27" IPS 2560x1400 monitor advice please? Asus PB278QR?

NeilF · 6 Feb 2017 at 15:41

So I'm after a 2560x1440 resolution monitor to go with my new Nivida 1070. My machines all go through a KVM switch so DVI is required and I have a limitation of 2560x1600@60hz.

So want a generally good screen, ideally IPS for its better colour production I guess, and a good response as I do game a fair amount.

The main monitor that seems to fit is the Asus PB278QR, even though it's 3 or so years old!

Any thoughts/advice? Budget or £400? The less the better!

Note: I have a BenQ BL2411PT (1920x1200) at the moment.

hornetstinger · 6 Feb 2017 at 15:45

You probably lose gsync through kvm/dvi though?

NeilF · 6 Feb 2017 at 15:49

hornetstinger said:
You probably lose gsync through kvm/dvi though?

Almost certainly I'd expect - But 60fps is fine for me TBH... Not fussed with super refresh rates...

If the monitor happens to have gsync I might be able to do something clever and put in a dedicated lead from the PC in question to the monitor and change the input of the monitor manually? Assuming that doesn't mess windows up...

DragonQ · 6 Feb 2017 at 16:15

AFAIK both FreeSync and GSync only work via DisplayPort.

NeilF · 6 Feb 2017 at 16:16

DragonQ said:
AFAIK both FreeSync and GSync only work via DisplayPort.

60fps is fine for me TBH... Not fussed with super refresh rates...

Just after a good monitor for 60fps.

DragonQ · 6 Feb 2017 at 16:22

As a first step, use PC Part Picker to narrow down your preferences (e.g. 27", 1440p, IPS, <£400) to see how many monitors you actually have to pick from.

NeilF · 6 Feb 2017 at 16:31

DragonQ said:
As a first step, use PC Part Picker to narrow down your preferences (e.g. 27", 1440p, IPS, <£400) to see how many monitors you actually have to pick from.

Hmmm... Mixed blessing there as it's:-
a) Giving even 7yr old monitors...
b) Not listing ones I know should be in there. eg: Dell U2715

https://uk.************.com/products/monitor/#W=2700,2800&r=256001440&i=67,46&p=1&sort=d6

zola25 · 6 Feb 2017 at 16:53

Had this dilemma myself a couple of years ago as I really wanted a g-sync monitor but none of them supported multiple inputs or KVMs, so at the time I went for the PB278QR. It's a great monitor for work and gaming, and worked fine via KVM as it's non-gsync. The colours and viewing angles were exceptional.

For reference I still use a KVM but don't run my current Dell Gsync via it, just use the OSD buttons to switch between the inputs and the KVM for mouse and keyboard.

NeilF · 6 Feb 2017 at 17:03

zola25 said:
Had this dilemma myself a couple of years ago as I really wanted a g-sync monitor but none of them supported multiple inputs or KVMs, so at the time I went for the PB278QR. It's a great monitor for work and gaming, and worked fine via KVM as it's non-gsync. The colours and viewing angles were exceptional.

For reference I still use a KVM but don't run my current Dell Gsync via it, just use the OSD buttons to switch between the inputs and the KVM for mouse and keyboard.

Well, before I discount anything... My understanding is if my hardware is giving me basically 60fps vsync trouble free, then all gsync will be me is higher framerates, which are obviously nice, but more down to personal preferences?!

zola25 · 6 Feb 2017 at 17:08

^ G-sync is a personal choice IMO, if you can maintain a solid 60FPS v-synced and are happy with that then there's no real advantage in using g-sync.

Just bear in mind that the jump from 1920x1200 to 2560x1440 requires your GPU to render ~60% more pixels (assuming native resolution), and is therefore much more demanding.

NeilF · 6 Feb 2017 at 17:15

zola25 said:
^ G-sync is a personal choice IMO, if you can maintain a solid 60FPS v-synced and are happy with that then there's no real advantage in using g-sync.

Just bear in mind that the jump from 1920x1200 to 2560x1440 requires your GPU to render ~60% more pixels (assuming native resolution), and is therefore much more demanding.

Yeh... Just upgraded to an NVidia 1070 so that should help

DragonQ · 6 Feb 2017 at 17:56

NeilFawcett said:
Hmmm... Mixed blessing there as it's:-
a) Giving even 7yr old monitors...
b) Not listing ones I know should be in there. eg: Dell U2715

https://uk.************.com/products/monitor/#W=2700,2800&r=256001440&i=67,46&p=1&sort=d6

a) Yeah it does that. Age doesn't really matter but it can be annoying if it's listing products that aren't in stock anywhere. Not sure if there's a way to change that.
b) The Dell U2715 doesn't fit your criteria since it doesn't have a DVI port.

NeilF · 8 Feb 2017 at 17:24

The talk of (bad) back light bleed on the Asus PB278QR does worry me

zola25 · 8 Feb 2017 at 20:52

Might have just been lucky but on the two I had neither had bleed, just the usual IPS glow when viewing the corners from an angle, but even that was minimal.

NeilF · 8 Feb 2017 at 20:58

zola25;30484534 said:
Might have just been lucky but on the two I had neither had bleed, just the usual IPS glow when viewing the corners from an angle, but even that was minimal.

And you're happy with the monitor, and wouldn't suggest something else in its place I assume (I need DVI don't forget).

zola25 · 8 Feb 2017 at 21:13

I was very happy with it, and at the time it was the best option for me when using a DVI KVM switch. That didn't stop me selling it and replacing with a multi-input g-sync once prices were acceptable. Although having said that, had the PB278QR featured g-sync I'd certainly still be using that monitor now.