Question Help selecting a new gaming monitor

[NaughtyCaveman]

I am more of a software guy and really have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to displays, so forgive me if I am really bad at describing what I want.

I am not entirely sure how to phrase it, and if it's due to the panel type, HDR or just calibration, but my query is this:

Recently, I was walking around in a tech store and stumbled into the TV section, and noticed that a couple of the TVs had amazingly vivid picture quality compared to everything else. The demo footage playing on them was gameplay from Black Myth: Wukong, and the colors/contrast/quality/brightness seemed amazing, almost like you could reach out and touch the characters inside screen. I wasn't just the resolution, as the other TVs were also 4K and seemed to have HDR as well, but their colors seemed a lot more... washed out? Not as vivid? I assume it was the panel - IPS/OLED/something else? Does my very bad description actually make you think of a specific technology that delivers better picture than others, or am I being too generic?

I had to run out of the store to meet a friend before I could talk to anyone there, so I couldn't get any details. I've been thinking of replacing my monitors for a while now, and I would like to get one using the same technology that those TV were using.

My first question is: what panel/technology was that likely to be / what delivers the best quality?

Additionally, it would be helpful to know:

1) Are there any downsides to said panel type? I remember hearing that OLEDs, for example, have issues with burn-in images, usually static GUI elements like health bar? Is that still a thing is 2025?

2) I am currently using 2 monitors for work - a 27" Acer XB270HU (1440p) and a smaller full-hd one. I want to replace them with a single big montior that is big enough for gaming and gives you that big TV feel, but also isn't too big to sit directly if front of and use as a work monitor (I'll have it on top of my desk). What size monitor will be the right fit for that?

3) Given the answers to 1 and 2, are there any particular models you would recommend?

 

[SyCoREAPER]

I am more of a software guy and really have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to displays, so forgive me if I am really bad at describing what I want.

I am not entirely sure how to phrase it, and if it's due to the panel type, HDR or just calibration, but my query is this:

Recently, I was walking around in a tech store and stumbled into the TV section, and noticed that a couple of the TVs had amazingly vivid picture quality compared to everything else. The demo footage playing on them was gameplay from Black Myth: Wukong, and the colors/contrast/quality/brightness seemed amazing, almost like you could reach out and touch the characters inside screen. I wasn't just the resolution, as the other TVs were also 4K and seemed to have HDR as well, but their colors seemed a lot more... washed out? Not as vivid? I assume it was the panel - IPS/OLED/something else? Does my very bad description actually make you think of a specific technology that delivers better picture than others, or am I being too generic?

I had to run out of the store to meet a friend before I could talk to anyone there, so I couldn't get any details. I've been thinking of replacing my monitors for a while now, and I would like to get one using the same technology that those TV were using.

My first question is: what panel/technology was that likely to be / what delivers the best quality?

Additionally, it would be helpful to know:

1) Are there any downsides to said panel type? I remember hearing that OLEDs, for example, have issues with burn-in images, usually static GUI elements like health bar? Is that still a thing is 2025?

2) I am currently using 2 monitors for work - a 27" Acer XB270HU (1440p) and a smaller full-hd one. I want to replace them with a single big montior that is big enough for gaming and gives you that big TV feel, but also isn't too big to sit directly if front of and use as a work monitor (I'll have it on top of my desk). What size monitor will be the right fit for that?

3) Given the answers to 1 and 2, are there any particular models you would recommend?

Going to address selective points with my thoughts.

OLED will burn in if you play the same game hours at a time. Even if you switch games up in-between, the static images like that from HUDs will wear those subpixels out faster, especially Blue (partially why LG TVs use WOLED).
To me, it's unfortunate that everyone is going OLED. I love my OLED TV but would never use it for games.

As for panel types, IPS is ideal to me, VA smears and looks terrible. HDR is a gimmick since most games don't implement it correctly and Windows doesn't always disable HDR when games don't support HDR and then looks wrong.

If you need two monitors now, you will need two again or can go Ultrawide but keep in mind games need to 1) Support Ultrawide, 2) Splitting two screens to fit one Ultrawide will be smaller and finicky at times. Also you will be limited to VA or need to shell out for a good OLED.

Unless you absolutely need the fastest response times and latency, just get a good TV for the cost of a comparatively small monitor.

 

[NaughtyCaveman]

That's unfortune.

I was really looking forward to playing games on such a display. It just looks so much better. Sad to hear OLEDs are still not viable for gaming due to burn-in.

It kinda dampens my enthusiasm for getting a new display.... After seeing that quality it's really hard to go back to normal.

 

[Eximo]

OLEDs are viable for gaming.

But it is a relatively new and expensive option. OLEDs have been reserved for very large screens and very small screens until the last few years. The first generation OLEDs burned in very quickly, the current models take much longer. They have anti-burn in features, variable brightness, and screen 'cleaning' features. (Effectively if it sees a sub pixel has been the same color for a long time it will change it briefly)

If you don't like overly bright screens, you can also run them at low levels. Even when set low I often find the WOLED to be hard to look at.

They basically start at $500+ and go up from there. By the time the monitor has worn out or burned in, prices should have come down.

Advantages are the pure blacks, extremely fast response times (no ghosting), and very much reduced input lag.

Games that have static UI are the biggest risk. So if you plan to log 30 hours a week in some MMO, that would probably not be ideal. If you are a casual gamer, you should be fine.

Others recommend making sure to hide desktop icons and not use windows in fixed locations for long periods of time. Personally, when I am using my gaming system the desktop is not there for long, so I don't worry about it.

 

[Eximo]

If you don't want to take the risk, a very high end IPS / AVHA panel is the way to go.

 

[Eximo]

Oh I should add that WOLED and QD-OLED are not arranged the same as IPS when it comes to sub pixels QD-OLED are more like old fashioned CRTs and WOLED is RWBG.

The effect is that text doesn't render exactly correctly. There are some software corrective actions you can take. I use MacType which was developed for the early Mac OLEDs that were running Windows in bootcamp, works pretty well to clean up the text.

 

[Flayed]

I am more of a software guy and really have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to displays, so forgive me if I am really bad at describing what I want.

I am not entirely sure how to phrase it, and if it's due to the panel type, HDR or just calibration, but my query is this:

Recently, I was walking around in a tech store and stumbled into the TV section, and noticed that a couple of the TVs had amazingly vivid picture quality compared to everything else. The demo footage playing on them was gameplay from Black Myth: Wukong, and the colors/contrast/quality/brightness seemed amazing, almost like you could reach out and touch the characters inside screen. I wasn't just the resolution, as the other TVs were also 4K and seemed to have HDR as well, but their colors seemed a lot more... washed out? Not as vivid? I assume it was the panel - IPS/OLED/something else? Does my very bad description actually make you think of a specific technology that delivers better picture than others, or am I being too generic?

I had to run out of the store to meet a friend before I could talk to anyone there, so I couldn't get any details. I've been thinking of replacing my monitors for a while now, and I would like to get one using the same technology that those TV were using.

My first question is: what panel/technology was that likely to be / what delivers the best quality?

Additionally, it would be helpful to know:

1) Are there any downsides to said panel type? I remember hearing that OLEDs, for example, have issues with burn-in images, usually static GUI elements like health bar? Is that still a thing is 2025?

2) I am currently using 2 monitors for work - a 27" Acer XB270HU (1440p) and a smaller full-hd one. I want to replace them with a single big montior that is big enough for gaming and gives you that big TV feel, but also isn't too big to sit directly if front of and use as a work monitor (I'll have it on top of my desk). What size monitor will be the right fit for that?

3) Given the answers to 1 and 2, are there any particular models you would recommend?

The monitor I'm using is LG 32GP850-B 32.0" 2560 x 1440 165 Hz. I really like it, it is the best monitor I've ever had.

​

 

[Eximo]

240hz IPS are now a thing.

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/6W...3q-b-270-2560-x-1440-240-hz-monitor-27gr83q-b

And the 240hz 32" version:

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/VNt9TW/lg-32gq850-b-320-2560x1440-240-hz-monitor-32gq850-b

But there are cheaper ones too.

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/TxddnQ/gigabyte-m27q-x-270-2560-x-1440-240-hz-monitor-m27q-x

Those that have reviews:

https://www.rtings.com/monitor/tools/table/158879

 

[Roland Of Gilead]

Another thing to factor in is pixel density. Large screens with low res, look awful, and you really have to consider where to put the screen so you don't pixelation close up. 27' 1440p is the sweet spot for that res. For 4k I wouldn't go any higher than 32' (personal preference) for a gaming monitor, otherwise your eyes would not be able to see the entire screen without having to adjust head position.

 

[SyCoREAPER]

OLEDs are viable for gaming.

But it is a relatively new and expensive option. OLEDs have been reserved for very large screens and very small screens until the last few years. The first generation OLEDs burned in very quickly, the current models take much longer. They have anti-burn in features, variable brightness, and screen 'cleaning' features. (Effectively if it sees a sub pixel has been the same color for a long time it will change it briefly)

If you don't like overly bright screens, you can also run them at low levels. Even when set low I often find the WOLED to be hard to look at.

They basically start at $500+ and go up from there. By the time the monitor has worn out or burned in, prices should have come down.

Advantages are the pure blacks, extremely fast response times (no ghosting), and very much reduced input lag.

Games that have static UI are the biggest risk. So if you plan to log 30 hours a week in some MMO, that would probably not be ideal. If you are a casual gamer, you should be fine.

Others recommend making sure to hide desktop icons and not use windows in fixed locations for long periods of time. Personally, when I am using my gaming system the desktop is not there for long, so I don't worry about it.

That's true that they have improved and are more viable but still not ideal at their pricepoint. Manufactures know this which is why you don't see IPS anymore. It's planned obsolescence.
"We see that laptop line we made 4 years ago is still working and people aren't upgrading. How can we make sure people upgrade?" Put a fragile and expensive OLED panel in it.

While the LG C1 is probably considered mid-lifecycle OLED and still is very good today. Maybe a year into ownership one of the AndroidTV streamer icons changed to yellow. I left it unattended for maybe 30 minutes at the very most. Those yellow pixels stayed what seemed like an eternity but was less than 20 seconds before fully recovering. Granted that is NOT burn-in but a retention simulation of what I'd be experiencing if I ever had burn-in.
It looks worse in person, especially when you're the owner.

OLEDs are amazing but as Eximo eluded to, it's a matter of changing your habits, some that are embedded in your brain for PC use. It's not a plug and play and forget about it.

@ OP - Personally as I said, if you want to go OLED and don't play competitive games where every frame counts, I would put that huge wad of cash towards a TV with lower latency to the competition than get a smaller low latency monitor. Not to mention if subpixels start to lose luminosity due to a defect or otherwise, you will notice it more on a smaller screen.

 

[NaughtyCaveman]

From what everyone is saying, it sounds like an OLED is probably not the optimal choice for a monitor in my case. My time is split 50/50 between gaming and work, so I spend a lot of time staring at code in Visual Studio, which is about as static as it gets. Text not rendering correctly is also an issue for coding.

I'd really like to give OLED a try, though, so I think I might take SyCoREAPER's advice and get an OLED TV instead. My desk is L-shaped anyway, so I can keep my current monitors for work and put the TV on the empty side which I am currently not using. I'll just rotate my chair 90° to switch from working to gaming, and the TV will be off while I'm working.

 

[davidacellphone]

32" samsung 1140p. 165hz
https://computers.woot.com/offers/new-samsung-32-curved-odyssey-monitor-1?ref=w_cnt_lnd_cat_pc_6_7

 

[beyondlogic]

I am more of a software guy and really have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to displays, so forgive me if I am really bad at describing what I want.

I am not entirely sure how to phrase it, and if it's due to the panel type, HDR or just calibration, but my query is this:

Recently, I was walking around in a tech store and stumbled into the TV section, and noticed that a couple of the TVs had amazingly vivid picture quality compared to everything else. The demo footage playing on them was gameplay from Black Myth: Wukong, and the colors/contrast/quality/brightness seemed amazing, almost like you could reach out and touch the characters inside screen. I wasn't just the resolution, as the other TVs were also 4K and seemed to have HDR as well, but their colors seemed a lot more... washed out? Not as vivid? I assume it was the panel - IPS/OLED/something else? Does my very bad description actually make you think of a specific technology that delivers better picture than others, or am I being too generic?

I had to run out of the store to meet a friend before I could talk to anyone there, so I couldn't get any details. I've been thinking of replacing my monitors for a while now, and I would like to get one using the same technology that those TV were using.

My first question is: what panel/technology was that likely to be / what delivers the best quality?

Additionally, it would be helpful to know:

1) Are there any downsides to said panel type? I remember hearing that OLEDs, for example, have issues with burn-in images, usually static GUI elements like health bar? Is that still a thing is 2025?

2) I am currently using 2 monitors for work - a 27" Acer XB270HU (1440p) and a smaller full-hd one. I want to replace them with a single big montior that is big enough for gaming and gives you that big TV feel, but also isn't too big to sit directly if front of and use as a work monitor (I'll have it on top of my desk). What size monitor will be the right fit for that?

3) Given the answers to 1 and 2, are there any particular models you would recommend?

basicly the largest you can go is 32 inch or 31.5. anything bigger i think youll get a neck cramp lol.

ips panels are better particularly those that use simlar technology to quantom dot oled.

e.g QD-IPS monitors better colour accuracy.

there's also nano ips which I find is better

example are

LG 32" 32GS85Q-B QHD​

 

[BFG-9000]

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is basically like two 27" 1440p monitors side-by-side like you are used to, but is one extremely curved ultrawide panel in 49" 32:9 5120x1440 240Hz OLED

 

[GarrettL]

Have had an LG OLED 65" TV for years and no issues with burn in.

Burn in was a serious issue in the early days of OLED.

Recently switched from an Asus ROG Swift 27" IPS to an Alienware 34" QD-OLED wide s screen. Should have done this sooner. Amazing difference in picture quality and improved game immersion. The HDR is insane on this monitor.

The Alienware routinely runs a pixel refresh to maintain the picture quality. All OLED's do this today.

If you are a streamer that plays the same game 24/7 then yes, burn in may become an issue.


Simple common sense and use of existing features makes burn in a non-issue.