27" 2560x1440 IPS vs 27" 120hz TN

[gothuevos]

Hey guys, looking on some advice on whether to pick up a Auria 27" 2560x1440 IPS vs the Samsung S27A950D, which is a 120hz TN panel. I know it's an apples to oranges comparison, but was hoping to get some feedback either way.

Screen will be used for some moderate gaming (D3, WoW, GW2, SC2, no FPS games really), entertainment, productivity, etc. Powered by a Geforce 670. I realize either screen is overkill but I'm coming from a crappy 20" LED so I figured I'd get something that would last.

I've gamed on a 120 hz monitor and it's definitely smoother, but not sure if I'd miss it since I don't play many FPS games. My concern about the Auria is if there is any input lag...there are a couple lengthy threads about the monitor on hardforums but nobody has really addressed it yet. Never gamed at 2560x1440 on an IPS screen so be nice to hear some comments.

 

[JAG87]

Once you've used a calibrated IPS, you never go back.

Bum I'm sure somebody will say the same about 120 Hz.

 

[RussianSensation]

Well since you don't play FPS or racing games, I see no value at all in the 120Hz screen. Games such as D3, WOW, GW2 and SC2 won't feel smoother at 120 Fps vs. 60 fps since those aren't fast-paced style games. However, the great IPS image quality, pixel density, and extra detail would be much appreciated on the 2560x1440 IPS screen exactly for the slow-paced games you listed.

In your case, I'd go for the 2560x1440 screen since the style of games you play would look better on a higher resolution IPS screen vs. a TN panel.

Techreport did a quick write-up on one of those 27" 2560x1440 IPS monitors from Korea. The fact that you'll also use this screen for entertainment and productivity makes it a hands the down better choice for Word/Excel/PowerPoint and movies since 2560x1440 IPS > 1080P TN in all of those areas. Maybe the Auria is not the best option among the other 27" 2560x1440 IPS models though. Hopefully someone will comment on what the best one is.

I am not sure how the Auria is better than say the FSM-270YG 27" or the YAMAKASI CATLEAP Q270 LED SE 27"

 

[Anarchist420]

Get the Hazro 2560x1600 Wie, if you want an IPS and if aggressive anti-glare coating don't bother you. It has low input lag, although since it's not 120 Hz input, it's far from perfect in that regard. It's backlight is also regulated by PWM and the contrast isn't great. Other than those 4 issues, it's probably the least bad option currently available.

 

[blackened23]

Another vote for 2560x1440. Pixel density really is horrible on 27" 1080p screens...

 

[cmdrdredd]

If fast fps games are your thing you might appreciate 120hz quite a bit. Everything is smoother. However, the higher resolution provides better IQ and you won't need to use 8xAA for comparable quality.

One thing worth mentioning is your games will be quite a bit slower on a 2560x1440 screen vs 1080p. Maybe not much depending on the title, but pretty noticeable in others. Another point is some 120hz screens are 3dVision compatible with Nvidia cards. So you could play games and watch movies in 3D if you wanted. Maybe that's not for you, certainly it's something to think about. The samsung doesn't support 3d vision though, but I thought I'd throw that out there anyhow.

I was in the same dilemma and what I did was order a catleap on ebay. It uses only a DVI input and from what I've read from people around the net is they have almost no input lag. The screen itself being IPS isn't that fast, but there is nothing noticeable in terms of lag with your inputs to the mouse. If I don't like it for gaming I'm sure I can sell it quickly and buy a 120hz panel of my choosing. For just over $300 it's worth a shot.

 

[bdunosk]

I bought a Dell u2412m, which is IPS. I play the same type of games you play. Do not hesitate to get the IPS monitor.

 

[f1sherman]

--

"Every pixel on a TN panel is a bad pixel."

 

[natty1]

even for browsing the web, i can't stand 60hz

 

[blackened23]

I can't stand terrible colors, bad viewing angles, and horrible pixel density at 1080p :sneaky:

 

[Yuriman]

After around 50fps I have a hard time distinguishing higher refresh- and frame-rates, but I can definitely appreciate high pixel density, color accuracy and viewing angles.

 

[cmdrdredd]

It's not the FPS Yuriman but the screen's ability to display motion without any jerkiness. It is noticeable but a good IPS can be appreciated just the same.

 

[Atreidin]

Personally I need 500Hz screens just for my BIOS setup or I am thrown back in disgust and struggle to hold back vomit. However that's just because I'm so much better than all of you.

 

[RussianSensation]

This is also how I look at it. If you won't get 120 FPS in modern games, then the benefit of that 120Hz monitor is not really there. You can always benefit from a 2560x1440 IPS panel even if your card can't deliver 120 FPS. Superior viewing angles, color reproduction, pixel density/graphical detail will be there even at 30, 40 or 60 fps. In cases where a single GPU won't get > 60 fps, the 120Hz 1080P panel is no better than any other TN screen. So in that regard I think the 2560x1440/1600 screens are more versatile and provide more advantages in terms of overall image quality, especially for things other than gaming. Maintaining GPUs that can do 120 FPS in future games will also become an expensive hobby.

 

[Destiny]

I'm using an Auria 27" for about a month with a GTX 670...

Here is my take:

Noticable Input Lag with V-Sync Turned on - but I think most monitors have input lag with V-SYnc on anyways.

With V-Sync turned off = no noticeable input lag and it does not affect my Battlefiled 3 gaming... in fact I had my best scores and most kills with this monitor. I don't notice any jerkiness or ghosting during my 5 hour gaming sessions. I have always played with V-Sync turned off anyways... and ATOT members that played with me will tell you I'm not a camper either... I rush and kill so quick reactions and responsiveness is important to me...

The colors and real estate is gorgeous... I'm never going back to TN panels again...

The Auria 27" has multiple inputs, so you can use it for Macs or easily go multi-monitors in the future...

 

[KingRaptor]

IPS panel recommended. One of my friends plays FPS semi-professionally on an LG IPS screen. The input lag is not significant to cause a problem.

 

[cmdrdredd]

IPS panel recommended. One of my friends plays FPS semi-professionally on an LG IPS screen. The input lag is not significant to cause a problem.

With vsync off the input lag is insignificant enough to be a wash with pretty much every screen. Most IPS have about 1 frame of lag by default which is almost impossible to see or feel. Most gamers who are playing FPS games competitively (even just for fun) will remove vsync.

 

[InfoTiger]

even for browsing the web, i can't stand 60hz

You got super eyes?

 

[ShintaiDK]

I would stab myself in the eyes if I had to use TN again.

 

[rgallant]

I would stab myself in the eyes if I had to use TN again.

+1

 

[Makaveli]

--

"Every pixel on a TN panel is a bad pixel."

Techreport fan I see

even for browsing the web, i can't stand 60hz

lol I don't even know what to say to this.

And OP after going to an 8bit IPS panel last year it was the second best purchase on my machine behind a SSD. Would never go back to TN and 1080 at 27' is horrible.

I play with V-sync on in my games and its good I can't stand image tearing but then again my monitor has low input lag.

 

[palladium]

I would stab myself in the eyes if I had to use TN again.

+2

Unless one plays competitive FPS over a low latency network, or use 3D, 120hz makes no sense to most people. Granted there are some people who say " god the 60hz lag is killing my eyes", but they are the minority by far and are (usually) hardcore CRT fans.

 

[Anonemous]

Why are the korean monitors so much cheaper? Are they using lower quality panels? I'm really interested in the Cat Leap one. I didn't know the 30" (2560x1600?) IPS monitors could be so cheap (~$600). Are those any good?

 

[rickon66]

even for browsing the web, i can't stand 60hz

Barf, barf, then LOL

 

[cmdrdredd]

Techreport fan I see



lol I don't even know what to say to this.

And OP after going to an 8bit IPS panel last year it was the second best purchase on my machine behind a SSD. Would never go back to TN and 1080 at 27' is horrible.

I play with V-sync on in my games and its good I can't stand image tearing but then again my monitor has low input lag.

Heh even with zero input lag from your monitor, Vsync will add way too much input lag itself. For some games this is no problem, games like Skyrim, Batman, Dirt 3 probably don't need perfect mouse movements (I actually used an Xbox360 controller for Dirt 3 and Batman anyway). Some single player FPS games are fine with a little bit of input lag but a competitive shooter IMO requires vsync off. I guess some people notice the lag more than others, I personally do. Normally I turn vsync off.

I have heard that people who play StreetFighter IV on PC report that with vsync on it's impossible to do certain moves and combos because your input comes way way too late. Games like this, people are counting each frame individually to time a move correctly. You absolutely must have vsync off lol.