[SOLVED] Panel types, adaptive syncs, refresh rates... they're making me indecisive which monitor to buy!

Jan 18, 2022
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Hi there,

My monitor has just died on me during my first PC build and I need to replace it ASAP.

I started researching all the varieties of monitor and it soon became a bit of a minefield, now I'm having trouble deciding on which type to buy, with regards to certain features, mainly panel type, g-sync and refresh rate.

But it got me thinking; how much do these features actually matter to my situation?

For example:
  • will there be a huge noticeable difference if I buy an IPS panel instead of a TN, or should I go for a VA?
  • a few people have suggested that I have to get a g-sync monitor because I have an nVidia GPU, but is that really necessary?
  • I was also planning on getting a monitor with a refresh of max 144Hz, but I've never owned one higher than 60Hz, so will that benefit me much?

These are the things I'm undecided on and is where I need some help please.

PC specs:
MB: Gigabyte Z690 UD AX
CPU: i5-12600K (not presently OC'd)
RAM: 32Gb DDR5 @5600MHz
GPU: Gigabyte Aorus Master RTX 3070 Ti

Any help, advice or suggestions welcome, also , let me know if you need any further info.
 
Solution
will there be a huge noticeable difference if I buy an IPS panel instead of a TN, or should I go for a VA?

I would argue that yes, there is a noticeable difference between a TN and IPS panel in the viewing angles. VA also has less color shifting than TN when viewed off center, but on the VA panel I use, it's not as noticable.

Color quality and whatnot depends. I've seen vibrant TN panels and full IPS panels.

a few people have suggested that I have to get a g-sync monitor because I have an nVidia GPU, but is that really necessary?

No, but you can get a FreeSync monitor and it'll work. Keep in mind that your millage may vary if it's not on NVIDIA's list. Note this is not a list of what's only compatible, just what...
will there be a huge noticeable difference if I buy an IPS panel instead of a TN, or should I go for a VA?

I would argue that yes, there is a noticeable difference between a TN and IPS panel in the viewing angles. VA also has less color shifting than TN when viewed off center, but on the VA panel I use, it's not as noticable.

Color quality and whatnot depends. I've seen vibrant TN panels and full IPS panels.

a few people have suggested that I have to get a g-sync monitor because I have an nVidia GPU, but is that really necessary?

No, but you can get a FreeSync monitor and it'll work. Keep in mind that your millage may vary if it's not on NVIDIA's list. Note this is not a list of what's only compatible, just what NVIDIA tested and gave a thumbs up on.

I was also planning on getting a monitor with a refresh of max 144Hz, but I've never owned one higher than 60Hz, so will that benefit me much?
It's more of a preference thing I think. I like the smoothness of 120Hz, but it doesn't bother me if I have to use a 60Hz monitor
 
Solution
On the type of panel part, that can really go down a rabbit hole and can depend on how well lit the room is, viewing angles, and more. Do some reading on the various types and compare to models/cost you are interested in.

As far as sync, I feel that having a G Sync compatible monitor is absolutely the way to go with Nvidia GPU. The actual "chipped" G Sync models go for WAY more than 'compatible' models. The performance is very good and IMO worth the investment. My own experience with Free Sync being used with Nvidia was not good.

As to the resolution/refresh I would absolutely suggest 1440p and 144 for that card. It is more than capable.
 
Thanks both for your replies. I'm still not sure what route to take, though I've not had a chance to look further into it since I made this thread.

Perhaps a few things that I should mention if it helps with any additional advice:
  • I won't be rushing out to play the latest AAA title games as I have some catching up to do with some older games first, up to 4 or 5 years old, so would the panel specs be so much of an issue with them given my new PC specs?
  • I'll also be using my PC for some video editing but I won't be spending a huge amount of time doing this.
  • The monitor will be placed on a desk and adjusted to my position so viewing angle will not likely be an issue, or is it noticeable even at small angles?
  • My research has indicated that TN panels are more suited to the serious or competitive gamer and I am neither, so should I not consider this type of monitor?

I don't have a particularly high budget, around £350, and that will of course restrict my decision. I do already have a few shortlisted so maybe I'll just take a punt with one of them.
 
I won't be rushing out to play the latest AAA title games as I have some catching up to do with some older games first, up to 4 or 5 years old, so would the panel specs be so much of an issue with them given my new PC specs?
No. There's really no issues to be had other than what you want. The software doesn't care about the features of the monitor.

I'll also be using my PC for some video editing but I won't be spending a huge amount of time doing this.
The monitor will be placed on a desk and adjusted to my position so viewing angle will not likely be an issue, or is it noticeable even at small angles?
TN's definitely out of the picture then.

And while I can see some color deviation on my VA panel monitor, it's not enough to make it an issue. I have to be staring at a solid color to notice it.

My research has indicated that TN panels are more suited to the serious or competitive gamer and I am neither, so should I not consider this type of monitor?
See the above. And the only reason why serious competitive gamers consider them is because TN offers the fastest response times and refresh rates. But a monitor affecting someone's performance only matters at the top tier level when it's for certain the equipment may be holding them back. Getting a monitor competitive gamers use doesn't make someone magically 20% better or something.

It's like buying a 16 year old a Ferrari doesn't mean they'll suddenly drive with the skil of an F1 racer.