one, or they're all TN panels. If color reproduction or image quality are your top concerns, 4k isn't really quite there yet. Also, scaling isn't quite there yet. I didn't want a crazy high pixel density - I want to sit a decent distance away from the monitor. Plus, my GPU would never run it, and I can't afford another GPU at the moment. This way too, I won't need the most expensive card to run my system. It's just more practical all-around. Still looks great though at a higher res than 1080.

Here's where you should look. NCX frequents our forum here too, and IMO doesn't get enough credit for what he does. There are excellent summaries in these threads, and even some great videos for the more detail-oriented type, considering all options.

All monitor size summaries (click the spoilers): http://wecravegamestoo.com/forums/m...t-questions-here-send-me-private-message.html
2560x1440 monitors: http://wecravegamestoo.com/forums/m...best-27-2560x1440p-monitors-ahva-ips-pls.html
Video for best 2560x1440 monitors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pe0yCsLeWo