2560x1440 vs 3840x2160 resolution

[mgreen]

I want to purchase two 27" high-res monitors to attach to my two laptop computers:
1. HP Envy 17t-n100 (Intel HD 520 with Nvidia GeForce 950 MX 4 GB)
2. Lenovo Flex 5 15 (Intel HD 620 with GeForce 940 2 GB)

Both laptops can drive 3840x2160 at 30 Hz or 2560x1440 at 60 Hz.

I purchased the Dell P2715Q 27" 3840x2160 monitor for $399 and tried it on both systems. I have to scale the display to 150% in Display Properties to make objects large enough to work comfortably. As a result, I'm not sure the display looks any better than a lower resolution with less magnification would. The response is slow when I move a window around. My guess is that UHD resolution is taxing my laptop's graphics ability.

Now I am wondering if I should return the Dell and purchase a 2560x1440 27" monitor instead, like the Benq GW2765HT. I think this QHD resolution is better suited for 27" and the graphics will perform better because the lower resolution is better handled by my laptop graphics hardware.

Is my thinking correct? One concern is that the 2560x1440 monitors cost about as much as the very nice Dell P2715Q so I would be changing to the lower resolution without saving any, or just a little, money. If graphics performance is better at the lower resolution, I think it might be worth it.

Which is the better choice?
Thanks!

 

[JoeMomma]

1440p is a better match for your gpu

 

[Shadow777]

2k vs 4k, your gpu wont fair well on either anyways

 

[mgreen]

Followup to my original post. This may help others who have the same question.

I returned the 3840x2160 display and purchased a 2560x1440 (WQHD) display. It looks great and is very useable with no scaling (scaling = 100%) which means images and text are sharp and clear. Also, when I move windows around on the screen, they are very responsive because the nVidia graphics in my laptop have enough power to drive 2560x1440 at 60 Hz.

 

[Shadow777]

Followup to my original post. This may help others who have the same question.

I returned the 3840x2160 display and purchased a 2560x1440 (WQHD) display. It looks great and is very useable with no scaling (scaling = 100%) which means images and text are sharp and clear. Also, when I move windows around on the screen, they are very responsive because the nVidia graphics in my laptop have enough power to drive 2560x1440 at 60 Hz.

That was a very good choice indeed, theres no point in Getting a higher resolution display if your GPU doesnt have enough horsepower to make the experience enjoyable

 

[13thmonkey]

Followup to my original post. This may help others who have the same question.

I returned the 3840x2160 display and purchased a 2560x1440 (WQHD) display. It looks great and is very useable with no scaling (scaling = 100%) which means images and text are sharp and clear. Also, when I move windows around on the screen, they are very responsive because the nVidia graphics in my laptop have enough power to drive 2560x1440 at 60 Hz.

That was a very good choice indeed, theres no point in Getting a higher resolution display if your GPU doesnt have enough horsepower to make the experience enjoyable

That depends on what you are doing. Gaming is not mentioned. I'm running a 4k laptop using the iGPU on a kaby lake i7 and it is fine, it has a 1050 which i've disabled.

 

[Shadow777]

Followup to my original post. This may help others who have the same question.

I returned the 3840x2160 display and purchased a 2560x1440 (WQHD) display. It looks great and is very useable with no scaling (scaling = 100%) which means images and text are sharp and clear. Also, when I move windows around on the screen, they are very responsive because the nVidia graphics in my laptop have enough power to drive 2560x1440 at 60 Hz.

That was a very good choice indeed, theres no point in Getting a higher resolution display if your GPU doesnt have enough horsepower to make the experience enjoyable

That depends on what you are doing. Gaming is not mentioned. I'm running a 4k laptop using the iGPU on a kaby lake i7 and it is fine, it has a 1050 which i've disabled.

Well if your iGPU can run 4k desktop at an enjoyable framerate then my point is still valid