Monitor buying guide (mega-thread)

Only the high-end monitors actually feature G-Sync 😁

This one would be the most budget-friendly option. It boasts a 1ms response time, though that's more of a marketing gimmick than a real necessity, and it packs a 144Hz refresh rate, which is the gold standard for competitive gaming

Yeah, I think I caught a glimpse of that correlation between G-Sync and the price tag while I was scrolling through some stuff earlier.

But honestly, I’m still scratching my head over whether it’s actually a necessity or just one of those "nice to have" things—like, is it really essential to pair G-Sync with NVIDIA hardware and then just settle for AMD FreeSync when you're running an AMD setup? What does that even look like in the real world? Give me the actual practical effect here.

Think of it as automatically syncing the game's frame rate with your monitor's refresh rate. The end result? You won't deal with screen tearing, micro-stuttering, or those annoying visual glitches. It works similarly to V-Sync—that setting you find in almost every game menu—which locks the FPS to a specific value to eliminate tearing.

If we weren't talking about G-Sync, these would be perfectly fine options.

https://www.newegg.com/p/gaming/119762?

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ED273Awidpx

Let’s lay this out clearly based on what I'm seeing in this link here:
https://www.rtings.com/monitor/guide...s-gsync-nvidia

So, our card is just a 960M. Looking at the data in this table—and it's pretty straightforward—that card isn't going to do anything with FreeSync. It doesn't even matter what frequency range the monitor claims to support for FreeSync; it's irrelevant for us. Basically, if we go out and buy a FreeSync monitor, we’re getting the exact same experience as we would with any other "standard" monitor.
The only way we actually get true synchronization is if we shell out for a monitor with G-Sync.
Did I interpret that correctly, >?

True, but I wasn't actually recommending those upper-tier monitors because of AMD FreeSync—it was more about everything else, like getting away from those cheap TN panels for better color accuracy and hitting that 144Hz sweet spot. Unlike G-Sync, AMD FreeSync doesn't drive up the price tag, so it shouldn't be an issue for you. On the flip side, G-Sync requires a dedicated hardware module inside the monitor and extra design tweaks from the manufacturer, which is exactly why you see such a massive jump in cost.

Hmm... Let's say you've already got an NVIDIA card sitting in your rig. If you were picking out a new monitor, would you prioritize an IPS panel, or would you care more about having sync tech even if it means sticking with a TN panel?
Personally, I think most people will jump on G-Sync even if they have to settle for a TN. Besides, from what I can tell, Tim Cook types—well, the usual crowd—actually prefer them because the response times are faster.

Maybe something like this?

https://www.nabava.net/monitori__90/...-led__25385251

http://ap.benq.com/product/monitor/XL2420G/features/

Hey everyone! I just stumbled upon this thread, so I probably shouldn't have started a whole new one... feel free to ban me, oh mighty moderators! 🤦

Anyway,
can anyone recommend a good monitor?

Right now, I'm working with an iMac 21.5 and a small MacBook Pro 13 that I’ll likely swap out for a 14" soon. I do graphic design for a living. Honestly, I am completely lost when it comes to the world of PC users—I have no clue what specs I should even be looking for!
The size of my iMac is perfect for my workflow; even the larger models aren't bad, but massive monitors sometimes give me a headache. 😛
I'd love an extra monitor to use occasionally when I visit my parents. Since I usually just bring my MacBook along, it would be great to plug into a slightly larger screen for more intensive projects.

My biggest priority is color accuracy—I need colors that look true to life. My Mac handles this beautifully, but I often see PC monitors with totally garish, unrealistic colors. Is there a way to verify color quality in the technical specs?

It doesn't need to be top-of-the-line perfection since I'll only be using it once in a while. It's decent quality, the colors look good, and the price is just right, isn't it?

velvetskipper8 said:So, let's say you already have an Nvidia card sitting in your rig. If you were shopping for a new monitor right now, which would take priority for you: having an IPS panel for those better colors, or having sync capabilities to match a TN panel?
I honestly think we’re going to end up pulling the trigger on G-Sync, even if we have to stick with a TN panel. From what I can tell, Tim Cook's hardware actually offers much faster response times anyway.

Maybe something like this?
I’ve been looking into this monitor, and honestly, it’s a solid choice if you need something versatile for your workspace. It features a pivot function, which is a total game-changer if you’re someone who spends all day scrolling through long documents or coding—being able to flip that screen vertically makes a massive difference in productivity. It’s got a clean, professional look that fits right in at an office in Chicago or a home setup in Austin. If you're hunting for a reliable display that doesn't break the bank but still offers that essential ergonomic flexibility, this is definitely worth adding to your shortlist.

https://www.nabava.net/monitori__90/...-led__25385251

Check out the feature list for the BenQ XL2420G here: http://ap.benq.com/product/monitor/XL2420G/features/

The Nvidia 940m is simply not built for gaming at 1440p resolution. Trying to push that much detail is a losing battle, and frankly, having a high refresh rate monitor becomes completely pointless when the hardware can't actually hit those frame rates. You’re better off sticking to a standard 1080p setup on a 24" screen.

Brenda Walker75 said:Hey everyone, I just stumbled upon this thread, so I think I might have unnecessarily started a whole new one... moderators, please feel free to punish me! 🤦

Basically,
Any recommendations for a new monitor?

I’m currently working with an iMac 21.5 and a small MacBook Air, though I’ll be upgrading that Air to a larger model very soon. My work revolves around graphic design, which means I need reliable gear. To be honest, I am completely lost when it comes to the world of PCs; I have no idea what specific monitor specs I should actually be looking for to get the job done.
The size of my iMac is actually perfect for my workflow. I don't mind using the larger models, but honestly, a massive monitor just gives me a headache. 😛
I’m thinking about picking up an extra monitor just for when I visit my parents. Since I usually only travel with my MacBook Air, having a larger screen to plug into would be a lifesaver whenever I need to tackle some heavy-duty work.

Color accuracy is my top priority—I need colors that actually look like they do in real life. While a Mac usually handles this beautifully, I frequently run into PCs where the colors feel completely blown out or totally unrealistic. Is there a specific way to verify color fidelity within the technical specifications?

So, we're looking at a 24-inch monitor—1080p resolution, IPS panel. It’s that awkward middle ground where the screen size feels either slightly too large or just a bit too small depending on your desk setup. Given that there aren't any massive "best buy" deals out there right now, how much would you all be willing to shell out? What's your budget looking like for something like this?

velvetskipper8 said:Hmm... Let's say you already have an Nvidia card in your rig. When buying a monitor, would you prioritize an IPS panel or sync compatibility with a TN panel?
I think we're leaning toward G-Sync even if it means sticking with TN. Besides, from what I can see, Tim Cook's guys offer faster response times too.

Maybe something like this?

https://www.nabava.net/monitori__90/...-led__25385251

http://ap.benq.com/product/monitor/XL2420G/features/

Personally, I’d pick an IPS panel over any sync tech—or maybe FreeSync, like Timothy Kim60 mentioned, since it doesn't hike the price and you won't really use it anyway. The laptop GPU isn't pushing anything faster than 60Hz regardless. You get better colors and decent viewing angles.
With TN panels, if you shift your head just a little, the colors distort. Viewing angles suck and everything looks washed out.

Response time only matters if you're playing competitively, where people actually make money.

Since this is just for a kid gaming casually at home, definitely go IPS. 😁

So it turns out he doesn't even need a new monitor after all. 😁 Not with that Dell U2312 sitting there.
Yesterday, I was actually digging through the Nvidia Control Panel because you have to manually enable G-Sync in there—which, naturally, I couldn't find—but I did manage to track down the card specs where it shows that 60 Hz limit. Look, when you're buying hardware, you really have to think ahead. That monitor is going to outlast his current laptop, and since his next graphics card will be much more demanding, it wouldn't hurt if the monitor was already one step ahead of the curve.
That said, anything over 24 inches is just unnecessary—honestly, it’s almost undesirable—because his desk space is so limited. In my opinion, 1440p on a 24-inch screen is overkill; he’ll probably start using it for things other than just gaming and downloading school readings, and the text would end up being way too tiny for everything else.
And here's where we hit the wall. There basically isn't a 24-inch monitor on the market that offers both an IPS panel and G-Sync. You don't see that combo until you jump up to 27 inches, and of course, those come with a hefty price tag.
Personally, I can't stand TN panels—I can't even remember the last time I used one. He might end up disappointed too, now that he's gotten used to the perks of IPS and takes them for granted because he hasn't experienced how bad the alternatives are.

Taking everything into account, I'm at a total loss. What's the move here? I've never actually seen him deal with horizontal lines, screen tearing, or stuttering while he's playing. I'll have a little chat with him to see what he actually thinks about his current setup.

As a Plan B, what's the landscape looking like for new IPS models in that size range? It should stay 16:9, I assume. Do any of them offer significant upgrades over that aging Dell? Maybe better blue light control, USB 3.0 ports, or just a superior panel quality overall?

Honestly, I don't see any point in buying a new 24" IPS monitor with just a 60Hz or 75Hz refresh rate if you're replacing what you already have.

From what I can gather, you're really looking for something with a high refresh rate and potentially G-Sync support. If you take those two requirements off the table, there's absolutely no reason for you to upgrade your monitor.

Your middle ground would be those two options I linked earlier. Since they aren't TN panels, you get a VA panel instead—which offers better colors and viewing angles than a TN, though it won't quite hit the levels of an IPS. On the flip side, VA panels actually provide better blacks and contrast than IPS does. They don't feature G-Sync or FreeSync, but as we discussed, that shouldn't be an issue, and it keeps them significantly more affordable than those TN models equipped with G-Sync.

Thanks a ton for helping me make sense of this whole mess. I’ve decided—I'm just going to let him keep using this monitor for as long as he's stuck with this current laptop.

Once it’s finally time to upgrade the laptop, we'll sit down and actually match up the specs of the new machine with whatever monitor he ends up getting.

Since I’m spending way more time glued to my laptop lately—coding, college work, spreadsheets, browsing, and the occasional movie—that 15.6" screen just isn't cutting it anymore. It's too small.
I don't play games, so I just need a decent monitor to hook up to my current setup (an Acer v3 574 g with an Nvidia 940m and an IPS Full HD screen).

From what I've gathered, a 24" IPS panel would be perfect for me. My budget is roughly around $333.
Here are a few links to what I've found on Amazon and Best Buy so far. I'd appreciate it if someone could tell me which of these are actually worth buying or suggest something better.
Thanks in advance.

https://www.alzashop.com/24-benq-gw2470he-d4564254.htm
https://www.alzashop.com/24-benq-gw2480-d5100547.htm
https://www.alzashop.com/24-benq-vz2470h-d4395684.htm
https://www.alzashop.com/benq-gw2470h-24-d3038767.htm

Hey everyone, I just finished putting together a new rig (running a 1080ti sc2 and a Ryzen 5 1600) and now comes the inevitable part: picking out a monitor. Right now, I'm stuck using a Dell U2414H, so I'm looking to upgrade. My goal is to hit that 144Hz sweet spot, preferably at 1440p resolution or higher. I’ve always felt like 24 inches might be a bit too small, though I’ve seen people online arguing that 1440p on a 24-inch panel is basically a waste of pixels. I haven't quite decided between an IPS or a TN panel yet, either. Mostly, I'll be using it for gaming—stuff like Dota 2, PUBG, and so on—so having G-Sync support is a must. Budget isn't a massive dealbreaker, but I'd like to stay somewhere in the $600 to $800 range if possible. Thanks in advance. 🙂

Finding a setup with 1440p, G-Sync, and a 144Hz refresh rate isn't going to be cheap.

Your best bet is probably one of these options: click here

When it comes to a 16:9 aspect ratio at 1440p, a 27" screen is really the sweet spot.

So, I’m looking at putting together a whole new PC rig over the next couple of months,
which means I also need to finally upgrade my monitor situation since I've just been stuck grinding away on a laptop lately.
I'm dead set on hitting that 144Hz sweet spot, and I already had my eye on the Dell Alienware AW2423HF(p)

But then, while I was browsing Best Buy, I stumbled upon this deal that’s actually cheaper than the Dell—this LG UltraGear
Since there’s a 99% chance I’m going with an Nvidia card for the build, I’m wondering if this LG is strictly limited to Intel G-Sync or if I’ll actually be able to run it at 144Hz with my Nvidia setup.
Also, does this thing even make sense to buy compared to the Dell or some other 144Hz option out there?

I honestly can't seem to find much useful info online regarding this specific model.

That monitor hits 144Hz regardless of which GPU you're running. Right now, G-Sync is an option specifically for Intel cards, but it won't interfere with your Nvidia setup—you just won't be able to enable it. Honestly, just check back in two months when you're actually ready to buy; market availability and pricing fluctuate constantly.

The guys who have really dug into the specs say that these budget TN 144Hz panels tend to have subpar image quality. If you're looking at that category, the ASUS ROG Swift and the 24GM79G are widely considered the top-tier choices among them.

Hey everyone,

I was hoping I could get some advice from you all...

I'm looking to pick up a monitor for my mom—it doesn't really need to be anything high-end or super fast since she isn't gaming or anything. The main thing is that it absolutely needs to have height adjustment.

Since she’s mostly just using it for writing stuff in Google Docs, I’d love to find something that’s pretty budget-friendly if possible.

Thanks so much, Matthew.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=CB241HY