I've just finished a new PC build and I'm thinking about upgrading my old 1080p monitors, which I've been using for about ten years now. I have a few questions:
1. Should I upgrade to 1440p?
2. If I do, should I choose an IPS (flat) or VA (curved) display?
3. What refresh rate should I aim for? What would be a nice bonus?
4. Are there other important factors to consider, like response time?
For context, I play games that aren't too graphics-heavy, like Paradox titles and MTGA. The most demanding game I've tried is BG3, but with my new setup, I might consider playing Cyberpunk and Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2. Since I'm not great at competitive shooters, I prefer titles that are a bit more casual by nature. I want this PC to last for a good while, so I'm a little concerned if the 9070 will still handle 1440p in five years, or if I can just scale down the resolution if needed. I'd also love to do dual screens for under $500, but I'm unsure if I should go for two 27" monitors or keep the mix of sizes that I've been using. What do you think?
4 Answers
Honestly, yes to 1440p! Your new build can definitely handle it with ease. VA panels offer stunning contrast, which makes games look fantastic, but they may have some text clarity issues when reading. IPS is often the go-to for a balanced experience, especially if you do some work as well.
As for refresh rates, I wouldn't go lower than 120Hz. You want something that can keep up with your gaming needs for several years to come! It's great that you're patient about sales; keeping an eye on good deals always helps.
You should definitely upgrade to 1440p, specifically if your screen size is over 24". It just makes for a better viewing experience! Regarding the flat vs curved debate, many prefer curved monitors for immersive gaming, but it really comes down to personal preference. Curved screens can help reduce distortion on larger displays.
In terms of refresh rate, I’d aim for at least 100Hz; anything higher will keep your gameplay smooth.
Make sure to look into things like color accuracy and contrast ratio too, since just having high resolution and refresh rate doesn’t guarantee a quality picture.
An easy rule of thumb: if you’re gaming, aim for a monitor with at least 144Hz refresh rate! Also, the response time should ideally be 1ms or less for the best experience. Given you've been out of the monitor game for a while, definitely hit up review sites like Rtings for quality comparisons on 1440p options.
Feel free to mix and match monitor types! It can work out well for multitasking, just make sure their sizes and resolutions don’t clash too much in your workspace.
Upgrading to 1440p is definitely worth it, especially with your new build! As for IPS vs VA, it really depends on what you're using it for. IPS panels typically have better color accuracy and response times, which is great for any gaming and general use. However, VA panels provide deeper blacks and better contrast — just know that scrolling text might have some artifacts depending on the model.
On refresh rates, I wouldn't go below 120Hz these days and 144Hz is pretty standard. For response time, aim for under 1ms if you can find it, especially to prevent any ghosting issues while gaming.

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