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Help me decide on a new monitor
posted in Hardware
1
#1
0 Frags +

My monitor is definitely dying and now is certainly not the worst time to buy a new monitor.
There are many things that I'd want my new monitor to have
-24"
-1440p
-IPS
-240 Hz
-strobing and adaptive sync at the same time.
and as a wise man once said I want it all and I want it now.
The "all" thing obviously isn't happening, but I can't wait for a monitor to be released that got everything (see above, I would've wanted to upgrade 3 years ago) so the "now" part still stands and that's why I've decided to let you vote on what to get because

https://i.imgur.com/auwZ2Ry.gif

24" would be nice because I've got a triple monitor setup and 24/27/24 is weird and I'm not going to buy two more 27" monitors. Also 3x27" takes up a lot of space. 1440p 24" IPS is rare though especially with >=120 Hz and sync/strobing so I might have to give up on that one. I consider 23.5-24.5" to be close enough to 24" to get the "correct size" bonus in the ranking.
1440p is probably the least important thing, but especially on a 27" monitor it would be nice to have. I don't care about 4K or HDR. Will definitely count as bonus/tiebreaker between similar monitors.
IPS or at least VA for the pretty colours. TN panel is only acceptable if a review proves that it's not garbage. Viewing angles don't matter since it'll be the center monitor anyway (and even if not the side monitors are angled towards me).
240 Hz would be ideal but 120 is completely fine tbh. More than 144 Hz is a bonus.

Now strobing and adaptive sync can be used at the same time via some fuckery with G-Sync and ULMB but it depends on the monitor and the drivers so it's not guaranteed. Additional downsides are the cost of G-Sync and vendor lock-in.
FreeSync + any strobing would work with any GPU but so far I haven't seen a way to run both simultaneously. If you know of any way or monitor to make it happen tell me.

Less than 23", less than 120 Hz, no strobing or no adaptive sync are not acceptable.

So which combination should I get?
Post suggestions, monitors and reviews.
Vote now.

My monitor is definitely dying and now is certainly not the worst time to buy a new monitor.
There are many things that I'd want my new monitor to have
-24"
-1440p
-IPS
-240 Hz
-strobing and adaptive sync at the same time.
and as a wise man once said I want it all and I want it now.
The "all" thing obviously isn't happening, but I can't wait for a monitor to be released that got everything (see above, I would've wanted to upgrade 3 years ago) so the "now" part still stands and that's why I've decided to let you vote on what to get because
[img]https://i.imgur.com/auwZ2Ry.gif[/img]

24" would be nice because I've got a triple monitor setup and 24/27/24 is weird and I'm not going to buy two more 27" monitors. Also 3x27" takes up a lot of space. 1440p 24" IPS is rare though especially with >=120 Hz and sync/strobing so I might have to give up on that one. I consider 23.5-24.5" to be close enough to 24" to get the "correct size" bonus in the ranking.
1440p is probably the least important thing, but especially on a 27" monitor it would be nice to have. I don't care about 4K or HDR. Will definitely count as bonus/tiebreaker between similar monitors.
IPS or at least VA for the pretty colours. TN panel is only acceptable if a review proves that it's not garbage. Viewing angles don't matter since it'll be the center monitor anyway (and even if not the side monitors are angled towards me).
240 Hz would be ideal but 120 is completely fine tbh. More than 144 Hz is a bonus.

Now strobing and adaptive sync can be used at the same time via some fuckery with G-Sync and ULMB but it depends on the monitor and the drivers so it's not guaranteed. Additional downsides are the cost of G-Sync and vendor lock-in.
FreeSync + any strobing would work with any GPU but so far I haven't seen a way to run both simultaneously. If you know of any way or monitor to make it happen tell me.

Less than 23", less than 120 Hz, no strobing or no adaptive sync are not acceptable.

So which combination should I get?
Post suggestions, monitors and reviews.
Vote now.
2
#2
34 Frags +

Where were you? When the computer god ask for your help.

Where were you? When the computer god ask for your help.
3
#3
36 Frags +

https://puu.sh/COh99/813fe7236b.jpg

[img]https://puu.sh/COh99/813fe7236b.jpg[/img]
4
#4
43 Frags +

i would love to help you but i only understand a couple of words in your post

pasko out

i would love to help you but i only understand a couple of words in your post

pasko out
5
#5
5 Frags +
Aubriachttps://puu.sh/COh99/813fe7236b.jpg

hey man that's not him. he only has 3 monitors.

[quote=Aubriac][img]https://puu.sh/COh99/813fe7236b.jpg[/img][/quote]
hey man that's not him. he only has 3 monitors.
6
#6
47 Frags +

paging setsul

paging setsul
7
#7
46 Frags +

This seems more like a test that you're giving us rather than looking for help. I guess you're looking to see how much has stuck with us after years of teaching, seeing if all the time spent here was worth it. That one day when you are no longer here, someone may step up to the mantle and take your place. A line of succession, the closest thing us mortals can achieve to eternal life at the current moment. We've all been training for that moment for years without even knowing it. I only hope someone will be to your standards, or at least have enough potential to achieve them, it's what you deserve after thousands of posts of assistance. I would love to be the one, Setsul, but alas I know that I will not be able to reach the heights you desire, for many reasons. I will not attempt to climb the podium, but I encourage others who believe they can reach the top, to do so.

This seems more like a test that you're giving us rather than looking for help. I guess you're looking to see how much has stuck with us after years of teaching, seeing if all the time spent here was worth it. That one day when you are no longer here, someone may step up to the mantle and take your place. A line of succession, the closest thing us mortals can achieve to eternal life at the current moment. We've all been training for that moment for years without even knowing it. I only hope someone will be to your standards, or at least have enough potential to achieve them, it's what you deserve after thousands of posts of assistance. I would love to be the one, Setsul, but alas I know that I will not be able to reach the heights you desire, for many reasons. I will not attempt to climb the podium, but I encourage others who believe they [b]can[/b] reach the top, to do so.
8
#8
-2 Frags +

get an Asian water monitor they are pretty cool

get an Asian water monitor they are pretty cool
9
#9
7 Frags +

posting in potentially legendary thread

posting in potentially legendary thread
10
#10
2 Frags +

maybe pre-order this one? Iv'e heard you can overclock it past 240? idk just rumors i guess

maybe [url=https://i.imgur.com/SVskzvy.jpg]pre-order this one[/url]? Iv'e heard you can overclock it past 240? idk just rumors i guess
11
#11
46 Frags +

https://i.gyazo.com/b7690024e938c243e0c1a38a73e26f15.png

[img]https://i.gyazo.com/b7690024e938c243e0c1a38a73e26f15.png[/img]
12
#12
6 Frags +

After a brief search on panelook and a couple other sites, the monitor you want won't be coming anytime soon. AUO does have 24.5" 1080p 144Hz and 240Hz IPS displays coming feb/march 2019. IMO it's better to have 1440p over 24 inches. For 27" you can go for Acer XV272U, VG271U, XB271HU. There's also the Aorus AD27QD which has been pretty hyped up but I don't know much about it. Shame that you can't really wait, both Samsung and LG showed some great monitors at CES but don't expect them before fall.

After a brief search on panelook and a couple other sites, the monitor you want won't be coming anytime soon. AUO does have 24.5" 1080p 144Hz and 240Hz IPS displays coming feb/march 2019. IMO it's better to have 1440p over 24 inches. For 27" you can go for Acer XV272U, VG271U, XB271HU. There's also the Aorus AD27QD which has been pretty hyped up but I don't know much about it. Shame that you can't really wait, both Samsung and LG showed some great monitors at CES but don't expect them before fall.
13
#13
4 Frags +

Yeah, I've waited for years and I know that I can't get everything yet, but at least most.
XV272U, VG271U and AD27QD don't have strobing so they're out.

Even ignoring the 1080p TN options (plenty of those available) there's a few options.
Dell S2716DG, 27", 1440p, 144 Hz, G-Sync + ULMB hack works
ASUS ROG Swift PG278Q, same, but the PG278QR got 165 Hz.
ASUS ROG Swift PG278QR, Acer Predator XB1 XB271HU, Acer Predator Z1 Z271U, AOC Agon AG273QCG, ASUS ROG Swift PG27VQ all 27" 1440p, 165 Hz, hack works

Dell S2417DG, 23.8", 165 Hz, hack works
Acer Predator XB1 XB241YU, AOC Agon AG241QG, both 23.8", 165 Hz, should be the same panel so I'm guessing it works too.
I'd still have to choose between 24" 165 Hz and 27" 144/165 Hz (price difference, ULMB might not work >120 Hz anyway) and they're all TN panels but they tick most of the boxes. I'd actually prefer 24" (triple monitor setup and all that) but feel free to convince me otherwise.

Now it gets difficult:
Samsung C27HG70, 27", 144 Hz, VA, 1440p, but FreeSync + strobing. No idea how to get those turned on at the same time.
Samsung C24FG70, 23.5", 144 Hz, VA, only 1080p and the same "problem".

Also two more 1080p 27" 144 Hz options:
ASUS ROG Strix XG27VQ, VA, also FreeSync + strobing so strightly worse than the C27HG70 because it's only 1080p and otherwise got the same features.
ASUS VG279Q, the first IPS in the list, still FreeSync and 1080p at 27" is still meh.

Last but not least the 1440p 27" 165 Hz options:
AOC Agon AG271QG, ViewSonic XG2703-GS, Acer Predator XB1 XB271HU, ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q, Acer Predator XB1 XB271HUT, all with G-Sync, the hack should work, but all rather expensive.

There's also the Eizo Foris FS2735, but it's needlessly expensive for a FreeSync option.

So the first things to confirm would be that the hack still works and whether or not there is any way to do the same with FreeSync.
FreeSync + strobing at the same time > G-Sync + strobing at the same time (fuck vendor lock-in) > FreeSync and strobing separately > G-Sync
Also if it works I should probably look into ULMB at over 120 Hz. No point in paying for 165 Hz if I won't use it.
The new 24.5" IPS 144/240 Hz panels would be nice but I haven't seen any upcoming monitors with that and my monitor is officially dead now I think.

EDIT:
There are 24.5" 240 Hz monitors with G-Sync which implies ULMB, but i think they are still limited to 144 Hz ULMB so there's not much point in paying for 240 Hz if I don't use it and get worse colours in exchange.
If I were to tolerate not having strobing and sync on at the same then there's also monitors like the LG Electronics 27GK750F-B (240 Hz strobing + 240 Hz FreeSync, TN 1080p 27" though, but comparatively cheap).

Yeah, I've waited for years and I know that I can't get everything yet, but at least most.
XV272U, VG271U and AD27QD don't have strobing so they're out.

Even ignoring the 1080p TN options (plenty of those available) there's a few options.
Dell S2716DG, 27", 1440p, 144 Hz, G-Sync + ULMB hack works
ASUS ROG Swift PG278Q, same, but the PG278QR got 165 Hz.
ASUS ROG Swift PG278QR, Acer Predator XB1 XB271HU, Acer Predator Z1 Z271U, AOC Agon AG273QCG, ASUS ROG Swift PG27VQ all 27" 1440p, 165 Hz, hack works

Dell S2417DG, 23.8", 165 Hz, hack works
Acer Predator XB1 XB241YU, AOC Agon AG241QG, both 23.8", 165 Hz, should be the same panel so I'm guessing it works too.
I'd still have to choose between 24" 165 Hz and 27" 144/165 Hz (price difference, ULMB might not work >120 Hz anyway) and they're all TN panels but they tick most of the boxes. I'd actually prefer 24" (triple monitor setup and all that) but feel free to convince me otherwise.

Now it gets difficult:
Samsung C27HG70, 27", 144 Hz, VA, 1440p, but FreeSync + strobing. No idea how to get those turned on at the same time.
Samsung C24FG70, 23.5", 144 Hz, VA, only 1080p and the same "problem".

Also two more 1080p 27" 144 Hz options:
ASUS ROG Strix XG27VQ, VA, also FreeSync + strobing so strightly worse than the C27HG70 because it's only 1080p and otherwise got the same features.
ASUS VG279Q, the first IPS in the list, still FreeSync and 1080p at 27" is still meh.

Last but not least the 1440p 27" 165 Hz options:
AOC Agon AG271QG, ViewSonic XG2703-GS, Acer Predator XB1 XB271HU, ASUS ROG Swift PG279Q, Acer Predator XB1 XB271HUT, all with G-Sync, the hack should work, but all rather expensive.

There's also the Eizo Foris FS2735, but it's needlessly expensive for a FreeSync option.

So the first things to confirm would be that the hack still works and whether or not there is any way to do the same with FreeSync.
FreeSync + strobing at the same time > G-Sync + strobing at the same time (fuck vendor lock-in) > FreeSync and strobing separately > G-Sync
Also if it works I should probably look into ULMB at over 120 Hz. No point in paying for 165 Hz if I won't use it.
The new 24.5" IPS 144/240 Hz panels would be nice but I haven't seen any upcoming monitors with that and my monitor is officially dead now I think.

EDIT:
There are 24.5" 240 Hz monitors with G-Sync which implies ULMB, but i think they are still limited to 144 Hz ULMB so there's not much point in paying for 240 Hz if I don't use it and get worse colours in exchange.
If I were to tolerate not having strobing and sync on at the same then there's also monitors like the LG Electronics 27GK750F-B (240 Hz strobing + 240 Hz FreeSync, TN 1080p 27" though, but comparatively cheap).
14
#14
0 Frags +

what about buying a calibrating probe for monitors? You could then get whatever TN panel fits your requirements, calibrate it, and send it back if it can't meet your color requirements.
I would then vote for the 24" 1080p 144Hz options.

what about buying a calibrating probe for monitors? You could then get whatever TN panel fits your requirements, calibrate it, and send it back if it can't meet your color requirements.
I would then vote for the 24" 1080p 144Hz options.
15
#15
2 Frags +

Calibration isn't magic. I already do that but I'm limited since I've only got rather cheap hardware. No point in buying a 2000$ Spectrophotometer to calibrate a single 300$ monitor.
Calibration does not fix low contrast (usually makes it worse) and does not increase the colour space.
It can't magically turn a 6 bit + FRC TN panel into a 10 bit IPS panel.
See #1, I'm willing to put up with TN if it's not garbage. I can calibrate and profile it, but if you start with trash you only get polished trash.

Calibration isn't magic. I already do that but I'm limited since I've only got rather cheap hardware. No point in buying a 2000$ Spectrophotometer to calibrate a single 300$ monitor.
Calibration does not fix low contrast (usually makes it worse) and does not increase the colour space.
It can't magically turn a 6 bit + FRC TN panel into a 10 bit IPS panel.
See #1, I'm willing to put up with TN if it's not garbage. I can calibrate and profile it, but if you start with trash you only get polished trash.
16
#16
26 Frags +
smitty_This seems more like a test that you're giving us rather than looking for help.

https://puu.sh/COwFK/aeec36f448.jpg

[quote=smitty_]This seems more like a test that you're giving us rather than looking for help.[/quote]

[img]https://puu.sh/COwFK/aeec36f448.jpg[/img]
17
#17
9 Frags +

He's at least trying to help and he is right. If the colours are ok-ish it would definitely be the cheapest option and that's something. Even with 240 Hz it wouldn't be outrageously expensive.

Of course it would be nice if someone could confirm that G-Sync + ULMB at the same time still works and/or that it can/can't be done with FreeSync. Afaik nVidia broke it before and fixed it again but they might've broken it again and FreeSync is generally the preferable and cheaper option.

Also I will delay the PC Build Guide for one extra month per bad meme. Helpful posts are minus one month. Good memes are neutral. Choose wisely.

He's at least trying to help and he is right. If the colours are ok-ish it would definitely be the cheapest option and that's something. Even with 240 Hz it wouldn't be outrageously expensive.

Of course it would be nice if someone could confirm that G-Sync + ULMB at the same time still works and/or that it can/can't be done with FreeSync. Afaik nVidia broke it before and fixed it again but they might've broken it again and FreeSync is generally the preferable and cheaper option.

Also I will delay the PC Build Guide for one extra month per bad meme. Helpful posts are minus one month. Good memes are neutral. Choose wisely.
18
#18
-11 Frags +

https://i.gyazo.com/ee54b3739f6aae17abffc2f40cc191c0.jpg

[img]https://i.gyazo.com/ee54b3739f6aae17abffc2f40cc191c0.jpg[/img]
19
#19
6 Frags +
Yohnhttps://i.gyazo.com/ee54b3739f6aae17abffc2f40cc191c0.jpg

imagine hating on setsul for helping people with their computer problems

[quote=Yohn][img]https://i.gyazo.com/ee54b3739f6aae17abffc2f40cc191c0.jpg[/img][/quote]
imagine hating on setsul for helping people with their computer problems
20
#20
4 Frags +
SetsulThere are many things that I'd want my new monitor to have
-24"
-1440p
-IPS
-240 Hz
-strobing and adaptive sync at the same time.

240Hz + blur reduction is pretty awful due to strobe crosstalk, you minimize it a little bit but not much at 1080p with current Display bandwidth specs, not sure if their will be any additional headroom for 1440p 240Hz either.

I kinda sorta hacked my way into getting the BenQ XL2540 to do the G-Sync compatibility with Blur Reduction on and it was amongst the worst things I've seen on a monitor if you're consistently bouncing around 180-240 fps. The strobe-crosstalk will constantly shift until it disappears and suddenly reappears. * The blur reduction would also frequently disable if you did pretty much anything with your monitor or display settings.

1440p + IPS + 240Hz is still a bit off, and honestly I'd recommend waiting even if it means buying a stop-gap monitor you're not 100% content with if you're truly chasing what many would consider a perfect monitor.

Monitors that're closest to what you're asking for right now.

Acer XB271HU - 27in, 165Hz, 1440p, IPS, native support for G-Sync (this passed the QC testing for compatibility)
Aorus AD27QD - 27in, 144Hz, 1440p, IPS, supports G-Sync/Freesync with appropriate drivers
MSI MAG27CQ - 27in, 144Hz, 1440p, VA, supports G-Sync/Freesync with appropriate drivers
Asus MG279Q - 27in, 144Hz, 1440p, IPS, supports G-Sync/Freesync with appropriate drivers
Asus PG279Q - 27in, 165Hz, 1440p, IPS, actual G-Sync hardware

I purposefully left out several monitors with known issues with freesync/g-sync compatibility

[quote=Setsul]
There are many things that I'd want my new monitor to have
-24"
-1440p
-IPS
-240 Hz
-strobing and adaptive sync at the same time.
[/quote]

240Hz + blur reduction is pretty awful due to strobe crosstalk, you minimize it a little bit but not much at 1080p with current Display bandwidth specs, not sure if their will be any additional headroom for 1440p 240Hz either.

I kinda sorta hacked my way into getting the BenQ XL2540 to do the G-Sync compatibility with Blur Reduction on and it was amongst the worst things I've seen on a monitor if you're consistently bouncing around 180-240 fps. The strobe-crosstalk will constantly shift until it disappears and suddenly reappears. * The blur reduction would also frequently disable if you did pretty much anything with your monitor or display settings.

1440p + IPS + 240Hz is still a bit off, and honestly I'd recommend waiting even if it means buying a stop-gap monitor you're not 100% content with if you're truly chasing what many would consider a perfect monitor.

Monitors that're closest to what you're asking for right now.

Acer XB271HU - 27in, 165Hz, 1440p, IPS, native support for G-Sync (this passed the QC testing for compatibility)
Aorus AD27QD - 27in, 144Hz, 1440p, IPS, supports G-Sync/Freesync with appropriate drivers
MSI MAG27CQ - 27in, 144Hz, 1440p, VA, supports G-Sync/Freesync with appropriate drivers
Asus MG279Q - 27in, 144Hz, 1440p, IPS, supports G-Sync/Freesync with appropriate drivers
Asus PG279Q - 27in, 165Hz, 1440p, IPS, actual G-Sync hardware

I purposefully left out several monitors with known issues with freesync/g-sync compatibility
21
#21
3 Frags +
reakoimagine hating on setsul for helping people with their computer problems

We know he's helping people, but in this thread it was too tempting to take the piss. Especially after the gif of Palpatine.

Plus Yohn is known for posting silly pictures, so don't take them all too seriously ;P

[quote=reako]imagine hating on setsul for helping people with their computer problems[/quote]

We know he's helping people, but in this thread it was too tempting to take the piss. Especially after the gif of Palpatine.

Plus Yohn is known for posting silly pictures, so don't take them all too seriously ;P
22
#22
1 Frags +

nice meme aubriac

nice meme aubriac
23
#23
4 Frags +

So strobing above 120 Hz at 1440p still requires generous amounts of fuckery as expected and while I'm willing to go through some pains to get the G-Sync+ULMB hack to work I'm not willing to do it every single day because a reboot/power cycle on the monitor resets it if I have to pay 700€ for the monitor.

Sync + strobing is actually possible with FreeSync in G-Sync compatibility mode (thanks Comanglia) so fuck nVidia and their prices.

24.5" 240 Hz IPS panels are coming next month which will literally tick every box except 1440p and that's literally the least important feature to me especially on 24". Considering how rare 1440p 24" is anyway if I have to choose between a 24/27/24 setup with 1440p or 27/27/27 which is impractically large and 24/24/24 with only 1080p I'll choose 1080p every time. That means paying for a 27" 1440p 165 Hz G-Sync IPS monitor, because those are the only ones with Sync + strobing + IPS, would be absurd since I want neither 27" (it's in fact a downside for me), nor G-Sync (Sync + strobing works with FreeSync and it's cheaper) nor do I get much use out of the 165 Hz most of the time since strobing beyond 120 Hz is still wonky on those. Half of the cost would be going towards features I don't want, don't need or can't use most of the time.
That leaves me with 3 options:
27" 1080p non-TN of which there are a grand total of two (1 IPS, 1 VA), but at 27" 1080p is indeed kinda meh.
24" 1080p VA with a grand total of one fucking monitor with a VA panel, which somehow costs more than both the VA and IPS 27" option.
24" 1080p TN Freesync, which will cost half that.
So once again I am forced to take the reasonable, cost-effective option instead of the lavish upgrade I deserve. On the upside I can now wait for a monitor that does (almost) everything I want (rip 1440p dreams), but the downside is the manufacturers will test my patience again when trying to figure out high frequency strobing on IPS panels. Please don't make me choose between FreeSync at 240 Hz and FreeSync + strobing at the same time (I will make it happen) at a lower refresh rate. On the other hand if we get to the point where I can choose between those options I should probably be happy.

In other news hopefully I'll be selling a 24" 1080p TN FreeSync + strobing monitor in a year or so.

So strobing above 120 Hz at 1440p still requires generous amounts of fuckery as expected and while I'm willing to go through some pains to get the G-Sync+ULMB hack to work I'm not willing to do it every single day because a reboot/power cycle on the monitor resets it if I have to pay 700€ for the monitor.

Sync + strobing is actually possible with FreeSync in G-Sync compatibility mode (thanks Comanglia) so fuck nVidia and their prices.

24.5" 240 Hz IPS panels are coming next month which will literally tick every box except 1440p and that's literally the least important feature to me especially on 24". Considering how rare 1440p 24" is anyway if I have to choose between a 24/27/24 setup with 1440p or 27/27/27 which is impractically large and 24/24/24 with only 1080p I'll choose 1080p every time. That means paying for a 27" 1440p 165 Hz G-Sync IPS monitor, because those are the only ones with Sync + strobing + IPS, would be absurd since I want neither 27" (it's in fact a downside for me), nor G-Sync (Sync + strobing works with FreeSync and it's cheaper) nor do I get much use out of the 165 Hz most of the time since strobing beyond 120 Hz is still wonky on those. Half of the cost would be going towards features I don't want, don't need or can't use most of the time.
That leaves me with 3 options:
27" 1080p non-TN of which there are a grand total of two (1 IPS, 1 VA), but at 27" 1080p is indeed kinda meh.
24" 1080p VA with a grand total of one fucking monitor with a VA panel, which somehow costs more than both the VA and IPS 27" option.
24" 1080p TN Freesync, which will cost half that.
So once again I am forced to take the reasonable, cost-effective option instead of the lavish upgrade I deserve. On the upside I can now wait for a monitor that does (almost) everything I want (rip 1440p dreams), but the downside is the manufacturers will test my patience again when trying to figure out high frequency strobing on IPS panels. Please don't make me choose between FreeSync at 240 Hz and FreeSync + strobing at the same time (I will make it happen) at a lower refresh rate. On the other hand if we get to the point where I can choose between those options I should probably be happy.

In other news hopefully I'll be selling a 24" 1080p TN FreeSync + strobing monitor in a year or so.
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