New monitor - Low Budget

[N3rot0xin]

More or less exactly what the title says. I'm looking for a new monitor, but on a tight budget(i know i know, "you cant buy a nice monitor on a low budget blah blah blah" ). I'm thinking somewhere in the $200(USD, +/- ) range should get me something decent. My current monitors (linked in my profile) are starting to show their age. One of them (the benQ, sadly) is making high-pitch whining whenever the display is on, so its probably on its way out. Here are some the things i'm looking for in a monitor (they dont all have to be in the same monitor, obviously at my pricepoint or close, i wont find anything.. but one or two of these ):

 

- 27" -- if i have to go smaller to 24" to get more for my money, that is A-OK by me. 

- 2k (1440p) screen res

- good, clear picture (maybe IPS? seem to be a lot of 27" and IPS panels)

- higher refresh rate (75-144), but this really is just extra

 

Again, i know im askin' a lot but i've seen monitors at my price point that have at least 2 of those. Heres my real question; where can i find those "knock-off" panels that are actually really good? I've heard people talk about them, these chinese panels that are super cheap but use the same panels as the expensive brands/models. First, are those actually a thing? And second, where can i find them? I'm pretty sure i've seen them (model of QNIX) but i'm not really sure.. ). 

 

Ultimately, I want a good monitor, that will be used mostly for gaming but can function for other things and not look bad. Also, if i go for a 27in monitor, should i even consider anything under 1440p? Couple people have told me its really a waste to go for just the size if not going for 1440p. Just looking to get some direction here, havent' bought a monitor in a really long time. 

[bgibbz]

2 minutes ago, N3rot0xin said:

More or less exactly what the title says. I'm looking for a new monitor, but on a tight budget(i know i know, "you cant buy a nice monitor on a low budget blah blah blah" ). I'm thinking somewhere in the $200(USD, +/- ) range should get me something decent. My current monitors (linked in my profile) are starting to show their age. One of them (the benQ, sadly) is making high-pitch whining whenever the display is on, so its probably on its way out. Here are some the things i'm looking for in a monitor (they dont all have to be in the same monitor, obviously at my pricepoint or close, i wont find anything.. but one or two of these ):

 

- 27" -- if i have to go smaller to 24" to get more for my money, that is A-OK by me. 

- 2k (1440p) screen res

- good, clear picture (maybe IPS? seem to be a lot of 27" and IPS panels)

- higher refresh rate (75-144), but this really is just extra

 

Again, i know im askin' a lot but i've seen monitors at my price point that have at least 2 of those. Heres my real question; where can i find those "knock-off" panels that are actually really good? I've heard people talk about them, these chinese panels that are super cheap but use the same panels as the expensive brands/models. First, are those actually a thing? And second, where can i find them? I'm pretty sure i've seen them (model of QNIX) but i'm not really sure.. ). 

 

Ultimately, I want a good monitor, that will be used mostly for gaming but can function for other things and not look bad. Also, if i go for a 27in monitor, should i even consider anything under 1440p? Couple people have told me its really a waste to go for just the size if not going for 1440p. Just looking to get some direction here, havent' bought a monitor in a really long time. 

What you are naming is a 700$ monitor. For 200$, your best bet is a 1080 p non IPS, and even that is difficult to find for that price. 

 

27IN LED IPS 27MP35HQ-B https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HYZXY4I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5jAGxbPK1HZQ2

 

montors have a very long lifespan, so I would suggest saving up and buying one that meets as much of your requirements as you can afford. 200$ is really tight for a good monitor. 

[Energycore]

13 minutes ago, N3rot0xin said:

More or less exactly what the title says. I'm looking for a new monitor, but on a tight budget(i know i know, "you cant buy a nice monitor on a low budget blah blah blah" ). I'm thinking somewhere in the $200(USD, +/- ) range should get me something decent. My current monitors (linked in my profile) are starting to show their age. One of them (the benQ, sadly) is making high-pitch whining whenever the display is on, so its probably on its way out. Here are some the things i'm looking for in a monitor (they dont all have to be in the same monitor, obviously at my pricepoint or close, i wont find anything.. but one or two of these ):

 

- 27" -- if i have to go smaller to 24" to get more for my money, that is A-OK by me. 

- 2k (1440p) screen res

- good, clear picture (maybe IPS? seem to be a lot of 27" and IPS panels)

- higher refresh rate (75-144), but this really is just extra

 

Again, i know im askin' a lot but i've seen monitors at my price point that have at least 2 of those. Heres my real question; where can i find those "knock-off" panels that are actually really good? I've heard people talk about them, these chinese panels that are super cheap but use the same panels as the expensive brands/models. First, are those actually a thing? And second, where can i find them? I'm pretty sure i've seen them (model of QNIX) but i'm not really sure.. ). 

 

Ultimately, I want a good monitor, that will be used mostly for gaming but can function for other things and not look bad. Also, if i go for a 27in monitor, should i even consider anything under 1440p? Couple people have told me its really a waste to go for just the size if not going for 1440p. Just looking to get some direction here, havent' bought a monitor in a really long time. 

Interestingly, there are 27" 1080p IPS panels for cheap http://pcpartpicker.com/product/XqYXsY/aoc-monitor-i2757fh

 

But no 1440p monitor for less than $270 on pcpartpicker.

 

For good color accuracy, IPS isn't enough (IPS helps for viewing angles) and you're gonna have to look at reviews.

 

On the other hand, there are pretty cheap 24" 144Hz TN monitors. http://pcpartpicker.com/product/PmyFf7/acer-monitor-umfg6aab01

 

Edit: As for cheap monitors, they're korean and they used to be easy to find on Ebay, I can't find them recently

[N3rot0xin]

6 minutes ago, Energycore said:

Interestingly, there are 27" 1080p IPS panels for cheap http://pcpartpicker.com/product/XqYXsY/aoc-monitor-i2757fh

 

But no 1440p monitor for less than $270 on pcpartpicker.

 

For good color accuracy, IPS isn't enough (IPS helps for viewing angles) and you're gonna have to look at reviews.

 

On the other hand, there are pretty cheap 24" 144Hz TN monitors. http://pcpartpicker.com/product/PmyFf7/acer-monitor-umfg6aab01

 

Edit: As for cheap monitors, they're korean and they used to be easy to find on Ebay, I can't find them recently

I actually really like the way that acer is looking. I guess i was setting my standards pretty high. My primary use is gaming, not like im editing photos all the time or anything. maybe i'll go for something a little more reasonable then. 

[N3rot0xin]

Also, @Energycore, korean monitors: 
http://www.koreanmonitor.com/guide-2015/

 

Literally just found this. Its a tad outdated and some of the links go to expired listings or links, but the brands are still good. 

[Energycore]

3 minutes ago, N3rot0xin said:

Also, @Energycore, korean monitors: 
http://www.koreanmonitor.com/guide-2015/

 

Literally just found this. Its a tad outdated and some of the links go to expired listings or links, but the brands are still good. 

I'll add it to my bookmarks

[GDRRiley]

http://pcpartpicker.com/product/D7hj4D/acer-monitor-umkg7aa002 that can OC to 85hz it should drop in price. 

[Thor829]

dreamseller has this on right now. perfect pixel and cheap.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Perfect-Pixel-X-STAR-DP2710-LED-2560x1440-Samsung-PLS-27-Monitor-Glossy-/321135502506?hash=item4ac52ae4aa:g:jPYAAOxygj5SeX6w