Monitors: 27" WQHD OR 28"4k

[Novus]

Thinking of grabbing a new monitor.

I'll be picking between either a
1) 27" IPS Monitor 2560 x 1440 (WQHD)
2) 28" TN Monitor 3840 x 2160 (4K resolution)

The 27" monitor is IPS.
The 28" monitor has more pixel density but it is not IPS. 4k Monitors also seem to have issues reaching a 60hz refresh rate sometimes. Heard many complaints about how these monitors might be locked in 30hz sometimes.

Both Asus and Samsung have similar lineups (27" IPS vs 28" 4K) and these monitors are in a similar price range (within the same brand).

What do you guys think about the IPS vs 4k but not-IPS trade-off?
I'm currently using a Dell 2410 IPS and I'll probably put these monitors side by side or attach them to a mount of some sort (if the new monitor is vesa)

[FrostyToast]

I think that 1440p would offer a much more balanced experience. The IPS really helps as well!

[Hundrakia]

What are you doing with them?

[tp4tissue]

4k is buying the Cart before the Horse...  (content)

And in this case,, the horse hasn't even been born... AND it has to be shipped in, where it might die.. and you'd have to wait even longer...

Don't bother with 4k for now..


If you really think you can use 4k..   Hit up one of the 4k TVs, you can sit way back,, and your eyes will thankyou.

[HardCelery]

4k is buying the Cart before the Horse...  (content)

And in this case,, the horse hasn't even been born... AND it has to be shipped in, where it might die.. and you'd have to wait even longer...

Don't bother with 4k for now..


If you really think you can use 4k..   Hit up one of the 4k TVs, you can sit way back,, and your eyes will thankyou.

The content really isn't there but the picture quality is real, way bigger leap the SD to HD. I was honestly a bit blown away.

[Hundrakia]

If you find you are forever striving  for real-estate, and aren't adamant about playing games with the absolute highest settings, 4k does take the advantage. Else, personally I'm deeply intrigued by 2560x1440. It's been dubbed the sweet spot on many fronts at 24-27"

[Input Nirvana]

I'm "monitoring" this thread.

Looking for 27" (@2560 res) or possibly a 30". Also Dell has an interesting 29" widescreen...but want a solid picture to look at since will stream entertainment among other standard text uses.

I'll be using with a Macbook Pro 17" for now and eventually a Mac Mini. I'm also open to used units. But not spending $900, more like around half that.

[munch]

the korean screens are about half that (or even less) and are fantastic for the price. the only downside is the slightly wobbly stand they come with. I don't know if you can replace it though.
IPS panel, 2560x1440, 27". perfect for what you seem to ask for IMO (@Input Nirvana)

[Input Nirvana]

I would put the monitor on an Ergotron/HP desk/monitor arm.

[Novus]

the korean screens are about half that (or even less) and are fantastic for the price. the only downside is the slightly wobbly stand they come with. I don't know if you can replace it though.
IPS panel, 2560x1440, 27". perfect for what you seem to ask for IMO (@Input Nirvana)

My friend has a dual side by side Korean 27" setup and they're mounted by some sort of dual monitor arm. 
I think the brand is crossover and they're 2560x1440.
It's a really nifty setup but I'm not used to both monitors being off center.

So I also noticed that ASUS's gaming division has this 27" gaming monitor (2560x1440, 144 hz refresh rate) for 800 bucks. It's 6
HMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Decisions decisions.

IPS vs 144 Hz TN vs 4K TN
I love when we're in-between technology and need to pick!

[tp4tissue]

the korean screens are about half that (or even less) and are fantastic for the price. the only downside is the slightly wobbly stand they come with. I don't know if you can replace it though.
IPS panel, 2560x1440, 27". perfect for what you seem to ask for IMO (@Input Nirvana)

My friend has a dual side by side Korean 27" setup and they're mounted by some sort of dual monitor arm. 
I think the brand is crossover and they're 2560x1440.
It's a really nifty setup but I'm not used to both monitors being off center.

So I also noticed that ASUS's gaming division has this 27" gaming monitor (2560x1440, 144 hz refresh rate) for 800 bucks. It's 6
HMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Decisions decisions.

IPS vs 144 Hz TN vs 4K TN
I love when we're in-between technology and need to pick!

I just bought the crossover 27qw for an uncle-puter, with an Overclocked G3258 of course.. this is my 3rd Pentium-fun build in the past month.

It's pretty solid for uncle-puter stuff.. 

[Hundrakia]

the korean screens are about half that (or even less) and are fantastic for the price. the only downside is the slightly wobbly stand they come with. I don't know if you can replace it though.
IPS panel, 2560x1440, 27". perfect for what you seem to ask for IMO (@Input Nirvana)

My friend has a dual side by side Korean 27" setup and they're mounted by some sort of dual monitor arm. 
I think the brand is crossover and they're 2560x1440.
It's a really nifty setup but I'm not used to both monitors being off center.

So I also noticed that ASUS's gaming division has this 27" gaming monitor (2560x1440, 144 hz refresh rate) for 800 bucks. It's 6
HMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Decisions decisions.

IPS vs 144 Hz TN vs 4K TN
I love when we're in-between technology and need to pick!

According to all that I've read about that Asus one, the quality is actually rather decent for a TN. If you're using your monitor for gaming, it's basically the one (raaaaahh!)
Plus, Gsync and ULMB

[munch]

I would put the monitor on an Ergotron/HP desk/monitor arm.

then I definitely recommend it! I hope it is possible to detach with the current ones, I honestly don't remember how it was in the back of the one I used to use was. but lovely monitor for sure!

the korean screens are about half that (or even less) and are fantastic for the price. the only downside is the slightly wobbly stand they come with. I don't know if you can replace it though.
IPS panel, 2560x1440, 27". perfect for what you seem to ask for IMO (@Input Nirvana)

My friend has a dual side by side Korean 27" setup and they're mounted by some sort of dual monitor arm. 
I think the brand is crossover and they're 2560x1440.
It's a really nifty setup but I'm not used to both monitors being off center.

So I also noticed that ASUS's gaming division has this 27" gaming monitor (2560x1440, 144 hz refresh rate) for 800 bucks. It's 6
HMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Decisions decisions.

IPS vs 144 Hz TN vs 4K TN
I love when we're in-between technology and need to pick!

144/120Hz is a biiiit overrated for anything but fast paced gaming IMO. it's lovely and nice on the eyes and all, but IPS colours/viewing angles all day erryday for me. if I could have both then no questions asked.
I'm not too keen on using 4K just yet, unfortunately. the Korean ones are also overclockable so you might even get 96/120 Hz AND IPS - which would be super awesome!

[Sniping]

the korean screens are about half that (or even less) and are fantastic for the price. the only downside is the slightly wobbly stand they come with. I don't know if you can replace it though.
IPS panel, 2560x1440, 27". perfect for what you seem to ask for IMO (@Input Nirvana)

My friend has a dual side by side Korean 27" setup and they're mounted by some sort of dual monitor arm. 
I think the brand is crossover and they're 2560x1440.
It's a really nifty setup but I'm not used to both monitors being off center.

So I also noticed that ASUS's gaming division has this 27" gaming monitor (2560x1440, 144 hz refresh rate) for 800 bucks. It's 6
HMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Decisions decisions.

IPS vs 144 Hz TN vs 4K TN
I love when we're in-between technology and need to pick!

I just bought the crossover 27qw for an uncle-puter, with an Overclocked G3258 of course.. this is my 3rd Pentium-fun build in the past month.

It's pretty solid for uncle-puter stuff..

dood the Qnix is like the same thing but better

[jacobolus]

The 24" Dell 4k monitor is the one that looks sweetest to me (but a bit pricier).

[tp4tissue]

the korean screens are about half that (or even less) and are fantastic for the price. the only downside is the slightly wobbly stand they come with. I don't know if you can replace it though.
IPS panel, 2560x1440, 27". perfect for what you seem to ask for IMO (@Input Nirvana)

My friend has a dual side by side Korean 27" setup and they're mounted by some sort of dual monitor arm. 
I think the brand is crossover and they're 2560x1440.
It's a really nifty setup but I'm not used to both monitors being off center.

So I also noticed that ASUS's gaming division has this 27" gaming monitor (2560x1440, 144 hz refresh rate) for 800 bucks. It's 6
HMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Decisions decisions.

IPS vs 144 Hz TN vs 4K TN
I love when we're in-between technology and need to pick!

I just bought the crossover 27qw for an uncle-puter, with an Overclocked G3258 of course.. this is my 3rd Pentium-fun build in the past month.

It's pretty solid for uncle-puter stuff..

dood the Qnix is like the same thing but better

I'd consider it if they ever stop compressing images on the web and have 10bit rendering for internet explorer, cuz that's the single program my uncle uses.

[Sniping]

oh crap is this actually for your uncle? rofl

My parents would just use 1600x900 if I gave them something 1080p or above.

[tp4tissue]

oh crap is this actually for your uncle? rofl

My parents would just use 1600x900 if I gave them something 1080p or above.

naw they got dpi scalling

[Novus]

Korean monitors don't have proper scalers though, right?

[tp4tissue]

Korean monitors don't have proper scalers though, right?

They don't have an internal scalar so you can't connect something like a playstation..

But this also benefits PC gaming because not having a scalar greatly reduces input lag.

And also only n00bers game on Console.

[Novus]

http://slickdeals.net/f/7159720-28-samsung-4k-2160p-led-monitor-250gb-samsung-840-evo-2-5-sata-iii-ssd-600-free-shipping?sdxt01=internal&sdxt02=Deal+Bit&sdxt03=For+Thread+7159720&sdxt04=slickdealsindex

WELL WELL WELL

Although even if I got this ... I don't have any of the faster SATA ports available.

[Hundrakia]

The 840 EVOs are fast, though.

[munch]

I used a Catleap Q270 with HDMI (is that Q271 perhaps? forgot now. ) on an Xbox 360, most games 720p, some 1080p. no problem at all.
I don't see why it wouldn't work with a Playstation?

[tp4tissue]

I used a Catleap Q270 with HDMI (is that Q271 perhaps? forgot now. ) on an Xbox 360, most games 720p, some 1080p. no problem at all.
I don't see why it wouldn't work with a Playstation?

he's talking about the monitor I bought.. the crossover budget monitors..  SOME have scalars, SOME do not.

Generally  Scalars are stupid and for n00b console people.


On top of that Graphics cards usually provide much better quality video scaling and consistently so, vs monitor scalars,  which on budget monitors are always underpowered or uses a ****ty algorithm to compensate for the lack of processing power.

[munch]

I see - I just saw Korean monitors mentioned, since I also used a cheaper Korean one.

[Input Nirvana]

Not to bork this thread but I'm looking for either a 27 or (maybe 30) and looking a look at the Korean jobs. I just started looking for monitors, and I'm open to used ones, I need to keep cost down. I was leaning towards Dell or HP, but may consider a Korean entrant.

Monoprice 27" IPS GLASS ($350 fee ship @ Rakuten) Dunno if I will like the glass panel with anti-fare coating (reflections!)
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/27-ips-glass-panel-pro-led-monitor-wqhd-2560x1440-with-hdmi-1-4-dvi/252439954.html?scid=af_linkshare&adid=18094&siteID=Es5Ekr9eEBk-uzOHcWIW3gWK5hhsj7NFxg
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=113&cp_id=11307&cs_id=1130703&p_id=10489&seq=1&format=2

If I get really good news in a couple days I'm maybe interested in this:
Monoprice 30" IPS LED backlit ($690)
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=113&cp_id=11307&cs_id=1130703&p_id=10734&seq=1&format=2

I've always had matte finish screens. My (new to me) 17" Macbook Pro has a glossy screen and although it does make colors pop, reflections are an issue as well. You can deal with it at your home reasonably, but if you're mobile it can be more challenging.

[dorkvader]

Not to bork this thread but I'm looking for either a 27 or (maybe 30) and looking a look at the Korean jobs. I just started looking for monitors, and I'm open to used ones, I need to keep cost down. I was leaning towards Dell or HP, but may consider a Korean entrant.

Monoprice 27" IPS GLASS ($350 fee ship @ Rakuten) Dunno if I will like the glass panel with anti-fare coating (reflections!)
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/27-ips-glass-panel-pro-led-monitor-wqhd-2560x1440-with-hdmi-1-4-dvi/252439954.html?scid=af_linkshare&adid=18094&siteID=Es5Ekr9eEBk-uzOHcWIW3gWK5hhsj7NFxg
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=113&cp_id=11307&cs_id=1130703&p_id=10489&seq=1&format=2

If I get really good news in a couple days I'm maybe interested in this:
Monoprice 30" IPS LED backlit ($690)
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=113&cp_id=11307&cs_id=1130703&p_id=10734&seq=1&format=2

I've always had matte finish screens. My (new to me) 17" Macbook Pro has a glossy screen and although it does make colors pop, reflections are an issue as well. You can deal with it at your home reasonably, but if you're mobile it can be more challenging.

Keep in mind that these usually use the same panel that Apple does in their imac and 27" cinema/ thunderbolt display. So if you like apple displays, you might like this.

I don't mind having a glass glossy display (currently using a 24" apple cinema display: which I don't notice flicker on nearly so much, and can therefore actually use) but I keep it perpendicular to the wall with the windows on it.

The monoprice one is often sold by massdrop at a discount: might want to look out for that, since they are probably due to have another drop for it soon. You'll save a bit of cash.

Also I think you can get a matte screen protector for it, but I don't know for sure for a screen that big.

[Lingj]

QNIX QX2710 if you don't need to have scalars. $300~ for cinema display quality. You can overclock the refresh rate so stable 96, some monitors can do 120 with little artifacts. QC is dodgy (you may get a couple dead pixels) but I purchased one with no dead pixels.

[mkawa]

if i went 4k at this point, i would only go with an IPS, MVA or PLA panel (not sure if the latter exists). the TN 4Ks they're releasing right now tend to only support 30fps, since most people don't have graphics cards that can push out pixels faster than that anyway.

this means that 4K is _really_ expensive. you need a high end graphics card with lots of computing power you may not even need, and a high end panel which will be _minimum_ 1000$.

imo, 1440p @ 27" is the way to go, unless you're insane and the above doesn't really bother you (eg, me).

(although even _i'm_ waiting it out a bit)

[Input Nirvana]

I've heard of the matte overlays. Do they work/look same as regular matte screen or is it not quite as good?

Will check Massdrop. But $350 seems like a pretty cheap price. I'll look up the other Korean brands in this thread.

Dead pixels are NOT an option.

[tp4tissue]

I've heard of the matte overlays. Do they work/look same as regular matte screen or is it not quite as good?

Will check Massdrop. But $350 seems like a pretty cheap price. I'll look up the other Korean brands in this thread.

Dead pixels are NOT an option.

none of them have perfect pixel guarantee..  they might say pixel perfect, then a huge star next to it, that says... buhhhhh...   dark pixels don't count, there may be up to 5 pixels on the side of the monitor that are xxx, bright sub-pixels don't count..  etc etc..

It's alotta BS...    so... basically if you want PERFECT pixels,  you have to cough up $700-800 for a 27*, $1100-1400 for a 30"   ,  $3000-5000 for a 32" 4k

[Input Nirvana]

I'm not ok with ANY bad pixels, will take another look at that. Thanks for the heads up.

[tp4tissue]

I'm not ok with ANY bad pixels, will take another look at that. Thanks for the heads up.

Look at it this way.. if there isn't something seriously wrong with the panel, it'd end up in the premium monitors for 2x the cost..


for example.. serious backlight bleed,  very uneven panel brightness uniformity,  poor contrast uniformity..


There are SO MANY things that can go wrong making each panel,  this is why they screen in the first place..

[Novus]

Their color profiles are also messed up and not "pre-calibrated".
My friend did not buy his two monitors at the same time and the colors were significantly off.

[Input Nirvana]

Oh, so they are "rejected seconds". Got it. My interest just dropped off the chart. Thanks for that. Moving on to the next thing.

[dorkvader]

I've heard of the matte overlays. Do they work/look same as regular matte screen or is it not quite as good?

Will check Massdrop. But $350 seems like a pretty cheap price. I'll look up the other Korean brands in this thread.

Dead pixels are NOT an option.

none of them have perfect pixel guarantee..  they might say pixel perfect, then a huge star next to it, that says... buhhhhh...   dark pixels don't count, there may be up to 5 pixels on the side of the monitor that are xxx, bright sub-pixels don't count..  etc etc..

It's alotta BS...    so... basically if you want PERFECT pixels,  you have to cough up $700-800 for a 27*, $1100-1400 for a 30"   ,  $3000-5000 for a 32" 4k

The monoprice monitor does carry that garuntee (mainly because they use a+ panel instead of A or A- that most of the cheap korean guys have) You can read up reviews on massdrop of people returning them.

Read the description:
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/monoprice-monitor?mode=guest_open

a+ panel, pixel perfect guarantee.

Now, I'm not saying that monoprice has that policy, 'cause they don't. But even if monoprice won't cover the monitor, massdrop still will. You can see examples of that in the comments.

[Input Nirvana]

That's EXACTLY what I read. I'll go on the Monoprice-chat feature to clarify.
I'm not interested in a compromises of that nature.

[dorkvader]

That's EXACTLY what I read. I'll go on the Monoprice-chat feature to clarify.
I'm not interested in a compromises of that nature.

I'm not sure if monoprice has that pixel perfect policy. I think they don't.

Massdrop has stated several times that they do have a pixel perfect policy and will honor exchanges.

Note that you will need a MDP to dual link DVI adapter:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB571Z/A/mini-displayport-to-dual-link-dvi-adapter

Otherwise the resolution is limited. A single DVI link can't handle all the pixels.

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=104&cp_id=10428&cs_id=1042802&p_id=6904&format=2

[Input Nirvana]

The Monoprice monitor I linked has the pixel guarantee. The "IPS Glass" does, the "Zero-G" does not. Interestingly Massdrop was selling the Zero-G.
I'm now obviously burning bandwidth sending everyone emails in typical Geekwhack fashion, LOL

[dorkvader]

The Monoprice monitor I linked has the pixel guarantee. The "IPS Glass" does, the "Zero-G" does not. Interestingly Massdrop was selling the Zero-G.
I'm now obviously burning bandwidth sending everyone emails in typical Geekwhack fashion, LOL

Massdrop says they have a special deal on that that is not offered to most of monoprice's other customers.

[Input Nirvana]

If the Zero-G is pixel perfect like the Glass model, I"d be happy to buy it @ $350 or less as well.
Will chat with Monoprice to clarify monitor differences and send Andrew/Massdrop an email as well.

[tp4tissue]

If the Zero-G is pixel perfect like the Glass model, I"d be happy to buy it @ $350 or less as well.
Will chat with Monoprice to clarify monitor differences and send Andrew/Massdrop an email as well.

even if they have good pixels.. there are OTHER issues that I mentioned...  and those are not readily apparent.

[microsoft windows]

Get the 28" monitor because it's bigger. You won't regret it!

[Input Nirvana]

After dealing with Monoprice this morning, they confirmed their 27" IPS Glass Pro has a true pixel perfect/no light bleed guarantee.
From Monoprice website:
"This is a Grade A-1 panel, which means no image defects are allowed. That means no backlight bleed, no dead pixels, no focus issues at the edge, nothing wrong at all."
I should re-contact to verify what "no dead pixels/nothing wrong at all" exactly means.

On Rakuten it's $350+free ship, 1 year warranty and I'm CA so I have tax ($387 total). And $45 additional gets Square Trade 3 year product problem/failure warranty ($437 total).
I read bad things about Rakuten and credit card numbers, I'd just use PayPal/virtual cc# and also make sure I used a unique password on Rakuten. The price is good through Aug. 28 (tomorrow).

Assessment:
Brand new, 2560x1440, multiple inputs, A+ panel, 0 pixel/light guarantee, 3 year warranty, Monoprice/USA...I feel this definitely reduces "taking chances" and possibly wasting a lot of time/hassle with a cheaper monitor purchase (ebay/overseas/etc) for a total of $437. It's ~100 more than some of the other prices I see people posting ($300-ish), but again I'm dealing with Monoprice/USA, extended warranty, A+ panel, panel guarantee and that seems worth ~$100. The worst thing I may have to deal with is returning the panel (at their shipping cost) for replacement one.

I don't wanna stare at a screen with defects, and I don't wanna spend $650 just to have more crisp feeling power buttons, sturdier stand, or a name brand. This seems like a solid compromise. Unless I find MUCH BETTER product for $450 total, this may get purchased. *NOTE: I'm forecasting the value of my time as a cost when dealing with crappy sellers, ****tay product, no coverage, etc. Who wants THAT? I'd rather spend that time doing something that's not unpleasant, like chase girls. It's worth a few bucks up front. And driving around is totally expensive too in an american made gas guzzler truck.

Rakuten
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/27-ips-glass-panel-pro-led-monitor-wqhd-2560x1440-with-hdmi-1-4-dvi/252439954.html?sku=252439954&listingId=295244699
Monoprice
http://www.monoprice.com/Product/?pg_no2=1&c_id=113&cp_id=11307&cs_id=1130703&p_id=10489&sortby=&period=&rating=&seq=1&format=4#feedback

EDIT (DEAL ALERT):
This Monoprice Zero-G IPS LED 2560x1440 seems like a darn good deal too (except for the 5 pixel allowance), but it's only $280, you can get Square Trade for $37 (deal through Aug 28, 2014):
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/27-ips-zero-g-slim-monitor-wqhd-2560x1440-dual-link-dvi-vga/254863185.html

[The Mad Professor]

I just got the ASUS PB278Q monitor for use in a portable build. After testing it for dead pixels and looking at it in full 1440p res, I can say that I am quite happy with it. Plus, it's under $500 on Amazon right now.

[byker]

I just got the Qnix QX2710, it arrived yesterday. So far it is amazing. One dead pixel, which you cant actually tell without using a monitor checker..

[tp4tissue]

I just got the ASUS PB278Q monitor for use in a portable build. After testing it for dead pixels and looking at it in full 1440p res, I can say that I am quite happy with it. Plus, it's under $500 on Amazon right now.

How is the brightness using 1% lightboost

[Hundrakia]

I just got the ASUS PB278Q monitor for use in a portable build. After testing it for dead pixels and looking at it in full 1440p res, I can say that I am quite happy with it. Plus, it's under $500 on Amazon right now.

How is the brightness using 1% lightboost

I've been seriously contemplating this monitor. This is good insight, thank you!

[Input Nirvana]

The Mad Professor:
Your monitor looks amazing. I'm not familiar with PLS screens. Only another $30 more...unless there's also tax and a shorter warranty than 3 years...

I gotta put a break on the budget, but I gotta take a looky!

[The Mad Professor]

I just got the ASUS PB278Q monitor for use in a portable build. After testing it for dead pixels and looking at it in full 1440p res, I can say that I am quite happy with it. Plus, it's under $500 on Amazon right now.

How is the brightness using 1% lightboost

Lightboost only works with 120Hz monitors. The PB278Q is a 60Hz monitor.