I'm in the process of picking out a new monitor because my old Benq 1080p 27" monitor is starting to show its age. I recently upgraded to a Ryzen 7 7800x3d, but I'm still using my older RX6800 for now. I don't game as much as I used to—maybe just an hour a night playing some laid-back or single-player games. I also do some 3D modeling and vector editing for a laser cutter, plus lots of web browsing. I'm looking for a monitor around 27" in size or maybe a little wider, but I want to keep it from being taller. I'm not too concerned about extra features like USB ports or built-in speakers. My budget is about $500. I'm curious if I should consider OLED or 4K, as they seem like overkill for my needs, but I also want to think about future-proofing my setup. Any recommendations?
2 Answers
For around $500, I'd say go for a higher-end 1440p non-OLED. There’s a video by Monitors Unboxed titled "Best 1440p Gaming Monitors of 2025" that could help you out. They also cover solid options for budget-friendly, high-refresh rate 1440p monitors, which should match what you're looking for!
You might find it tough to snag an OLED within your budget, and for your use case, IPS panels might be a better fit. OLEDs are great for gaming and media, but not ideal for static content like 3D modeling. I'd suggest a solid 27" or larger 1440p monitor with a decent refresh rate instead. That's a practical choice!
Thanks for the tip! I've actually got the AOC Q27G3XMN for $299 on the way. Looks like a great option!