Spec me a 4k screen please

Dirk Diggler

Dirk Diggler

Dirk Diggler

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I've had my X34A for a few years now, and the BLB/Glow is getting annoying. I'm not sure if it's got worse over time or I'm just getting sensitive to it. I've been waiting for an Ultrawide upgrade, but it seems far off yet and I've waited long enough.

If I'm stepping back to 16:9 then it needs to be 4k. Requirements are:

  • 4k resolution
  • Gsync compatible, preferably Freesync too?
  • Refresh rate greater than 60 but I accept this might not be feasible
  • Good for Netflix etc (it looks crap on my X34A)
I'm taking a couple of risks here. The first is screen size, I'm not sure what would be best? The second risk is FPS, I might hate 60 and will just need to wait and see if 60 on the 4k screen is different from 60 on a 100Hz UW screen.

I would really like to focus on image quality, and no BLB or Glow.

Budget £1k and under.
 
I have just got this monitor for £250

I can highly recommend this monitor , works perfectly with G/sync , I can tell you now unless you have 2080ti you wont be banging out over 60 FPS in any new title. LG 27UL600 27"

Fantastic colours out the box on custom mode , ULTRA HD on Amazon prime looks amazing! massive step up from 1080p screen. I don't know if I got lucky but I have no light burn at all on this screen... litteraly the corners are black even in a dark room.
for what I paid I plan to by a second one, I have set the screen up to my liking as the TEXT can look fuzzy if you have the sharpness turned up but I leave this on 50% and looks nice. Windows 10 does a good Job on scaling these days
 
Having looked around, it seems that the 4k space is in transition to higher refresh rates and HDR formats. Problem being, the current offerings feel like a half way house that will be obsolete/dated within a year or two. I think I could be tempted to go for a cheaper 60Hz model without any HDR etc. So long as it's got Gsync I'll be fine as it'll be paired up with a 1080ti.

I'll try to put a short list together and see if there's any opinion or user experience to gain.
 
I've been looking for high Hz 4k and under £1k there are really only 2

Asus
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/asus...atible-hdr400-widescreen-gamin-mo-0an-as.html
Acer
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/acer...-widescreen-led-gaming-monitor-mo-144-ac.html

Oh currently reduced so now 3

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/acer...-widescreen-led-gaming-monitor-mo-14c-ac.html


Or some wanger waving with this https://www.overclockers.co.uk/hp-o...ide-led-backlit-gaming-monitor-mo-00b-hp.html

A high hz 4k panel is basically double the cost of a 60hz monitor. And larger 4k panels are another £500+ on top of that. though the larger panels are all VA panels.

It does depend how close you sit next to the screen but that is for any size, same with your TV at home. I do sit close to mine gaming with my hands under the bezel on mouse & keypad and I'm fully immersed sitting as close as I do. I think 32-34inches might be ideal.

Still arguing with my wallet on the cost of these. NEw 0% on purchases credit card turned up yesterday. Not worried about HDR so had my eye on that Acer as the Asus ones have a fan built in I think. Only 2 years warranty on these panels too.

This site is quite good for seeing what's coming up and being released https://www.displayninja.com/new-monitors/
 
What on earth are those flaps all about with the Acer models. :p

With the Asus model you linked, there's no compromise with Gsync is there? It gets the Spidey Sense tingling when I see "compatible".

And yes, they're pricey. Plus, the XG27UQ appears to have a half baked version of HDR and is achieving high refresh on the fly, which makes me fear that more advanced models will supersede it relatively quickly as far as the life of a monitor goes?

Edit to add: having reviewed the spec for the XG27UQ I see the high refresh is only possible with a 20 series Nvidia GPU. There's no way I'm buying a 2080ti!
 
String said:
What on earth are those flaps all about with the Acer models. :p

With the Asus model you linked, there's no compromise with Gsync is there? It gets the Spidey Sense tingling when I see "compatible".

And yes, they're pricey. Plus, the XG27UQ appears to have a half baked version of HDR and is achieving high refresh on the fly, which makes me fear that more advanced models will supersede it relatively quickly as far as the life of a monitor goes?
Click to expand...

You sir are thinking the same as me, have same gfx card and feel the same as me. I been looking at these since before Xmas. Yeah those flaps. They are optional attachments in the box, If you had a bright room in the day maybe. Guess you aint worrying about viewing angles with those on. HDR isnt something I want at the moment - 400 is rubbish, not many games have it and I just dont need it for gaming. Can imagine its better on VA panels with better blacks.

When you get yours delivered tomorrow - let me know how good the panel is and how much better high hz is.:D


Some of these panels require 2 display port in too to work at high hz. Most only do 120hz and not the 144hz with freesync and Gsync working. though 120hz is fine by me. Some 2nd hand ones about but some prices wanted are silly - rather pay the extra for the warranty albeit only 2 years.
 
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Quartz said:
Acer Nitro 4k.

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £911.09 (includes shipping: £11.10)
​

I have one and it's fantastic.
Click to expand...

It does tick a few boxes for me, although backlight bleed is the main concern. As stated in the OP, I already have the Acer X34a and the BLB is annoying me now. It's always been there, and I accepted it as the price you pay for IPS but I see some reviews for this monitor and BLB is a big issue apparently.

Does this do high refresh on any card, and if so would I need a certain cable to achieve it?
 
String said:
It does tick a few boxes for me, although backlight bleed is the main concern. As stated in the OP, I already have the Acer X34a and the BLB is annoying me now. It's always been there, and I accepted it as the price you pay for IPS but I see some reviews for this monitor and BLB is a big issue apparently.
Click to expand...

I guess I must be lucky.

Does this do high refresh on any card, and if so would I need a certain cable to achieve it?
Click to expand...

It will do 4k @ 120 Hz with a Displayport 1.4 cable. To get the full benefit (144 Hz) you will need two DP 1.4 cables.
 
Woodsta888 said:
Oh a recommend from an owner at last - wallet's gone wobbly with pain

I note in your sig you have 1440 UW too. Which you prefer for gaming?
Click to expand...

Different games prefer different monitors. For example, if you're into driving games then the UW monitor generally plays better. Indeed, in Command & Conquer 3 different maps prefer different monitors! I have the best of both worlds.
 
String said:
It does tick a few boxes for me, although backlight bleed is the main concern. As stated in the OP, I already have the Acer X34a and the BLB is annoying me now. It's always been there, and I accepted it as the price you pay for IPS but I see some reviews for this monitor and BLB is a big issue apparently.

Does this do high refresh on any card, and if so would I need a certain cable to achieve it?
Click to expand...

Yes you can use an nvidia card on freesync monitors now. As that one is Freesync - G-sync compatible, it passed all of Nvidias tests so gets a G-sync compatible cert. Many normal freesync monitors like my IIyama B2875UHSU Freesync (tn panel) works fine with my Nvidia card with G-sync enabled.

You wont need any different cable than the ones that come with the monitor. I think when you use 2xDP cables for 144hz you may lose Freesync (VRR/variable refresh rate) functionality. But 120hz is a good jump from 60hz. There's a test on Linus techtips where he tests with top gamers the difference right up to 240hz and they say 144hz - 240hz isnt as noticable as 60-hz - 144.

All panels have their issues and they say there is no right or wrong between IPS and VA. IPS =BLB VA = ghosting. If we hadn't seen it explained and pictures of it I dunno if we'd all be so sensitive. I think it comes down to people expecting perfection fr the money they are paying. The panel lottery is the same as the silicon lottery on CPU's. And that's where these prices are a bit steep. But 4k 120hz + is new, so early adopters have to pay those prices.
I'm still struggling to justify it myself.
Get on String! You first!
 
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Quartz said:
Different games prefer different monitors. For example, if you're into driving games then the UW monitor generally plays better. Indeed, in Command & Conquer 3 different maps prefer different monitors! I have the best of both worlds.
Click to expand...

Now that ^^^^ is enthusiast level gaming - to have two monitors for maps in the same game. ;)
 
String said:
I didn't think the 48" would come in under £1k?
Click to expand...

Yeah the what hifi review says likely be £1000- £1500. OLED is good but you need to treat them with care regards burn-in. Shame not more VRR TV's are getting proper PC gamer review type coverage. STill reviewed as TV's and the VRR bit is for consoles? Most of the TV's only have G-sync which means only work with Nvidia cards. Need more freesync versions.
 
String said:
I didn't think the 48" would come in under £1k?
Click to expand...

They would make a killing at £999 but no price yet. The 55" B9 dips to 1K and the C9 was the same over Xmas when I bought mine.

Woodsta888 said:
Yeah the what hifi review says likely be £1000- £1500. OLED is good but you need to treat them with care regards burn-in. Shame not more VRR TV's are getting proper PC gamer review type coverage. STill reviewed as TV's and the VRR bit is for consoles? Most of the TV's only have G-sync which means only work with Nvidia cards. Need more freesync versions.
Click to expand...

Modern OLEDs, well LG, have mitigations in place. Once you game on one there is no going back they are just stunning.
 
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