Monitor configuration advice please

Djwayne · 17 Jan 2021 at 02:03

Ok here is the situation I am planning a new system as mine is way overdue an update and I seem to be stuck on which size of.monitors.to buy as there are various configuration I could use.

I seem to have 3 possible options.so far.

1. 3 x 24-27 inch monitors giving triple displays (may be overkill)

2. 2 x 27 - 32 inch monitors which may be a better option.

3. 1 x ultrawide 34 inch +

Having a bit of a debate between too many and not enough screens so thought I would reach out and get some opinions on here. I use 2 smaller monitors currently and I do.like having the separation of 2 screens hence my uncertainty about the ultra wide.

Any advice gratefully accepted.

pp111 · 17 Jan 2021 at 11:28

What do you want the screens for?

I think the days of triple monitors are largely over, unless you like racing or flying games, and even then there are monitors like the Samsung G9 where one monitor replaces three. Also specialised monitors are expensive so if you want say one amazing gaming monitor it is better to spend all your money on just one. Personally I think UW is the way to go, and spend most of your money on one monitor. Then if you think you need more desk-space then a less expensive secondary monitor perhaps. I have a fast gaming UW and a smaller cheaper monitor that I use while I am playing mmo's. The second monitor is useful for keeping an eye on things such as messages while you are in game. Really it comes down to what you need but the days of multiple, identical monitors are over, I think.

Djwayne · 17 Jan 2021 at 15:55

I don't have a specific use I tend to do a bit of everything so don't need specialist monitors for a particular purpose.

Probably aiming for QHD May consider 4k but not sure the cost justifies it yet as want decent quality for doing a bit of graphics work coupled with performance when I am gaming and not sure 4k ticks all the boxes yet.

Tanin'iver · 17 Jan 2021 at 22:37

Difficult to answer without knowing more about how much you will use them for various purposes.

For gaming, definitely one bigger monitor rather than 2-3 others. Check out the reports of game support over at https://www.wsgf.org/ and you will find very few games really work well with triple monitors.

Two monitors are certainly better for work purposes if you need a lot of stuff open - yeah one suitably high res one will do, but not quite as well in my experience.

Of those options, I'd go with 3) and get a 34" with 3440x1440 res, or maybe a 38" with 3840x1600 if you can afford it. Either will be excellent for gaming and reasonable for work, slightly better for gaming overall.

If your focus is more on work and less on gaming, then two 27". Don't expect to use them both when gaming though (well, not for playing the game on both - could have reference stuff up on the other one).

adrichardson81 · 18 Jan 2021 at 22:44

What do you currently have? In my experience ultra wide would do what you want in games, but it's not great for productivity, especially graphics work or photography.

A 4k screen would be more future proof, especially if you go for something with a higher refresh rate. Mostly limited to 27" screens right now, but there are 32" versions on the way

Djwayne · 24 Jan 2021 at 12:53

I currently have 2 x 20" monitors but fancy a bit more desktop real estate.

I think I may have found a compromise in a pair of ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q Gaming Monitor which would probably tick all the boxes as it seems amazing value for the specs just a shame there are no reviews on them so far.