Monitor buying guide (mega-thread)

Since Nvidia started supporting FreeSync, obsessing over specific numbers for G-Sync feels like splitting hairs—the underlying principle is basically identical now.

There was also that 27-inch Samsung model going for about $800, but it looks like they've already cleared out their stock.

Timothy Kim60 said:Ever since Nvidia started supporting FreeSync, there’s really no point in paying an arm and a leg for G-Sync. It’s basically the same thing now.

https://www.bestbuy.com/mo...m_medium=click

I think there was some 27" Samsung model for about $800 but it looks like it sold out fast.

Man, I had no idea about the FreeSync thing. Thanks for the heads up!

So, I'm reading that this HP isn't "officially" supported for FreeSync? Is that actually going to be an issue?

If I’m following the earlier threads correctly—the issue only crops up if you're running an Nvidia card instead of using a DisplayPort connection.

bluemason3 said:If I'm reading the earlier threads correctly—the issue only pops up if you're running Nvidia and not using DisplayPort.

Alright, then I should be fine since I'm on DP 1.2.

I did read somewhere that those unsupported G-Sync compatible monitors can act a bit weird sometimes.

Nvidia doesn't have any unsupported FreeSync monitors out there, provided you aren't using a model without a DisplayPort.

I'm looking for a monitor—or maybe two—for some amateur coding and sys-admin tasks. A few YouTube videos here and there, plus some AutoCAD/ElectroCAD every once in a while... zero gaming involved.
Right now, I've been eyeing the Dell U2419H, with plans to grab a second one later.
My requirements: nothing with a TN panel—I really need those deep blacks for my terminal—and nothing glossy. Size-wise, I'm not entirely sure... maybe 20 to 24 inches? FHD works fine for me; I don't think I need anything higher, though I wouldn't complain if it was better than the 2560x1600@60Hz limit on my ThinkPad T430s.
It's vital that it has a built-in power supply—I can't deal with those bulky external power bricks like you see on laptops.
My budget is roughly $667 per monitor, but I'm flexible. I looked at some of those massive, cheap ones too, but I'm not sure if they just aren't for me...
My desk is only about 24 inches deep, and my eyesight isn't exactly perfect.

Does anyone have recommendations for a monitor that's easier on the eyes? I've heard some Dell models have decent PWM management to prevent flickering.
Then again... I don't know how much it actually matters when I'll be spending 8 hours a day at work staring at some bottom-of-the-barrel, dirt-cheap monitor anyway...😁

Hey there!

I'm looking to pick up a 27" IPS monitor for around $833. It definitely needs to be VESA compatible since I’ll be using it for web design and photo editing.

Right now, my top pick is the Asus PB278QR.
Do you think it'll run smoothly, seeing as it's 1440p and I'm rocking a GTX 1060 3GB?

Any other solid recommendations?

Thanks!

Mark Wright69 said:I'm hunting for a monitor (or monitors) for some amateur programming and sys-admin stuff. A little YouTube here and there, plus the occasional AutoCAD/ElectroCAD session every third year. Zero gaming involved.
Right now, I've got my sights set on a Dell U2419H, maybe adding a second one later.
Specs—non-TN (I need those deep blacks in my terminal), non-glossy, size is TBD—maybe 20-24"? FHD works fine for me; don't think I need more, but I won't complain if I find something better (as long as it's at least 2560x1600@60Hz, which is the max for my ThinkPad T430s).
Must have an internal power supply. I am not dealing with some bulky power brick mess like you get with laptops.
Budget is roughly $667 per monitor, but I can budge. I peeked at some of those massive, cheap junk models, but I'm not sure if they're bad for me or just bad design.
My desk is only about 24 inches deep, and my eyesight isn't exactly top-tier.

Any recommendations on which monitors are actually "healthy" for your eyes? I heard some Dell models have decent PWM management so they don't flicker.
Then again... who knows how much that matters when I'll be spending 8 hours a day at work staring at some bottom-of-the-barrel garbage monitor anyway. 😁

I'm running a Phillips 272b8qjeb$603 at my office in San Diego.
https://www.nabava.net/monitori/phil...-16-9-64723051

Works perfectly fine on my T410 via DisplayPort.

I’ve got this Dell E2214H that I picked up from Best Buy back in elipsa 2014, which basically means the warranty expired a lifetime ago, and then last summer this weird white glow started appearing in the bottom right corner,
it only shows up after the monitor has been running for about half an hour; when I first turn it on, it looks perfectly fine, so I'm pretty sure it isn't an issue with my graphics card, since I just installed a brand new Radeon that hasn't even been running for
three weeks yet... it seems like a hardware issue with the monitor itself, though I honestly can't decide if it's even worth dragging it to a repair shop, especially since I'm out in San Diego where a repair would probably end up costing as much as a brand new unit.

Since money is a bit tight right now—I've still got to pay off the graphics card and everything—I've been scouting around for some decent used options,
and while I know buying something new and higher quality is the smarter move, this white shadow is driving me absolutely crazy -.- , so I figured I might just grab something used now, and then one day when I can afford a real upgrade, I'll just keep this one as a
backup or maybe give it to a friend.

I was specifically looking at listings in the San Diego area so I could actually go test them out in person immediately.

There's this company called Intel Engineering that sells refurbished gear, and they actually provide a warranty too.

It really just depends on how much wear and tear the units have; I could probably just shell out another 200 bucks $100 and pick up a brand new monitor that's identical to my current Dell, even if it isn't that specific brand, because I've
never dealt with anything like this on my older monitors, even when they were twice as old as this one.

https://postimg.cc/2bx0ktKL this white spot hasn't spread at all over the last year, but it's still incredibly distracting during games or movies, even if it isn't a total disaster.

Once I'm done with this used setup for $167, I think I'd really regret not picking up a brand-new AMVA model for $250... Luckily, they have a massive selection available.

I'm torn between the
Samsung LS24F350HHUX 23.5 in and the
AOC 24V2Q—it's an IPS, 23.8", 75Hz, 5ms, 250cd/m2 monitor
Mostly just for office work, browsing, photos, and YouTube

Which one would you guys go with?

AOC

Timothy Kim60 said:an AOC

Thanks. 😎

Looking for some advice on a new monitor, budget is roughly $333! I'm thinking somewhere in the 22 to 23 inch range... I don't really play games, so I just need decent picture quality and something reliable that won't die on me in a year or two. 🙂

Nicole Harris87 said:I am looking for some recommendations for a new monitor, budget is around $333! Ideally somewhere in the 22 to 23 inch range... I don't play any games; I just need decent image quality and something that won't break down immediately.🙂

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/lg-monitor-24m...roizvod/221467

Picked this one up about a month ago. Extremely satisfied with it.

Thanks, really appreciate it!

I could use some help picking out a monitor. I've finally settled on 1440p resolution.

I’ve pretty much sketched out my dream build—Team Red all the way—but now I’m stuck deciding on a FreeSync monitor.

I’m looking at hitting maybe 60-90 FPS on AAA titles, though I want to push 90+ on other stuff, so I definitely need a 144Hz panel with FreeSync support.

Right now, I'm torn between two IPS models: the Giga Aorus Ad27q9 (which looks decent at Best Buy) and the LG 27 gl850.

TN is a hard pass for me, and from what I’ve read, VA panels are way too slow compared to IPS.

1) Just how much slower are VA panels than IPS when it comes to response times? Most of my time goes into Assassin's Creed or Total War, but I also dabble in shooters like Insurgency: Sandstorm and I'm planning to jump into the new COD. Is playing something fast-paced like COD basically impossible on a VA due to motion blur, or is it more about just being at a disadvantage against players with better gear?

2) Has anyone actually picked up the LG 27 gl850? What’s the verdict? Also, can anyone tell me if it's easy to find in a store around Washington, D.C. and what kind of price tag we're looking at?

3) For the folks who actually follow the monitor market closely.

In a perfect world, how many years should I expect this thing to last before I'm staring down the barrel of needing a serious upgrade? I mean, how long until the market spits out something that makes something like the Aorus look like a relic? High-end 144Hz IPS monitors aren't cheap; nearly a third of my budget is being eaten by the display (the Aorus is roughly $1500). I get the feeling that monitor tech moves at a snail's pace and they don't drop new models nearly as often as everything else. Am I right about that?

PS. I'm not local; I'm planning to pull the trigger on a whole new rig plus the monitor in Washington, D.C. The PC is going to Best Buy, but where I grab the monitor depends entirely on which model wins out and what the warranty situation looks like.

Thanks and cheers, 🙂

1. Look, VA panels do have a bit more input lag, but that’s usually just an issue with the bottom-tier budget models. We're talking maybe 1 or 2 milliseconds—honestly, you aren't going to feel that. Sure, if you're playing against pros on 144Hz or 240Hz TN panels, they might have a tiny edge, but unless you're competing at a professional level, you won't notice. Actually, even then, I doubt it.

2. I haven't had the chance to get my hands on it and test it out myself. I've watched a few reviews, and it seems decent enough, but nothing to write home about. Some people are complaining that the screen is way too glossy for their liking. It's retailing for $1700 here in the States, while it's sitting at $1333 on Amazon.

3. Right now, 1080p is pretty much the standard. I'd bet more than half of gamers are still running at that resolution. Once entry-level or mid-range GPUs can comfortably push 1440p at high frame rates, that's when 1440p will officially become the mainstream sweet spot. That'll probably take at least another 2 or 3 years. Plus, there are always new display techs popping up. Basically, if you grab a 1440p 144Hz monitor, you'll likely be set for a long, long time.

My suggestion: https://www.amazon.de/MSI-WQHD-Optix.../dp/B07MW4RZGS
It goes for about $350 on Amazon. (Keep an eye out for Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals, though). It's a killer gaming monitor. Take whatever cash you save and dump it into a beefier PC build instead.

Does anyone happen to know when that Samsung 24G2U 144 Hz monitor first hit the market?

I just spotted a deal on $477, but I'm wondering—is it actually worth holding out for something better once Black Friday rolls around?