Monitor buying guide (mega-thread)

This article is already a year old. 😛

Look, I don't even bother with AAA titles the second they drop anyway. Besides, I’d much rather grab a 1440p monitor now and just worry about upgrading my GPU a couple of years down the line.

What’s your take on this monitor if I'm looking for one of the cheaper options out there?

In my opinion—and I think a lot of people agree—you really need at least a 27" screen if you're aiming for 1440p. Some folks even find 27" to be too small.
The Best Buy deal I was talking about is that AOC model I linked a couple of posts ago. Just a heads-up: if you go with a 31.5" screen, the pixel density ends up feeling about the same as standard 1080p full-hd.

Because of how demanding modern titles have become, I don't consider the RTX 3060 to be a true 1440p GPU anymore, though it still holds its own for older games or newer, less intensive ones.

https://www.techpowerup.com/review/c...dia-rtx/5.html
https://www.techpowerup.com/review/k...ce-test/4.html
https://www.guru3d.com/articles_page...chmarks,7.html
https://www.techpowerup.com/review/a...ce-test/4.html
https://www.guru3d.com/articles_page..._review,6.html
https://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/...ance_review/10

I checked out that monitor too. Honestly, it feels a little oversized for my setup, but the price point is hard to argue with. I’ll probably just grab it now and look into upgrading my GPU sometime next year. 😁

Look, if you're sitting close to the screen, there’s a real chance it’ll feel way too big. You might be better off looking at a 27" 1440p model instead.

This one fits right within your budget—it's an IPS panel with 75Hz and FreeSync support.

https://www.amazon.com/search.php?q=275E1S

Just make sure you grab a DisplayPort cable; otherwise, you won't be able to use FreeSync (which works as G-Sync compatible via NVIDIA drivers) on an NVIDIA setup.

As for the build quality, I'm not entirely sure. It might be worth checking out some customer reviews on Amazon or Newegg before you pull the trigger.

Hi everyone,

For the last few weeks, I’ve been hunting for an AOC 24G2U/BK with a 144 Hz refresh rate, but they seem to be sold out everywhere. Then, I stumbled upon this sale:

ASUS MSI Optix MAG241CVAPI - gaming monitor (23.6 ", full-hd, 144 Hz, Black)

Would you say this is in the same league as the AOC? I'm certainly no expert here, so I would truly appreciate your thoughts.

If not, could someone recommend a 24" monitor for under $1,800 /$667 (company budget), intended for office work and some light gaming?

Thanks in advance,

https://www.amazon.com/aoc-monitors/

You checked this out yet? Says it's actually in stock.

Anyway, here's a solid review for that ASUS:
https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/asus/samsung-odyssey-g5

Peter Green said:https://www.bestbuy.com/lcd-monitors/aoc...m_medium=click

Have you checked this out? It shows as being in stock.

Here is a solid review for that ASUS model:
https://www.displayninja.com/asus-optix-mag241c-review/

1. I haven't looked yet—I'm actually out right now. Besides, I've already ordered from two different online retailers here and neither of them actually had it in stock (they even dragged their feet on me for weeks)....

2. I'm about to dig through that Display Ninja site to find something closer to a 5.0 rating. This AOC is sitting at a 4.9, but most others seem stuck around 4.1 or 4.2. Is this one genuinely that much better..?

My main priority is comfort. I spend entire days glued to my computer, whether I'm gaming or just working. Down the road, I might pick up Mass Effect Andromeda or some strategy games like XCOM, but nothing too crazy—I'm mostly a Football Manager guy. I just need something that won't cause unnecessary eye strain after a long session.

VA monitors at 144Hz usually run into certain issues (I can't recall if it was a timing glitch or ghosting specifically), but since that ASUS model has solid reviews, it should be a fine alternative if you can't track down that AOC one. Honestly, if you start overanalyzing every single display—even those $1,000 high-end units—you’ll find flaws everywhere. It’s just part of the territory.

Why on earth would you even need such a high refresh rate for management sims and strategy games?

Peter Green said:Why would you even need such a high refresh rate for management sims or strategy games?

To be honest, I’m mostly worried about eye strain. I deal with some vision issues, so I figured a higher refresh rate—like 144 Hz—might be easier on my eyes. Please feel free to correct me if I've got that wrong...

Thanks for all the input, everyone...

Dana Torres14 said:I guess I care more about my eyes. I have some vision issues, so I figure if it's 144 Hz, maybe it'll be better for eye strain. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong...

Thanks everyone for the replies...

My brother has bad eyesight, and ever since we upgraded his monitor to 165Hz, he can read text without straining. So, yeah, go for it.

boldseal9 said:My brother has pretty poor eyesight, and ever since we upgraded his setup to a 165Hz monitor, he can read text without straining at all. So yeah, definitely go for it.

Alright, thanks, but now you've actually made me second-guess myself... if higher refresh rates are better for eye strain, I might just jump straight to 240Hz and look at this one instead.

Dell UltraSharp (25", 1920 x 1080 Pixels)

It’s running north of $2,000, but I’d be willing to pay more if it really helps my eyes...

especially since most of what I've looked at doesn't even have that option.

Just some home use... older games, browsing, movies.
Not looking for anything bigger than 24" since my desk space is pretty tight.

I see people talking up the AOC 24V2Q at $145.
https://eu.aoc.com/en/compare?1=11077&2=11521

- 75 Hz
- 5 ms
- G-Sync, FlickerFree, Blue light
- HDMI 1.4 + DisplayPort 1.2

What do you guys think about this one...
Dell Monitor at $155

- 75Hz
- 4ms
- Flicker-free, Low Blue light
- USB Hub
- speakers 2x2W
- VGA 1, HDMI, DisplayPort

Or any other suggestions.

That second one uses a TN panel, so I’d skip it at that price point...
The first option is decent enough, but if you're actually serious about gaming, you can easily grab a 144Hz VA or even an IPS panel for just a little bit more money.

Timothy Kim60 said:That second one uses a TN panel, so I’d skip it if I were you at that price point...
The first option is decent, but if you're actually looking to get serious about gaming, you can easily find 144Hz VA panels—maybe even IPS—for just a little bit more money.

My bad, I typed that wrong... the link is fine, and the second one is actually an IPS model.

Dell Monitor
https://www.bestbuy.com/p/dell-monitor/12345678

75 Hz

VGA x1
HDMI x1
DisplayPort x1
USB x2 (v.2.0)
Headphone jack x1
Audio 2 x 2W

I’d probably lean toward the first option because of the G-Sync support (essential for gaming). Aside from that, they’re basically identical on paper. It might be worth checking out some customer reviews on Amazon or Newegg if there are any available.

boldseal9 said:My brother has pretty bad eyesight, and ever since we upgraded him to a 165Hz monitor, he can read text without straining at all. So, I guess it's worth going for it.

If you don't mind me asking, boldseal9, which monitor does your brother have?

How much did it run you, and where did you pick it up?

Does it have plenty of modern ports? I'm working with Microsoft Windows and want to try getting rid of those annoying pop-up windows...

For me, what matters most is having good eye protection like that General Electric one Dana Torres14 used to have. I'm not really interested in gaming on the PC at all... but for office work, movies, and media, it's definitely important.

Here, this one:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/gigabyte-gaming-monitor-aorus-fi27q-p

I know it was overpriced, but at the time, it was the only monitor that actually had all the specs I was looking for. My first choice would have been the LG model, but it wasn't even available in US stores back then.

Hey everyone! I'm on the hunt for a new monitor for $667. Is there anything out there better than this one? It’s got an IPS VA panel, 240Hz, and NVIDIA G-Sync...

https://www.newegg.com/mo...QUXEN/product/

I actually stumbled upon a similar model with QHD resolution, but it lacks NVIDIA G-Sync. What do you all think—can I find a better deal for this kind of money?

I am looking for some expert advice. I am planning to pick up an Xbox Series X once it drops, but my current setup is just a basic FHD LED TV. I had considered upgrading to a 4K TV, but even the smallest ones available here start at 43 inches, which simply won't fit on my desk because of a built-in cabinet; I intend to use the screen as a monitor since my laptop will be hooked up to it. I did track down a 32" Apple television elsewhere, but it isn't stocked locally—only available through eBay or Amazon. Since I have never actually used a dedicated monitor for gaming before, I am wondering if there is a high-quality gaming monitor out there capable of delivering a great 4K experience.