21.9 or 1440p

Andythe Random

Andythe Random

Andythe Random

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I will shortly be getting a new gaming pc, mostly settled on spec but having trouble with the monitor options. Space is very limited and VR not currently an option :(.

Max size I can fit in the space I have is the 25" LG 21.9, or a 24" normal widescreen.

There are a few 1440 options in that size, I think there may even be a 4k Dell panel, is it worth it at that size?

Viewing distance will be 2-3 feet, what do you all think?
 
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Do you want 1440p because you feel like your current setup is lacking in resolution (or is on the borderline acceptable), or do you want 1440p just because it's available?

The difference in horsepower requirements between 1080p and 1440p (let alone 4k) is noticeable, so you might have to compromise on some eye candy details, if going for higher resolutions.

My recommendations:
1) Considering it's for gaming, I would primarily look into FreeSync and G-Sync options, depending on your GPU choice (FreeSync for AMD, G-Sync for nVidia). G-Sync monitors will be ~£100-200 more expensive, but that's the price you'll have to pay, if you want to go with nVidia. Have you already thought about a budget?

2) For 24" from 2-3 feet, 1080p should be enough. This also leaves more power for eye candy.

3) Definitely go for IPS or VA monitors. They have better colors and wider viewing angles.
 
aatu said:
Do you want 1440p because you feel like your current setup is lacking in resolution (or is on the borderline acceptable), or do you want 1440p just because it's available?

The difference in horsepower requirements between 1080p and 1440p (let alone 4k) is noticeable, so you might have to compromise on some eye candy details, if going for higher resolutions.

My recommendations:
1) Considering it's for gaming, I would primarily look into FreeSync and G-Sync options, depending on your GPU choice (FreeSync for AMD, G-Sync for nVidia). G-Sync monitors will be ~£100-200 more expensive, but that's the price you'll have to pay, if you want to go with nVidia. Have you already thought about a budget?

2) For 24" from 2-3 feet, 1080p should be enough. This also leaves more power for eye candy.

3) Definitely go for IPS or VA monitors. They have better colors and wider viewing angles.
Click to expand...


My current setup is as per my SIG, a 2011 vintage macbook pro with windows 8 in bootcamp. Screen is 15 inch 16.10 format, 1440x900, running off a 512mb 6750m.
While it will surprisingly run most things on low-medium it really is inadequate for an enjoyable experience.

So I will be starting with a blank slate with the new machine.
Budget is flexible, 2500 as a loose ceiling, so 7700k and gtx 1080 are possible.

I will be playing a wide range of game types, though currently Elite Dangerous (main reason I was considering 21.9), fallout 4 and skyrim se are getting most play.

And yes I can play fallout 4 on the macbook pro, mostly at about 40fps with everything at minimum.
 
Ok, it seems there's one thing I hadn't noticed before:
Under 25", G-Sync doesn't seem to be available with VA or IPS. Only TN. And I have no idea why. Problem is, I would definitely recommend IPS or VA. Then again, for gaming I would definitely recommend FreeSync or G-Sync, as well. And with your budget, you could even afford nVidia and its G-Sync premiums.

So (if going with nVidia), I think you'll now have to decide whether you'll compromise on TN, or forego G-Sync. There are two 24" 165Hz 2560x1440 G-Sync models, both TN:
Dell S2417DG
AOC Agon AG241QG

I don't recommend either one, just telling they're the options. There's also the FreeSync version of the AOC called AG241QX, but that's also still TN. And these three are apparently the only <25" models with 1440p and FreeSync/G-Sync (at least for the time being). If you forego the 1440p resolution, then at least the FreeSync side options open up.

Among those, the Samsung C24FG70FQU stands out as the only 144Hz non-TN, being curved VA. But it also has quite a lackluster FreeSync range (70-144Hz). Then there are for example the 60Hz 4k FreeSync options of
LG Electronics 24UD58-B (2016 IPS)
ASUS MG24UQ (2016 IPS)
Samsung U24E590D (2015 PLS/IPS)
Samsung U24E850R (2015 PLS/IPS)

Then there are few 75Hz FreeSync options, all IPS:
LG Electronics 24MP68VQ-P
LG Electronics 23MP68VQ-P
LG Electronics 22MP68VQ-P
Acer BE240Y

But that's about it.

-----------

... As such, I didn't realize how limited the 24" range is. I've usually only dealt with 27", and the options there are quite numerous.

Personally, I would go with the FreeSync compatible Samsung C24FG70FQU and get an AMD GPU. For those who want G-Sync and can compromise for TN, the Dell S2417DG seems like a viable option.

Ps. Now, there is currently a standard war between the FreeSync and G-Sync. But with the current pricing differences, FreeSync has begun to rise as the winner. And this is just an opinion, but nVidia will eventually have to start supporting the FreeSync (or the Adaptive-Sync it's based on) with its GPUs. Problem is, that might not happen anytime soon, so you might have to wait a while.
 
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