Three monitors enter, one monitor leaves

[dirtyferret]

I have a 22" 1080p 60hz LG monitor that I use as second monitor at home. I'm thinking of retiring that monitor and moving over my current Dell monitor as a second monitor so I can go dual 27" monitors. I only use the second monitor for work, spreadsheets and web sites, and it sits off set from the main monitor. I also have a dual monitor desk bracket so stand height adjustment is not an issue. Main monitor is also used for work as well as gaming (RTS, RPG, singe player FPS - no need for extreme FPS) so I've narrowed my search to three 1440p monitors at equal price but all with unique qualities;

The AOC CQ27G1
pros:
VA panel
1440hz refresh
deep black & great color images
slight curve

cons:
possible ghosting issues
outside of gaming it's just an OK monitor
slight curve

ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV
pros:
IPS panel
great all around monitor
accurate colors

cons:
75hz refresh
more a professional monitor than a gaming monitor

Dell S2719DGF
pros:
reviews vary of panel from best looking TN to solid not special
1440hz refresh with OC to 155hz ... possibly higher with RGB /s
very good input lag

cons:
TN panel
outside of gaming it's just an OK monitor

 

[Kapone33]

The Asus is a no brainer if you do anything other than Gaming. AOC monitors usually have brightness issues (I miss being able to go into the PC store)

 

[Bill_Bright]

Here's my personal experience that may or may not matter to you. I personally cannot live with just one monitor. So for more than 25 years, I have run in a dual monitor setup. Now that I am totally spoiled in that way, one thing that really bugs me is noticeable differences in colors - in particular, in whites and in flesh tones. Even after calibration, I have noticed the white background of an image (this forum page, for example) will be slightly different on the two monitors. It is more noticeable when I move the window so 1/2 is on one monitor and the other 1/2 is on the other. While slight, it even happens even with identical model numbers. But it is even more pronounced with different model numbers from different brands. And really noticeable with different panel types (TN, IPS or VA). And it is not just in contrast and brightness, but the actual hue/shade of the white or skin tone. You would never notice a problem with just one monitor, or even with a printout. But when side by side, even my 68 year old eyes can see it. One might seem ever so slightly more gray or even a tiny hint of green or blue to it. The vast majority of the time, I can ignore and forget about it. Other times, it really really bugs me.

So my point is, if me, I would probably buy all new identical monitors. If not in the budget, I would try to match my current monitor specs as close as possible.

 

[TheLostSwede]

Why only those three?
Have a look at Acer, they have some decent 1440p monitors that aren't terribly expensive.
Admittedly there seems to be a shortage of some models right now.
Don't go AOC, they make crap and have crap support.

 

[milewski1015]

Don't go AOC, they make crap and have crap support.

A little over a year ago I built an ITX system for my dad to use for browsing, work-from-home, etc. Picked up a 4K AOC monitor that advertised 2 speakers on AOC product page, as well as PCPP and Microcenter's website. In AOC's defense I didn't really deeply research this monitor, and just chose it because it was cheap. Anyway, it arrives, and I notice it doesn't have any speakers. I reached out to AOC support to inform them that their product page (and therefore other websites/businesses product pages) were incorrect and the guy I spoke with basically told me, "Yeah, we've been meaning to update our product pages but haven't gotten to it yet". Why TF was the monitor listed as having speakers in the first place?! That frustration aside, the monitor seems to exceed my dad's expectations (although that's likely because his expectations aren't very high). My one buddy currently uses a AOC C24G1 (1080p 144Hz VA panel) and is pretty happy with it for a mid-range 1080p gaming monitor.

I have a 22" 1080p 60hz LG monitor that I use as second monitor at home. I'm thinking of retiring that monitor and moving over my current Dell monitor as a second monitor so I can go dual 27" monitors. I only use the second monitor for work, spreadsheets and web sites, and it sits off set from the main monitor. I also have a dual monitor desk bracket so stand height adjustment is not an issue. Main monitor is also used for work as well as gaming (RTS, RPG, singe player FPS - no need for extreme FPS) so I've narrowed my search to three 1440p monitors at equal price but all with unique qualities;

The AOC CQ27G1
pros:
VA panel
1440hz refresh
deep black & great color images
slight curve

cons:
possible ghosting issues
outside of gaming it's just an OK monitor
slight curve

ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV
pros:
IPS panel
great all around monitor
accurate colors

cons:
75hz refresh
more a professional monitor than a gaming monitor

Dell S2719DGF
pros:
reviews vary of panel from best looking TN to solid not special
1440hz refresh with OC to 155hz ... possibly higher with RGB /s
very good input lag

cons:
TN panel
outside of gaming it's just an OK monitor

I would avoid the S2719DGF - IPS and VA panels are basically just as fast these days and the much better color/contrast/viewing angles you get from going with a non-TN panel is, in my opinion, a significant reason to avoid TNs. As you mention, you're not playing competitive esports games that need super high framerates, which is really all that TN panels were good for. The washed out color and poor viewing angles make non-gaming use less enjoyable than VA or IPS panels.

As @TheLostSwede asks, why stick to just those 3? Hardware Unboxed reviewed the Gigabyte M27Q (flat 1440p 170Hz IPS) quite highly (although it has a $360 MSRP). The ViewSonic VX2758-2KP-MHD (flat 1440p 144Hz IPS) is available to backorder on Amazon for $300 and was a member of HWUB's best bang for the buck monitor roundup published in early 2020. The Gigabyte G27QC (1500R curved 1440p 165Hz VA) is another decent midrange option, although it's response time performance isn't stellar. Can be found on Newegg for $320.

 

[dirtyferret]

The Asus is a no brainer if you do anything other than Gaming. AOC monitors usually have brightness issues (I miss being able to go into the PC store)

Don't go AOC, they make crap and have crap support.

The AOC panel is a samsung panel (not sure which factory puts the monitor together) and I'm almost certain the Asus panel is samsung as well. I have no personal experience with AOC products.

Why only those three?
Have a look at Acer, they have some decent 1440p monitors that aren't terribly expensive.
Admittedly there seems to be a shortage of some models right now.

Combination of price, reviews, and availability. I did not see an Acer model that really fit in with the others and was available. I have nothing against Acer, I have a dual Acer monitor set up in my office (not the home office) and a 24" IPS Acer monitor with my wife's desktop. My personal opinion with Acer is their monitors are fine but nothing special.

The Gigabyte G27QC (1500R curved 1440p 165Hz IPS)

I beleive it's a VA panel not IPS and it's identical to the AOC, same panel, same factory just place a different logo on it

The ViewSonic VX2758-2KP-MHD (flat 1440p 144Hz IPS)

Out of stock for several weeks in amazon and B&H, I may keep an eye on it as I honestly didn't research it much

 

[milewski1015]

I beleive it's a VA panel not IPS and it's identical to the AOC, same panel, same factory just place a different logo on it

You're right, it is. Fixed my post. Too many acronyms and my brain just shuts down

Out of stock for several weeks in amazon and B&H, I may keep an eye on it as I honestly didn't research it much

Says in stock 2/28 on Amazon and seems to let you backorder. Here's HWUB's review

 

[TheLostSwede]

@milewski1015 yeah had a 4K AOC one too, but it had everything wrong with it that could be wrong. It would randomly switch off and the power cable had to be removed for it to power back on again. The speakers (unlike yours, it had built in speakers) would randomly start screeching at full volume, which was quite painful. The display itself would glitch in so many different ways depending on which mood it was in, everything from the right side of the screen going all Matrix on me, to it randomly starting to blink, to half of the screen turning off. Sent it back for service, as I was told they'd update the firmware on it. Same exact problems when I got it back. I even changed my graphics card to see if that would solve the problem, but alas...
Then I had to hassle them for a refund, which they refused, until I contacted the local consumer rights people, as they told me I'd owned it for too long... In total, I had it for less than three months and about three weeks of that time it was away for servicing. On top of that, someone I know had the same model, with exactly the same issues. So no, I can't recommend AOC to anyone after that experience.

The AOC panel is a samsung panel (not sure which factory puts the monitor together) and I'm almost certain the Asus panel is samsung as well. I have no personal experience with AOC products.

Combination of price, reviews, and availability. I did not see an Acer model that really fit in with the others and was available. I have nothing against Acer, I have a dual Acer monitor set up in my office (not the home office) and a 24" IPS Acer monitor with my wife's desktop. My personal opinion with Acer is their monitors are fine but nothing special.

I had one of Acer's cheaper 27" curved VA monitors for a few months last year (as I was stuck abroad using a loaner system) and it really exceeded my expectations for the price. 1440p 144Hz, worked with G-Sync even though it wasn't certified. Needed a DP cable, as there wasn't one in the box, but apart from that, it was really good.
How about something like this, there seems to be a $300 option for it, but it won't ship for a month at that price point.

Amazon.com: Acer Nitro XV272U Pbmiiprzx 27" WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS G-SYNC Compatible Monitor, 144Hz, 1ms VRB, VESA Certified DisplayHDR400, DCI-P3, Delta E<2 : Electronics

Amazon.com: Acer Nitro XV272U Pbmiiprzx 27" WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS G-SYNC Compatible Monitor, 144Hz, 1ms VRB, VESA Certified DisplayHDR400, DCI-P3, Delta E<2 : Electronics

www.amazon.com

I had the 27" version of this.

Amazon.com: Acer ED323QUR Abidpx 31.5 Inches WQHD (2560 x 1440) Curved 1800R VA Gaming Monitor with AMD Radeon FREESYNC Technology - 4ms; 144Hz Refresh Rate; Display Port, HDMI Port & DVI Port, Black: Computers & Accessories

Amazon.com: Acer ED323QUR Abidpx 31.5 Inches WQHD (2560 x 1440) Curved 1800R VA Gaming Monitor with AMD Radeon FREESYNC Technology - 4ms; 144Hz Refresh Rate; Display Port, HDMI Port & DVI Port, Black: Computers & Accessories

www.amazon.com

Seems like the AOC isn't getting great reviews overall.

AOC CQ27G1 Review

The AOC CQ27G1 is a 27 inch curved screen, 1440p monitor. It's a great choice for gaming thanks to its incredibly low input lag and quick response time, resultin...

www.rtings.com

The Asus might not be so great for gaming, but it got a better review overall.

ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV Review

The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV is a budget-friendly monitor that's intended for creative professionals. Its superb ergonomics, high peak brightness, and wide vi...

www.rtings.com

 

[milewski1015]

As I alluded to, the S2719DGF is meh https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/dell/s2719dgf

 

[Sybaris_Caesar]

I won't do a full blown recommendation since I don't know your budget but from the msrp I know of AOC CQ27G1 and that hideously named Dell, I guess your budget is around $400.

My only recommendation in that price range would be LG 27GL83A-B. It's 1440p 144hz and IPS.

And since you're not looking exclusively for high refresh rate display, I think you can get 4k 60hz display display at that budget. Iirc Asus VG289 something is around that price. I can't handily recommend it though since I don't usually look at 4k monitor reviews.

 

[Kapone33]

The AOC panel is a samsung panel (not sure which factory puts the monitor together) and I'm almost certain the Asus panel is samsung as well. I have no personal experience with AOC products.

I beleive it's a VA panel not IPS and it's identical to the AOC, same panel, same factory just place a different logo on it

I have the Gigabyte 32QC and it is a great panel. I can't speak for 27' though. Even though they may have the same panel I am confident that the Gigabyte panel has better settings and calibration.

 

[dirtyferret]

Says in stock 2/28 on Amazon and seems to let you backorder.

Yeah, maybe I'll see if anyone else may stock it.

The Asus might not be so great for gaming, but it got a better review overall.

I'm leaning towards it as it really has little flaws. rtings actually gave it a higher gaming grade then the other two units.

I guess your budget is around $400.

I'm trying to stick to around $300

 

[milewski1015]

I'm leaning towards it as it really has little flaws. rtings actually gave it a higher gaming grade then the other two units.

Yeah, if 144Hz isn't a huge factor, then of the three you initially asked about, the Asus would be my vote. That said, I would argue that 144Hz is a relatively noticeable increase over 75Hz, even just for general use.

 

[dirtyferret]

How about something like this, there seems to be a $300 option for it, but it won't ship for a month at that price point.

Amazon.com: Acer Nitro XV272U Pbmiiprzx 27" WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS G-SYNC Compatible Monitor, 144Hz, 1ms VRB, VESA Certified DisplayHDR400, DCI-P3, Delta E<2 : Electronics

Amazon.com: Acer Nitro XV272U Pbmiiprzx 27" WQHD (2560 x 1440) IPS G-SYNC Compatible Monitor, 144Hz, 1ms VRB, VESA Certified DisplayHDR400, DCI-P3, Delta E<2 : Electronics

www.amazon.com

It's nice but the exact same panel as the milewski1015's viewsonic just with a better stand (and $80 more) with a seller on Amazon but Amazon says they will get it in a few weeks @$300. Damn you @milewski1015 and your out of stock monitor!
It now say's out of stock until 3-1-2021 on my screen. The monitor is sold my amazon (as opposed to just fulfilled) which tells me they don't have it in their warehouse, it's still in china. So it's not shipping out until just before the chinese new year but it can be delayed. If it was just fulfilled by Amazon than I know it would be in stock at an amazon warehouse and they are just taking their time to unload it off the pallets.

 

[Batou1986]

I have the dell I would say its a solid monitor for 350$ I use it for gaming and photo work and have no issues though I do have a color calibrator that helps a lot as it did have a slightly yellow tint before calibration.
Mine also doesn't have the black uniformity problem where it looks like someone sat on the middle of it but YMMV, I think at some point dell changed the panel it uses so the earlier versions are worse than the new versions.

 

[dirtyferret]

LG 27GL83A-B. It's 1440p 144hz and IPS.

damn, looking at this monitor and it's fairly impressive

 

[Jack1n]

GIGABYTE M27Q 27" 170Hz 1440P KVM Gaming Monitor - Newegg.com

Buy GIGABYTE - M27Q (2023) - 27" IPS Gaming Monitor - QHD 2560x1440 - 165Hz/OC 170Hz - 1ms MPRT - AMD FreeSync Premium - Type C KVM - HDMI, DP, Type C - Height Adjustable - Black with fast shipping and top-rated customer service. Once you know, you Newegg!

www.newegg.com

 

[milewski1015]

damn, looking at this monitor and it's fairly impressive

Yeah, for 380 it's a solid deal. It's basically the 27GL850 without the USB hub on the back or wide gamut support but also $120 cheaper. Only reason I didn't recommend it was because it was clear you were looking around $300.

Edit: Worth noting it has a below average contrast ratio for IPS panels

 

[DeathtoGnomes]

dont buy any of those, go with 32 inch monitors!

 

[Sybaris_Caesar]

I wouldn't recommend Gigabyte M27Q and/or G27Q. While Gigabyte has a good track record for calibrating their monitors, iirc for some reason both of those budget monitors use BGR pixel layout according to people at r/monitors. While standard Windows applications use RGB pixel layout. My understanding is that this is not ideal situation.

RGB vs BGR Subpixel Layout - What's The Difference? [Simple]

Displays using BGR, triangular RGB, and RWBG stripe subpixel layouts have blurry text in comparison to the standard RGB layout. Here's why.

www.displayninja.com

 

[Space Lynx]

Dell 27 Inch Gaming Monitor: S2721DGF | Dell USA

27" QHD gaming monitor with blazing-fast IPS technology, stunning color coverage and tear-free, stutter-free gameplay in a revamped bold design.

www.dell.com

would be my choice. IPS 165hz, faster than most TN's. 98% DCI-P3. $450 and 10% off coupon if you sign up for newsletter... so total price $405 + tax

 

[EzioAs]

After getting used to 144Hz display, I find it really hard to go back. I understand if you need for colour accuracy is critical but 144Hz isn't super high end either, and I think 144Hz should be the standard for displays moving forward.

I'm with @Khonjel on the LG 27GL83A-B. I would've bought that one last year but it's a slightly over budget for me so I went with an Acer XV272UP.

 

[cst1992]

144Hz should be the standard for displays moving forward

That'd be a nightmare for budget gamers.

I personally wouldn't choose the TN one because it has limited side-visibility.
I would say either go with the Asus or the LG 27GL83A-B.

 

[Jack1n]

I wouldn't recommend Gigabyte M27Q and/or G27Q. While Gigabyte has a good track record for calibrating their monitors, iirc for some reason both of those budget monitors use BGR pixel layout according to people at r/monitors. While standard Windows applications use RGB pixel layout. My understanding is that this is not ideal situation.

RGB vs BGR Subpixel Layout - What's The Difference? [Simple]

Displays using BGR, triangular RGB, and RWBG stripe subpixel layouts have blurry text in comparison to the standard RGB layout. Here's why.

www.displayninja.com

I never knew that and I was about the buy that monitor myself. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[dirtyferret]

Only reason I didn't recommend it was because it was clear you were looking around $300.

Edit: Worth noting it has a below average contrast ratio for IPS panels

IPS panels never really have great contrast compared to VA but it seems like the monitor may worth the extra $80. I think I may try it out and see how it does.

dont buy any of those, go with 32 inch monitors!

For my at work office 32" may work but not for my in home office. I sit too close to the monitor at home.