Need help buying a gaming monitor

[eadf.1459]

So I'm looking at getting a new monitor, but I can't decide what features to prioritize, and also I don't know what I can handle with my rig. I am trying to decide between 1) 1440p, 2) 29" Ultrawide and 3)144Hz; preferably two of these three features. I am going to be mainly using it for gaming and it should be able to handle AAA games on high. I've heard people say "Once you go 144hz, you never go back", but I hear the same about Ultrawide. Can my graphics card even handle it? What should I do?

CPU: Intel i7-4790k
GPU: Nvidia GTX 970
RAM: 8gb DDR3

 

[feelinfroggy777]

With a 970, I think you should stick with a 1080p/144hz panel. You don't have enough GPU horsepower to push 1440p without dialing back a lot of settings and you will have the same issue with an ultrawide as it has more pixels than 16:9 1080p monitor.

But you can still have a very good experience with a 1080p 144hz monitor. Here is a really good budget option. If you have more room in your budget, look for an IPS panel or one that has gsync.

PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/mR4gLD
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/mR4gLD/by_merchant/

Monitor: Asus - VG278HV 27.0" 1920x1080 144Hz Monitor ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $199.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-08-01 10:53 EDT-0400

 

[eadf.1459]

Thanks for the clarification on the power level. I am thinking about upgrading to 10 series or 11 when it comes back so I might look at QHD then. What exactly is the benefits of IPS?

 

[eadf.1459]

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009769

How is this? Or is the predator a better option? https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824106004

 

[feelinfroggy777]

IPS panels have better colors and viewing angles. TN panels viewing angles are not great but they are a lot cheaper.

If it is within your budget, get the Acer Predator XB271HU. It is an awesome monitor that will be very good for a long time to come. Pair it with a 11 series Nvidia card and you will be sitting nice. It is also a really good price right now too.

 

[eadf.1459]

IPS panels have better colors and viewing angles. TN panels viewing angles are not great but they are a lot cheaper.

If it is within your budget, get the Acer Predator XB271HU. It is an awesome monitor that will be very good for a long time to come. Pair it with a 11 series Nvidia card and you will be sitting nice. It is also a really good price right now too.

Thanks for the help! So you would say IPS is definetely worth it? And I should be fine on a GTX970 for now right? And if not can I make the resolution 1080p till I upgrade to a 10 or 11?

 

[feelinfroggy777]

You will need to play at 1080p for good fps with the 970. VRAM limitations will be the issue with higher resolution.

 

[eadf.1459]

Ok got it. Thanks so much!