[SOLVED] Choosing a 4K monitor or not?

[HughMitch]

I am looking to improve my home workspace with a new monitor. Probably 27 inches.
My issue is that i can't decide if i should go for a 4k screen or not. I have outlined my setup below and the specific questions that i have:

Current setup:

• PC Specialist custom laptop
• 4k 15.6 inch screen (scaled to 175%)(I guess I'm running a 3K screen)
• Intel i7 7700HQ (7thGen) 2.8Ghz
• 16GB Ram
• Intel HD 630 onboard graphics
• GTX 1050Ti 4gb dedicated graphics

Usage:

• Mostly work on architectural drawings with a lot of photo editing and multitasking.
• Some video, film watching etc.
• Some games (AC Origins, Metro Redux, Deus-Ex HR etc.)
• I can play all these games with at least high graphics settings without a noticeable drop below 30fps at 3k res.

Here are my questions:
I have read a lot of information that I need a better graphics card than a GTX 1050 Ti to run a 4k screen. However, my actual laptop screen is a 4k screen (scaled to 175%) and it can run games absolutely fine.

1. If I were to get a 4k monitor, surely I could run it without issues as it can currently run my laptop screen? am i missing something?
2. My laptop screen is scaled to 175%. This is because i wanted the 4k resolution to have more real estate when i needed it for multitasking etc, but actual 4k resolution on a 15.6inch screen is too small to see. With a second screen, can i also scale it to 175% to match my laptop or is this not possible? Is there a better solution?
3. Finally, can someone recommend me a setup or screen option? With so many out there its hard to know what's good and what's bad. (do i really need Freesync or G-sync? Is a 60Hz refresh rate absolutely fine for my usage, or really should i be looking at a 120Hz?)

I would love to hear some feedback and solutions to the questions above. Any clarification would be super useful.

Thank you,
Hugh

 

[Masterchiefxx17]

If I were to get a 4k monitor, surely I could run it without issues as it can currently run my laptop screen? am i missing something?

No, I wouldn't recommend you run your gaming on a full sized 24 - 27" 4K desktop monitor. Your laptop will suffer unless you lower the game's requirements.

With a second screen, can i also scale it to 175% to match my laptop or is this not possible?

Yes.

nally, can someone recommend me a setup or screen option?

I say you stick with 2K instead of 4k. Look a the Pixio PX275h (the monitor I use) or Asus or Dell. All good brands.