Considering monitor upgrade - help me decide!

PixelChef · 14 Oct 2013 at 13:08

Hi,

I'm considering getting a new monitor to replace my aging (but still great) Samsung 2033rz. I have loved the smoothness of 120hz, so I want a monitor which is at least 120hz, and I want to upgrade to 1080p resolution. I also want to upgrade to at least 24", probably 27", and finally of course I want the best image quality I can.

So, my only requirements are:

120hz or above
1080p or above
24" or above

Everything else is negotiable. I don't really have a budget but I'd say around £400 is the maximum I'd spend.

I have been looking on OcUK and I've found a few which are worth thinking about:

BenQ XL2411T 24" - 1920x1050 - 144hz - 2ms - 269.99

Benq XL2720T 27" - 1920x1050 - 120hz - 1ms - 379.99

Asus VG278HE 27" - 1920x1050 - 144hz - 2ms - 359.99

Iiyama Prolite G2773HS 27" - 1920x1050 - 144hz - 1ms - 275.99

Acer HN274Hbmiiid 27" - 1920x1050 - 120hz - 2ms - 299.99

I'm pretty sure I want a 27" one but is it worth the price over a 24"? How is 1080p on a 27"?

I don't really see 144hz making much difference over 120hz, am I right?

The Iiyama Prolite and Acer ones seem far better value on paper, but I imagine the image quality isn't as good as the BenQ and Asus models? Or am I just paying for the brand?

Finally, are there are others worth considering?

Any opinions/advice would be appriciated

Thanks for looking.

PixelChef · 15 Oct 2013 at 10:32

Anyone?

I will add that usage will be gaming and watching movies/tv in 1080p. Also might use a Wii U with it when I get one in the near future

kissenger · 15 Oct 2013 at 11:12

Your other option would be: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-051-BQ&groupid=17&catid=510

I've heard the most positive things about the BenQ 2420, but I'm not an expert. What I would say though is that if you don't have some monster GPU then you won't get much benefit from a 120Hz screen and could get way more bang for your buck if you were willing to downgrade to 60Hz and go for something like: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-052-DE&groupid=17&catid=510

That's an IPS so you will get way better colour reproduction, etc. I believe all 120Hz screens are the older TN type panel, which is really lacking compared to IPS.

PixelChef · 15 Oct 2013 at 11:44

kissenger said:
Your other option would be: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-051-BQ&groupid=17&catid=510

I've heard the most positive things about the BenQ 2420, but I'm not an expert. What I would say though is that if you don't have some monster GPU then you won't get much benefit from a 120Hz screen and could get way more bang for your buck if you were willing to downgrade to 60Hz and go for something like: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-052-DE&groupid=17&catid=510

That's an IPS so you will get way better colour reproduction, etc. I believe all 120Hz screens are the older TN type panel, which is really lacking compared to IPS.

Thanks for your advice. The monitor I currently have is 120hz and I can definately see the benefit, I have a HD 7950 card. Admitidly I haven't used or seen an IPS screen but for me smoothness > colours so pretty sure I want to stick with 120hz TN screens at the moment.

For an example, I play CS:GO at 300fps on 120hz and it's so smooth. If I set the screen to 60hz it's significantly 'less-smooth', I won't go back to 60hz now

edit: Having looked at some reviews, I'm favouring the ASUS in my OP at the moment.