Monitors for Work & Gaming

DarkConvict · 20 Jun 2016 at 19:50

Hi,

Buying a new PC, first time since 2008. Currently have a QX9650 @ OC'ed 4Ghz, 4GB DDR2, 470GTX with a Dell 24" Ultrasharp (2407WFP-HC).

Moving to 6700K, 16GB DDR3, 1080GTX with... "some" monitors. And this is where i need some guidance.
Budget wise for the entire build is up to £4,000, so £1500+ for monitors is feasible.

Primary usage will be working, programming, photography (hobby) then gaming. Given the work aspect i will benefit from triple monitors, but i don't plan to game in triple monitors (too much GPU required) for limited gain.

Going for triple monitor, I've always wanted 3 the same, looks cool, but is it really worth it for 2 side monitors that don't get "real" usage. I also like the aspect of 3 monitors the same having similar pixel density and color temperature.

I really like GSync, so ideally the main monitor should have it. No need for 3D so 100hz or higher is fine.

Some questions
1) Given side monitors might be in portrait mode, for viewing angles is it advisable to stick to IPS panels?
2) If the main monitor is gync enabled, will side monitors require gync even if only gaming on 1 monitor?
3) Should i be concerned about the QA issues with gsync IPS panels, or just switch out if i get a bad one?
4) Get 3 monitors the same, or 1 better monitor with two cheaper one the side?

Current considerations.
Acer x34 + 2x Dell UltraSharp U2715H 27" 2560x1440 IPS
Asus pg348q + 2x Dell UltraSharp U2715H 27" 2560x1440 IPS
3x Dell S2716DG 27" 2560x1440 TN G-Sync
3x Asus Predator XB271HU 27" 2560x1440 IPS

TBH the Dell UltraSharp U2715H might over overkill as side monitors, but it what i saw on the OCUK website with the same vertical resolution as the 34"

Any recommendations?

eddiew · 21 Jun 2016 at 15:06

With regards to looking at side panels, you might find this useful: http://www.silisoftware.com/tools/screen.php

TLDR; a 27" 16:9 is exactly the same height as a 34" 21:9, so if the pixel count is the same, they'll be flawless extensions. That said, you're talking 13.2" tall by 77" wide. That's a six foot five inch span of screens which will either be epic, or feel very one dimensional

I have a PLP setup with some older Dells; 17s at the side, 24 in the middle. The 17s suffer from severe colour shift in their intended 'vertical' plane to the point they are un-viewable if I move half a desk to the side. Wish they were IPS. On the other hand, I think PLP is a really nice way to go, as the side panels are just right for having websites on while gaming on the central screen, and the whole thing sits in the footprint of most dual monitor desks. Personally, I don't find multi-monitor gaming to be very satisfying, since the side panels are always distorted and only good for a vague sense of movement in my peripheral vision.

DarkConvict · 21 Jun 2016 at 19:13

Just looked at my feet. 6ft of screens is probably too much when you think about it like that. Sure it will be angled. But 34 with 2x 24" in portrait might be fine.

lamboman · 21 Jun 2016 at 20:02

Quite honestly, purchasing two additional monitors for the sake of it is likely to be a novelty that will grow old fairly quickly, as well as being a significant expense. 3440x1440 itself is well over double the resolution of your current 24".

Within that budget you'll easily be able to fit in a couple of GTX 1080s, an Acer X34, and go X99. A £100 or so will fit a Vive in there too.

For the majority of workloads, if you're struggling to use 3440x1440 you're probably not managing your workflow very well. That isn't to say that there aren't uses for anything beyond that, but Joe Average need not apply.