Monitor resolution question

pumaknight · 12 Jul 2013 at 10:26

Hello all,

This is probably a noob type question. I am looking for a new monitor. I traditionally went for 1920x1080 knowing that this was all my graphics cards could power and was Full HD. But now I see games can run in much higher resolution.

What is the benefit of having a monitor that runs at a higher resolution on say a 27" monitor. Do you see clearer picture on photos and movies, or does it scale and pixelate? Is it worth the extra money at that sized screen over a 1920x1080 monitor?

Thanks,
M

Rainagul · 12 Jul 2013 at 10:59

Well let's say you have a 2560 by 1440 resolution 27 inch monitor.

Well first of all, you obviously have much more pixels which translated into more space on your desktop/games/browsers etc.
This means the potential for having increased detail and clarity of text will be higher than at 1080p.

The issue is, it all depends on what quality the source of whatever you are looking is. If it's a poor quality photo, it will still look poor. However if you have something that is meant for 1440p, then it will look amazing.

The only other issue, especially with gaming is the increased power you will need to run things smoothly at that resolution.

All I can say from experience is, don't get a monitor at 27inch that can only do 1080p. It's a bit of waste imo.
If you are willing and able to invest in all the necessary things needed to get a smooth experience from 1440p then go for it. It's a big step up from 1080

BRIGGBOY81 · 12 Jul 2013 at 12:29

I changed from 1080p 120Hz to 1440p this week and I will never go back as everything just looks so much more real

IvanDobskey · 12 Jul 2013 at 13:15

Definitely worth going 1440p as its much sharper, clearer and more detailed than 1080 at 27 inch. Just make sure you have a decent video card.

breadturbo · 12 Jul 2013 at 13:50

The extra grunt required isn't as big as you'd think anyway, I find I turn off things like anisotropic filtering as the pixel density makes up for it.
You will need at least one high end card (7970/680+) to make it smooth though.

pumaknight · 13 Jul 2013 at 11:58

Thanks all for the feedback, really useful.
Photos are fine as they are pro level res. I have 2x 6950 cards in Crossfire, so should be beefy enough. BUt an upgrade them if needed.

Does anyone have a recommendation as to the best monitor.
I really want the deep blacks and contrast / colour rendition as seen on the IMAC and Tablet screens (might be a lot to ask, but can always hope!!)

Appreciate it.
Michael H

IvanDobskey · 13 Jul 2013 at 13:34

2x 6950's should be fine for 1440p. I can definitely recommend the Viewsonic vp2770-LED.