Secondary monitor, office/gaming

[Valantar]

I'm looking to get an affordable secondary monitor to, for now, accompany my ancient Dell U2711. That monitor will be retiring at some point, but not quite yet - I want something UHD with HDMI 2.1 to replace it, and there aren't enough options yet. I also have increased use for a secondary monitor in my work.

What I want/need is a bit of a mixed bag. 24" or smaller, 1080p minimum, IPS with decent sRGB colors, minimum 75Hz, FreeSync, DP+HDMI input (preferrably at least 3 inputs). The main use will be for office use, mostly text documents, though also for monitoring recordings and similar things (both off the main PC and a secondary system). However, given how poor the U2711 is for gaming, I'd also like this to serve as a holdover gaming monitor. I'd love KVM functionality and an USB-C input so I could hook up my laptop to this in a pinch - but it's not really a must, and it's likely whatever I upgrade my main monitor to will have that. It'll likely mostly live in portrait orientation, though obviously not while gaming.

So far I've landed on two options:

• The gaming option: Acer Nitro VG242. 144Hz. Reportedly an excellent budget gaming monitor, with good colors and response times. Has a craptastic stands, needs a VESA arm (not an issue). No USB-C, no KVM.
• The office option: AOC 24P2C. 75Hz, office display. Mainly considered for its featureset, with a decent-looking (on paper, haven't found any reviews) IPS panel, USB-C, KVM functionality, and a good stand. Definitely prefer its aesthetics. 75Hz is better than 60, but I assume panel response times are not up to today's standards. Still, anything is an upgrade from a 2011-era slow IPS in this regard.

Any thoughts? Any options I've missed? I don't want to go far above 2000SEK (both options above are ~2200)., and it needs to be available in Sweden.

I've considered buying used, as there are always a decent selection of 24" gaming monitors on FB marketplace and similar places, but as I don't have access to a car that's challenging to say the least.

 

[TheLostSwede]

This?

https://www.proshop.se/Bildskaerm/Lenovo-24-Bildskaerm-Q24h-10-Grey-4-ms-AMD-FreeSync/2873747

 

[Valantar]

This?

https://www.proshop.se/Bildskaerm/Lenovo-24-Bildskaerm-Q24h-10-Grey-4-ms-AMD-FreeSync/2873747

Hm, that's a pretty interesting option. Mind you, I did have to look up its manual to see that it actually had a VESA mount, but it did. Don't think it does any kind of KVM functionality though, as there's only the USB-C for uplink. Still, that pixel density would be nice for text rendering.

 

[TheLostSwede]

Hm, that's a pretty interesting option. Mind you, I did have to look up its manual to see that it actually had a VESA mount, but it did. Don't think it does any kind of KVM functionality though, as there's only the USB-C for uplink. Still, that pixel density would be nice for text rendering.

Sorry, but you're asking for too much considering your budget.
Wrong size, but does KVM.

https://www.proshop.se/Bildskaerm/GIGABYTE-27-Bildskaerm-M27F-144Hz-IPS-Svart-1-ms-AMD-FreeSync-Premium/2912327

 

[Valantar]

Sorry, but you're asking for too much considering your budget.
Wrong size, but does KVM.

https://www.proshop.se/Bildskaerm/GIGABYTE-27-Bildskaerm-M27F-144Hz-IPS-Svart-1-ms-AMD-FreeSync-Premium/2912327

Asking too much? Nah, I'm completely aware that I have to compromise - IMO the OP was pretty clear on that I'm definitely not expecting to find 144Hz with USB-C and KVM at that price, I was just asking for opinions and any options I might have missed that strike more of a balance between the two. That 27" Gigabyte is mighty attractive at that price, but 27" is just too big for a secondary monitor (especially as I might go 32" for the main monitor upgrade).

 

[Nash]

This, HP 21" Bildskärm 22x Gaming Display - Svart - 1 ms AMD FreeSync (proshop.se)

With a 82.95 HDMI KVM switch? ATEN CS692 USB HDMI KVM | I lager | Billig (proshop.se)
I don't like complicated monitors, I bought three 28" Samsung 4k monitors ~5 years ago and they have worked fine. I haven't needed a KVM since video cards can run them side-by-side. I use all kinds of other monitors for computer builds. I have owned several HP monitors, the HP27y is a gaming monitor that isn't marked as one but it has enough features at a lower price. This 27y is what I'm changing them all to, it's currently at 1440/144hz on DP cable, and it does 4k @ 70hz.
The thin frame, along with the little green led 'bar' at the bottom of the 27" are two items that make it a little better for me. I like a touch of fancy and that fills the bill!

Happy hunting whatever you chose, shopping for a monitor can be a PITA!

 

[Valantar]

This, HP 21" Bildskärm 22x Gaming Display - Svart - 1 ms AMD FreeSync (proshop.se)

With a 82.95 HDMI KVM switch? ATEN CS692 USB HDMI KVM | I lager | Billig (proshop.se)
I don't like complicated monitors, I bought three 28" Samsung 4k monitors ~5 years ago and they have worked fine. I haven't needed a KVM since video cards can run them side-by-side. I use all kinds of other monitors for computer builds. I have owned several HP monitors, the HP27y is a gaming monitor that isn't marked as one but it has enough features at a lower price. This 27y is what I'm changing them all to, it's currently at 1440/144hz on DP cable, and it does 4k @ 70hz.
The thin frame, along with the little green led 'bar' at the bottom of the 27" are two items that make it a little better for me. I like a touch of fancy and that fills the bill!

Happy hunting whatever you chose, shopping for a monitor can be a PITA!

Thanks!

If that monitor hadn't been TN it would have been really interesting - 24" is pushing it IMO for a secondary monitor, and 22" would have been perfect. TN is entirely out of the question though - I know TN panels today are better than the last time I owned one, but I still can't handle the combination of low contrast, poor viewing angles (especially for something that'll be off to the side) and poor color.

As for an external KVM, the main reason for being interested in a monitor with it integrated is for the added functionality without sacrificing simplicity and tidiness, for which an external KVM sadly falls flat. At that point I'd mostly rather just pull out my secondary keyboard for the secondary system. It's more of a nice-to-have extra than a necessity, and I really don't want another box on or underneath my desk, especially one with a rat's nest of cabling sticking out all sides. I'd also likely lose some functionality (VRR, etc.). Still, thanks for the suggestion! If anything, it shows that I still need to do some more looking.

 

[Nash]

Thanks!

If that monitor hadn't been TN it would have been really interesting - 24" is pushing it IMO for a secondary monitor, and 22" would have been perfect. TN is entirely out of the question though - I know TN panels today are better than the last time I owned one, but I still can't handle the combination of low contrast, poor viewing angles (especially for something that'll be off to the side) and poor color.

As for an external KVM, the main reason for being interested in a monitor with it integrated is for the added functionality without sacrificing simplicity and tidiness, for which an external KVM sadly falls flat. At that point I'd mostly rather just pull out my secondary keyboard for the secondary system. It's more of a nice-to-have extra than a necessity, and I really don't want another box on or underneath my desk, especially one with a rat's nest of cabling sticking out all sides. I'd also likely lose some functionality (VRR, etc.). Still, thanks for the suggestion! If anything, it shows that I still need to do some more looking.

Aww I'm sorry. I looked at the spec's but didn't notice the TFT. This is the 27" I bought, it's an HP "i" Here - (it only lights in the center, and it can be dimmed or turned off). This monitor has great viewing angle it's readable from the side! Proshop has it for 3906kr - a bit more expensive.

That 27" HP monitor at the link ^^ price just dropped $100


The KVM's available where I shop seem to be low quality, found a TRENDnet 2-Port TK-240DP that does 4K @ 120 and 1440 @ 144hz, but all those cables are a mess. I have the desktop cables in a zippered padded wire management case so I wouldn't want one either. Keep looking, you'll find the right one pretty soon!

 

[xcescxa]

What i did to find my monitor was go on pcpartpicker which is an obvious one. Click monitors and choose the filters, and get the one that you want within your price range bro. Mine costed like 240 when i got it, i think its now half the price.

 

[TheLostSwede]

Asking too much? Nah, I'm completely aware that I have to compromise - IMO the OP was pretty clear on that I'm definitely not expecting to find 144Hz with USB-C and KVM at that price, I was just asking for opinions and any options I might have missed that strike more of a balance between the two. That 27" Gigabyte is mighty attractive at that price, but 27" is just too big for a secondary monitor (especially as I might go 32" for the main monitor upgrade).

Dell used to have 1440p models in 24" and 25", but they're not going to be cheap enough for your limited budget, if they're still being sold.
Still no KVM though, but my old Dell U2515H can do 80Hz "overclocked".

 

[cornemuse]

Few months ago I bought a acer nitro (27" tho) at Costco for $139.99. Totally happy with it, if 24" (or smaller) is as good, you should be happy.

 

[TheLostSwede]

Few months ago I bought a acer nitro (27" tho) at Costco for $139.99. Totally happy with it, if 24" (or smaller) is as good, you should be happy.

No Costco in Sweden. Also, Costco outside of the US is never all that cheap.

 

[Valantar]

Few months ago I bought a acer nitro (27" tho) at Costco for $139.99. Totally happy with it, if 24" (or smaller) is as good, you should be happy.

The Acer Nitro I listed in the OP comes highly recommended as a budget gaming display with good colors and a good panel overall, but a craptastic garbage stand, so it's definitely a good contender. I just can't quite make up my mind if I want the good gaming monitor now, but then have a lot of features I won't use when I replace the main monitor, or if I go for the one with the more long-term useful features but the worse gaming experience today.

 

[InVasMani]

Asus VP249QGR 23.8" 144Hz 1080p IPS 1ms FreeSync and Blue Eye Care.
https://www.amazon.com/VP249QGR-Mon...0009f&pd_rd_wg=socuV&pd_rd_i=B083FMP35T&psc=1

You can bump up the refresh rate and keep the IPS panel with a ASUS TUF VG249Q1A IPS 165Hz 1ms FreeSync for $219
https://www.amazon.com/VG248QG-G-Sync-Compatible-Gaming-Monitor/dp/B08LCN9PGW/ref=sr_1_20?dchild=1&keywords=280Hz+monitor&qid=1625636931&s=electronics&sr=1-20&th=1

I'd like a 19" IPS high refresh rate touch screen VESA mount display, but no one is making them right now which is too bad and they'd be so perfect to rack mount. I can relate with the not being able to decide part entirely. A feel a 19" high refresh rate would be good on swing arm and more eco friendly on energy consumption plus lower material cost at the same time over a larger size display. It's a bit of shame you can't really find them and stuck between a rock and hard spot with a 17.3" portable or 24 desktop display as options.

 

[Valantar]

Asus VP249QGR 23.8" 144Hz 1080p IPS 1ms FreeSync and Blue Eye Care.
https://www.amazon.com/VP249QGR-Mon...0009f&pd_rd_wg=socuV&pd_rd_i=B083FMP35T&psc=1

You can bump up the refresh rate and keep the IPS panel with a ASUS TUF VG249Q1A IPS 165Hz 1ms FreeSync for $219
https://www.amazon.com/VG248QG-G-Sync-Compatible-Gaming-Monitor/dp/B08LCN9PGW/ref=sr_1_20?dchild=1&keywords=280Hz+monitor&qid=1625636931&s=electronics&sr=1-20&th=1

I'd like a 19" IPS high refresh rate touch screen VESA mount display, but no one is making them right now which is too bad and they'd be so perfect to rack mount. I can relate with the not being able to decide part entirely. A feel a 19" high refresh rate would be good on swing arm and more eco friendly on energy consumption plus lower material cost at the same time over a larger size display. It's a bit of shame you can't really find them and stuck between a rock and hard spot with a 17.3" portable or 24 desktop display as options.

Yeah, the near complete lack of monitors in that size range with relatively modern features is a shame, though I understand that the market is tiny. I considered a 17.3" portable monitor, but those typically can't be mounted on an arm (without some sort of janky hack) and are stupidly expensive if they are any good. Samsung has a 22" 75Hz FreeSync one that I considered for a bit, but its inputs weren't acceptable - IIRC it had HDMI and VGA only, which ... ew. Not even remotely acceptable in 2021.

As for your two linked monitors, sadly US Amazon prices are entirely irrelevant here in Sweden - ignoring the stupid level of emissions shipping a single monitor from the US would cause, there'd be a 25% VAT addition on importing them, plus processing fees. From what I've read, neither of them are better than the Acer in the OP either. I did consider a TUF VG249Q1R (seemingly quite different from the Q1A despite the very similar name) that was on sale for a comparable price to the others while I made my decision, but in the end I settled on the more long-term useful option - the AOC with USB-C and KVM functionality.

Yes, 16:9 monitors in portrait mode look pretty silly.

After setting it up yesterday I'm happy with it for what it is. It definitely isn't a gaming monitor - I think even my U2711 has better motion clarity, though size and resolution might affect my perception of that - but with overdrive set to medium, playing Rocket League at 75Hz was decently enjoyable nonetheless. Definitely better than my normal 60Hz display/120Hz rendering setup. The pivoting stand saved me from buying a second monitor arm right away (would have been a must with most other options at this price), which is great. Haven't tested the USB/KVM functionality yet, but just having it is great. The USB-C input with charging is a great addition for use with my laptop. The speakers are crap, but that's fine. I'll likely never use them. Overall, I'm happy with the choice.