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Choosing the right gaming monitor is a balancing act. You want the highest possible resolution, but you also want fast frame rates. Getting these two in the same display means an expensive video card, like the GeForce RTX 4090. To run Ultra HD at 144 Hz, you need a lot of processing power. But it is possible to have just as much fun for less money if you go with an FHD monitor. There are plenty of choices that run at 144 Hz or 165 Hz and deliver good color and video processing. At $170, the Dell S2422HG is one of the standouts.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)
With its slightly curved VA panel, the S2422HG delivers an immersive visual experience. VA means high contrast with deep blacks and this Dell is one of the very best in that regard. FHD often means sRGB color, but Dell has quietly upped that metric with a wide gamut that covers 125% of sRGB or 88.5% of DCI-P3. And with a few simple tweaks, that color is very accurate with a balanced and saturated palette. There’s no HDR, speakers or USB, but honestly, those omissions did not lessen the gaming experience.
Video processing was solid in nearly every respect. Only a slightly weak overdrive detracted from otherwise smooth gameplay. A backlight strobe is provided, which is a nice bonus at this price point, but I found it didn’t improve the situation. However, in most gaming content, only a slight softness was noticeable. I still spent many enjoyable hours mowing through monsters and mutants in Doom Eternal with no attention paid to those flaws. High frame rates and low input lag contribute to an excellent gaming experience. And the S2422HG’s build quality means it will last for the long haul.
If you have a modest gaming system, the Dell S2422HG is an ideal display with all the right attributes. It’s equally suited for work or play and will satisfy those looking for value. If your budget for a gaming monitor is $200 or less, this could be your best choice.
Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.
