Display Enlightment by NCX

I've been told (asking on blur busters forums) that using a 240Hz monitor set at 240Hz on Windows if you play at 60fps it will look the same than on a 60Hz monitor, and with VRR it will have several advantages like less lag. Not sure if worth it futureproof, and for games that can have higher fps.

Buying a  240hz + monitor for 60fps is a waste of money and TN panel text is arguably less sharp since the matte coating most use is granier than AHVA/IPS/PLS

the XL2411P as seems to be popular and has strobing at 60hz, but lacks fron VRR.

The XL2411P has below average image quality even by TN panel standards, below average overdrive (choose between overshoot or slow pixel response times by TN panel standards) and I don't know if it suffers from dark scene banding. 60hz strobing also does not work well unless the frame rate stays locked at 60 so you'll need to use a frame-rate limiter or lag inducing V-Sync.

I plan to use it mainly for casual PS4 pro gaming usage, and am close to deciding on the MSI MAG321CURV. I'm aware of some of its flaws either to do with VA or specifically with the monitor, and have used the CQR version as a reference point as well

Still, I like its value for the price offers right now, and wanted to start off with a 32'' 4k VA, as I'm a fan of higher contrast/blacks, and also coming from using the last 50'' Plasma Samsung TV from 2012/13. (Switching to my room now so would prefer a monitor. Mostly medium-lit to dark-ish lighting)

Thank you for the kind comments.  The MSI has a fake-bezel/frame-less casing with a perceived black depth decreasing black bezel which partially negates the point of having a VA panel, especially when also dealing with the slower pixel response times and less sharp text vs AHVA/IPS/PLS, and warped curved image.  3$ silver tape can be put on the inner bezel, but the MSI, but there are better 32" 4K VA panels, though no monitor come close to the Samsung plasmas.  I highly recommend saving up for the BenQ PD3200U.  The PD3200U competes with VA panels perceived black depth wise since the PD has a perceived black depth increasing matte grey bezel and low glow AHVA panel.

I use this silver Scotch tape on a few fake border or frame-less monitors I own such as the HP 24 Envy (HP 24 Envy with and without tape and HP 25er without and without tape) and 25er.  I've removed and re-taped a few monitors after a few months and not had issues with residue, however I must warn that adding tape to a monitor may void the warranty.


If you really want a VA panel the BenQ EW3270U (review links) and LG 32UD59 review links both have better image quality than the MSI, proper bezels/cases and should be competitively priced against it.  The BenQ requires some research and set-up to use properly since it has a native DCI-P3 (wide gamut) panel, passable HDR and a good SDR mode.

Asus VA24EHE 23.8”

Any thoughts on this and how it compares against the HP 25er I have now?

My 25er has an almost glossy coating as you know, that I like.

Mainly interested in the Asus because it claims to be "eye care" and I'm wondering if it is easy on the eyes.

Eye-Care is PWM/Flicker Free/Safe back-lighting which the HP also has.  The VA is likely very similar and a replacement for the VZ249H, but there are no reviews.  If the HP is under warranty contact HP and ask for a replacement.  They may replace or repair it for free or a small charge if not under warranty.

Amazon as late is having difficulty keeping monitors in stock, and even when they had the HPs in, they only had a few of each model. How much longer are we expecting these COVID issues to plague us?

That's up to members of the Bilderberg and Council on Foreign Relations and top political party donors.

110 or 220 pixels per inch.
Also because Mac I'd like Thunderbolt port capability.
I have been looking at 27" or 34" ultra-wides but am not set on that form factor. 
Typically look for high refresh rate - though again - gaming is only occasional - and we are talking a Mac.
Budget is roughly $1000.

I don't cover ultra-wide monitors, 110 to 220 ppi is too vague, you're going to have to pay a big premium for Thunderbolt/USB-C and none of the non-ultra-wide + high resolution + refresh rate 4K monitors have it.  Either you need to scrap the high refresh rate or look at ultra-wide monitors if you want both features.  The 4K 98hz (full 10 bit + 4:4:4 color) Acer XV273K (review links) sells for under 1000$ (assuming US Dollar) but only has DP and HDMI.

Would much appreciate a recommendation -
Monitor is for work (coding) and sometimes gaming use with a recent Macbook Pro.
Because we are talking a Mac I'd like to stick to the realm of 110 or 220 pixels per inch.
Also because Mac I'd like Thunderbolt port capability.
I have been looking at 27" or 34" ultra-wides but am not set on that form factor. 
Typically look for high refresh rate - though again - gaming is only occasional - and we are talking a Mac.
Budget is roughly $1000.
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Kim

Hi NCX,
I hope you're doing very well.

I'd like to thank you very much for all the information/reviews/tips/recommendations/advice you've given to us all both pros and beginners on monitors and the like.

As a newbie it's been a blessing to have the availability of such amazing info to read through such as many of your reviews in my search for my first monitor.

I plan to use it mainly for casual PS4pro gaming usage, and am close to deciding on the MSI MAG321CURV. I'm aware of some of its flaws either to do with VA or specifically with the monitor, and have used the CQR version as a reference point as well.

Still, I like its value for the price offers right now, and wanted to start off with a 32'' 4k VA, as I'm a fan of higher contrast/blacks, and also coming from using the last 50'' Plasma Samsung TV from 2012/13. (Switching to my room now so would prefer a monitor. Mostly medium-lit to dark-ish lighting)

Please do kindly let me know your valued thoughts and feedback on this monitor/decision, if there's anything you can add your input is greatly appreciated. Otherwise, thanks in advance and love your site and your content. Big new fan.

Hope to hear from you. Take care <3

From comments, even 24" 1080p text is blurry on "gaming" monitors (or "new" as many claim older monitors are sharper, i wonder why), and not 100% sure but some of the "144hz IPS 1440p gaming" monitors, does not seem to have sharp text either (as i said not sure and maybe i'm mixing comments ).

Aperture Grill/Ashun, IBXT, PC Monitors, PRAD and Rtings all include photos of text and/or resolution scaling comparisons.  Modern 1080p AHVA/IPS/PLS text is as sharp as 1080p text can be, and sharper than VA panel text.  It's important to find out which monitors people are comparing the "less-sharp" gaming monitors to and if they have Windows Clear Type on or Off.  Most older monitors (especially TN and CCFL back-lit monitors) use a coating similar to that of the Acer KG271.

1440p Acer KG271 TN vs Asus VG279QM vs 1440p Asus VG27AQ vs 1440p ViewSonic XG270G

i will most likely play under 100fps on games (maybe even under 60fps, 30-50,

240hz+ monitors are a waste of money if not able to achieve 200fps+, especially if after sharper text.

Thank you, thought it could  be something in-between because these "from side" reflections.

All 144-280hz AUO AHVA (advertised as IPS), Innolux IPS and LG IPS monitors are matte and use a nearly identical coating aside from the upcoming Eve monitors which are supposed to be 20% haze versus the rest which are 25%.

Wish there were more info about matte monitors apart of "light coating" or "grainy" to easily check the kind you want

These descriptions are accurate since only light and grainy matte coated AHVA/IPS/PLS monitors are made right now, and only a few high-end oriented Eizo and HP monitors come with a grainy matte coating now. 

is it me or monitors good for games usually have blurry text? (a lot of comments about this when looking for user opinions)

27" 1080p text...buy a 24-25" or higher resolution 27" monitor if 27" 1080p text isn't sharp enough.  I find 27" 1080p tolerable if viewed from 75cm/2.5ft away, but only for gaming and watching content since I've been using 2x 27" 1440p monitors since 2012.

there is a real problem with these high refresh +200 monitor when used with 60hz games? I highly doubt i can maintain +100 fps for many or any years... Why so difficult?

They're made for 200fps+ gaming...The high input lag is in-excuse-able, but only applies to 60hz or if Free-Sync is enabled and the frame-rate drops significantly under 100fps.