NerdsPick Helping You Find The Perfect Tech Tue, 18 Sep 2018 19:59:21 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 /?v=4.9.8 /wp-content/uploads/2018/02/cropped-icon-1-32x32.jpg NerdsPick 32 32 The Best Headphones for Big Ears /the-best-headphones-for-big-ears/ /the-best-headphones-for-big-ears/#respond Tue, 18 Sep 2018 19:59:21 +0000 /?p=8403 [Read More]]]>

Comfort is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a new pair of headphones, especially if you will be wearing them for long periods of time. If you have large ears, it can be even harder to find a pair of over-ear headphones which don’t cramp your ears.

In this guide, I have identified the specific problem of finding comfortable headphones for big ears. I also talk about the different types of headphones to choose from, and finally, I have some recommendations for over-ear headphones that users with big ears have found to be very comfortable.

The Problem

The first thing I want to talk about is where the actual problem lies when it comes to finding comfortable headphones for big ears. For those who don’t know too much about headphones, there are three main types:

In-ear headphones – as the name suggests – are the small headphones which sit in your ears like the Apple Earpods. Generally, the size of your ears doesn’t really affect the comfort of these headphones.

On-ear headphones and over-ear headphones might look quite similar, but there’s a big difference, especially when you have big ears.

The earpads of on-ear headphones sit on top of your ears, so like with in-ear headphones, the size of your ears doesn’t really matter.

Over-ear headphones, however, have cups which go over your ears (hence the name), and if the ear cups are quite small – which they are on many models – they can be painful to wear if you have large ears which don’t quite fit inside of the cups.

So basically, you shouldn’t have any problems with any in-ear or on-ear headphones if you have big ears. But if you want a pair of over-ear headphones, make sure you choose some which have large ear cups like the ones I recommend further down the page.

Other Things to Consider

Now we’ve identified the problem with finding headphones for big ears, let’s look at some of the other factors to consider to find the headphones that best suit you.

  • In-ear vs. on-ear vs. over-ear – I know I’ve already talked about how these are affected by large ears, but I also want to talk about the pros and cons of them. In-ear headphones are the best option for portability. You can easily pop them in your pocket and they are great for when you’re exercising. The downside is that the audio quality is not that great. On-ear headphones cover the middle ground. They’re fairly portable and usually have reasonable sound quality. Over-ear headphones have the best sound quality and noise isolation, but they are the largest type.
  • Open-back vs. closed-back (over-ear) – There are two types of over-ear headphones. Open-back headphones allow air to pass freely through the ear cups. This gives them a more natural, airy sound. Open-back headphones don’t provide any noise isolation so aren’t great for noisy environments. Closed-back headphones have a more full and bass-heavy sound. They also provide more noise isolation than open-back headphones, and some models have active noise cancelling which really helps to reduce outside noise.

Best Over-Ear Headphones for Big Ears

All of the headphones below have larger ear cups and are known for their comfort. Obviously, everybody’s ears are different, so it can be hard to find the best fitting headphones for yourself. But these headphones have been praised in forums and reviews by people with large ears who have struggled to find comfortable headphones.

I have made sure to search for headphones of various prices, so you should be able to find a good pair, regardless of your budget.

Sale
Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones
  • Open-air headphones produce no sense of pressure on ears, resulting in a completely natural listening experience
  • Lightweight aluminum honeycomb casing has excellent acoustic properties
  • 53 mm drivers with CCAW voice coils reproduce remarkably natural sound, with deep, impactful bass and outstanding vocal...
  • Self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing provides comfortable support for a more enjoyable listening experience
Sale
Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones
  • 53 mm drivers reproduce clear treble and midrange. Connectivity Technology: Wired
  • Bobbin-wound CCAW voice coils for superior power handling. Impedance: 38 ohms
  • Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW . Full open-air type headphones produce no sense of pressure on the ears, resulting in a completely...
  • Lightweight aluminum honeycomb casing with excellent acoustic properties
Sennheiser HD 598 SR Open-Back Headphone
  • Audiophile-grade over-ear, open back headphone delivering exceptionally natural and balanced sound. Connectivity Technology:...
  • Padded leatherette headband and luxurious velour covered ear pads provide extreme comfort for long listening sessions
  • Compatible with virtually every audio device including phones, tablets, computers and stereo components
  • Two cables provided - a 3 meter cable terminated with a 1/4-inch jack and 1.2 meter cable terminated with a 3.5mm jack that...
Sale
beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Studio Headphone
  • Closed over-ear headphones for professional mixing in the studio
  • Perfect for studio recordings thanks to their pure and high-resolution sound
  • The soft, circumaural and repalceable velour ear pads ensure high wearing comfort
  • Hard-wearing, durable and robust workmanship Made in Germany
Sale
beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Over-Ear Studio Headphones in black. Open construction, wired
  • Open over-ear headphones, ideal for professional mixing, mastering and editing
  • Perfect for studio applications thanks to their transparent, spacious, strong bass and treble sound
  • The soft, circumaural and replaceable velour ear pads ensure high wearing comfort
  • Hard-wearing, durable and robust workmanship - Made in Germany
AKG K550 Closed-Back Reference Class Headphones
  • Highly accurate AKG sound
  • Closed-back design for a fully personal listening experience
  • 50mm driver size for high output and detailed low frequencies
  • Lightweight and comfortable for hours of continuous listening
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The Best 1440p 144hz Monitors /the-best-1440p-144hz-monitors/ /the-best-1440p-144hz-monitors/#respond Sun, 16 Sep 2018 17:28:20 +0000 /?p=8835 [Read More]]]>

Monitors with higher refresh rates and higher resolutions are becoming increasingly common. If you have a high-end PC, there’s a good chance the best monitor for you will be a 1440p monitor with a 144hz refresh rate. These monitors give you the best of both worlds. You get a smooth experience and a sharp picture quality at the same time. However, they do require powerful components to get the most out of them.

In this guide, I’ll start off by considering whether a 1440p 144hz monitor is the right option for you, and the alternatives if it isn’t. Next I will talk about the other things you need to consider like the panel type, screen size, and features. Finally, I have some recommendations for the best 1440p 144hz monitors suitable for different circumstances, so hopefully you can find the best monitor for your own needs.

Quick Look

Below you can find our list of the best 1440p 144hz monitors. Each monitor has different specs and is suited to different needs. Further down the page I go into more detail about each monitor, so be sure to read on.

Should I Buy a 1440p 144hz Monitor?

You might be wondering whether a 1440p 144hz monitor is the right option for you, so the first thing I want to do is look at who these monitors are best suited to and the alternatives. Overall, 1440p @ 144hz is a great option for gaming on high-end PCs.

The most important thing to consider is how powerful your PC is. Assuming you will be gaming, it takes a fairly high-end PC to run 1440p, especially with high FPS. If your PC can only hit around 60FPS at 1440p, then you won’t be getting the most out of the monitor and you might be better off with a 1440p 60hz monitor or a 1080p 144hz monitor. (Unless you plan on upgrading your PC in the near future of course.)

If you can hit around 100FPS at 1440p, then in my opinion, a 1440p 144hz monitor is a great choice and worth the upgrade from 60hz where you will be wasting a lot of your PCs potential. A good way to find out the performance you can expect is to go to YouTube and type in your PC’s specs, the games you play, and 1440p, all in one search. E.g. “i5 6600 GTX 1070 GTA 5 1440p”. Or you can check out websites like Game Debate.

Another consideration for high-end PCs is a 4K 60hz monitor. If you will be doing a lot of graphic design, content creation, or you play very slow-paced games like RPGs, you might prefer the higher resolution, compromising the higher refresh rate.

Other Things to Consider

So, if you’ve got to this stage, you’ve probably decided a 1440p 144hz monitor is the right choice for you. But there are still some other things to take into consideration when deciding between the different monitors.

  • Panel type – There are three main types of panel. IPS panels have the best colors and viewing angles. However they are also the most expensive and have a slow response time (how long it takes for a pixel to change from black to white). This can be a problem for fast-paced gaming, but they are great for casual and immersive gaming, and things like content creation and graphic design. VA panels have reasonable colors (but not as good as IPS panels) and very good blacks. VA panels are usually cheaper than IPS panels but also have a slow response time. They are a good compromise between a reasonable picture quality and fairly low price. TN panels are the least expensive. The colors are not very good on TN panels but the response time is very fast making them great for fast-paced gaming.
  • Screen size – For a 1440p monitor, the best screen size for most people is 27″. If you go much larger than this you will start to get a pixelated picture because the pixel density will be quite low. I would only recommend a larger screen if you will be sitting quite far back from the monitor. You could go for a smaller size like 24″ if you’re not too bothered about a large screen and would prefer a really sharp image, but unfortunately, none of these monitors have IPS panels so you will be stuck with an inferior TN panel. Overall, 27″ is a nice middle ground where you get a fairly large screen but also a sharp image, and there are also more options to choose from.
  • G-Sync and FreeSync – G-Sync and FreeSync technology syncs your monitor to your graphics card. This prevents screen tearing and provides a much smoother experience. Many monitors now come with one of these technologies, especially for gaming. However, keep in mind that G-Sync is only compatible with NVIDIA graphics cards and FreeSync is only compatible with AMD graphics cards. (You will still be able to use the monitor with a non-compatible graphics card, just without the G-Sync/FreeSync technology.) G-Sync monitors are usually more expensive than FreeSync monitors, so if you have an AMD card, I would definitely go for a FreeSync monitor if possible. Otherwise you will be wasting money on a feature you can’t use.

Best 1440p 144hz Monitors

Hopefully, you now have a good idea of the type and size of 1440p 144hz monitor that you want. Now let’s look at some of the best options out there.

For Most People (with G-Sync) – Acer Predator XB271HU

  • 27″ 1440p display
  • 144hz refresh rate
  • IPS panel
  • 4ms response time
  • G-Sync

For most people with an NVIDIA graphics card, the Acer Predator XB271HU will be the best option for a 1440p 144hz monitor.

At 27″, this monitor is the sweetspot between a monitor that is nice and large, but will also have a high pixel density providing a sharp image. The IPS panel used in the XB271HU is great at reproducing colors and the picture quality is excellent. You might want to avoid this monitor if you will be doing a lot of fast-paced gaming due to the relatively slow response time.

For Most People (with FreeSync) – Asus MG279Q

  • 27″ 1440p display
  • 144hz refresh rate
  • IPS panel
  • 4ms response time
  • FreeSync

If you have an AMD graphics cards, the Asus MG279Q is a great option for most people. You might also want to consider this monitor if you have and NVIDIA graphics card but don’t really care about G-Sync because this monitor is considerably cheaper.

Other than FreeSync and G-Sync differences, this monitor has very similar specs to the Acer Predator XB271HU. A 27″ screen (which is what I recommend for 1440p), an IPS panel with great colors, and a 4ms reponse time which might be a bit slow for fast-paced gaming.

For Fast-Paced Gaming (with G-Sync) – Asus ROG Swift PG278QR

  • 27″ 1440p display
  • 144hz refresh rate
  • TN panel
  • 1ms response time
  • G-Sync

For fast-paced gaming, you will want a monitor with a TN panel. TN panels don’t have very good colors, but they have a faster response time which prevents “ghosting” or motion blur. For fast-paced and competitive gaming, this is more important than picture quality

The Asus ROG Swift PG278QR is a G-Sync monitor so a good choice if you have an NVIDIA graphics card. At 27″, this monitor is a nice size for 1440p resolution.

For Fast-Paced Gaming (with FreeSync) – Acer XG XG270HU

  • 27″ 1440p display
  • 144hz refresh rate
  • TN panel
  • 1ms response time
  • FreeSync

If you have an AMD graphics card and will be doing a lot of fast-paced gaming, I recommend the Acer XG XG270HU.

In terms of the specs, the XG XG270HU is similar to the PG278QR except from having FreeSync rather than G-Sync. It has a 27″ display, and the TN panel has a fast response time making it a great choice for gaming if you don’t mind sacrificing some picture quality.

Smaller Screen Size (with G-Sync) – Dell S2417DG

  • 23.8″ 1440p display
  • 165hz refresh rate
  • TN panel
  • 1ms response time
  • G-Sync

If you would prefer a slightly smaller screen size than the typical 27″ for a 1440p monitor, the Dell S2417DG is a great option if you have an NVIDIA graphics card.

Due to the smaller size, the pixel density is very high which translates into a really sharp image. But unfortunately, there don’t seem to be any IPS monitor that are 1440p, 144hz, and 24″. This monitor uses a TN panel which is great for fast-paced gaming, but the colors aren’t particularly good.

Smaller Screen Size (with FreeSync) – AOC Agon AG241QX

  • 23.8″ 1440p display
  • 144hz refresh rate
  • TN panel
  • 1ms response time
  • FreeSync

If you have and AMD graphics card and would prefer a smaller screen size, check out the AOC Agon AG241QX.

The specs are similar to the Dell S2417DG other than having FreeSyn instead of G-Sync. It has a 23.8″ screen so a high pixel density, and a TN panel which makes it great for fast-paced gaming but not very good for colors.

Larger Screen Size (with G-Sync) – LG 32GK850G-B

  • 32″ 1440p display
  • 144hz refresh rate
  • VA panel
  • 5ms response time
  • G-Sync

You might be tempted by a larger screen size for a 1440p display. For most people, I would recommend sticking with a 27″ monitor, but if you will be sitting quite far back from the monitor, or you’re happy sacrificing some sharpness for a larger size, the LG 32GK850G-B is worth checking out.

It is a 32″ monitor with G-Sync that uses a VA panel. VA panels are not quite as good as IPS panels when it comes to colors, but they are better with blacks. VA panels have a similar, slow response time to IPS panels, so they’re not the best for fast-paced gaming.

Larger Screen Size (with FreeSync) – ViewSonic VX3258-2KC-MHD

  • 32″ 1440p curved display
  • 144hz refresh rate
  • VA panel
  • 5ms response time
  • G-Sync

The ViewSonic VX3258-2KC-MHD is similar to the LG 32GK850G-B in terms of specs, except it uses FreeSync instead of G-Sync making it a great choice if you have an AMD graphics card. It has a 32″ screen size and uses a VA panel.

However, unlike the LG, the ViewSonic has a curved screen. If you will be sitting quite close to the screen, the curved display will help keep things immersive on such a large screen size.

Conclusion

There are plenty of 1440p 144hz monitors out there to choose from, and this can make it hard to choose the right one for your circumstances. Hopefully, this guide has helped you decide the best type and size of monitor is best for your needs, and I hope I have helped you pick out the perfect monitor.

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Acer Predator X34 vs Z35: In-Depth Comparison /acer-predator-x34-vs-z35-in-depth-comparison/ /acer-predator-x34-vs-z35-in-depth-comparison/#respond Thu, 13 Sep 2018 01:08:06 +0000 /?p=8930 [Read More]]]>

Although the Acer Predator X34 and Z35 monitors look very similar, there are some significant differences between them. They may both be made by Acer, have a similar design, and are a similar size, but the difference in their resolution, refresh rate, and panel type mean they are best suited to different needs.

For most people, the X34 will provide a superior experience to the Z35. Considering the large size of these monitors, the 1440p resolution of the X34 will provide a significantly sharper image to the Z35’s 1080p resolution. The X34 also uses an IPS panel which is much better at reproducing colors than the Z35’s VA panel. The only time I would recommend the Z35 is if you will be using the monitor for fast-paced, competitive gaming due to the higher refresh rate.

Acer Predator Gaming X34 Pbmiphzx Curved 34" UltraWide QHD Monitor with NVIDIA G-SYNC Technology (Display Port & HDMI Port)
Acer Predator Z35 35-inch Curved Full HD (2560 x 1080) NVIDIA G-Sync Display, 144Hz, 2x9w speakers, HDMI & DP
Best for Most People
Best for Fast-Paced Gaming
Size
34" Curved Ultrawide
35" Curved Ultrawide
Resolution
QHD (3440 x 1440)
HD (2560 x 1080)
Refresh Rate
100Hz (overclocking to 120Hz)
144Hz (overclocking to 200Hz)
Panel Type
IPS
VA
Response Time
4ms
4ms
FreeSync or G-Sync
G-Sync
G-Sync
Ports
1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, 4x USB
1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, 5x USB
$914.00
$681.28
Acer Predator Gaming X34 Pbmiphzx Curved 34" UltraWide QHD Monitor with NVIDIA G-SYNC Technology (Display Port & HDMI Port)
Best for Most People
Size
34" Curved Ultrawide
Resolution
QHD (3440 x 1440)
Refresh Rate
100Hz (overclocking to 120Hz)
Panel Type
IPS
Response Time
4ms
FreeSync or G-Sync
G-Sync
Ports
1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, 4x USB
$914.00
Acer Predator Z35 35-inch Curved Full HD (2560 x 1080) NVIDIA G-Sync Display, 144Hz, 2x9w speakers, HDMI & DP
Best for Fast-Paced Gaming
Size
35" Curved Ultrawide
Resolution
HD (2560 x 1080)
Refresh Rate
144Hz (overclocking to 200Hz)
Panel Type
VA
Response Time
4ms
FreeSync or G-Sync
G-Sync
Ports
1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, 5x USB
$681.28

Head to Head

Design

In terms of the design of these monitors, they are very similar. They are very similar in size with the X34 having a 34″ ultrawide screen and the Z35 a 35″ ultrawide screen (hence the names). Both monitors have a “gamer” feel to them, but personally, I prefer the style of the X34 as it’s a little bit more slick.

Resolution

One of the biggest differences between these monitors is the resolution. The X34 is 1440p, whereas the X35 is only 1080p.

Considering the large size of these monitors, the X34’s 1440p resolution will look significantly sharper than the Z35 due to the higher pixel density. This is the main reason I recommend the X34 over the Z35 for most people. If you will be playing immersive games, doing graphic design, content creation, or basically anything other than fast-paced gaming, you will want the higher resolution for a monitor of this size.

However, you do need to consider that 1440p is more demanding than 1080p so you will need to make sure your hardware can handle it. There is also a compromise between these two monitors as the Z35 has a higher refresh rate which I will talk about next.

Refresh Rate

Another difference between these two monitors is the refresh rate. This is the amount of times the picture on the screen refreshes per second. A higher refresh rate means a smoother experience.

The X34 has a refresh rate of 100hz and can be overclocked to 120hz. The Z35 has a refresh rate of 144hz and can be overclocked to 200hz.

This is where the Z35 has the edge. If you want the smoothest experience possible and you are willing to sacrifice a higher resolution (often the case if you play fast-paced FPS games), then you might want to consider the Z35.

But to be honest, the difference isn’t that much. It will be noticeable, but as the refresh rate gets higher it becomes increasingly less noticeable. If you’re talking about the difference between 60hz and 144hz, then that’s quite significant, but the difference here won’t be that noticeable.

Panel Type & Response Time

Another difference is the panel type of these monitors. The X34 has an IPS panel. IPS panels have better colors but the blacks aren’t as good. The Z35 has a VA panel which means the blacks will be better but the colors won’t be as good.

Although they use different types of panel, the response time is the same at 4ms which is fairly standard for these panels. The response time refers to how fast the pixels can change from black to white. A lower response time will prevent “ghosting”, which is essentially motion blur.

Features & Ports

Both of these monitors use NVIDIA G-Sync technology. This syncs your monitor with your graphics card to prevent screen tearing without the input lag of v-sync which is great for gaming. You will need an NVIDIA graphics card to use this technology though.

Both monitors have 1 DisplayPort and 1 HDMI port. The X34 also has 4 USB ports and the Z35 has 5 USB ports.

Price

In terms of price, the X34 is quite a bit more expensive than the Z35, but in my opinion, the high resolution and IPS panel (which gives better colors) makes it worth it for a monitor of this size.

If the X34 is too expensive, you might want to consider an alternative monitor to the Z35. Either another 34/35″ monitor with a 1440p resolution, or a smaller 1080p monitor.

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The Best Monitors for Content Creation /the-best-monitors-for-content-creation/ /the-best-monitors-for-content-creation/#respond Fri, 07 Sep 2018 17:46:52 +0000 /?p=8721 [Read More]]]>

Choosing the best monitor for your circumstances can be a difficult task. There are lots of different factors to consider: refresh rate, resolution, panel type etc. This guide should help you on your way to choosing the best monitor specifically for content creation.

When you’re choosing a monitor for content creation, the most important thing is to pick a monitor with an IPS panel for the best picture quality and color reproduction. I would also recommend to go with as high a resolution as possible and not worry too much about the refresh rate.

What Makes a Monitor Good for Content Creation?

The first thing you may be wondering is what makes a monitor good for content creation. Well, the main things you will want to consider are the panel type, resolution, and screen size.

Panel Type

When it comes to choosing a monitor for content creation, the most important thing is the panel type. You want to choose a monitor with an IPS panel.

There are three main types of panel. TN panels are more budget-friendly and have a really fast response time making them great for gaming, but the picture quality in TN panels is not very good. IPS panels are usually more expensive and they have a slower response rate, but the picture quality and color reproduction is much better (which is what you want for content creation). Then there are VA panels which sit somewhere in-between.

There are differences between IPS panels, and although even a budget IPS monitor will look better than a TN panel, you do have to invest in a fairly high end IPS monitor to get the best picture quality.

Resolution

The other important thing to consider when choosing a monitor for content creation is the resolution. Ideally, you want to go as high as possible. 4K would be the best bet, followed by 1440p, then 1080p.

Monitors with highers resolutions can be quite expensive and they require fairly powerful PCs to run, so don’t worry too much about the resolution, but make sure you buy a monitor with an IPS panel.

Screen Size

Having a nice, big monitor can be super helpful when it comes to content creation, but don’t automatically go for the largest size possible. Screen size and resolution tie in with each other and you don’t want to choose a large monitor for a low resolution.

As a general rule of thumb, I would recommend a 24″ monitor for 1080p, 27″ monitor for 1440p, and 32″ monitor for 4K.

Ultrawide monitors can be a good idea for content creation as they give you a bit of extra room for multitasking.

Other Things to Consider

Now we’ve covered what to look for in a monitor for content creation, there are a couple of other things you need to take into consideration.

  • Will you be gaming? (refresh rate) – If you will also be using the monitor for gaming (particularly fast-paced games), you will also benefit from a monitor with a high refresh rate, ideally around 144hz. Although TN panels are better for fast-paced gaming due to their fast response time, I would still choose an IPS panel because you really do need an IPS panel for content creation.
  • Your PC specs – Finally, you need to take into account your PCs specs. This is particularly true if you will be gaming. For example, if you decide to buy a 1440p 144hz monitor but your PC can only get around 60FPS in the games you play, there’s no point in having 144hz over 60hz. In this case, you will need to choose between 1080p 144hz (better for gaming) and 1440p 60hz (better for content creation). GameDebate is a great website to get an idea of your PCs capabilities.

Best Monitors for Content Creation

Below you can find some great monitors for content creation. I’ve picked various types for different needs, so whether you’re looking for something budget-friendly or perhaps you will also be gaming, you should be able to find something that suits your situation.

Sale
BenQ PD3200U 32" 4K Designer Monitor, 3840x2160 4K UHD, IPS, sRGB, CAD/CAM, KVM, DualView, 4ms , 60Hz refresh rate
  • 100% Rec. 709 AND sRGB COLOR SPACE WITH IPS TECHNOLOGY: Brilliant colors, wide viewing angle, and 4ms response time for...
  • DUALVIEW FUNCTION: Work in two modes such as sRGB and Darkroom Mode without the need for two screens;Headphone Jack‎ :...
  • DARKROOM, CAD/CAM, AND ANIMATION DISPLAY MODE: Revolutionary modes bring out the details of intricate designs into view
  • KEYBOARD VIDEO MOUSE (KVM) SWITCH: Display contents from two PC systems using one set of keyboard and mouse
DELL UltraSharp 27 inch 16:9 2K QHD K Widescreen LCD IPS Monitor with Ultra-thin Bezel, 2560 x 1440, 1000:1, 350cd/m2, HDMI&USB Display Port, Height, Swivel, Tilt
  • 27" LED-Backlit LED Monitor, Comfort View feature reduces blue light emission and brightness onscreen
  • 1920 x 1080 at 75 Hz Resolution; Widescreen - 16:9 Aspect Ratio, Anti-glare, 3H Hard Coating
  • 6 ms (gray-to-gray) Response Time, HDMI and VGA Input Connectors
  • 16.7 million colors, Compliant Standards: Plug and Play, VESA EDID, DDC/CI, RoHS, TCO Displays
Sale
LG 34UC80-B 34-Inch 21:9 Curved UltraWide QHD IPS Monitor with USB Quick Charge
  • 21:9 UltraWide Curved QHD IPS Monitor
  • sRGB over 99%/Color Calibrated
  • USB 3.0 Quick Charge
  • Height/Tilt Adjustable Stand. Screen Split 2.0 (PIP Mode)
Sale
Acer Predator XB271HU bmiprz 27" WQHD (2560x1440) NVIDIA G-SYNC IPS Monitor, (Display Port & HDMI Port, 144Hz)
  • 27" WQHD (2560 x 1440) Widescreen with NVIDIA G-SYNC Technology
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz (Overclocking to 165Hz) - Using Display Port
  • Response Time: 4ms, Pixel Pitch: 0.233mm. Flicker-less Technology-Reduces annoying screen flickering that can cause eye...
  • 2 x 2W speakers. Brightness: 350 Nit. Panel Technology : In-plane Switching (IPS) Technology
Sale
LG 29UM68-P 29-Inch 21:9 UltraWide IPS Monitor with FreeSync
  • 21:9 UltraWide Full HD IPS Monitor
  • sRGB over 99%.OS Compatibility-Windows
  • Screen Split 2.0 (PIP Mode),Response Time:5ms GTG
  • Game Mode and Black Stabilizer
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The Best 1080p 60hz Monitors /the-best-1080p-60hz-monitors/ /the-best-1080p-60hz-monitors/#respond Mon, 03 Sep 2018 21:45:40 +0000 /?p=8815 [Read More]]]>

Although 1080p 60hz monitors are becoming more outdated as we head into the future, there are definitely certain situations where they are the best option. For example, if you want a monitor that is as budget-friendly as possible, or you PC isn’t the most powerful, they are a great option.

In this guide, the first thing I want to cover is whether or not a 1080p 60hz monitor is the best choice for you. Then I will go over some of the other things you need to consider when choosing a monitor. Finally, I have a few recommendations to help you find the best monitor for your situation.

Should I Buy a 1080p 60hz Monitor?

The first thing you might be wondering is whether a 1080p 60hz monitor is the right choice. Although these monitors used to be the norm, monitors with higher resolutions (like 1440p) and higher refresh rates (like 144hz) are becoming increasingly common. This is because modern hardware is more powerful and capable of running these monitors.

If you have a PC that is powerful enough to push 1440p at 60FPS or 1080p at 100FPS then you might want to reconsider purchasing a 1080p 60hz monitor. You will be wasting a lot of your PC’s potential. 1440p 60hz monitors are great if you want picture quality, and 1080p 144hz monitors will offer a smoother experience.

However, if you just need a monitor for general purpose use, or you will be gaming on a fairly low end PC, then a 1080p 60hz monitor will be the most suitable. GameDebate is a great website to check out to see the sort of performance you can expect from your PC in different games.

Other Things to Consider

Even though a 1080p resolution and 60hz refresh rate narrows down you choices, there are still a couple of other factors to consider when deciding on a monitor.

  • Screen size – For most people, the best screen size for a 1080p monitor is 24″. 24″ is not so large that the screen looks pixelated, but it’s not too small either. If you really want a larger screen, you could choose a 27″ monitor, but I would only recommend this if you will be sitting quite far back from the screen. You could also go a little smaller with a 21.5″ monitor. You will get a really sharp image with a 21.5″ monitor because of the high pixel density at the cost of a smaller monitor.
  • Panel type – The other thing you will need to consider is the panel type the monitor uses. There are three main types. TN panels are more budget friendly and have a faster response time which results in less motion blur. However, the picture quality is not great. IPS panels are a little bit more expensive and have a slower response time, but the picture quality and color reproduction is much better. VA panels are somewhere inbetween.

Best 1080p 60hz Monitors

Now let’s look at some of the best 1080p 60hz monitors. I have picked different monitors for different situations, so you should be able to find something regardless of your requirements.

One thing to consider is that 1080p 60hz monitors are usually targeted at people looking for a budget friendly monitor. This means the overall quality of these monitors is not that great, although they do still offer good value for money due to their low prices.

Best Overall – ASUS VN248Q-P

  • 23.8″ 1080p display
  • 60hz refresh rate
  • IPS panel
  • 5ms response time

For most people, the ASUS VN248Q-P is a great choice for a 1080p 60hz monitor. The screen size is 23.8″ which is what I would recommend for most people looking to buy a 1080p monitor.

The ASUS VN248Q-P uses an IPS panel. This means the picture quality and color reproduction is excellent at the small cost of a slower response time. The price of this monitor is very reasonable making it a great all-round choice.

Sale
ASUS VN248Q-P 23.8" Full HD 1920x1080 IPS DisplayPort HDMI VGA Monitor
ASUS Computer International Direct - Personal Computers
$160.38

Budget 24″ – BenQ GL2460HM

  • 24″ 1080p display
  • 60hz refresh rate
  • TN panel
  • 2ms response time

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly 1080p 60hs monitor with a 24″ screen, check out the BenQ GL2460HM. To be honest, you will deffinetely be better off with the ASUS VN248Q-P is your budget can stretch as the ASUS has a much better panel.

However, if you’re not too bothered about the picture quality and just want something super cheap, this is a good option. It also has built-in speakers which is a nice bonus, although they really aren’t that great.

Best 21.5″ – ASUS VS229H-P

  • 21.5″ 1080p display
  • 60hz refresh rate
  • IPS panel
  • 5ms response time

For a 1080p 60hz monitor that’s a little bit more compact, the 21.5″ ASUS VS229H-P is a really good option. Not only does it use an IPS monitor which provides a great picture quality and color reproduction, but it’s very budget-friendly too.

I would generally recommend a 24″ monitor for 1080p, but going smaller is definitely not as bad as going larger because you will get a higher pixel density and sharper image with a smaller monitor.

Best 27″ – ASUS VN279Q

  • 21.5″ 1080p display
  • 60hz refresh rate
  • IPS panel
  • 5ms response time

Last on our list is a 27″ 1080p 60hz monitor in the form of the ASUS VN279Q. This monitor is basically the big brother of our top pick and also uses an IPS panel which produces a really good picture quality.

Usually, for 1080p monitors, you want to go for a 24″ monitor or smaller otherwise the screen will look pixelated. However, if you will spend fair a bit of time using the monitor from quite far away, this is when you might want to consider a 27″ monitor.

Conclusion

Although monitors with higher refresh rates and resolutions are becoming increasingly common, 1080p 60hz monitors still have their place. If you just want something that’s really budget-friendly or you have a fairly weak PC, they are the perfect option. Hopefully this guide has helped you decide on the best monitor for you.

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The Best Monitor Refresh Rate for Gaming /the-best-monitor-refresh-rate-for-gaming/ /the-best-monitor-refresh-rate-for-gaming/#respond Sun, 02 Sep 2018 16:06:54 +0000 /?p=8769 [Read More]]]>

When you’re deciding on a new gaming monitor, one of the most important things to consider is the refresh rate. Gone are the days where 60hz gaming is the norm. Now, 144hz monitors are becoming increasingly common and there are even 240hz monitors entering the market. But which refresh rate is best?

There are two likely situations you will find yourself. If you like to play fast-paced and competitive games, the best monitor refresh rate is as high as possible (as long as your PC can match it in frames-per-second). If you play more casual and immersive games, you will want to favor a higher resolution over refresh rate.

Different Refresh Rates & What They Mean

Monitors come in many refresh rates. 60hz, 144hz, and 240hz monitors are the most common but there are refresh rates in between these too.

But what does the refresh rate mean?

The refresh rate of a monitor is the frequency at which the screen is refreshed. This means monitors with higher refresh rates, refresh the image quicker and you end up with a smoother picture.

Although frames-per-second and refresh rate are linked, they are not the same thing. FPS is the number of frames-per-second your PC can render, whereas refresh rate refers to how many times per second a new frame can be displayed.

The GIF below shows the difference between 60FPS, 30FPS, and 15FPS. (You will need to view this on at least a 60hz device to see the difference.)

FPS Comparison

Monitors with higher refresh rates are able to display more FPS. For example, a 144hz monitor will be able to display 144FPS. (This is why you need at least a 60hz monitor to see the 60FPS object in the GIF above.)

Is a Higher Refresh Rate Always Better?

When you’re simply comparing refresh rates, then yes, higher is always better. The problem is there are other factors to consider when choosing a monitor. There are two main things to consider:

  • Resolution vs. refresh rate – A monitors resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed on the screen. High resolution monitors have a sharper image, but they also require more computing power to run. This means, unless you have a beastly PC, you won’t be able to generate enough FPS to warrant a high refresh rate monitor if you’re running at a high resolution. You will likely have to decide between a high refresh rate or high resolution. If you like to play fast-paced games, I would favor a high refresh rate, if you like to play slow-paced and immersive games, I would favor a higher resolution.
  • Your hardware & the games you play – The second thing you need to consider is your hardware and how capable it is of running the games you enjoy. (You can checkout GameDebate to get an idea of how well your PC can run different games). For example, if you really like to play highly demanding games like The Witcher 3 and you have a relatively weak PC, you might only be able to get 40FPS. In this case it wouldn’t be worth investing in a high refresh rate monitor (unless, of course, you plan on upgrading your components any time soon).

Is 240hz Worth It?

Although it might be true that with everything else being equal, higher refresh rates are always better, you might be wondering at what point does the difference become unnoticeable.

At the moment, 144hz monitors are probably the most popular (at least for fast-paced gaming), but there are quite a few 240hz monitors entering the market. But are the extra hz noticeable?

The video below does a great job of answering this question.

Basically, Bitwit found that going from 100hz to 240hz did feel slightly more fluid and visually better, and going back to 100hz, it felt quite sluggish.

So to answer the question “is 240hz worth it”, well, it depends. If you like to play fast-paced games competitively and want the smoothest experience possible, then yes, 240hz is worth it. If you’re a more casual gamer, then unless budget isn’t an issue for you, it probably isn’t worth it.

Before you consider a 240hz monitor, make sure your PC is capable of getting at least 200FPS in the games you play, otherwise you won’t really be making use of the full potential of the monitor.

Choosing The Best Refresh Rate for You

Now we’ve gone through what we mean by refresh rates and taken into account other considerations, let’s look at the situations where each of the different refresh rates are suited.

I know there are monitors with different refresh rates than the ones below, but these are the most common and this should at least give you a good idea of what will be best suited for you.

When to Get a 60hz Monitor

There are two circumstances where I would recommend a 60hz monitor.

The first is if your PC isn’t particularly powerful and you can only get 60FPS (or not much more) at 1080p. The good news is that you can pick up a 1080p 60hz monitor fairly cheap, like the ASUS VN248Q-P.

Sale
ASUS VN248Q-P 23.8" Full HD 1920x1080 IPS DisplayPort HDMI VGA Monitor
  • Ideal for a multi-screen solution with a super narrow frame. Flicker free
  • Best for work and play with Full HD 1080p visual quality and 178° ultra wide viewing angle
  • ASUS VividPixel Technology for crystal-clear and detail-oriented enjoyment
  • Inputs of VGA, HDMI, Display Port. Compliance and Standards- Energy Star, BSMI, CB, CCC, CE, C-Tick, CU, EPEAT (Gold, Bronze)...

The second is if you play slower-paced, more immersive games like RPGs. If you fall into this category, I would recommend a 60hz monitor in either 1440p or 4K, depending on how powerful your PC is. If you like these sorts of games, you will appreciate better picture quality over smoothness.

If your PC is capable of running the games you play in 1440p at around 60FPS, the Dell UltraSharp U2715H is a great option.

DELL UltraSharp 27 inch 16:9 2K QHD K Widescreen LCD IPS Monitor with Ultra-thin Bezel, 2560 x 1440, 1000:1, 350cd/m2, HDMI&USB Display Port, Height, Swivel, Tilt
  • 27" LED-Backlit LED Monitor, Comfort View feature reduces blue light emission and brightness onscreen
  • 1920 x 1080 at 75 Hz Resolution; Widescreen - 16:9 Aspect Ratio, Anti-glare, 3H Hard Coating
  • 6 ms (gray-to-gray) Response Time, HDMI and VGA Input Connectors
  • 16.7 million colors, Compliant Standards: Plug and Play, VESA EDID, DDC/CI, RoHS, TCO Displays

If you have a high end PC that’s capable of running 4K at around 60FPS, and you like to play slower, more immersive games, you might want to consider the BenQ PD3200U

Sale
BenQ PD3200U 32" 4K Designer Monitor, 3840x2160 4K UHD, IPS, sRGB, CAD/CAM, KVM, DualView, 4ms , 60Hz refresh rate
  • 100% Rec. 709 AND sRGB COLOR SPACE WITH IPS TECHNOLOGY: Brilliant colors, wide viewing angle, and 4ms response time for...
  • DUALVIEW FUNCTION: Work in two modes such as sRGB and Darkroom Mode without the need for two screens;Headphone Jack‎ :...
  • DARKROOM, CAD/CAM, AND ANIMATION DISPLAY MODE: Revolutionary modes bring out the details of intricate designs into view
  • KEYBOARD VIDEO MOUSE (KVM) SWITCH: Display contents from two PC systems using one set of keyboard and mouse

When to Get a 144hz Monitor

144hz monitors are best suited to most people who like to play fast-paced and competitive games like CSGO. You will have to sacrifice picture quality to make use of those extra hz, but for fast-paced gaming, a smooth experience is much more important.

For mid-range PCs, you will probably want to go for a 1080p 144hz monitor. The ViewSonic XG2401 is an excellent monitor in this category.

ViewSonic XG2401 24 inch 1080p 1ms 144 Hz Gaming Monitor with FreeSync Eye Care Advanced Ergonomics HDMI and DP
  • BE THE DIFFERENCE: Full HD resolution, ultra-fast 1ms response time, and amazing 144Hz refresh rate give you the edge in all...
  • SMOOTH GAMING: AMD FreeSync technology enables smooth frame rates to aid you in battle
  • IN IT TO WIN IT: A fully adjustable ergonomic stand and blue light filter delivers the comfort you need for marathon gaming...
  • GAME ON: An arsenal of pre-set customizable visual modes keeps you ready for any FPS, RTS, eSports, or MOBA games

If you have a higher-end PC that’s capable of pushing 144FPS at 1440p, you will get the most out of a 1440p 144hz monitor. The Dell S2716DGR is a great monitor in this category. Some people have found that the default picture setting are not great on this monitor so you will probably want to look up some guides on setting it up.

Dell Gaming S2716DGR 27.0" Screen LED-Lit Monitor with G-SYNC
  • Vibrant, jitter-free graphics, Fully-adjustable setup, Premium support and reliability
  • Built-in Devices: USB 3.0 hub
  • Aspect Ratio : Widescreen - 16:9
  • Contrast Ratio: 1000:1

When to Get a 240hz Monitor

If your PC is powerful enough to get at least 200FPS in your favourite games, and budget isn’t a big issue for you, you might want to get a 240hz monitor. There won’t be a huge difference over 144hz, but it will be noticeable switching between them. If you decide a 240hz monitor is the best for you, check out the BenQ XL2540.

Sale
BenQ Zowie 24.5 inch 240Hz Esports Gaming Monitor, 1080p, 1ms Response Time, Black Equalizer, Color Vibrance, S-Switch, Shield, Height Adjustable (XL2540)
  • Native 240Hz refresh rate delivers smoothest ever gameplay experience
  • 1ms response time preventing any smearing or ghosting and pixel pitch(mm)-0.28
  • Shield helps you focus on the game by blocking out distractions. OS Compatibility- Windows 7,Windows 8,Windows 8.1Windows 10
  • Built-in black equalizer technology brightens dark scenes without over-exposing the bright areas

Conclusion

When everything else is considered equal, the best refresh rate for gaming is as high as possible. However, you need to take into account other factors such as resolution and your PC specs to find the best monitor for you. If you play fast-paced and competitive games, go for a high refresh rate monitor over high resolution. If you play more casual and immersive games, go for high resolution over high refresh rate.

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The Best Monitors for Flight Simulators /the-best-monitors-for-flight-simulators/ /the-best-monitors-for-flight-simulators/#respond Sat, 01 Sep 2018 21:31:25 +0000 /?p=8516 [Read More]]]>

There are many different monitors on the market. Various resolutions, refresh rates, sizes, etc. to consider, and if you’re a fan of flight simulators, you might be wondering which type of monitor will provide the best experience.

For flight simulators, you want to go as wide as possible for the most immersive experience. Ultrawide monitors and triple monitor setups are the best options if possible. Or a large 4K monitor if your PC can run it. Prioritise resolution over refresh rate and choose a monitor with an IPS panel for the best picture quality.

Things to Consider

Before we look at the best monitors for flight simulators, there are a few things to consider to make sure you choose the best monitor for your circumstances.

Your Hardware

The first thing that you need to consider is your hardware and how capable it is of running the flight simulators you enjoy.

For example, if your PC isn’t very powerful and you’re trying to run a highly demanding flight sim like X-Plane 11, you won’t want to invest in a 4K or high refresh rate monitor. You simply won’t be getting the most out of the monitor. Head over to Game Debate to get an idea of the performance you can expect.

Monitor Size

The second thing I want to talk about is the best monitor size for flight simulators. If possible, you want to go for an ultrawide monitor or triple monitor setup.

Obviously, having the wide field of view will be a huge benefit in flight sims. The advantage of an ultrawide monitor is that there are no bezels to get in the way like there is with a triple monitor setup. It’s also the more convenient option because there’s only one monitor to setup. The downside is that there won’t be as much screen space as there is with a triple monitor setup.

There are two scenarios where I would recommend a standard 16:9 aspect ratio monitor. The first is if you have a very weak PC because it will require more powerful hardware to run wider displays. In this case I would recommend a 1080p monitor.

The second is if you want a 4K monitor. Because a 4K monitor has a higher pixel density, you can get a bigger monitor whilst keeping a sharp image. 4K monitors are very demanding though (and expensive), so they certainly aren’t for everyone. A 32″ monitor is a good size for 4K.

Resolution vs. Refresh Rate

In terms of the resolution and refresh rate of the monitor, I would favor a higher resolution over a higher refresh rate for flight simulators. Firstly, you probably won’t get enough frames per second to warrant a high refresh rate in most flight sims. Secondly, a higher resolution will mean better picture quality and a more immersive experience which is more important for flight simulators. A 1440p 60hz ultrawide monitor is ideal if your PC is capable of running it.

Do make sure you take into account your hardware because you might find you won’t be able to run flight simulators very well at a higher resolution.

Panel Type

There are two main types of panels. TN panels offer a faster response time which translates into a smoother experience. The downside is that the picture quality and color reproduction isn’t great. IPS panels have a slower response time but the picture quality is much better. TN panels are great for fast-paced games like first-person shooters, but for flight simulators, IPS panels are the better option.

Best Monitors for Flight Simulators

Now let’s take a look at the best monitors for flight simulators. I have picked various different monitors to suit different people needs so there should be something for everyone here.

Best Ultrawide 1440p – LG 34UC80-B

  • For high-end PCs
  • 34″ 1440p ultrawide curved display
  • 60hz refresh rate
  • IPS panel
  • 5ms response time
  • FreeSync

The LG 34UC80-B is a great monitor for high end PCs. It has a large 34″ ultrawide display which is great for immersion, and the 1440p resolution ensures a high pixel density. The monitor is also curved which is great for keeping everything in proportion on larger displays.

This monitor only has a 60hz refresh rate, but you probably won’t get much more than 60 FPS on most PCs at 1440p anyway. The other downside of this monitor is that it is quite expensive.

Best Ultrawide 1080p – LG 29UM68-P

  • For mid-range PCs
  • 29″ 1080p ultrawide display
  • 75hz refresh rate
  • IPS panel
  • 5ms response time

The LG 29UM68-P is a great monitor for mid-range PCs. It is still an ultrawide monitor, but will be easier to run because it is only 1080p and not 1440p. Because of the lower resolution, I would recommend a 29″ display, although there is a 34″ version available too if you want a larger screen.

At 75hz, the refresh rate is quite reasonable for an IPS monitor. You probably won’t be getting more FPS than this unless you have a high-end PC anyway. And if you do have a high-end PC, I would recommend a 1440p monitor.

Sale

Great for a Triple Monitor Setup or Weaker PCs – BenQ GW2480

  • For high-end PCs (triple monitor setup)
  • For low-end PCs (single monitor)
  • 24″ 1080p display
  • 60hz refresh rate
  • IPS panel
  • 5ms response time

For a triple monitor setup, the BenQ GW2480 is a great option. They are very budget friendly and you can buy three of these for less than some of our other recommendations. Despite the low price, they still have an IPS panel at 1080p. Importantly, these monitors have very slim bezels making them perfect for multi-monitor setups.

The BenQ GW2480 only has a 60hz refresh rate, but you will most likely struggle to get much more than 60FPS when you’re running three monitors anyway. And you will need a fairly high end PC to run three 1080p monitors. It might be an issue if you’re also into fast-paced gaming though.

This monitor is also a good choice as a single monitor setup if you have a weaker PC that isn’t capable of running higher resolutions.

Best 4K – BenQ PD3200U

  • For very high-end PCs
  • 32″ 4K display
  • 60hz refresh rate
  • IPS panel
  • 4ms response time

If you have a really powerful PC, you might want to consider the BenQ PD3200U. Although it isn’t ultrawide, it is a large monitor at 32″ so you will still get an immersive experience. The higher resolution of this monitor, combined with the IPS panel means you get a really sharp and high quality picture.

The obvious downside of this monitor is that it is quite expensive. You also need to consider that it will require quite a powerful PC to run some flight simulators at 4K.

Conclusion

There are various monitors that work great with flight simulators but it all depends on your specific circumstances. Overall, you should opt for an IPS panel and as high a resolution and wide a screen size as you can.

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The Best PC Cases for Airflow /the-best-pc-cases-for-airflow/ /the-best-pc-cases-for-airflow/#respond Tue, 28 Aug 2018 01:14:25 +0000 /?p=8324 [Read More]]]>

Airflow is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a PC case, especially for powerful builds. Without good airflow, your components can overheat and your PC can slow down or stop working altogether.

In this guide, you can find the best mid-tower and full-tower PC cases which are designed for amazing airflow. I also talk about what we mean by airflow, the importance of airflow, and the downsides of airflow PC cases. Finally, I look at the other factors you need to consider when choosing a PC case.

Best Mid-Tower Cases for Airflow

Mid-tower cases are the most popular size of PC case. They’re big enough to build a powerful rig, but they’re not too big that it’s inconvenient.

Our Top 3 Picks

In the table below you can find our top three picks for budget, mid-range, and high-end mid-tower cases for airflow. We chose these cases based on user reviews, discussion forums, reddit, and the value for money they offer.

CORSAIR CARBIDE SPEC-02 Mid-Tower Gaming Case, Red LED Fan
SilverStone Technology RL06BR-GP Black and Red Color with Full Tempered-Glass Side Panel and 3 120mm Red LED Intake Fan Cases SST-RL06BR-GP
CORSAIR CARBIDE AIR 740 ATX Cube Case, High-Airflow (CC-9011096-WW)
Budget
Mid-Range
High-End
MB Compatibility
ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Expansion Slots
7
7
8
Internal Bays
3x 3.5", 2x 2.5"
3x 3.5"/2.5", 2x 2.5"
3x 3.5", 4x 2.5"
External Bays
2x 5.25"
-
-
Front Panel
2x USB 3.0, Audio I/O
2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, Audio I/O
2x USB 3.0, Audio I/O
Dimensions (Inches)
8.5 x 19.4 x 16.8
7.87" x 18.78" x 17.91"
13.4 x 20 x 16.8
$59.99
$99.99
$149.99
CORSAIR CARBIDE SPEC-02 Mid-Tower Gaming Case, Red LED Fan
Budget
MB Compatibility
ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Expansion Slots
7
Internal Bays
3x 3.5", 2x 2.5"
External Bays
2x 5.25"
Front Panel
2x USB 3.0, Audio I/O
Dimensions (Inches)
8.5 x 19.4 x 16.8
$59.99
SilverStone Technology RL06BR-GP Black and Red Color with Full Tempered-Glass Side Panel and 3 120mm Red LED Intake Fan Cases SST-RL06BR-GP
Mid-Range
MB Compatibility
ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Expansion Slots
7
Internal Bays
3x 3.5"/2.5", 2x 2.5"
External Bays
-
Front Panel
2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, Audio I/O
Dimensions (Inches)
7.87" x 18.78" x 17.91"
$99.99
CORSAIR CARBIDE AIR 740 ATX Cube Case, High-Airflow (CC-9011096-WW)
High-End
MB Compatibility
ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Expansion Slots
8
Internal Bays
3x 3.5", 4x 2.5"
External Bays
-
Front Panel
2x USB 3.0, Audio I/O
Dimensions (Inches)
13.4 x 20 x 16.8
$149.99

More Mid-Tower Cases with Good Airflow

Although the cases above are the best choice for most people, there are a few more mid-tower cases that also have very good airflow. You can find them in the table below.

Best Full-Tower Cases for Airflow

Full-tower cases are much larger than mid-tower cases. For most people they are OTT, but if you need the extra drive bays, expansion slots and space, you might need a full-tower case. You will also need a full-tower case if you have an XL-ATX or E-ATX motherboard.

Our Top 3 Picks

There’s not much choice when it comes to full-tower cases, especially when you’re specifically looking for good airflow. However, the three cases below are excellent for airflow and users rate them very highly.

CORSAIR OBSIDIAN 750D Full-Tower Case - Airflow Edition (CC-9011078-WW)
CORSAIR GRAPHITE 780T Full-Tower Case- White
Thermaltake Core V71 Tempered Glass Edition E-ATX Full Tower Tt LCS Certified Gaming Computer Case CA-1B6-00F1WN-04
Top Pick
-
-
MB Compatibility
XL-ATX, E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
XL-ATX, E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX
Expansion Slots
9
9
8
Internal Bays
6x 3.5"/2.5", 4x 2.5"
6x 3.5"/2.5", 3x 2.5"
8x 3.5"/2.5"
External Bays
3x 5.25"
2x 5.25"
2x 5.25"
Front Panel
2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, Audio I/O
2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, Audio I/O
2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, Audio I/O
Dimensions (Inches)
9.3 x 22 x 21.5
11.3 x 25.1 x 23.7
9.1 x 23 x 22
from $135.00
from $150.00
$169.43
CORSAIR OBSIDIAN 750D Full-Tower Case - Airflow Edition (CC-9011078-WW)
Top Pick
MB Compatibility
XL-ATX, E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Expansion Slots
9
Internal Bays
6x 3.5"/2.5", 4x 2.5"
External Bays
3x 5.25"
Front Panel
2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, Audio I/O
Dimensions (Inches)
9.3 x 22 x 21.5
from $135.00
CORSAIR GRAPHITE 780T Full-Tower Case- White
-
MB Compatibility
XL-ATX, E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Expansion Slots
9
Internal Bays
6x 3.5"/2.5", 3x 2.5"
External Bays
2x 5.25"
Front Panel
2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, Audio I/O
Dimensions (Inches)
11.3 x 25.1 x 23.7
from $150.00
Thermaltake Core V71 Tempered Glass Edition E-ATX Full Tower Tt LCS Certified Gaming Computer Case CA-1B6-00F1WN-04
-
MB Compatibility
E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX
Expansion Slots
8
Internal Bays
8x 3.5"/2.5"
External Bays
2x 5.25"
Front Panel
2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, Audio I/O
Dimensions (Inches)
9.1 x 23 x 22
$169.43

What Exactly is Airflow?

As you probably expect, the term airflow is pretty self explanatory. We’re simply talking about the flow of the air through the case which prevents your components from overheating. If a case has good airflow, it will be effective at removing warm air and making sure the air inside the case is cool.

The video below is a great simulation of how airflow works.

How Important is Airflow in a PC Case?

There’s no doubt that airflow is important for any PC build. If you want your PC to run smoothly and not die on you, you’re going to need to keep your components cool. The question is, how important is airflow.

Well it’s very important to have at least some airflow in your PC case, but this doesn’t mean you need to go over the top with the fans. In this Linus Tech Tips video, they found that once you start using more fans than the stock fans that come with the case, you don’t see much improvement.

So instead of going OTT with the fans, I would prioritise choosing a case with good airflow (like one of the cases at the top of this page). This should give you the best results in terms of keeping your components cool.

What Makes a PC Case Have Good Airflow?

The most obvious factor that influences airflow is the fans. Although I mentioned using more fans than what comes with the case doesn’t make that much of a difference, it does still improve airflow. Other than the number of fans, larger fans and more powerful fans will also improve airflow.

The other thing which makes PC cases good for airflow is a mesh front panel which helps with ventilation.

Are There Downsides to Good Airflow PC Cases?

Yes. When you have a PC case with a mesh front panel and lots of powerful, large fans, it’s going to create a lot more noise than if you didn’t focus on airflow.

Of course, you can never eliminate all of the noise, but using high quality fans can definitely help to keep the noise levels down.

Other Things to Consider When Choosing a PC Case

Along with choosing a PC case that is good specifically for airflow, there are some more general considerations to take into account.

Size or Form Factor

The most important thing to consider when choosing a PC case is the size. There are four main sizes which I have outlined below. Within each of these size categories there are variations in size so do make sure you check the dimensions of specific cases if the exact size is important to you. For example, you can get smaller mid-tower cases and larger mid-tower cases. These four size categories are just a guideline to the size, and refer more to the types of motherboard they are compatible with.

  • Mid-tower (ATX) – Mid tower PC cases are the most popular size. They are big enough to build a fairly powerful rig, but they’re not too big that they become cumbersome. Mid tower cases are usually compatible with ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX motherboards. Unless you plan on building a monster gaming PC or you need to keep things compact, then a mid-tower case is likely the best option for you.
  • Full-tower (E-ATX) – Full-tower PC cases are larger and designed more towards specialist situations. Most people won’t need what a full-tower has to offer, but if you’re looking to build a really powerful PC, you’re going to need the extra space for components and a cooling setup. Aswell as ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX motherboards, full-tower cases are usually compatible with E-ATX motherboards.
  • Mini-tower (Micro-ATX) – Mini-tower PC cases are generally better suited for budget builds. The cases themselves are usually fairly cheap, and you’re not going to need huge amounts of space because you won’t be cramming it with really powerful components if you’re building a budget rig. Mini-tower cases are usually only compatible with micro-ATX and mini-ITX motherboards. Micro-ATX motherboards are very common with budget builds so this shouldn’t be a problem, but do keep in mind that mini-tower case don’t usually support ATX motherboards.
  • Small form factor (Mini-ITX) – Small form factor PC cases are the smallest. There are two main reasons you might want to consider a small form factor case. Firstly, you can build a PC that is very portable, and secondly, they are great for home theatre PC setups because of their compact size means they fit nicely on shelves or in closets. Small form factor cases are usually only compatible with mini-ITX motherboards.

Budget

Another thing you need to consider is the cost of the case. You might be thinking that since there aren’t moving parts to a PC case that a more expensive case won’t have much else to offer over a cheaper case.

This is true to a certain extent. Obviously build quality comes into play and you don’t want a case that falls apart after a few weeks. But unless you want the case to have a certain look or you need specific features, you don’t need to spend a huge amount.

When it comes to PC cases for airflow, generally, the more expensive cases are better.

Aesthetics

Some people don’t care at all what their PC looks like, but to others it is a big deal. Whether you want to build a futuristic-looking gaming PC that looks like it’s just landed from outer space, or you want to avoid that completely for a more formal setting, you might want to consider the aesthetics of the case.

Additional Features

Finally, you should consider any additional features you might need. This includes things like the front panel and the number/type of ports on it, fans built into the case, and the number of drive bays.

Some PC cases have a tool-less design. These are designed so you won’t need screwdrivers or other tools to put your build together. This isn’t a huge deal, but it can be handy if you will be replacing parts or moving stuff around a lot.

Conclusion

Airflow is a very important factor to consider when choosing a PC case. Without good airflow, the components in your PC can overheat and stop working. This is especially true for powerful rigs like gaming PCs. The first step to getting good airflow is choosing the right case like the ones we have recommended at the top of this page.

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The Best PC Cases for Cable Management /the-best-pc-cases-for-cable-management/ /the-best-pc-cases-for-cable-management/#respond Fri, 24 Aug 2018 21:39:43 +0000 /?p=8306 [Read More]]]>

When it comes to purchasing a new PC case, excellent cable management is an important factor for many people. This is particularly true for anyone who has had to put together a PC in a case which has poor cable management options. Cable management is also important for anyone who cares about the aesthetics of their PC.

In this guide, you can find the best mid-tower and full-tower PC cases with excellent cable management. I also talk about how important (or not) cable management is and what makes a case have good cable management. Finally, I talk about the other factors to consider when choosing a PC case.

Best Mid-Tower Cases for Cable Management

Below you can find the best mid-tower PC cases which offer excellent cable management. You might notice that there is quite a wide price range. Although all of the cases offer great value for money, the more expensive cases do have better build quality and will usually have more features. For example, the NZXT S340 is a great case for the price, but it doesn’t have any external bays whereas both the Enthoo Pro M and Define R5 do.

The design of the case is also reflective in the price. Obviously this is subjective, but personally, I much prefer the design of the Define R5 to the other two. If you don’t care about looks, then that’s fine, but if you do then it’s definitely something to consider.

NZXT S340 Mid Tower Computer Case,  Matte Black/Red (CA-S340MB-GR)
Phanteks Enthoo PRO M Acrylic Window Computer Case, Titanium Green Edition PH-ES515PA_TG
Fractal Design Computer Case FD-CA-DEF-R5-BKO-W
Budget
Mid-Range
High-End
MB Compatibility
ATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
E-ATX (up to 264mm wide) / ATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
ATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
Expansion Slots
7
7
7
Internal Bays
3x 3.5" / 2x 2.5"
7x 2.5"/3.5" (two included) 3x 2.5" (one included)
8x 3.5"/2.5" / 2x SSD
External Bays
-
1x 5.25"
2x 5.25"
Front Panel
2x USB 3.0 / Audio I/O
2x USB 3.0 / Audio I/O
2x USB 3.0 / 2x USB 2.0 / Audio I/O
Dimensions (Inches)
7.9 x 17.5 x 17
8.3 x 18.3 x 18.5
9.1 x 18.2 x 20.9
-
from $69.99
$94.99
$149.99
NZXT S340 Mid Tower Computer Case,  Matte Black/Red (CA-S340MB-GR)
Budget
Case
MB Compatibility
ATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
Expansion Slots
7
Internal Bays
3x 3.5" / 2x 2.5"
External Bays
-
Front Panel
2x USB 3.0 / Audio I/O
Dimensions (Inches)
7.9 x 17.5 x 17
from $69.99
Phanteks Enthoo PRO M Acrylic Window Computer Case, Titanium Green Edition PH-ES515PA_TG
Mid-Range
MB Compatibility
E-ATX (up to 264mm wide) / ATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
Expansion Slots
7
Internal Bays
7x 2.5"/3.5" (two included) 3x 2.5" (one included)
External Bays
1x 5.25"
Front Panel
2x USB 3.0 / Audio I/O
Dimensions (Inches)
8.3 x 18.3 x 18.5
-
$94.99
Fractal Design Computer Case FD-CA-DEF-R5-BKO-W
High-End
MB Compatibility
ATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
Expansion Slots
7
Internal Bays
8x 3.5"/2.5" / 2x SSD
External Bays
2x 5.25"
Front Panel
2x USB 3.0 / 2x USB 2.0 / Audio I/O
Dimensions (Inches)
9.1 x 18.2 x 20.9
$149.99

Best Full-Tower Cases for Cable Management

Below you can find the best full-tower PC cases which offer excellent cable management. Full-tower cases are great if you’re building a really powerful PC and have an E-ATX motherboard.

When choosing between the cases below, the main things to consider are the aesthetics of the case and the features they have to offer.

Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower Chassis with Window Cases PH-ES614P_BK
NZXT Phantom 530 Full Tower Computer Case, Glossy Black (CA-PH530-B1)
Cooler Master SGC-5000-KWN2 Trooper SE Full-Tower Case, Tempered Glass, VGA Vertical Display, Carrying Handle, LED, USB 3.0
Budget
Mid-Range
High-End
MB Compatibility
E-ATX / ATX / Micro-ATX
E-ATX (322x272mm) / ATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
XL-ATX / E-ATX / ATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
Expansion Slots
8
8
9 + 2
Internal Bays
6x 3.5" (2x 3 HDD cages) / 7x 2.5" (1x SSD bracket) (expandable up to 2x SSD bracket)
6x 3.5"/2.5" / 1x 2.5"
2x 3.5"/2.5 / 4+1(from X-Dock)x 2.5" SSD
External Bays
3x 5.25"
3x 5.25"
1x 5.25"
Front Panel
2x USB 3.0 / 2x USB 2.0 / Audio I/O
2x USB 3.0 / Audio I/O
2x USB 3.0 / 2x USB 2.0 / Audio I/O
Dimensions (Inches)
9.3 x 21.1 x 21.2
9.3 x 22.5 x 21.4
9.8 x 23.8 x 22.8
from $108.25
$145.30
$136.56
Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower Chassis with Window Cases PH-ES614P_BK
Budget
MB Compatibility
E-ATX / ATX / Micro-ATX
Expansion Slots
8
Internal Bays
6x 3.5" (2x 3 HDD cages) / 7x 2.5" (1x SSD bracket) (expandable up to 2x SSD bracket)
External Bays
3x 5.25"
Front Panel
2x USB 3.0 / 2x USB 2.0 / Audio I/O
Dimensions (Inches)
9.3 x 21.1 x 21.2
from $108.25
NZXT Phantom 530 Full Tower Computer Case, Glossy Black (CA-PH530-B1)
Mid-Range
MB Compatibility
E-ATX (322x272mm) / ATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
Expansion Slots
8
Internal Bays
6x 3.5"/2.5" / 1x 2.5"
External Bays
3x 5.25"
Front Panel
2x USB 3.0 / Audio I/O
Dimensions (Inches)
9.3 x 22.5 x 21.4
$145.30
Cooler Master SGC-5000-KWN2 Trooper SE Full-Tower Case, Tempered Glass, VGA Vertical Display, Carrying Handle, LED, USB 3.0
High-End
MB Compatibility
XL-ATX / E-ATX / ATX / Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX
Expansion Slots
9 + 2
Internal Bays
2x 3.5"/2.5 / 4+1(from X-Dock)x 2.5" SSD
External Bays
1x 5.25"
Front Panel
2x USB 3.0 / 2x USB 2.0 / Audio I/O
Dimensions (Inches)
9.8 x 23.8 x 22.8
$136.56

How Important is Cable Management?

The first thing you might be wondering is whether or not cable management is really that important. Well, in terms of the performance of your PC, super neat and tidy cables aren’t going to make a difference. As long as the cables are securely strapped down and they won’t interfere with any moving parts, it will be fine.

So, why choose a case with good cable management?

There are a couple of reasons you might want to choose a case with good cable management. Firstly, it looks good. If you plan on buying a case with a window, you probably don’t want the first thing you see to be cables awkwardly snaking around your case.

The second reason is that a case with good cable management makes it much easier to put your build together and replace any parts. Building a PC can be a nightmare if the case doesn’t offer good routing options for cables or if it is too cramped.

What Makes a PC Case Have Good Cable Management?

Now we’re going to look at some factors that make for good cable management. These are specific things for cable management, and we’ll look at some more general considerations when choosing a PC case in the next section.

  • Lots of space – Having a nice and roomy case makes cable management much easier. Almost every PC build is going to be different, so having a large area to work with means you will have lots of routing options, regardless of your components. When you have too much cramped into a small space, it can be very difficult to organise all the cables. This means that smaller cases like mini-towers and Mini-ITX cases are not ideal for cable management.
  • Good layout – Some manufacturers put more thought into the layout of their case than others. For example, some cases have space behind the motherboard to help with cable management, and some well placed cable tie holes can really make things easier.
  • Cable ties and accessories – A PC case with good cable management should come with plenty of cable ties and possibly some additional accessories. For example, some cases come with velcro straps which can come in really handy.

Cable Management Guide

The video below is a fantastic guide to cable management from Linus Tech Tips.

Other Things to Consider When Choosing a PC Case

Along with choosing a PC case that is good specifically for cable management, there are some more general considerations to take into account.

Size or Form Factor

The most important thing to consider when choosing a PC case is the size. There are four main sizes which I have outlined below. Within each of these size categories there are variations in size so do make sure you check the dimensions of specific cases if the exact size is important to you. For example, you can get smaller mid-tower cases and larger mid-tower cases. These four size categories are just a guideline to the size, and refer more to the types of motherboard they are compatible with.

  • Mid-tower (ATX) – Mid tower PC cases are the most popular size. They are big enough to build a fairly powerful rig, but they’re not too big that they become cumbersome. Mid tower cases are usually compatible with ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX motherboards. Unless you plan on building a monster gaming PC or you need to keep things compact, then a mid-tower case is likely the best option for you.
  • Full-tower (E-ATX) – Full-tower PC cases are larger and designed more towards specialist situations. Most people won’t need what a full-tower has to offer, but if you’re looking to build a really powerful PC, you’re going to need the extra space for components and a cooling setup. Aswell as ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX motherboards, full-tower cases are usually compatible with E-ATX motherboards.
  • Mini-tower (Micro-ATX) – Mini-tower PC cases are generally better suited for budget builds. The cases themselves are usually fairly cheap, and you’re not going to need huge amounts of space because you won’t be cramming it with really powerful components if you’re building a budget rig. Mini-tower cases are usually only compatible with micro-ATX and mini-ITX motherboards. Micro-ATX motherboards are very common with budget builds so this shouldn’t be a problem, but do keep in mind that mini-tower case don’t usually support ATX motherboards. Unfortunately, due to their small size, mini-tower cases cases aren’t great for cable management.
  • Small form factor (Mini-ITX) – Small form factor PC cases are the smallest. There are two main reasons you might want to consider a small form factor case. Firstly, you can build a PC that is very portable, and secondly, they are great for home theatre PC setups because of their compact size means they fit nicely on shelves or in closets. Small form factor cases are usually only compatible with mini-ITX motherboards. Like with mini-tower cases, the small size of these cases make them not a great choice for cable management.

Budget

Another thing you need to consider is the cost of the case. You might be thinking that since there aren’t moving parts to a PC case that a more expensive case won’t have much else to offer over a cheaper case.

This is true to a certain extent. Obviously build quality comes into play and you don’t want a case that falls apart after a few weeks. But unless you want the case to have a certain look or you need specific features, you don’t need to spend a huge amount.

When it comes to cable management, you will find that the cheaper cases aren’t that great. You don’t need to spend a huge amount, but you will need to spend over $50 for a case with good cable management.

Aesthetics

Some people don’t care at all what their PC looks like, but to others it is a big deal. Whether you want to build a futuristic-looking gaming PC that looks like it’s just landed from outer space, or you want to avoid that completely for a more formal setting, you might want to consider the aesthetics of the case.

Additional Features

Finally, you should consider any additional features you might need. This includes things like the front panel and the number/type of ports on it, fans built into the case, and the number of drive bays.

Some PC cases have a tool-less design. These are designed so you won’t need screwdrivers or other tools to put your build together. This isn’t a huge deal, but it can be handy if you will be replacing parts or moving stuff around a lot.

Conclusion

Cable management isn’t the most important thing to consider when building a PC. As long as the cables are strapped down and not getting in the way, you’re good to go. However, good cable management can make it easier to put together your rig and change components later on. Good cable management also looks much better if aesthetics are important to you. The cases we have chosen have lots of space and a good layout making them excellent for cable management.

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The Best GPUs for 1440p Gaming (60hz and 144hz) /the-best-gpus-for-1440p-gaming-60hz-and-144hz/ /the-best-gpus-for-1440p-gaming-60hz-and-144hz/#respond Thu, 05 Jul 2018 21:47:27 +0000 /?p=8120 [Read More]]]>

If you have a 1440p monitor, you will want to buy a GPU that gets the most out of your monitor without being overkill. In this guide, we will run you through the various things you will need to consider first, and then look at the best GPUs for 1440p gaming, whether you have a 60hz monitor or 144hz monitor.

Things to Consider

There are many different GPUs suitable for 1440p gaming and the best one for you will depend on various factors.

  • Games you play – Perhaps the most important thing to consider are the games you play. Different games vary drastically in terms of how graphically demanding they are. Some low demand games like CS:GO will only require a fairly weak card, even for a 1440p 144hz monitor. Other games will require a much more powerful card.
  • In-game graphics settings – If you’re willing to turn down settings in-game, you can often get decent performance from relatively weak GPUs. For example, you should be able to get around 60 FPS in most games with a GTX 1060 at 1440p if you turn down graphical settings.
  • G-Sync and FreeSync monitors – Nvidia’s G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync technologies sync the graphics card to the monitors refresh rate. This gives a much smoother gaming experience. It functions in a similar way to v-sync but without the input lag. G-Sync only works with Nvidia cards and FreeSync only works with AMD cards. Take this into consideration if you’re monitor has either of these features.
  • The rest of your build – The rest of your build also comes into play when deciding on a graphics card. For example, if you have a weak CPU and pair it with a powerful card like the GTX 1080, the CPU will bottleneck the graphics card and most of the 1080’s power will go to waste. Game Debate is a great website to test your hardware.

Best GPUs for 1440p Gaming

Below you can a list of the best GPUs for 1440p gaming and who they are best suited for whether you have a 60hz monitor or a 144hz monitor.

1. Nvidia Geforce GTX 1060

from $268.02Buy on Amazon

  • Good budget card for 1440p 60hz gaming.
  • Not good for 1440p 144hz unless you play VERY low demand games like CS:GO.
  • G-Sync compatible

The minimum card i would recommend for 1440p gaming is the GTX 1060. However, if you’re wanting to future-proof your PC I would advise getting a more powerful card. You will likely get around 60 FPS in most games if you turn down the settings, although you should definitely expect frame drops below 60 FPS. More demanding games will struggle to even hit 60 FPS at 1440p. If you will only be playing very low demanding games like CS:GO, the GTX 1060 is a great card for 1440p at 60hz or 144hz.

Sale
MSI GAMING GeForce GTX 1060 6GB GDRR5 192-bit HDCP Support DirectX 12 Dual Fan VR Ready OC Graphics Card (GTX 1060 6GT OCV1)
  • Chipset: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060
  • Video Memory: 6GB GDDR5. Memory clock speed: 8008 MHz
  • Memory Interface: 192-bit
  • Bus: PCI-Express 3.0 x16

2. AMD Radeon RX 580

$239.00Buy on Amazon

  • Good budget card for 1440p 60hz gaming.
  • Not good for 1440p 144hz unless you play VERY low demand games like CS:GO.
  • FreeSync compatible

The RX 580 performs similarly to the GTX 1060. It’s just about okay for 1440p gaming on a 60hz monitor but I wouldn’t recommend it for a 144hz monitor unless you will only be playing very low demand games.

Sale
Gigabyte Radeon RX 580 Gaming 4GB Graphic Cards GV-RX580GAMING-4GD
  • Core Clock (MHz): 1355 in OC Mode and 1340 in Gaming Mode
  • WINDFORCE 2X with Blade Fan Design
  • RGB fusion - 16.8M customizable color lighting
  • Stylish Metal Back Plate

3. Nvidia Geforce GTX 1070

from $409.99Buy on Amazon

  • Our top pick for 1440p 60hz gaming.
  • Reasonable for 1440p 144hz gaming if you turn settings down.
  • G-Sync compatible

For gaming on 1440p 60hz monitors, our top pick is the GTX 1070. In most AAA games, even on the highest settings, you should get above 60 FPS most of the time. For gaming on 1440p 144hz monitors it is a reasonable card, but I would recommend getting something more powerful if you will be playing highly demanding AAA titles. If your okay with turning the settings down, it’s a good budget choice for 1440p 144hz gaming, but you’re not going to be getting the most out of your monitor.

Sale
MSI Gaming GeForce GTX 1070 8GB GDDR5 SLI DirectX 12 VR Ready Graphics Card (GTX 1070 GAMING X 8G)
  • Chipset: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
  • Video Memory: 8GB GDDR5 and card dimension(mm)-6-pin x 1, 8-pin x 1
  • Memory Clock: 8108 MHz (oc mode) ; Memory 8GB GDDR5 (256-bit) , Interface: PCI Express x16 3.0
  • Max. Resolution: 7680 x 4320, support 4x Display monitors

4. AMD Radeon RX Vega 56

from $99.99Buy on Amazon

  • Good choice for 1440p 60hz gaming.
  • Reasonable for 1440p 144hz gaming if you turn settings down.
  • FreeSync compatible

The RX Vega 56 performs similarly to the GTX 1070. It’s a great card for gaming on a 1440p 60hz monitor. It’s not the worst choice for a 144hz monitor, but you will be wasting quite a few of those hz.

Sale
XFX Radeon Rx Vega 56 8GB 3xDP HDMI Graphic Cards RX-VEGMLBFX6
  • Chipset - AMD Vega 56
  • 8GB HBM2 Memory
  • Crossfire ready
  • AMD LiquidVR ready

5. Nvidia Geforce GTX 1080

$469.00Buy on Amazon

  • Good for future-proofing 1440p 60hz and playing at the highest settings (although a little bit overkill).
  • Good for 1440p 144hz (athough invest in a GTX 1080 Ti if you can afford it).
  • G-Sync compatible

Another great GPU for 1440p gaming is the GTX 1080. If you have a 1440p 60hz monitor it’s a good graphics card for future-proofing. It will be a little bit overkill at the moment because you will get quite a bit more than 60 FPS in most games, but this might change with newer, more graphically demanding games. The GTX 1080 is a good choice for 1440p 144hz monitors too. However, if you can afford it, I would recommend a GTX 1080 Ti for 144hz monitors because even the GTX 1080 won’t make full use of the extra hz in most AAA games.

Sale
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 Windforce OC GV-N1080WF3OC-8GD Graphics Cards
  • Powered by NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080
  • Integrated with 8GB gddr5x 256-bit Memory
  • WindForce 3x with Blade fan design
  • Support up to 8K Display @60Hz. The semi-passive fans will remain off when the GPU is under a set loading or temperature for...

6. AMD Radeon RX Vega 64

from $99.99Buy on Amazon

  • Good for future-proofing 1440p 60hz and playing at the highest settings (although a little bit overkill).
  • Good for 1440p 144hz (athough invest in a GTX 1080 Ti if you can afford it).
  • FreeSync compatible

The RX Vega 64 performs similarly to the GTX 1080. It’s a good card for future-proofing if you have a 1440p 60hz monitor, and a good choice if you have a 1440p 144hz monitor, but you’re probably not going to be getting the most out of your 144hz monitor with this card.

Sale
XFX Radeon RX Vega 64 8 GB HBM2 3 x DP HDMI Graphics Card RX-VEGMTBFX6
  • Chipset - AMD rx Vega 64
  • 8GB HBM2 Memory
  • GPU Core Clock - 1247Mhz boost mode - 1546Mhz
  • VR premium ready

7. Nvidia Geforce GTX 1080 Ti

from $754.99Buy on Amazon

  • Our top pick for 1440p 144hz gaming.
  • Overkill for 1440p 60hz gaming.
  • G-Sync compatible

Our top pick for gaming on 1440p 144hz monitors is the GTX 1080 Ti. In all honesty, you’re still unlikely to hit 144 FPS in most games with this card. However, you are likely to get above 100 FPS for a good chunk of the time (except for very graphically demanding games), so it will make good use of your monitor. If you have a 1440p 60hz monitor, the GTX 1080 Ti will be overkill unless you plan on upgrading to a 144hz monitor any time soon.

Sale
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1080 Ti Gaming OC 11GB Graphic Cards N108TGAMINGOC-11GD
  • Core Clock (MHz): 1657/1544 (Boost/Base) in OC Mode and 1632/1518 (Boost/Base) in Gaming Mode
  • WINDFORCE 3X Cooling System
  • RGB fusion - 16.8M customizable color lighting
  • Built for Extreme Overclocking 8+2 Power Phases
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