Need Help Buying My First Gaming Monitor - Budget $500

Lhere for deals on 23/03/2022 - 15:34
Last edited 23/03/2022 - 17:21 by 2 other users

I am planning to buy my first ever gaming desktop PC. Figured I would first buy the monitor while waiting for GPU (and by extension, PC) prices to come down a bit.

Here are my thoughts, please correct me if I am wrong. I decided I want 1440p resolution. For 1440p, I think 27-inch would be the apt size. Or is it 32-inch? 160Hz or above is fine, I guess. I don't want wide-screen or ultra-wide. So, if it is not wide-screen, I think flat screen is right option and not curved.From what I learnt through rtings and hardware unboxed reviews, IPS panel is better for gaming (please confirm this if I got it right). So, I think I will stick with IPS panel type.

What am I missing? Oh, budget! How can I forget that. My budget is $500.

Based on these filters, I narrowed down to two monitors.

Dell S2721DGF or MSI OPTIX MAG274QRF

I am leaning towards MSI and I know it is the non-QD version and I think I am okay with that.

Should I buy the Dell now during the eBay sale (20% off) or are there any chances MSI monitor comes down below $500 price point? Are there even better options? Am I missing anything crucial? Help me.

My first post in OzB. YAY!!!

Cheers.

Poll Options

  • 22
    Dell S2721DGF
  • 3
    MSI OPTIX MAG274QRF
Computing 27inch Computer Peripheral Dell IPS Monitor LCD Monitor MSI

Comments

  • Xistn on 23/03/2022 - 15:41

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/690253

    Boom.

  • baronorder on 23/03/2022 - 15:46
    +7

    Given my experience with montors I'd probably lean towrds the Dell just due price and their support - I have yet to see anybody with buyers regret from a decent Dell monitor. Samsung on the other hand…
    27-28 flat is perfect for gaming at close distances - 32+ flat screens on a normal desk require a bit of eye wandering depending on how good your vision is at normal ~60-70cm distances.

    • Puffy Vulva on 03/06/2022 - 09:53

      I got the Dell s3422dwg and there's a couple things I don't like about it
      The old VA tech is p bad black to dark grey leaves massive smears that are very noticeable
      Panning in games is almost nauseating to me bc of it
      Also people were preaching that gsync still works even though it's not officially compatible but I haven't had the option to turn it on
      Coming from a 27" ROG swift with tn panel and gsync I feel like it was a overall downgrade.
      also something I didn't realise was hdr has a pretty large hit on performance 10-15% so I just keep that disabled

      Edit: what the hell this post is 3 months old why is it at the top of the forums

  • nstyle on 23/03/2022 - 16:18

    I can't really comment on the MSI, but I bought the Dell recently and it's great! Granted it's my first 2k monitor, so that probably helps. The Dell pretty much won me over because all the reviews were awesome and it's replacing my Dell U2412M which died after almost 9 years of service. I picked mine up for $429 from Dell eBay, so it's definitely worth waiting around for a sale

    • here for deals on 23/03/2022 - 16:29

      Dell is on sale right now ($450 after applying 20% coupon).
      I am contemplating if I should hit buy on the dell or wait to see if MSI goes on sale anytime soon.
      Looks like Dell goes on sale every once in a while. Don't know about MSI.

  • dogboy on 23/03/2022 - 16:39

    I recommend the 34" ultrawide @ 1440p. They are awesome!

  • Hybroid on 23/03/2022 - 16:43

    27" is far too small nowadays. What GPU do you have? Can it comfortably drive 1440p high framerate games? Do you actually want more than 60 FPS in games?

    • here for deals on 23/03/2022 - 17:02

      Like I said in my OP, I am waiting for GPU prices to go down before I buy my first gaming PC.
      I thought I would buy a monitor meanwhile (instead of buying everything at the same time).
      I am thinking a 3070ti or 3080 build. Yes, I need more than 60FPS.

      • garetz on 23/03/2022 - 22:10

        i have a 3080 on a screen similar to this, i usually get 45-55 fps with close to max settings, you need a 3080 ti to hit the 60 fps magic number in the higher demanding games.

        • Postal Dude on 24/03/2022 - 13:43
          +2

          What game is getting 50fps on a 3080 at 1440p? From what I've read it should be closer to 100

        • here for deals on 24/03/2022 - 14:11

          I didn't know. Thanks for that.
          I am still researching and gathering information. Because it will be my first PC and I am planning to keep it for a fair few years before upgrading, I want to make an informed best decision.
          What CPU do you think I should look at? 12600K or 12700K?

  • agk2020 on 23/03/2022 - 22:36
    +1

    If you're leaning towards the Dell, the LG 27GP83B-B is around the same price and seems to be a bit better according to the reviews.

    The Dell uses the same LG Nano IPS panel.

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/174910676005

    • here for deals on 24/03/2022 - 13:14

      Rtings says the differences are minor. Is there anything I am missing that would push me to buy LG instead of Dell?
      I'm asking this because Dell is currently on sale (20% eBay)

      • agk2020 on 04/04/2022 - 16:38

        The LG was available for around $430 per monitor with a coupon on ebay last month when you posted this question, very similar to the Dell as Rtings reports, but for the price difference the LG is a bit better as it's a newer model that has a few refinements in relation to contrast ratio, which is still quite poor overall according to their tests.

        I was in the same position as you and ended up grabbing the LG and it is great in my opinion, I have hardly noticed any of the flaws these reviewers mentioned, once you calibrate them, they look superb, so I would say any of those monitors will be more than suffice for gaming. I would also take into consideration the quality control of these companies, I think LG & Dell are very reliable in this regard, I have heard a fair few issues with Gigabyte and MSI with those models and quality control issues.

        • here for deals on 05/04/2022 - 16:25

          Didn't give much thought about quality control. You make a good point. Thanks for that.

  • the Unforgiven on 24/03/2022 - 16:16

    I bought a Gigabyte M27Q monitor recently, and I could not be happier
    They have limited stock left at MSY, you better be quick to get it at $449 + postage
    https://www.msy.com.au/online/monitors/2858-gigabyte-ips-wit…

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