Resolution or Refresh rate for Racing Games

[Bleubird]

Hi, I mainly play racing games on my sick new system I built, but since I was on a budget i've been using a 900p monitor I borrowed, and i'm sick of it. It strains the living hell out of my eyes to look at it for more than an hour. Budget it somewhat an issue, being I don't want to spend $700 on a monitor, but I can throw a little more cash at it than most people. I wasn't sure if I should go with a high resolution monitor, since I can sport it, or a high refresh rate. The only thing I dislike about the high refresh rate option is that most of them are TN panels. I do not speak from experience though. I have never had a TN panel before, so all I've heard is that they have bad color accuracy, but I don't know if that's true or not. So right now i'm tipping towards the high res option. Anything helps, unless of course you're here to tell me a $99 dell monitor is good for anything.

 

[Chugalug_]

What are your specs?
For racing games a high refresh rate is ideal, but it all comes down to whether you can power it.
TN panels do trade poor color accuracy for faster response times, but that is optimal for racing games anyway. 😉
If you're getting a 24" 144hz TN, gamma shift shouldn't be too noticeable as long as it's a decent monitor.

 

[photonboy]

Hey,
With a high res monitor like 2560x1440, you can still choose a lower resolution for the game to render.

The monitor or GPU (depending on settings) will upscale.

I don't find more than 60FPS really matters much for racing IMO. So I recommend something like:

1) 2560x1440
2) IPS
3) 6ms or lower refresh rate
4) quality?
5) Warranty?

(some Acers are cheaper but have crappy 1-year warranties so do your research).

I'll post something below, but as said we need specs. I'll assume something half decent, but an AMD GPU can get you a nice FREESYNC monitor in that price range.

 

[Bleubird]

What are your specs?
For racing games a high refresh rate is ideal, but it all comes down to whether you can power it.
TN panels do trade poor color accuracy for faster response times, but that is optimal for racing games anyway. 😉
If you're getting a 24" 144hz TN, gamma shift shouldn't be too noticeable as long as it's a decent monitor.

Same as you my dude. 6700k, 16GB Corsair RAM, and i'm not sure whether i'll have a EVGA FTW gtx 1080 or Titan X(P) in the end. I just returned a Gigabyte 1080 because it had really annoying coil whine.

 

[Bleubird]

Not even sure about those video cards. If it would be optimal to spread out the load across multiple GPUs, I might grab 2 1070 FTW's and do triple monitor. Just not quite sure which way I want to go with Monitor/GPU combinations

 

[Bleubird]

I'll also be using it in the long run for general games, like BF1 and maybe some other new titles coming up. Racing games are always my go-to though. So I guess this would be more of a general monitor thing, than specifically meant for racing.

 

[J_E_D_70]

I recommend the Dell S2716DG - 27", 1ms, 144hz, gsync. It is TN but great colors and build quality. Currently selling for $600 but frequently can be found on sale for <$500 at best buy and amazon - just have to be patient.

 

[photonboy]

http://pcpartpicker.com/products/monitor/

$800 and below: http://pcpartpicker.com/products/monitor/#r=256001440&p=1&T=1,6&sort=d8&page=1&X=0,80828

I upped to $800 in case you want to consider GSYNC which makes a big difference:
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/ttnG3C/acer-monitor-xb271hubmiprz
and
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/XvfmP6/asus-monitor-pg279q

$350-> http://pcpartpicker.com/product/LVV48d/asus-monitor-pb278q

Same specs I have, and I really love my monitor. 2560x1440, IPS, 60Hz, 27"

For most games you can crank up to max settings and maintain 60FPS. A few may require you to drop a few.

I think FAST SYNC also works in the newer drivers for GTX1080. That makes a game run with less lag as long as you can output at least 120FPS (for 60Hz monitor).

FAST SYNC simply spits out new frames as fast as possible, but only uses the newest one immediately prior to the next screen update. So basically VSYNC (no screen tear) but less lag/sluggishness in some games.

 

[Bleubird]

I recommend the Dell 2716DG - 27", 1ms, 144hz, gsync. It is TN but great colors and build quality. Currently selling for $600 but frequently can be found on sale for <$500 at best buy and amazon - just have to be patient.

Sorry, but i'm going to have to be impatient. This thing murders my eyes every time I game on it for too long. I had some nice thin bezel Acer 1080p IPS yada yada yada monitors that looked so good for only $120 a pop at a black Friday sale.

 

[Bleubird]

http://pcpartpicker.com/products/monitor/

$800 and below: http://pcpartpicker.com/products/monitor/#r=256001440&p=1&T=1,6&sort=d8&page=1&X=0,80828

I upped to $800 in case you want to consider GSYNC which makes a big difference:
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/ttnG3C/acer-monitor-xb271hubmiprz
and
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/XvfmP6/asus-monitor-pg279q

$350-> http://pcpartpicker.com/product/LVV48d/asus-monitor-pb278q

Same specs I have, and I really love my monitor. 2560x1440, IPS, 60Hz, 27"

For most games you can crank up to max settings and maintain 60FPS. A few may require you to drop a few.

I think FAST SYNC also works in the newer drivers for GTX1080. That makes a game run with less lag as long as you can output at least 120FPS (for 60Hz monitor).

FAST SYNC simply spits out new frames as fast as possible, but only uses the newest one immediately prior to the next screen update. So basically VSYNC (no screen tear) but less lag/sluggishness in some games.

What about this one photonboy? http://pcpartpicker.com/product/KBbkcf/asus-monitor-pb258q I don't see the point in spending unnecessary money, if this is practically the same.

 

[Chugalug_]

I reckon you'll be fine with a standard 1440p 144hz monitor without G-Sync that has an IPS panel.
It will be very easy on your eyes, and the image is very good if you calibrate it with an icc profile.
With a 1080, you'll definitely want a 1440p monitor, you should hit above 60fps maxed in most titles.
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/sqp323/acer-monitor-xf270hu

 

[Chugalug_]

http://pcpartpicker.com/products/monitor/

$800 and below: http://pcpartpicker.com/products/monitor/#r=256001440&p=1&T=1,6&sort=d8&page=1&X=0,80828

I upped to $800 in case you want to consider GSYNC which makes a big difference:
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/ttnG3C/acer-monitor-xb271hubmiprz
and
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/XvfmP6/asus-monitor-pg279q

$350-> http://pcpartpicker.com/product/LVV48d/asus-monitor-pb278q

Same specs I have, and I really love my monitor. 2560x1440, IPS, 60Hz, 27"

For most games you can crank up to max settings and maintain 60FPS. A few may require you to drop a few.

I think FAST SYNC also works in the newer drivers for GTX1080. That makes a game run with less lag as long as you can output at least 120FPS (for 60Hz monitor).

FAST SYNC simply spits out new frames as fast as possible, but only uses the newest one immediately prior to the next screen update. So basically VSYNC (no screen tear) but less lag/sluggishness in some games.

What about this one photonboy? http://pcpartpicker.com/product/KBbkcf/asus-monitor-pb258q I don't see the point in spending unnecessary money, if this is practically the same.

Decent specs, but only 60Hz refresh rate, a higher one will be better for racing games etc.

 

[Bleubird]

I reckon you'll be fine with a standard 1440p 144hz monitor without G-Sync that has an IPS panel.
It will be very easy on your eyes, and the image is very good if you calibrate it with an icc profile.
With a 1080, you'll definitely want a 1440p monitor, you should hit above 60fps maxed in most titles.
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/sqp323/acer-monitor-xf270hu

Could we possibly move the discussion more towards video cards now? I'm not sure wether a single 1080, sli 1070s, a single titan, or even sli 1080s would better. I might get a second monitor later, but wouldn't do surround on just 2 monitors since where you look in the center is just a bezel and it's really bad.

 

[Bleubird]

Again with price, money isn't much of an issue, so don't go telling me a 1060 is all i'll even need in life. Because we all know that's a lie.

 

[Chugalug_]

Hehe, true that. 😉
A single 1080 performs the same as SLI 1070s in most titles atm, so it's probably better off to get one of those and an 850w PSU for SLI in the future if you want.

 

[photonboy]

ultra-wide and triple-monitor?

I dislike multiple monitors. IMO the best way to go is screen with these specs:

a) 3440x1440
b) 100Hz
c) IPS
etc

However you've got to set a new budget, but this post is seriously CONFUSING right now because you started with single monitor, mention multiple monitors and/or multiple GPUs maybe.

Unless you commit to an EXACT BUDGET that includes the monitor and graphics card it's hard to advise you.

But you can't WAIT, and only have $700?

I prefer IPS, but for that budget the best I can recommend is one with GSYNC and high refresh rate->
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/BcTrxr/dell-monitor-s2716dg
or
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/zj8Zxr/asus-monitor-90lm00u0b01370


In general I suggest:
1) Single GPU
(some games don't support multi, or do so poorly and may have stutter or other issues)
2) GTX1070 or GTX1080
3) GSYNC ideally

MONITOR AND GPU->
if had these budgets to work with (roughly) in USD I'd:

1) $800
- 2560x1440, IPS, 60Hz and
- GTX1070 GPU

2) $1200
- same but GSYNC@144Hz, and
- GTX1070

3) $1700
- 3440x1440, 100Hz, GSYNC, and
- GTX1070

4) $2000
- 3440x1440, 100Hz, GSYNC, and
- GTX1080

Summary:
That's basically the cost of getting really great quality.

Since 900p is problematic you need to be looking at 2560x1440 (4K not recommended). I don't know what you expect to get with THREE monitors for a cheap price at that resolution?

$350 gets a nice 60Hz monitor. THREE of those is really wide, however:
a) almost cost of 3440x1440, which has GSYNC, and 100Hz
b) gaps between monitors, far too wide IMO, warps image (NVidia can help a bit but with only certain newer titles with the SMP plugin to correct angle of monitors)

Cheaper gets you a lower quality image. I recommend a good SINGLE monitor rather than cheaper monitors.

And again on the GPU side it boils down to BUDGET, GTX1070 or GTX1080. 2xGTX1070 may seem like a good deal? It's not IMO due to the support issue.

 

[Chugalug_]

Please take the time to read the original post. 🙁
"Budget it somewhat an issue, being I don't want to spend $700 on a monitor, but I can throw a little more cash at it than most people. "

 

[photonboy]

Please take the time to read the original post. 🙁
"Budget it somewhat an issue, being I don't want to spend $700 on a monitor, but I can throw a little more cash at it than most people. "

I read the ENTIRE post, including where he says "money isn't an issue" later on.

As for the 25", IPS, 2560x1440, 60Hz monitor he linked...

I can tell you that I bought the DELL version for my sister, and I also have a 27" version with otherwise the same specs. I am VERY happy with my monitor.

While I do have 60Hz, no GSYNC I have tried the other monitors and GSYNC does add a lot to the experience, combined with a higher refresh rate.

WITHOUT using GSYNC you have to be even more careful if you'd gotten a 144Hz monitor (you can't just enable VSYNC ON because then you'd get stuttering below 144FPS so then you get options like "Half Adaptive VSYNC" which is 72FPS ON cap, but auto turns off below a GPU output of 72FPS.

The ADAPTIVE feature which I use on my 60Hz monitor allows VSYNC to prevent screen tear (but adds lag), but auto turns off VSYNC to avoid stutter (which is usually better than having screen tear).

So again what do I think?

I think you'll enjoy it likely. It's pretty difficult to assign value. How much BETTER is the $700 to $800 models with GSYNC and 144Hz?

If I had the money I'd get one of those, if I did not I'd get something like what you linked. Maybe the $350 one I have above in the $800 combo. My highest priority is:

a) 2560x1440
(or 3440x1440 for ultra-wide high budget), and

b) IPS, and
c) good reviews, comments
d) good WARRANTY

The DELL version has an excellent Warranty. I can't stay so won't investigate, but the Dell had 3-year, zero dead-pixel, and no-cost shipping (I used it with my U2711 when died at 2.5 years usage. Free. One day though no guarantees.).

Not sure of that Asus, but the similar 25" ($250?) Acer panel had a 1-year, allows some dead pixels, and you must pay some shipping.

SUMMARY:
Read all my comments, but in the end it's up to you.

(27" is noticeably larger than 25" by the way)

UPDATE: if you can get over 120FPS on a 60Hz monitor it will give you less lag/sluggishness. Just enable FAST SYNC after playing with VSYNC ON at 60Hz and compare the two (for a title you can achieve over 120FPS from the GPU).

I find 60FPS with normal VSYNC ON fine for racing games myself. They may seem fast but I don't see the high-twitch requirement that other shooters for example have with sudden targets, turning around etc.

 

[photonboy]

https://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/NVIDIA/GeForce_GTX_1070/24.html

The GTX1070 can get about 2.5X average higher than my GTX680 OC card.

I mention because I play most games at 1920x1080, and several at 2560x1440. You can game at 2560x1440 at max or near-max settings for pretty much everything, and may even be capable of over 120FPS to benefit from FAST SYNC.

VSYNC OFF can also be useful. While you ALWAYS get screen tear, with a sufficiently high FPS vs REFRESH ratio the screen tear may be nearly impossible to notice when gaming. That's useful because LAG is very minimal.

VSYNC OFF can be useful in shooters. The BEST experience seems to elude most people. If you do NOT have a GSYNC monitor or high-refresh FastSync and appropriate GPU for each, then you need to carefully consider and tweak for:

1) VSYNC ON
2) VSYNC OFF
3) Adaptive VSYNC
4) "Half" Adaptive VSYNC (144Hz panels mainly to synch to 72FPS/144Hz)
5) FAST SYNC

Examples:
VSYNC ON - Civ 5
VSYNC OFF - CSGO
(200FPS on 60Hz monitor for example)

Adaptive VSYNC - Assassin's Creed Brotherhood
(if tear is annoying without VSYNC, but STUTTER annoying below the target 60FPS)

FAST SYNC - similar to CSGO. Experiment.
(fast game, screen tear too annoying, but can get over 2xrefresh most of time)

Summary:
The OPTIMAL game experience is:
a) CHOOSE a profile, then
b) TWEAK the game settings to achieve the best benefit

SMOOTH gaming is preferable to better quality IMO, especially if the difference in visual fidelity is hard to notice. Many settings don't add much visually.