going from 1200p 24' to 1440p 27' or 4K 28': visible difference?

[David Taquet]

Hello,

I am hoping to soon get a new monitor, but since I live hours away from any large computer stores, I need help to choose a monitor. Also, I live in Japan, and since the prices are higher than the US, and some models imported, I am limited in my choice.

My current PC: core i5 4690, GTX 970
I will get a new PC soon, powered by i7 7700, and a 1080 Ti. for which I am looking for a new screen.

I sit usually sit 50cm (less than 2 feet) away from my screen.

I now have the Acer p243w (24', 1200p, 60Hz, TN), and am looking at either the Dell S2716DG (27' 1440p,144hz) for 500$ or the Acer XB281HK (28', 4K, 60Hz) for 600$. They are both Gsync, and TN.

My eye sight is 20/20 with glasses. I mostly play single player AAA games, RPGs, and action. When I look at my screen now, I feel quite satisfied but then again, I have never played on higher resolution, so I don't know what I am missing on. I usually am very sensitive any time the fps drops under 60 fps, which is why I picked two gsync monitors.

Would I be able to tell the difference between 1440p and 4K at that distance?
Is the gap between 1200p and 1440p noticeable?

Thank you,

David

 

[Chugalug_]

Yes you will be able to tell the difference in both cases, although the 1200p-1440p one will be smaller.
With your new PC go with a Ryzen 1700, has twice the threads and performs identically to a 7700k in gaming above 1080p, meaning it's more applicable to different applications and better at multitasking while matching gaming performance, and costing much less.

 

[David Taquet]

Thanks. I wish I could get the Ryzen but as usual here in Japan, I wasn't able to find the Ryzen+GTX 1080ti combo. I would have to get separately, which would be more expensive.

Yes you will be able to tell the difference in both cases, although the 1200p-1440p one will be smaller.
With your new PC go with a Ryzen 1700, has twice the threads and performs identically to a 7700k in gaming above 1080p, meaning it's more applicable to different applications and better at multitasking while matching gaming performance, and costing much less.

 

[Chugalug_]

Combos are usually ripoffs designed to get rid of less desirable motherboards and RAM.
It's fine, what retailers are you using?
A Ryzen 1700 and decent B350 board with 4 RAM slots (The cheapest you can find) will be good, then you just need high frequency RAM and you're set.
If it's too much hassle that's fine though.

 

[David Taquet]

Actually, the whole PC is a set. I can't get into details, but it was easier for me to get it that way.

I am using PC koubou, a Japanese retailer, with good online discounts and good after care service.

May I ask what monitor you are using?

Combos are usually ripoffs designed to get rid of less desirable motherboards and RAM.
It's fine, what retailers are you using?
A Ryzen 1700 and decent B350 board with 4 RAM slots (The cheapest you can find) will be good, then you just need high frequency RAM and you're set.
If it's too much hassle that's fine though.

 

[Chugalug_]

Ah okay that's fine then.
You mean my monitor?
I'm using the Acer XB271HU since I get supplier discounts from running a store part time.
It's generally overpriced for what it offers.
Get an IPS 1440p 144hz monitor like the MG279Q, G-Sync is an unnecessary addition with a 1080 Ti, just adds to the cost.

 

[David Taquet]

The MG279Q is 650$ here. Also, I was hoping to get a gsync so that in a few years, even if the card is not enough to push 4K at high details, I would feel less stutter than without gsync.

But then again, it all depends on how much a difference there is between 1200>1440 (with 144hz) and 1200>2160

Ah okay that's fine then.
You mean my monitor?
I'm using the Acer XB271HU since I get supplier discounts from running a store part time.
It's generally overpriced for what it offers.
Get an IPS 1440p 144hz monitor like the MG279Q, G-Sync is an unnecessary addition with a 1080 Ti, just adds to the cost.

 

[Chugalug_]

4k is a different thing altogether, it's more for single player games due to the lower refresh rate.
G-Sync isn't necessary since it's only really effective from 40-80fps, it's up to you whether the 20% increase in cost is worth it for you.

 

[David Taquet]

I tend to play mostly single player games, and rpgs, like the witcher 3, fallout 4. So I am not really sure if the extra refresh rate would make a big difference, but I guess we all are differently sensitive to speed and resolution.
For the gsync, I was thinking of hitting mostly in the upper 50s with a 1080ti, but it would gradually get lower months after months. In that case, wouldn't it make sense to get gsynch?

4k is a different thing altogether, it's more for single player games due to the lower refresh rate.
G-Sync isn't necessary since it's only really effective from 40-80fps, it's up to you whether the 20% increase in cost is worth it for you.

 

[Chugalug_]

It usually does, smoothness is a huge factor, and it just looks stunning running that well.
If you haven't had a 144hz monitor before it's nothing like 60Hz. Gradually it would lower, yes, which is why you might consider G-Sync, but keep in mind that you could also just upgrade your GPU, and at 1440p it'll remain more powerful for longer.

 

[David Taquet]

A few months ago, I saw a 4K video of andromeda on a 4K tv, and it just blew my mind. But the TV was at least 40'.

You make a great point about the longevity of a system. I think this summer, I will go to the next big city and visit a computer store. It is a 5 hour drive, but should be worth it.

Thanks again.

It usually does, smoothness is a huge factor, and it just looks stunning running that well.
If you haven't had a 144hz monitor before it's nothing like 60Hz. Gradually it would lower, yes, which is why you might consider G-Sync, but keep in mind that you could also just upgrade your GPU, and at 1440p it'll remain more powerful for longer.

 

[Chugalug_]

Make sure to compare the prices to online and ask if they can do better.

 

[David Taquet]

Thanks, I will do just that.

Make sure to compare the prices to online and ask if they can do better.