Yet another Ultrawide Question

Sy1v · February 6, 2017

Hello team,

The moment I introduced myself to the basic LG Ultrawide, I began my search for the best ultrawides and I have been going on a consistent loop reviewing all the 3440x1440 ultrawides and honestly need some help. I have been trying to best understand the differences between IPS and VA as well as GSync. Then different models between all these ultrawides from ACER / ASUS, now Samsung and soon to be HP. My main concerns are ghosting (saw a complaint about it on a BenQ 1080 ultrawide (but supposedly was due to being at 200hz?)), backlight issues (I am seeing so many complaints about this on the ASUS/Acer monitors but seems to be the norm with IPS?), and I guess proper colors?.

Monitors I have been looking over:

Acer Predator x34 (Gsync) *IPS*

Asus ROG PG348Q (Gsync) *IPS*

Samsung CF791 (Freesync, so can't use it) *VA*

HP Omen X (ETA: March 2017, GSync) *VA*

Uses for this monitor:

70% Gaming (50/50 : Comp/Casual) but not exactly at tournament level so the loss of the 44hz is not the end of the world. I hit 4k in Comp for Overwatch (then just stopped playing altogether) and before that, LEM for CSGO.

20% Movies/Netflix

10% Production (photoshop and a little AE/PP)

TL:DR:

I'm basically looking for some insight between these 4 or if maybe there's another I have not mentioned? I have been overwhelming myself with information between all of these that I just need to start asking questions and get some insight. My GPU is an ASUS GTX 1080 (Single)

1) Since I'm already at the $1k range, I may as well get Gsync, right? (Feel like this is a yes) - aka do not buy the Samsung? I've never experienced GSync, is it really that amazing as some people make it out to be?

2) Given the uses for the monitor, should I lean towards a VA panel? assuming the previous question is a yes, lean to the HP?

3) I'm given to understand color reproduction is amazing on the IPS panels but is it the end of the world compared to VA?

4) Given the 4 monitors I have listed, which would you recommend? Is there a different monitor I don't know about?

MVPernula · February 6, 2017

IPS is basically good viewing angles and crisp colors.

VA is pretty standard to my knowledge.

Between the Acer and Asus, pick the cheaper one.

Learn here:

GSYNC help eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, if you're able to get it- get it.
IPS does not bottleneck anything, imo it's a common misconception. Saying that you don't need IPS for gaming or casual use is like saying "I don't have to buy proper food since I'm not a chef."
Again, personal opinion.
IPS and VA is different. Quality varies however. A good VA will beat a bad IPS and vice versa.
Though in that price range and according to reveiws the IPS ones are amazing, not sure about the OMEN.
I would go for either the Acer or Asus and pick the cheapest one of the two, imo the Acer looks better. Aside from that LG makes pretty nice ultrawides as well, not sure about 3440x1440p gaming ones though.

Questions?