Looking for a high end monitor for gaming

[AmusedAgder]

Okay, so I'll try my best to explain my current dilemma. I currently have a standard HP 1080p monitor that runs at 60hz. I picked it up from best buy like 3 years ago. Basically, I'm looking for a monitor that looks really great and crisp that runs at 120hz. The size I want to try and stick with is 27 inches. I also would really like one that has a very small bezel but I know I can't have my cake and eat it too, so that isn't a must have but just a preference. I've been trying to find one that is above 1080p (i.e 1440p). If I had to choose between a monitor with a higher resolution than 1080p and a monitor that has a refresh rate of 120hz I would go with the higher refresh rate. I know it's rare to find an IPS monitor that runs above 60hz as they just started coming out, so I'm open to other monitor types. I just like IPS because they usually look the best. I've found a couple (Like this: http://goo.gl/TFzimD) but they aren't exactly the cheapest of monitors. Not to mention the best one I could find (the one I linked) Isn't even available anymore. I've found a couple different monitors but each seem to have something lacking in it. I'm unsure if there is a perfect monitor out there for me or not, but if there is I'm hoping you guys can help me find it. So far the perfect monitor I've found is the ROG Swift Asus Monitor (http://www.amazon.com/PG278Q-27-Inch-Screen-LED-Lit-Monitor/dp/B00MSOND8C). The problem with that is it's way to expensive for me. The price-point I would like to stick around is $300 and below if possible.

I'll start by showing the different monitors I've found on my own:

The "QNIX QX2710 LED Evolution" is the first monitor I found whilst in my search. It runs at 1440p but only runs at 60hz. Now the catch to this is that people say it can be overclocked to 120hz or 100z at the very least. I have exactly zero experience with overclocking monitor refresh rates. I'm unsure if it shortens it's lifespan or how difficult it can be. I would much rather find a monitor that comes at 120hz by stock. Here is the link to the monitor I'm talking about: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JEZ3MAW/

I have also been shown the "ASUS VG248QE 24-inch LED-lit Monitor" by some friends but some people have told me it tends to have a washed out picture. It's only a 1080p monitor as well but it does run at 120hz. Here is a link to it: http://www.amazon.com/VG248QE-24-inch-LED-lit-Monitor-response/dp/B00B2HH7G0/?&tag=bom-tomshardware-20

So, for the last monitor I've found. It's the Samsung S27D590P 27 inch monitor. It runs at 1080p and has a refresh rate of 120hz. I've only heard good things about this monitor other than its lackluster stand. To me this seems like the one I'm leaning torwards the most as it has everything I want (including short bezels) except it not being a higher resolution than 1080p. Here is the link to this one: http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-27-Inch-Viewing-Monitor-S27D590P/dp/B00IEZGW8C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419549656&sr=8-1&keywords=s27d590p

So those are the monitors I've found so far. Please feel free to give your opinion or any suggestions you may have. I really want a monitor that will last me a good few years, at least until 4k monitors become more affordable for my budget. Thanks for helping me out!

 

[Darkbreeze]

The Swift isn't all it's cracked up to be anyhow. I would never pay the going rate for that unit.

The BenQ XL2720T is a fantastic monitor, but only 1080p. It's a 120hz display, and it exceeds your budget by about 100.00-150.00, if you can find one. After Christmas everybody seems to be sold out of EVERYTHING. You can get a refurbished one for 400.00 through the manufacturer, or just check out it's specs for later here: http://shop.benq.us/benq-outlet/refurbished-monitors/xl2720t-gaming-monitor-refurb.html

It a TN but it does have lightboost. It's an option anyhow.

Your best bet is likely to wait a few weeks as new models are likely to begin being released soon and older models will likely get price reductions or older technology may drop in demand. The number of available, in stock 27" 120hz monitors out there right now seems to be very skinny and consist mainly of higher priced panels. Somebody else may have more insight but that's my take for now.

 

[AmusedAgder]

The Swift isn't all it's cracked up to be anyhow. I would never pay the going rate for that unit.

The BenQ XL2720T is a fantastic monitor, but only 1080p. It's a 120hz display, and it exceeds your budget by about 100.00-150.00, if you can find one. After Christmas everybody seems to be sold out of EVERYTHING. You can get a refurbished one for 400.00 through the manufacturer, or just check out it's specs for later here: http://shop.benq.us/benq-outlet/refurbished-monitors/xl2720t-gaming-monitor-refurb.html

It a TN but it does have lightboost. It's an option anyhow.

Your best bet is likely to wait a few weeks as new models are likely to begin being released soon and older models will likely get price reductions or older technology may drop in demand. The number of available, in stock 27" 120hz monitors out there right now seems to be very skinny and consist mainly of higher priced panels. Somebody else may have more insight but that's my take for now.

So what are your thoughts on the Samsung S27D590P 27 inch monitor? It's 1080p and has a 120hz refresh rate, not to mention its slim bezels. Why would the BenQ any better? Especially since the Samsung one is nicely priced for my taste.

 

[Darkbreeze]

For one thing, it seems that monitor only has VGA and HDMI inputs, according to the very first review on that link you provided to Amazon. Since you can't get 120hz over HDMI @ 1080, you would be stuck with using VGA, a lower refresh rate or a lower resolution. It seems a very nice monitor, but if your main goal was 120hz, this seems an iffy model. If 60hz @ 1080 is satisfactory, it would be fine. If using VGA, depending on whether your GPU even has a VGA output, it would be fine.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/331322-33-120hz-hdmi



You don't mention your GPU or any specs for any of your other hardware so it's kind of difficult to postulate what will or what will not work for you.

 

[AmusedAgder]

For one thing, it seems that monitor only has VGA and HDMI inputs, according to the very first review on that link you provided to Amazon. Since you can't get 120hz over HDMI @ 1080, you would be stuck with using VGA, a lower refresh rate or a lower resolution. It seems a very nice monitor, but if your main goal was 120hz, this seems an iffy model. If 60hz @ 1080 is satisfactory, it would be fine. If using VGA, depending on whether your GPU even has a VGA output, it would be fine.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/331322-33-120hz-hdmi



You don't mention your GPU or any specs for any of your other hardware so it's kind of difficult to postulate what will or what will not work for you.

Darn, I didn't even check to see if it had a DVI port on it. I just assumed. I have a GTX 970 GPU btw. That monitor seemed so good. I know HDMI doesn't support 120hz refrsh rates.

So is the only good monitor out there that runs at 120hz and 1080p the BenQ one you mentioned? The samsung one was super nice because it also had slim bezels.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Yeah, no, it's a good monitor with excellent professional and retail customer reviews but it just has some very specific limitations. And actually, it's a bit misleading for that monitor to be advertised as both 144hz capable and as a 1080 monitor since it can't use HDMI or VGA to get 1080@144hz.

A lot of computer hardware, due to voltage compliance, is only available regionally so what country are you in so I can be sure to recommend models that will be available in your area.

 

[AmusedAgder]

Yeah, no, it's a good monitor with excellent professional and retail customer reviews but it just has some very specific limitations. And actually, it's a bit misleading for that monitor to be advertised as both 144hz capable and as a 1080 monitor since it can't use HDMI or VGA to get 1080@144hz.

A lot of computer hardware, due to voltage compliance, is only available regionally so what country are you in so I can be sure to recommend models that will be available in your area.

I live in the U.S. While I was looking at the BenQ models, I also found two different monitors other than what you mentioned. I'll leave them both down below.

http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-XL2420Z-24-Inch-LED-Lit-Professional/dp/B00HE61SOA/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1419638787&sr=1-3&keywords=BenQ+XL2720T

http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-XL2720Z-27-inch-Performance-Monitor/dp/B00GWFNMJS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1419638787&sr=1-1&keywords=BenQ+XL2720T

Are either of those 2 better than the one you mentioned? Thanks again for your help.

 

[Darkbreeze]

Looks like the BenQ XL2420Z is an excellent monitor. It has all the features you're looking for, every possible connection output including two HDMI 1.4 ports, a DVI Dual Link port, as well as VGA and DisplayPort sockets and some really great features including a remote, not present on any other monitors I've seen at that price.

This review even gives you some instructions on setting up the color profile as the profile it comes out of the box with isn't exactly fantastic.

http://www.digitalversus.com/lcd-monitor/benq-xl2420z-p17979/test.html

I'd say it's well worth the investment though but you still haven't said if you're main use of this is intended to be for gaming or something else. Gamers generally aren't AS concerned with color accuracy as they are with things like blur, response and lag, while graphic artists are more concerned with color accuracy than screen movement. Since it's a TN display and not an IPS display there may be a tradeoff in features since IPS monitors generally have better color accuracy and viewing angles than TN displays.

It's also much closer to your stated budget than the 27" model which is basically the same monitor, just larger.

 

[AmusedAgder]

Looks like the BenQ XL2420Z is an excellent monitor. It has all the features you're looking for, every possible connection output including two HDMI 1.4 ports, a DVI Dual Link port, as well as VGA and DisplayPort sockets and some really great features including a remote, not present on any other monitors I've seen at that price.

This review even gives you some instructions on setting up the color profile as the profile it comes out of the box with isn't exactly fantastic.

http://www.digitalversus.com/lcd-monitor/benq-xl2420z-p17979/test.html

I'd say it's well worth the investment though but you still haven't said if you're main use of this is intended to be for gaming or something else. Gamers generally aren't AS concerned with color accuracy as they are with things like blur, response and lag, while graphic artists are more concerned with color accuracy than screen movement. Since it's a TN display and not an IPS display there may be a tradeoff in features since IPS monitors generally have better color accuracy and viewing angles than TN displays.

It's also much closer to your stated budget than the 27" model which is basically the same monitor, just larger.

I'm just wondering if 24'' will be too small. And yes, It will be for gaming.

 

[Darkbreeze]

I game on 24" and it's fine. I've used 27" units and at 1080 it just doesn't look as good to me but if you think 24" is too small then it's probably a good alternative to the 24" model.

The ASUS VG278HE is another option as well that stays relatively close to your budget even at 27".

 

[AmusedAgder]

I game on 24" and it's fine. I've used 27" units and at 1080 it just doesn't look as good to me but if you think 24" is too small then it's probably a good alternative to the 24" model.

The ASUS VG278HE is another option as well that stays relatively close to your budget even at 27".

Thanks I think I'm going to save up a little more for the BenQ XL2420Z. If I have any other questions I'll be sure to post them on this thread. Thanks again for being so helpful.

 

[Darkbreeze]

No problem. Thanks for pointing that particular model number out as well. I hadn't come across that one previously and it seems like a fairly decent unit for the price, which is always good to know since people are always looking for an alternative monitor.

Good luck to you.