Monitor help

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Assuming I can't fix the issue I'm having with my new 970 and the awful picture quality I've now got on my HDTV I need some advice on monitors. I've gotten used to a 32" screen but can't afford a monitor in the region of that size. I guess I'm interested in either a 27" at 1920x1080 60Hz or a 24" at 1920x1080 @ 144Hz. I'm struggling to find exactly what the advantage of 144Hz is.

Looking to spend around £170. Is either one of these a better choice or are there better options? Ideally needs to have a VESA mount. It'd be used for gaming and general web browsing.

YOUR BASKET
1 x AOC G2460FQ 24" Widescreen 144Hz 1ms Gaming LED Monitor - Gunmetal £169.99
1 x Iiyama Prolite E2773HS-GB1 27" Widescreen LED 1MS Monitor - Black £169.99
Total : £354.08 (includes shipping : £11.75).

 

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Well it's giving me serious eye strain now. It looks out of focus and text is painful to read. I had this previously with my 280x when I tried to use HDMi -> HDMI. I fixed it by using DVI -> HDMI. Unfortunately it makes no difference at all with the 970 as to which port or cable I use.

 

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Am I likely to be disappointed going from 32" down to 24" or will the 144Hz make up for it ? Also in what way is 144Hz better for gaming? If it makes a difference I've had the tape measure out and I sit 31" away from the screen.