Monitor Choice

[Bill_Bright]

Well, PPI is a function of the maximum resolution and size of the screen. For example, a 27 inch screen with a 2560×1440 resolution has 108.8 PPI. A 27 inch screen with a 3840×2160 resolution has 163 PPI.

A 32 inch screen with a 3840×2160 resolution has 138PPI.

Just a quick check, do you know what ppi stands for?

Particularly peculiar inquiry?

 

[moproblems99]

Particularly peculiar inquiry?

Well, clearly the poster didn't seem to understand it when they bought the monitor based on their response. So, it is a fair ask to make sure they understand what it means before throwing out a bunch of other stuff about it.

You then answered it shortly after I asked because you were probably typing it at the same time.

 

[Sybaris_Caesar]

Lol. Why would you buy a 27 incher that's 1080p @mclaren85?

That's possibly the worst outcome.

Unless you're in some backwater asian hick, return the monitor. Then post your budget, your country and/or the popular websites to buy monitor.

 

[mclaren85]

Just a quick check, do you know what ppi stands for?

According to my understanding, density of pixels

 

[xvi]

According to my understanding, density of pixels

An abbreviation for Pixels Per Inch, yeah. Sometimes also called DPI (Dots Per Inch). A 27" monitor at 1080p has the same amount of dots as your old monitor, but they're spread out over a larger area so it's easier to see each individual pixel which generally means less clarity.

For which resolution to chose, it depends a little on what you plan to use it for. 4K monitors have four times the resolution as 1080p, so it's four times more work for a GPU. I just replaced my old 23" ~1080p monitor with a 27" 1440p monitor and it has a DPI/PPI about the same between the two. I'm finding that my GPU (GTX 1060 6GB) is struggling slightly to keep up but it's still doing okay at low to medium graphics settings.
I haven't tried it myself, but I would imagine that you could run a 4K monitor at 1080p for gaming and have it scale pretty well. If true, this seems like a good option to use 4K for desktop use and movies while still being able to play games without needing a huge GPU.

If you plan to use it for gaming and you don't mind going for a high-end GPU to back it up, going 4K would be a fun option. Otherwise, I'd recommend something around 27" at 1440p. If you have a GPU that supports FreeSync (most recent nVidia GPUs and most recent AMD GPUs) or GSync (recent nVidia GPUs only), I would suggest considering something with a high refresh rate too. In my personal opinion, anything over 90Hz is smooth, 120Hz is nice, and 144Hz is bragging (but still nice).

I went with a monitor that was 27" 1440p 144Hz with FreeSync knowing it would overwhelm my GPU, but would allow me to upgrade in the future to take advantage of the higher refresh rate.

 

[Chomiq]

Return the 27" and grab AOC 24G2U or 24G2. You should have no problems with sharpness at 24".

That being said I have no problems with gaming on a 42" 1080 display... when I'm laying on a couch 3m away. Meaning you could try simply adjusting the viewing distance.

 

[MrGRiMv25]

That's pretty strange, my 27" iiyama is quite sharp with 1080p, never noticed any blurring. Have you gone in to the settings to see if you can increase the sharpness of the image?

If it's that bad though, then maybe 27"/1440p would be better if you can drive that kind of res.

 

[Chomiq]

What are you using to connect the display? Hdmi, dp, DVI or VGA? I would expect some issues with sharpness only when running it through VGA or at non standard refresh rate/res.

 

[Frick]

Lol. Why would you buy a 27 incher that's 1080p @mclaren85?

That's possibly the worst outcome.

Depends. At my job we have one of them in the workshop. 24" 1080p would be too small, 27" 1440p would require scaling.

 

[Nater]

Well, doesn't automatically mean inferior either. There are many variables that play into image quality that have nothing to do with the size of the display.

mclaren85, just moving your screen a bit further back on your desk could make all the difference. That's one variable.

 

[Bill_Bright]

An abbreviation for Pixels Per Inch, yeah. Sometimes also called DPI (Dots Per Inch).

Yes, sometimes called DPI but that is wrong. A dot is not the same thing as a pixel so DPI and PPI are not the same thing - and really should not be confused.

Pixels are used in digital imaging and refers to the smallest addressable element in a display device. A Pixel is a fixed size.

DPI typically refers to a printed image - as from a printed page from a printer. And on today's printing devices, the dot size is variable.

PPI vs. DPI: what's the difference?

PPI and DPI are two important terms describing image resolution. But what's the difference between DPI and PPI? There is much confusion on the subject, but not to fear. Here's what you need to know.

99designs.com

 

[Vayra86]

According to my understanding, density of pixels

Correct. Now the actually useful part of knowing this number... at a normal (arm's length) monitor viewing distance, the PPI you will want to aim for is above 85, and preferably somewhere around 90-100. Above 100 you will find it is more comfortable to have a somewhat reduced relative viewing distance. So effectively, to resolve individual pixels, you will be sitting closer to a 27 inch 1440p (109 PPI) than you would sit to a 24 inch 1080p (about 92 PPI). The latter is widely regarded as the mainstream sweet spot for desk based viewing ie the normal desktop setting.

Here's a nice tool to calculate different options

DPI Calculator / PPI Calculator

A monitor can easily be bought knowing you will upgrade your system later in time. It will last multiple systems/upgrades. 8-10 years is not uncommon and should reasonably be expected from a normal model. It won't shine as bright (or as even across the whole panel) as it did on day one, but should remain functional.

27 inch 1440p is now among enthusiasts, for several years actually, regarded as the new 'sweet spot' above 1080p. Its a logical step forward in everything: Pixel count, density, and diagonal all get somewhat better without requiring a massive performance increase.

4K, luckily, people are starting to figure out that 4K Is a LOT of pixels to push and the benefit is so-so, because you can hardly resolve them all at normal viewing distance. As always... there is a balance to be had, a sweet spot And 4K is not it, and will never be for any normal sized home. You do need at least 32 inch to really make use of it, and you're gonna be sitting a LOT closer to that as well... even at 32 inch you are looking at 138 (!!!) PPI now.

As for other monitor features, like HDR, ULMB/strobe/BFI, and high refresh... High refresh rate is the thing to aim for and the rest is bonus... with ULMB being a close second on the priority list. Variable refresh (Gsync or FreeSync), yeah, but only if its free compared to the same panel without it. Also, when shopping for an ULMB enabled panel, make sure you get at least 350cd/m peak brightness or its going to be useless.

 

[Sybaris_Caesar]

We're doing a bunch of much ado about nothing.

@OP. Give your budget. Give your country name. Give your favourite e-tailers and we'll find you a good replacement.

Or you gonna stay silent now and come back a few weeks later and say you bought another one that you aren’t satisfied with?

 

[moproblems99]

Yes, sometimes called DPI but that is wrong. A dot is not the same thing as a pixel so DPI and PPI are not the same thing - and really should not be confused.

Pixels are used in digital imaging and refers to the smallest addressable element in a display device. A Pixel is a fixed size.

DPI typically refers to a printed image - as from a printed page from a printer. And on today's printing devices, the dot size is variable.

How could you forget mice use DPI?

 

[mclaren85]

What are you using to connect the display? Hdmi, dp, DVI or VGA? I would expect some issues with sharpness only when running it through VGA or at non standard refresh rate/res.

I was using vga which was sold with the monitor, then I bought a philips gold plated hdmi with no extra sharpness. Same as before.

 

[Bill_Bright]

How could you forget mice use DPI?

LOL I didn't forget - just thought it might be more confusing since it is dependent on the monitor's resolution.

 

[mclaren85]

@Vayra86
Does 1440p means a square screen? Does it also 16:10 or 16:9 or else?

 

[Vayra86]

@Vayra86
Does 1440p means a square screen? Does it also 16:10 or 16:9 or else?

2560x1440 = 16:9 so same aspect ratio.

 

[mclaren85]

I think 1440p wont be compatible with 1920x1080 what do you think?

 

[Vayra86]

I think 1440p wont be compatible with 1920x1080 what do you think?

Its an upgrade. That is a choice. If 1080p feels like 'enough' then, its enough Its definitely cheaper to find a great 1080p monitor than a 1440p one.

I'm also still using 1080p and have little complaints, but my next one will definitely be 1440p/27inch.

 

[mclaren85]

Ok last question: When I upgrade to 1440p, will the picture become streched? (vertically or horizontally or both)

 

[Vayra86]

Ok last question: When I upgrade to 1440p, will the picture become streched? (vertically or horizontally or both)

Ah, I understand your real question now.

This is what you need

 

[Chomiq]

Ok last question: When I upgrade to 1440p, will the picture become streched? (vertically or horizontally or both)

What exactly are you asking?

1920x1080 is 16:9 ratio
2560x1440 is also 16:9 ratio

If you upgrade to a 27" 1440p display from your 27" 1080p your image will be sharper due to higher PPI value (or simply a better quality monitor).

I'm running dual setup at work with U2419H from dell and the one plugged into VGA is less sharp. One running on HDMI is fine. That's why I was asking about the cable.

What's the exact model of your current monitor? There's got to be some sharpness setting in the menu to help improve things. Especially if you haven't noticed any improvement when switching from VGA to HDMI.

 

[oobymach]

4k on a monitor is ok for gaming if you don't mind 60hz, if you want a smoother experience go with 144hz or 240hz @ 1080p or 1440p.

 

[moproblems99]

Does 1440p means a square screen? Does it also 16:10 or 16:9 or else?

I think 1440p wont be compatible with 1920x1080 what do you think?

Ok last question: When I upgrade to 1440p, will the picture become streched? (vertically or horizontally or both)

I think it is very clear you don't really understand monitors. Here are the two best choices you can do right now, in order from best best to second best:

1. Best Choice: Read and understand about a monitor. It is not difficult for what you need to know, pixels and lengths. Here is some basic information to understand:
   1. https://www.viewsonic.com/library/tech/monitor-resolution-aspect-ratio/#What_is_Monitor_Resolution
      1. Read all the way through common resolutions.
   2. https://www.viewsonic.com/library/tech/monitor-resolution-aspect-ratio/#What_Is_Monitor_Aspect_Ratio
      1. Read through the comparison and discussion about content.
   3. General Notes:
      1. If monitor A has the same aspect ratio 16:9 with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 as monitor B 16:9 and 2560 x 1440, then content will generally scale.
      2. If monitor A has a different aspect ratio 21:9 with a resolution of 2560 x 1080 then monitor B 16:9 and 2560 x 1440, then content will not scale.
      3. If you scale from a lower resolution (1280 x 720) to a higher resolution (1920 x 1080), the picture quality will get fuzzier.
      4. If you scale from a higher resolution (2560 x 1440) to a lower resolution (1920 x 1080), the picture quality will get sharper.
      5. While slightly more complicated, higher refresh rates are generally better as motion is smoother. A high refresh rate monitor with Freesync/GSync would be preferrable as the monitor will run at the highest refresh rate possible.
2. Less Best Choice: Post your budget and location and we'll give you some suggestions.

I recommend option number one so you understand where your money is going and what you are doing.