Upgrade or wait?

the_darjeeling · 10 May 2015 at 10:14

Hi,

I'm thinking about upgrading from my current monitor at some point soon, a iiyama TN 1080p which I have no real complaints about. however I would like to go to 1440p now i have a rig that can run it at a reasonable level.

The problem is that most of the current monitors seem to be plagued by poor build quality and frequent issues for the price you pay. others like superwides aren't guaranteed to be compatible with every game.

So my question really is is it worth upgrading at the moment? or should i wait for things like Freesync and other technology to mature and become commonplace as well as things like mainstream OLED PC monitors to become reality (I'm aware it may be a long, long, long wait for that)

Thanks

furby88 · 10 May 2015 at 10:47

"Most" 1440p monitors do not have issues, I think you have looked too much into the RoG Swift and Acer IPS threads

More info would be nice such as price range and required features such as Freesync, Ultrawide, Panel type etc. You could be waiting forever for the perfect monitor as there is always something round the corner.

the_darjeeling · 10 May 2015 at 11:47

yeah I may have got a bit paranoid about that.
i understand that's the problem with technology, as you say there's always something around the corner.

in terms of specs id be looking at 1440p, 25"-27" i'd like to try an IPS but TN has come on pretty far theses days, refresh rates aren't a massive issue higher would be nice but I'm not sure if the performance cost is worth it. price range is roughly up to £600 i get a work bonus in October so id look at upgrading my monitor and maybe card if the 390/X or 980Ti are any good then, this would affect if its Gsync/freesync although I think that freesync monitors still need to go through another generation before they reach their full Potential.

alanrco · 10 May 2015 at 12:02

Generally good reviews for the Acer 27" widescreen G-Sync but the price is daunting when you have to trust the reviews. Monitors are the most subjective item in a PC setup. It retails here at just a few bob under £700. I've just heard I'm going to Germany in the autumn so I will get it for the equivalent of £550! That's the price atm there anyway.

jigger · 10 May 2015 at 12:29

I wouldn't touch that Acer screen with a bargepole even if it was free.

OP if you are happy sit tight.

segfault · 10 May 2015 at 13:23

If you're not dead set on G-Sync/freesync it might be worth having a look at the Dell U2515H. It's only 60 Hz and the soft-touch power buttons are a little annoying, but besides that it's a very nice monitor for the price. There is a good review on TFT central:

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/dell_u2515h.htm

the_darjeeling · 10 May 2015 at 15:01

thanks, I'll have a look.

There's a 27" version as well that seems pretty good.

lamboman · 10 May 2015 at 16:10

the_darjeeling said:
thanks, I'll have a look.

There's a 27" version as well that seems pretty good.

Honestly, if you just want a "bog standard" 1440p IPS, Dell is your best bet all round. The only "issue" is that neither of those models come with built-in speakers.

Asus have the PB258Q which uses the same panel as the U2515H. May have slightly thinner bezels (only judging by pictures, I don't know in reality) and has built in speakers, but it's £80 more.

If you want a 144Hz panel that probably has none of the issues the Acer has, the Asus MG279Q will probably be great (though no G-Sync), at £500.

segfault · 10 May 2015 at 18:05

lamboman said:
The only "issue" is that neither of those models come with built-in speakers.

I guess there is always the Dell soundbar (AC511) if you just want stereo speakers.

Doogles · 10 May 2015 at 18:24

Going for a UHD PLS/IPS freesync panel might be worth it for you, massive upgrade.

the_darjeeling · 11 May 2015 at 20:14

I mainly use a headset so in built speakers aren't a deal breaker

i didn't know about the asus model, its definitely another option to consider.

Freesync is is really tempting but the Hz range of the models available at the moment seem a bit of limitation. after the 3XX series and DX12 come out I can imagine it getting a lot better.

gazzamcg · 11 May 2015 at 20:58

If you are happy with your current monitor, I would personally wait till the first quarter of next year if you can to see whats out/coming out in that time.

Plec · 11 May 2015 at 22:54

I was in a similar position to yourself a couple of weeks ago and bought a Dell u2515h - and haven't looked back since.

Great build quality, beautifully designed, great adjustable height features & the IPS panel is superb - great colours, contrast & suits most multi users needs (games and Photoshop). Plus, you benefit from Dells ultrasharp warranty which is second to none.

I wanted something bigger than 24" but not a 27" so I could add a second/third at a later date. I opted for 1440p as I wanted the better resolution for photoshop and sketch up. But I've been pleasantly surprised at how the latest games look - very sharp and clear and coupled with a clocked 2500k and R9 290 I can run most games on ultra/high...

the_darjeeling · 12 May 2015 at 19:59

the dell does seem quite tempting, at this point I think I'd prefer the 27" since the extra space will come in handy. the warranty is a nice bonus too.

Plec · 12 May 2015 at 21:52

The 27" does benefit in that the text is larger in native resolution when browsing etc - other than that it's down to personal preference. And the price difference of course...

the_darjeeling · 13 May 2015 at 19:33

yeah that's kind of my reason going for the 27", the price difference isn't a huge concern as I think you a lot for what you pay for especially if its on offer.