1080p vs 1440p vs 4K Gaming Monitors - My Experience

Summary

This video script reviews three high-end gaming monitors with varying resolutions and refresh rates: ASUS's 360Hz 1080p, Aurus's 240Hz 1440p, and LG's 160Hz 4K. It discusses the trade-offs between resolution and refresh rate, the superiority of IPS panels over TN, and the suitability of each monitor for different types of gamers. The script suggests that 1080p is still relevant for those with lower GPU power or esports enthusiasts, while 1440p offers a balance for new mainstream GPUs. 4K, best for detail-oriented gamers with high-end GPUs, may require adjusting game settings for optimal performance.

Takeaways

• 🎮 The script discusses testing three high-end gaming monitors with different refresh rates and resolutions: 360Hz 1080p, 240Hz 1440p, and 160Hz 4K.
• 🔄 The importance of balancing resolution and refresh rate is highlighted, as higher resolution often means a lower refresh rate.
• 📺 IPS panels are recommended over TN for better color and viewing angles, with the exception of BenQ's TN displays with DyAc technology for esports gamers.
• 👀 1080p resolution is still relevant in 2021, especially for those with lower GPU power or esports enthusiasts seeking the highest frame rates and lowest latency.
• 💻 The script suggests that 1440p monitors, especially those with high refresh rates, are a good fit for new mainstream GPUs and offer a competitive advantage in gaming.
• 🚀 For gamers with high-end GPUs, 1440p provides a significant resolution increase and is more demanding than 1080p, offering a better gaming experience.
• 🖥 4K gaming on a 27-inch display is possible and offers a retina-like experience, but it requires a very powerful GPU to achieve high frame rates.
• 📊 The difference in pixel rendering between 4K at 60 FPS and 1440p at higher frame rates is emphasized, showing the GPU's workload.
• 🛠️ The video mentions that even if a desired frame rate isn't achievable, adjusting the rendering resolution in games can still benefit from a 4K panel.
• 💡 The level of detail and texture in 4K gaming is noted as a significant improvement over lower resolutions for those who value visual fidelity.
• 📍 Recommendations are provided for different types of gamers based on their GPU capabilities and gaming preferences, ranging from 1080p to 4K.

Q & A

What are the three gaming monitors discussed in the script?

The three gaming monitors discussed are the 360Hz ASUS PG259QN, the 240Hz Aorus FI 27QX, and the 160Hz LG 27GN950.

What are the resolutions of the three monitors mentioned?

The resolutions are 1080p for the ASUS PG259QN, 1440p for the Aorus FI 27QX, and 4K for the LG 27GN950.

Why are IPS panels recommended over TN panels in 2021 for gaming?

IPS panels are recommended over TN panels due to their better color reproduction, more vibrant and punchier images, and superior viewing angles, which are important for competitive gaming.

Why is the 1080p resolution still considered relevant in 2021?

1080p is still relevant for those with older GPUs or those who prefer more affordable hardware, as well as for esports enthusiasts who need the least input latency and highest frame rates.

What is the main advantage of a 1440p display for esports gamers?

A 1440p display offers a balance between high resolution and high refresh rates, which can be beneficial for competitive gaming, especially in games that involve fighting at longer ranges.

What GPUs are recommended for a 1440p gaming setup?

New mainstream GPUs like the RTX 3060 Ti and higher, including the RTX 2080 or higher, are recommended for a 1440p gaming setup.

What is the current refresh rate of the LG 27GN950, and is there an update planned?

The LG 27GN950 currently has a 144Hz refresh rate out of the box, but a firmware update can potentially increase it to 160Hz. However, LG will be releasing an updated true 160Hz option soon.

Is 4K gaming on a 27-inch display worth it, and what is the pixel density like?

Yes, 4K gaming on a 27-inch display is worth it, offering a retina-like experience where individual pixels are not easily discernible, providing a significant increase in detail over 1440p and 1080p.

What is the GPU requirement for running 4K gaming at above 100 FPS?

An RTX 3080 or higher is recommended for running 4K gaming at above 100 FPS.

What is the recommended approach if a game's desired frame rate cannot be achieved at 4K resolution?

If the desired frame rate cannot be achieved at 4K, the script suggests turning down the rendering resolution of the game to still benefit from the 4K panel in other areas such as video and photo editing.

What are some factors to consider when choosing between 1080p, 1440p, and 4K gaming monitors?

Factors to consider include GPU capability, desired refresh rate, input latency, the importance of image detail and texture, and whether the user is an esports enthusiast or prefers a more cinematic gaming experience.

Outlines

00:00

🎮 Gaming Monitors: Resolution and Refresh Rate Dilemma

This paragraph discusses the author's experience with three high-end gaming monitors: the 360Hz ASUS PG259QN, the 240Hz Aorus FI 27QX, and the 160Hz LG 27GN950. The key point is the trade-off between resolution (1080p, 1440p, and 4K) and refresh rate. The author emphasizes the importance of IPS panels over TN for better color and viewing angles, despite slightly slower response times. The paragraph also touches on the relevance of 1080p for those with less powerful GPUs or esports enthusiasts seeking the lowest latency and highest frame rates. It concludes with the author's change of mind about the benefits of 1440p for competitive gaming due to advancements in GPU capabilities and the Aorus FI 27QX's performance.

05:00

🖥️ The 4K Gaming Experience: Pros and Cons

The second paragraph delves into the question of whether 4K gaming on a 27-inch display is worthwhile, concluding that while it is possible to see the resolution, it approaches the limit of what is considered a retina display. The author explains the increased GPU demand for 4K gaming, comparing the pixel rendering requirements of 4K at 60 FPS to 1440p at higher frame rates. Despite the visual benefits of 4K, such as detailed textures, the author recommends a high frame rate 1440p experience for most games due to smoother gameplay and quicker responses. The paragraph also suggests that gamers with high-end GPUs, like the RTX 3080 or higher, can enjoy 4K gaming, but for those who can't achieve the desired frame rate, adjusting the in-game rendering resolution is a practical solution. The author provides recommendations for different types of gamers based on their GPU capabilities and gaming preferences.

Keywords

💡Gaming Monitors

Gaming monitors are specialized displays designed to provide a better gaming experience through features like high refresh rates and low response times. In the video, the script discusses testing various gaming monitors with different refresh rates and resolutions, emphasizing their importance for gamers.

💡Refresh Rate

The refresh rate of a monitor refers to the number of times per second the screen updates with new images. It is measured in hertz (Hz). The script mentions 360Hz, 240Hz, and 160Hz as the refresh rates of the tested monitors, highlighting the trade-off between higher resolutions and lower refresh rates.

💡Resolution

Resolution is the number of pixels on a screen, determining the level of detail and clarity of the image. The video script contrasts 1080p, 1440p, and 4K resolutions, discussing how higher resolutions provide more detail but may require more powerful hardware to maintain high frame rates.

💡IPS Panels

IPS stands for In-Plane Switching, a technology used in LCD screens to offer wide viewing angles and better color reproduction. The script advises against buying a TN panel in 2021, favoring IPS panels for their superior color and viewing experience, despite slightly slower response times.

💡Response Times

Response time is the measure of how quickly a pixel can change from one color to another, affecting motion clarity. The script mentions that while IPS panels have slower response times compared to TN panels, the trade-off is worth it for the improved image quality.

💡Esports Gamer

Esports gamers are professional or highly competitive players who participate in multiplayer video game tournaments. The script discusses how 1080p monitors with high refresh rates are beneficial for esports gamers due to lower input latency and higher frame rates.

💡GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

A GPU is a specialized electronic circuit designed to rapidly manipulate and alter memory to accelerate the creation of images in a frame buffer intended for output to a display device. The script talks about the importance of having a powerful GPU to run games at higher resolutions and refresh rates.

💡1080p

1080p, also known as Full HD, is a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. The script discusses the relevance of 1080p in 2021, stating that it's still a good choice for those with older GPUs or for esports enthusiasts seeking the highest frame rates and lowest latency.

💡1440p

1440p, also known as Quad HD, is a resolution of 2560×1440 pixels. The script suggests that 1440p is a good middle ground for gamers looking for a balance between image quality and performance, especially with the advent of GPUs capable of handling this resolution at high refresh rates.

💡4K

4K, also known as Ultra HD, is a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels. The script discusses the benefits and drawbacks of 4K gaming, noting that while it offers incredible detail, it requires a very powerful GPU and may not always provide the highest frame rates.

💡Retina Display

A retina display is a term coined by Apple to describe a display with a pixel density so high that the human eye cannot discern individual pixels at a typical viewing distance. The script uses the term to describe the level of detail in 4K displays, where the pixel density approaches that of a retina display.

Highlights

The ASUS 360Hz PG259QN, Aurus 240Hz FI 27QX, and LG 160Hz 27GN950 are tested for gaming, differing in resolution: 1080p, 1440p, and 4K respectively.

Higher resolution gaming monitors come with a trade-off of lower refresh rates.

IPS panels are recommended over TN for better color and viewing angles, with the exception of BenQ's Dayak tech for esports gamers.

1080p remains relevant in 2021 for those with lower GPU power or esports enthusiasts seeking minimal latency.

1080p gaming monitors with IPS panels have become more affordable, offering solid experiences on cheaper hardware.

Esports gamers benefit from 1080p for the highest frame rates and least input latency.

1440p gaming monitors, like the Aorus FI 27QX, are now suitable for esports with high refresh rates and fast response times.

GPUs like the RTX 3060 Ti are capable of running 1440p at high refresh rates, making it a good choice for gamers.

High-resolution displays offer competitive benefits, especially in games involving long-range fighting.

For new gaming PC builds in 2021 with mainstream GPUs, a 1440p gaming monitor is recommended.

LG's 27GN950 4K monitor's refresh rate can be increased to 160Hz via a firmware update.

4K gaming on a 27-inch display is possible with a near-retina experience, though demanding on GPU.

4K gaming is more demanding, with the GPU rendering significantly more pixels per second compared to 1440p.

High frame rate at 1440p is preferred over 4K 60fps for most games due to smoother gameplay.

4K gaming is best for those who value detailed textures and have high-end GPUs like the RTX 3080 or above.

4K is also ideal for larger displays or for tasks like video editing, beyond just gaming.

Recommendations for gaming monitors are provided based on the user's GPU and gaming preferences.

Transcripts

all right so i've been lucky enough to

test out some of the fastest gaming

monitors that you can currently buy the

360hz

pg259qn from asus the 240hz fi 27qx from

aurus and the 160 hertz 27 gn 950 from

lg

one of the most important details

between them though is the resolution

1080p

1440p and 4k respectively and i think

that's where the purchasing decision for

the consumer becomes really difficult

you're essentially playing this

balancing act where the higher

resolution panel you go with

the lower refresh rate you have to

compromise with now i've tested and

played extensively on all three of these

gaming monitors and the different

resolutions and refresh rates that they

have to offer

and today i want to convey my

experiences and thoughts on which one i

think you guys should go with

and the factors that you need to

consider

[Music]

let's start with some good news first

and that's that despite all three of

these monitors offering the highest

refresh rate at their given resolution

they will actually use ips panels so

that's kind of my first bit of advice if

you're buying a tn panel in 2021

you're simply doing it wrong the only

exception here in my opinion would be

benq's lineup of tn displays with dayak

technology but that's only if you

consider yourself an

esports gamer and you're okay with the

significantly worse looking panel

compared to ips

don't get me wrong ips panels are still

a little bit slower compared to tn when

it comes to response times with a bit

more smearing

but trust me when i say that the

trade-off for much better collars is

absolutely worth it

i'd also argue that a more vibrant and

punchier image are just as important in

competitive titles

helping you see targets a lot faster and

clearer now before we take a look at

1440p

and 4k let's first discuss 1080p and

whether this is still

a relevant resolution to be considering

in 2021

and the answer is absolutely in fact

most of you guys watching this are

probably watching on a 1080p display

based off of the recent steam hardware

survey and i think the biggest reason to

still consider a 1080p display in 2021

is if you just don't have the gpu power

to run higher resolutions

maybe you're still running an older gpu

and you just don't want to upgrade which

there's nothing wrong with at all

not everyone needs to be spending

thousands of dollars on a gaming pc

today you can get a really solid 1080p

gaming experience on more affordable

hardware not to mention

prices for fast 1080p gaming monitors

with accurate ips panels have also

become a lot more affordable

and sure for story based titles you

won't be getting the best experience

possible compared to 1440p and 4k

but you can still totally get an

involving and enjoyable experience on a

1080p monitor and cheaper hardware now

funnily enough the other group of users

who should still be considering a 1080p

display in 2021

is the complete opposite end of the

spectrum and it's the esports enthusiast

there's no way to cut it if you want the

least amount of input latency possible

and the highest frame rates possible

1080p is absolutely the way to go now

that's not only because the highest

refresh rates happen to be on 1080p

gaming monitors but it's also because

you'll achieve a higher sustained frame

rate as well compared to something like

1440p

speaking of 1440p though before i tested

the aorus fi 27qx

i would have never recommended that

esports gamers pick up a 1440p

display but the fact that this can run

up to 240 hertz has

fast response times and we actually have

the gpu power to run those specs now in

relevant games

that has changed my mind completely and

it's only after giving higher resolution

panels like this and the 27 gn 950 an

honest chance

that i've realized the competitive

benefit that high resolution displays

can have

especially if you're playing games that

involve fighting at longer ranges that

higher image detail does help

now even if you're not interested in

running 1440p 240hz like the fi 27qx

gpus like the rtx 3060 ti are totally

capable at this resolution and would

make a solid pair for a 1440p

144hz or even 160hz monitor even with

the rtx 3060 coming out later this month

i'd expect that too to be a great fit

for 1440p

it's only natural that his gpus become

more powerful at these more affordable

price points that we move to higher

resolution displays

1440p would also be a great pair if you

have a high-end 20 series card such as

an rtx 2080 or higher

and also for those still hanging onto

their gtx 1080 ti's

so ultimately if you are building a new

gaming pc in 2021 with these

new mainstream gpus then a 1440p gaming

monitor i think is going to be the best

fit

that is of course unless you fall into

the other esports enthusiast group that

i mentioned earlier

then 1080p is probably still relevant

for you and you might want to consider a

240hz or even 360hz

option but now let's talk about 4k and

after using lg's 27gn 950 for around

five months or so

i've got a bit more to add to my initial

review firstly the bump up to a 160hz

refresh rate can be done via a simple

firmware update

but it's not guaranteed for that reason

it's probably safer if we just consider

this a 144hz monitor out of the box

lg will actually be releasing an updated

true 160hz option very soon

so you might want to hold out for that

one instead but one question that some

of you might have is whether 4k gaming

is

actually worth it on a 27 inch display

in the first place

like can you actually see all of that

resolution and the answer is yes

but it's getting close to what we define

as a retina display

where you can't visibly discern the

individual pixels

so while 1440p equates to around a 1.78

times

increase in resolution over 1080p 4k

represents a 2.25 times increase over

1440p

from this alone you can understand just

how much more demanding 4k

gaming actually is think of it like this

if you're gaming at 4k resolution at 60

frames per second

your gpu is rendering 497 million pixels

per second

but that same pixel rate at 1440p you're

able to render over twice the amount of

frames per second now this is a really

oversimplified explanation and there are

a lot of factors that play into this

like cpu load and video memory but

you get the overall picture the point

here is that i would hands down take the

high frame rate 1440p

experience here over 4k 60fps for pretty

much

any game any day of the week that stands

true even for story based titles where

the immersion and

involvement is a lot better at higher

frame rate giving you faster inputs and

more lifelike animations

you can get that at 4k as well but you

really do need at least an rtx 3080 or

higher before you can even think about

running 4k

at above 100 fps but if you do have that

kind of cash to spare and you do have

one of these new higher end

gpus 4k gaming really can be something

the level of detail the textures that

just weren't there before the

imperfections in the textures

it's something that you just don't see

at 1440p or 1080p

whether that's something that you

actually care about is up to you but

it's definitely worth noting another

thing that i'll add here that i didn't

really mention in my initial

review of the 27 gn 950 is that even if

you can't hit your desired frame rate in

some of the games that you're playing

don't be afraid to simply turn down the

rendering resolution of the game

in fact that's exactly what i do when

playing call of duty warzone and apex

legends on this monitor as otherwise

even with an rtx 3090

those games can't run at 4k 160 fps

continuously

for some me included this is the slight

compromise that you'll have to make to

still benefit from a 4k panel

in other areas such as video and photo

editing alright so with all that info

out of the way

which one should you go with well

referencing the steam hardware survey

that i mentioned

earlier most of you watching this should

probably go with a high refresh rate

1080p display

one that i can recommend specifically is

the msi mag251rx which i've done a

review on previously

it has an accurate beautiful and vibrant

ips panel with a 240hz refresh rate

without breaking the bank

then if you're lucky enough to get your

hands on a new mainstream gpu

these can take full advantage of a 1440p

display so

that's kind of what i'd recommend there

there are a few 1440p

240hz ips options out there so if you're

into more first person shooters and

esports titles

definitely check those out but if you're

trying to be a little bit more realistic

with your budget and trying to save a

bit more cash

there are plenty of 144 hertz and 165hz

1440p

options as well then there's the

smallest group i think we should be

considering 4k

which for gaming specifically if you're

interested in 4k gaming

it's really for those who only get a

kick out of all of that detail and

grit and texture that you get from that

kind of retina like 4k

gaming experience and i can't stress

this enough you absolutely need a

high-end gpu

3080 and upwards ideally 4k is also the

best option if you're choosing a

physically larger display such as 32

inches or maybe the 48 inch oled from lg

and of course if you do other work on

your monitor such as video editing like

myself

so i really hope this video made your

purchasing decision a little bit easier

and if you're after some recommendations

i will have some listed down below in

the description

as always a huge thanks for watching and

i will see you all

in the next one