Looking for a 1440p monitor (+ GPU?) with a low budget

[Mhmk]

I'm suck on 1440p options right now.

Right now I have a R9 290* 4GB GPU with an Intel i7 4770k CPU. Is this sufficient enough to run most games at average graphics settings in 1440p? If I need to upgrade, what is a budget card which will be able to handle 1440p?

Here are the monitors I have limited it down to (feel free to suggest others too if under $500):

Dell U2515H : http://www.amazon.com/Dell-UltraSharp-U2515H-25-Inch-LED-Lit/dp/B00SPWPF1O
QNIX QX2710 : http://www.amazon.com/QNIX-QX2710-Evolution-LED-Monitor/dp/B00BUI44US
BenQ GW2765HT : http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-GW2765HT-27-Inch-LED-Lit-Monitor/dp/B00KYCSRSG
ASUS PB278Q : http://www.amazon.com/PB278Q-27-Inch-LED-lit-Professional-Graphics/dp/B009C3M7H0
Acer G257HU : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QS0AKVK

As my primary uses are going to be coding and gaming, are any of these monitors better than the others? I know low response time is better but anything else?

I thought (in order to save my GPU) that I may be able to run the 1440p monitor in 1080p mode when playing games so I essential only use 1440p for coding - is that a bad idea?

Thank you!!

 

[Suzuki@1473780084@1473780163]

Unfortunately that GPU won't be able to handle 1440 that well in recent and upcoming titles. Older titles, absolutely. Response time is a spec that should be ignored in the modern monitor market. Playing a game in 1080 on a 1440 monitor is not a very good idea. You will lose 1:1 pixel mapping, and the result will be a slight blur and fine detail will be lost. It's always best to have the source match your native resolution. Out of those monitors you listed, I would buy the Acer G257HU. A graphics card that can handle higher resolutions at playable framerates (target 60). Due to the upcoming and recent games, I wouldn't use anything less than a R9 290/X or a GTX970/980.

 

[Mhmk]

Unfortunately that GPU won't be able to handle 1440 that well in recent and upcoming titles. Older titles, absolutely. Response time is a spec that should be ignored in the modern monitor market. Playing a game in 1080 on a 1440 monitor is not a very good idea. You will lose 1:1 pixel mapping, and the result will be a slight blur and fine detail will be lost. It's always best to have the source match your native resolution. Out of those monitors you listed, I would buy the Acer G257HU. A graphics card that can handle higher resolutions at playable framerates (target 60). Due to the upcoming and recent games, I wouldn't use anything less than a R9 290/X or a GTX970/980.

Thanks so much! I just purchased a used R9 290 4GB card for £150 as I figured the 270X wouldn't be too great.

Is there any chance that I can crossfire a 270X with a 290 or would that just bottleneck it/not work?

Only thing left is the monitor now. Any of those brands better than others? I heard QNIX can be overclocked (and they are cheaper), but I'm worried about how good the response time is. The Dell was my overall favorite monitor after reading reviews though...

 

[Suzuki@1473780084@1473780163]

Looks like a no to me: http://support.amd.com/en-us/kb-articles/Pages/Crossfire-Chart.aspx

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I think you're confusing response time for input lag. If the response time is too high, you will have a higher chance of seeing something known as ghosting. This is not a problem with any modern LCD, whether it's TN, VA or IPS technology. Ghosting occurs because of the low refresh rate (typically 60), which is why higher refresh rates were created to minimize this effect.

Input lag is how long it takes for your input to appear on screen. Modern LCD's are all typically at 9 to 10 input lag, this is true for TN, VA and IPS panels.

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I have mixed feelings about the QNIX displays, but judging by the reviews, they are great value. I would personally buy from a more common brand with higher quality standard and better warranty.

 

[Mhmk]

Looks like a no to me: http://support.amd.com/en-us/kb-articles/Pages/Crossfire-Chart.aspx

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I think you're confusing response time for input lag. If the response time is too high, you will have a higher chance of seeing something known as ghosting. This is not a problem with any modern LCD, whether it's TN, VA or IPS technology. Ghosting occurs because of the low refresh rate (typically 60), which is why higher refresh rates were created to minimize this effect.

Input lag is how long it takes for your input to appear on screen. Modern LCD's are all typically at 9 to 10 input lag, this is true for TN, VA and IPS panels.

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I have mixed feelings about the QNIX displays, but judging by the reviews, they are great value. I would personally buy from a more common brand with higher quality standard and better warranty.

Looks like I'll go for the Dell then!

 

[Suzuki@1473780084@1473780163]

Great choice! All the best! Enjoy your new display.