4k or 1440p gaming observations

falkonIndian

New member
In light of the new cards that can do 4k gaming reasonably on a single card, perhaps it might be time to revisit the most burning question - Should I upgrade my current HD monitor to 4k or to 1440p?
If you have upgraded to either of these, do leave your observations below as to what went well, regrets if any, how much of a difference you noticed with the upgrade, etc. It might be helpful to the many who are looking to move up in resolutions but arent sure where to end up.
here's mine..

current set up - GTX 980 sli

Monitor - I use a 1440p Acer predator Xb270hu and the 4k benQ 3201Pt currently. tried a few others at friends places or in the past.

4k -
My gaming preference is mostly non shooters (rpg, rts, etc) - (apart from Unreal Tournament :)) and I have to admit one thing. 4k IPS is just awesome to look at. Its where you notice the resolution bump the most. However, I have to stress that after trying out all kind of screen sizes, there is something called a "good size" for 4k. In my observation(personal opinion - your mileage might vary), that sweetspot size for 4k is 32 inches. the scaling is managable, ppi is very sharp and that added size gives you an added immersion without feeling like you have a TV infront of you.
A 32 inches 4k 120hz - 144hz Freesync/gsync IPS panel would be the perfect panel if cost/gpu was no object. However, such a panel doesnt exist and currently, you'll have to live with 60hz panels. There lies my issue. I absolutely adore higher refresh rates and the fluidity that comes with it.

1440p -
I've heard that unless you play fast paced shooters, you dont need higher refresh rates. I can confirm that this statement is not entirely true. While it may be true that for RPGs you dont need the higher refresh rate since you dont have a kill count to show off, I dont always play games to boost my numbers. Its also for my entertainment and having that fluidity, my RPG world looking seamless and fluid, mouse pointer moving with extra smoothness - all these improve my experience from the game. These new breed of 1440p panels that can do > 60 hz is quite amazing in this regard. Plus, chances are that if you have one of these new GPUs, you'll be able to push past 60hz on a consistent basis.





To summarize (my opinion)
  • I wouldnt buy a 1440p 60 hz monitor. If you're going to 1440p, target the ones that have higher refresh rates.
  • If you like that extra resolution, but are ok with 60hz, then dont stop at 1440p, move up to 4k.
  • For 1440p, go no higher that 27 inches. The PPI isnt that optimum at any higher
  • For 4k, It is a good idea to check out bigger screen sizes like 32 inches.
Ofcourse this is all based on if your gpu can handle these resolutions. Check benchmarks to be sure anyways.
 
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Nice round up. I'm looking at upgrading from 1080p and frankly the price difference between 1440p and 4k (at least in Aus) is almost non existent, so i'm finding little reason to go with 1440p. 32"-34" would be perfect but all of the 4k monitors at that size over here (that i can find) are $1300+, so i've got my eye on a ~$1000 40" Philips 4k monitor instead (BDM4065UC). Looks enormous, but seems like the better choice, and is getting good reviews too.
 
To summarize (my opinion)
  • I wouldnt buy a 1440p 60 hz monitor. If you're going to 1440p, target the ones that have higher refresh rates.
  • If you like that extra resolution, but are ok with 60hz, then dont stop at 1440p, move up to 4k.
  • For 1440p, go no higher that 27 inches. The PPI isnt that optimum at any higher
  • For 4k, It is a good idea to check out bigger screen sizes like 32 inches.
Ofcourse this is all based on if your gpu can handle these resolutions. Check benchmarks to be sure anyways.

You seem to have got it about right without any help from us. Don't forget for 2160p to look at G-Sync or FreeSync monitors if available.

I use a 32" 2160p monitor and I don't think I could use a smaller screen size for the resolution. It is a doddle reading text on forums for example without having to resort to resizing to make it readable. Also if you get a good quality monitor the first thing that hits you at 4k is the colours and sharpness which totally blows away anything @1440p or 1600p.
 
Nice round up. I'm looking at upgrading from 1080p and frankly the price difference between 1440p and 4k (at least in Aus) is almost non existent, so i'm finding little reason to go with 1440p. 32"-34" would be perfect but all of the 4k monitors at that size over here (that i can find) are $1300+, so i've got my eye on a ~$1000 40" Philips 4k monitor instead (BDM4065UC). Looks enormous, but seems like the better choice, and is getting good reviews too.

I have a slight experience with that particular monitor (just like half an hour) and its a darn good one. I just felt it was like huuge, though with my limited amount of time spent in front of it, I guess its natural to feel that way and people I know who use this monitor claim to get used to it quickly. The AG Coating on it is excellent because there isnt any :). hence the colours "pop" well. The inut lag and its response times surprised me as well. I was expecting a TV type input lag but this one is much quicker.
The only thing to consider is its pwm backlight - if you are sensitive it it.. I'm not sure what frequency it operates, but might be good to check.
 
Dude, I might get a bit out the way on this one, but you should be like "OC3D's monitor reviewer/guru" lmao :lol:

Very nice post dude, well written and well put out there. I myself have just gotten a 980Ti with an ASUS ROG Swift, 1440p 144Hz panel. So guessing I sort of got the spots you've been on about in your post.

Haven't activated them both yet though, but will soon enough :)
 
I have a slight experience with that particular monitor (just like half an hour) and its a darn good one. I just felt it was like huuge, though with my limited amount of time spent in front of it, I guess its natural to feel that way and people I know who use this monitor claim to get used to it quickly. The AG Coating on it is excellent because there isnt any :). hence the colours "pop" well. The inut lag and its response times surprised me as well. I was expecting a TV type input lag but this one is much quicker.
The only thing to consider is its pwm backlight - if you are sensitive it it.. I'm not sure what frequency it operates, but might be good to check.

Cheers for the info. I don't think I have any issues with PWM, I've certainly never experienced any before at least. Glad to hear more positive feedback as well, helps me to justify the outlay a tad better :).
 
Dude, I might get a bit out the way on this one, but you should be like "OC3D's monitor reviewer/guru" lmao :lol:

Very nice post dude, well written and well put out there. I myself have just gotten a 980Ti with an ASUS ROG Swift, 1440p 144Hz panel. So guessing I sort of got the spots you've been on about in your post.

Haven't activated them both yet though, but will soon enough :)

Ha ha well, I'm a self confessed graphics wh***. Thing is, we are in the middle of a display panel revolution after the last 5 lazy years by panel makers. Exciting time to be a gamer.
 
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