I recently built a new PC featuring a 9070 XT, but I didn't set aside any money for a new monitor. Currently, I'm using a basic 4K 60Hz monitor alongside a very old 1080p monitor from 15 years ago. I want to upgrade my aging monitor to something worthy of my new graphics card, but I'm hesitant to spend as much on the monitor as I did on the GPU. I had a budget of around $350 for a new monitor, but I'm starting to think that might not be enough. How much should I realistically be prepared to spend on a new monitor?
9 Answers
Your budget and desired features make all the difference. If you prioritize higher fidelity, a 1440p 144Hz setup is quite accessible for most GPUs. A 4K monitor really isn’t necessary unless you’re focused on editing or content creation. For competitive gaming, a 1080p with high refresh rates is better since it’s easier to run.
I'd say aiming for about $500 would be wise. QD-OLED monitors are in that range now, and their image quality blows away typical IPS or VA panels. The downside can be text clarity, so I keep a separate monitor for coding and reading.
It all depends on what you’re looking for and your budget. I used a 1440p 165Hz monitor with my 7900 XTX, and it worked perfectly. I also recently picked up a sale on an Asus 4K 240Hz OLED monitor. While it was pricey, the image quality is just phenomenal—a serious level-up you didn’t know you needed.
There’s a big difference between a $250 1440p 144Hz monitor and one costing over $500 for OLED, but trust me, the OLED upgrade is worth it!
You can find a solid 1440p 144Hz monitor for around $200-250, which is a great option. Just make sure you're not settling for a monitor that only has a 60Hz refresh rate.
Is going for 4K too pricey, or is it not worth the extra cost? What do you think about HDR?
Honestly, $350 might be a bit steep. You could grab a 28-32 inch 1440p 144Hz monitor and enjoy great performance within budget.
It really comes down to personal use. If gaming is your main focus, a good monitor matters, but you don’t have to overspend. For me, I prefer investing more in my monitor, but if I were just gaming, an OLED would be a solid choice at a price near my GPU.
You should spend as much as you feel comfortable with. I swapped my old gaming monitor for a cheaper business monitor that has great color accuracy and eye care features. It only cost me $50, compared to my previous one that was $200, but it fits my needs well now.
Look for at least 120Hz with OLED technology for a real treat! I'm thinking of going for either an ultrawide or a 4K 144Hz and just running it at 1080p.
Totally agree! That’s the way to go.