4k > 21:9

Born_2_Kill_83 · 30 Oct 2015 at 15:40

Has any-one made the switch from a 4K monitor that they loved to a 21:9 (1440), I'm a massive 4k fanboy I love the sharpness - I'm hooked I recently upgraded my Samsung 4k to a G-Sync one cause racecar.

But then came a problem, I saw the Acer X34, liking the looks of it a lot, but I'm scared to make the move, scared that I'll miss all that's lovely about my 4k. It's less pixels on a much larger screen, surely it looks like hell sat 50cm back from the screen.

Can some-one with experience put me off spending a grand on a new monitor or convince me it's what I need to do. I just don't know

One thing I don't like about 21:9 is some games (not sure how many??) have the "hud" finishing in the middle of the screen instead of the edge, this makes me cry a little, my OCD can't take it.

eddiew · 30 Oct 2015 at 15:48

What's your existing screen diagonal?

A 4k of the same measurement will have more area than an ultrawide, so that might sting a bit. Maybe a couple of satellite monitors and go 3 screens (for less money) if you're dying to fill your peripheral vision?

Born_2_Kill_83 · 30 Oct 2015 at 15:49

28", it's the Acer 4k Gsync one.

Howling · 30 Oct 2015 at 16:10

I went from a Samsung U28D590D to the Acer XR34. The difference in pixel density is... noticable, it does lose some of that pin-sharpness that we're accustomed to. However, the 21:9 ratio (after some hours of adjusting) is superior for most games I've tried, along with the higher refresh rate, higher framerate (though now my framerate is "too" high if anything) I think it's a nice ... side/upgrade. To be a PROPER upgrade I think I'd need higher refresh rate, or even better would be 2160p ultrawide!
My Acer is in the middle of being RMA'd, so I'm back on the 4k, and I do find myself missing the extra horizontal but enjoying the über sharpness.. So I guess it's swings and roundabouts. I will be glad when I get the Acer back though, so I think that says something. *shrug*

old gamer · 30 Oct 2015 at 16:46

4k and 21.9 both have there upside but for me it has to be ultrawide

Drojman · 30 Oct 2015 at 17:28

I've used 4K and it is wonderful, but I don't know if I could go back from my X34. Maybe if it was the 40inch 4K.

varkanoid · 30 Oct 2015 at 18:01

I dont think I could put up with losing 4k sharpness and the £700 or so after second hand sale just to lose resolution and gain a bit of real estate.

Howling · 30 Oct 2015 at 18:16

varkanoid said:
I dont think I could put up with losing 4k sharpness and the £700 or so after second hand sale just to lose resolution and gain a bit of real estate.

Try it and see

Born_2_Kill_83 · 30 Oct 2015 at 18:47

Howling said:
I went from a Samsung U28D590D to the Acer XR34. The difference in pixel density is... noticable, it does lose some of that pin-sharpness that we're accustomed to. However, the 21:9 ratio (after some hours of adjusting) is superior for most games I've tried, along with the higher refresh rate, higher framerate (though now my framerate is "too" high if anything) I think it's a nice ... side/upgrade. To be a PROPER upgrade I think I'd need higher refresh rate, or even better would be 2160p ultrawide!
My Acer is in the middle of being RMA'd, so I'm back on the 4k, and I do find myself missing the extra horizontal but enjoying the über sharpness.. So I guess it's swings and roundabouts. I will be glad when I get the Acer back though, so I think that says something. *shrug*

Thanks for the input very helpful

varkanoid said:
I dont think I could put up with losing 4k sharpness and the £700 or so after second hand sale just to lose resolution and gain a bit of real estate.

This is my fear

Howling said:
Try it and see

Do OcUK let you return for no other reason than try and buy?

Howling · 30 Oct 2015 at 18:51

Born_2_Kill_83 said:
Do OcUK let you return for no other reason than try and buy?

I wouldn't have thought so, but under DSR I think you have like 7 days where you can return for any reason... not recommending you do that though, lol. Got no where local that sells them? A PC world or something? o.O

BluD · 30 Oct 2015 at 19:10

You sit 50 cm away from your screen? That seems a bit close to me m8, if ya moved further away maybe it would make 1440p more comfortable for ya as you wouldnt notice the larger pixels as easily.

I find about 1 meter is perfect for my 27" 1440p but i guess everyones eyes are different.

Howling · 30 Oct 2015 at 19:12

I'm probably no more than 60cm away tbh.. If I'm leaning back and relaxing maybe 1m.

Born_2_Kill_83 · 30 Oct 2015 at 19:14

72cm from screen to eye socket, just measured it while the missis wasn't looking :-)

BluD · 30 Oct 2015 at 19:16

Yeah same for me, about 80 CM ssat up concetrating and just over a meter sat back browsing or watching youtube.

Born_2_Kill_83 · 30 Oct 2015 at 19:19

This is why 4k looks so nice it's as sharp as real life, the Linus review is really selling me the X34 though.

old gamer · 30 Oct 2015 at 19:36

it may sound odd but when i look at 4k gaming it feels a bit too sharp almost cartoon like

Born_2_Kill_83 · 30 Oct 2015 at 19:41

Yup sounds odd.

Will running games in 1440 on my 4k give me an idea of what it'll look like or not?

PCM2 · 30 Oct 2015 at 19:41

old gamer said:
it may sound odd but when i look at 4k gaming it feels a bit too sharp almost cartoon like

I think it could be something to do with the mixture of textures and other elements that look 'good' in UHD and those that don't. It does make some things look quite out of place. For games where the textures and particle effects really take advantage of the resolution quite well you may find that less of an issue.

Born_2_Kill_83 said:
Yup sounds odd.

Will running games in 1440 on my 4k give me an idea of what it'll look like or not?

Well put it this way. If you find it looks decent enough when you do that, you'll love what it actually looks like.

SGTMASON · 30 Oct 2015 at 21:18

I have both a 4k 40" and a 34" 1440p UW... Just have both is my suggestion!

varkanoid · 30 Oct 2015 at 22:19

Howling said:
Try it and see

Tried it in PC World this afternoon. Dont like it. One had a curved screen too made my eyes feel funny. Definitely not as sharp as 4k.