34" Extra wide 1440 or 4K?

EmJay22 · December 14, 2023

Been using a 27" 1440 with DCS and love it. Not interested in VR. Prices of wide screens keep dropping.

After reading lots of comments about the pros and cons about both, I think I decided to not do anything. Because if I hate whatever I get, returning it won't be easy.

I totally get the argument that 4K will make other aircraft harder to see. And still think that extra wide 3440 x 1440 is just .. well strange.

Then it occurred to me that a much wider view, at the same pixel size as I have now, might make carrier landings a bit easier with the added peripheral vision.

I do use TrackIR.

Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

LucShep · December 14, 2023

It depends on various things...

It depends on the system you'll be using DCS with that new screen.
You seem to have a 2560x1440 27'' screen. How much are you seeing in the GPU usage?
If you're already seeing over 80% of GPU usage at that resolution, then at 4K you'll certainly hit 100% with the same settings, forcing you to decrease settings.
On the other hand, with the recent inclusion of DLAA, TAA, and DLSS, you'll certainly manage a compromise with settings that can make you really satisfied.
It depends what you value most, more resolution or more framerate.
The jump in clarity and definition from 1440P to 4K is as big -if not bigger- than 1080P to 1440P. It's that good. But it's still very intensive after all these years - it does push the GPU to its limits at a certain point... forget 90+FPS everywhere and all the time in DCS at 4K, it won't happen.
As to say, if you're the type of person that "it always has to be 120+FPS all the time, period" then DCS in 4K is probably not for you. Especially if not using the very best hardware.
It depends what you value most, vertical depth or horizontal depth.
Widescreen format, either in 21:9 (super-wide) or 32:9 (ultra-wide) really is an acquired taste. You should definitely try it first, it may or may not work for you.
Some swear by it, and it does have its pluses depending on application. For example, for sim-racing the big curved ultra-wide 49'' monitors are excelent.
But then, we're talking flight-sims + TrackIR here.... and in this particular scenario (DCS and others) I personally don't think it works all that well.
You lose the immersive vertical depth that a regular 16:9 screen provides, and is an important factor you'll be missing.
Personally, I felt like "something is missing", as if the top of the screen was chopped off (I regretted it... never again).

In regards to the spotting in DCS, even with latest updates, it's still mediocre regardless of resolution (IMO). I do not think this should be considered as a decision factor for your new screen. The immersion, the clarity, definition, motion handling, crispness of colors, overall image quality, now those certainly are.

I'm sure opinions will vary but, I'd really recommend two potential paths in 16:9 format, first because they are safe bets for DCS and, second, because in your case it's basically taking what you already seem to like and make it "bigger, more better" :

A good 32'' 2560x1440 (1440P) monitor is fairly affordable now. Yes, the pixel density is lower compared to your 27'' with same resolution (equivalent to that of a 24'' 1080P screen), but still very good on a bigger 1440P screen that is also easy to run (same as you have in that aspect).
There are OLED panels at 32'' size, but they're too pricey for the size (IMO). Models with IPS panel are affordable and the better choice for this size, with good overall quality and no ghosting/smearing issues with fast moving images (likely to happen with VA panels and why some avoid these).
Examples: Gigabyte M32Q, Asus TUF VG32AQL1A, LG 32GP750 and 32GP850 (these are all IPS)
A good 43'' or 42'' 3840x2160 (4K) monitor can be expensive and a little harder to run but is, most likely, the choice that will knock your socks off.
IPS panel would be good but don't know any high-refresh model (LG 43UN700-B is 60Hz only, ok but not "wow"). There are some with VA panel (Samsung, Asus, etc).
An OLED panel is definitely the best of all (excelent) and very worth a look - if it's for pure gaming use (burn-in risk factor).
Examples: LG C2 42'' and C3 42'' (OLED, 120hz)

I'd even recommend a 48'' 4K OLED, but then we're entering a whole'nother level of "bigger more better"....

Edited December 15, 2023 by LucShep

Biggus · December 15, 2023

I've got a 35 inch 3440x1440 monitor and it's been great.

There's another option but it is somewhat less common - 3440x1600. You get more vertical screen space, which would be enormously helpful in DCS.

SharpeXB · December 15, 2023

Consider the height and therefore sheer size of the image when comparing 16:9 to 21:9+. It would take a 50” ultrawide to equal the size of a 32” 16:9 screen, a smaller ultrawide would leave you feeling like someone just chopped off the top and bottom of your screen. Size matters. I personally resolved that decision with a 48” 16:9 OLED LG monitor. It’s totally fantastic!

I wouldn’t worry too much about spotting in 4K. A solution for that is in the works. Higher resolution is of course the best for IDing other aircraft.

Edited December 15, 2023 by SharpeXB

Hiob · December 15, 2023

I wouldn't go ultrawide either. Consider that vertical screenspace is very useful when doing stuff (dogfighting e.g.). We're operating in three dimensions here, unlike a racing simulator, where I would totally go for ultrawide.

I also use a 48" 16/9 LG OLED, and I love it.

EmJay22 · December 15, 2023

Thank you to all for all these great responses.

The more I think about ultra-wide, the more I think it's a waste of money. A 32" isn't gonna add much more to what I currently see with my 27" 1440.

I do have an Asrock OC formula 16GB AMD RX 6950 XT so I think 4K is probably doable, though I know my motherboard and CPU are a bit old and it's probably CPU bound at this point.

I am a bit limited in desk space and as my current configuration has my head about 2 ft from the display. So am not sure I can go bigger than a 34.

I think 27 to 34 is a pretty decent upgrade. If my rig can't handle at 34" 4K, then I will dial the settings back down as I upgrade mainboard and CPU. (That's just such a pain!)

Hiob · December 15, 2023

3 minutes ago, EmJay22 said:

Thank you to all for all these great responses.

The more I think about ultra-wide, the more I think it's a waste of money. A 32" isn't gonna add much more to what I currently see with my 27" 1440.

I do have an Asrock OC formula 16GB AMD RX 6950 XT so I think 4K is probably doable, though I know my motherboard and CPU are a bit old and it's probably CPU bound at this point.

I am a bit limited in desk space and as my current configuration has my head about 2 ft from the display. So am not sure I can go bigger than a 34.

I think 27 to 34 is a pretty decent upgrade. If my rig can't handle at 34" 4K, then I will dial the settings back down as I upgrade mainboard and CPU. (That's just such a pain!)

4K doesn't put any additional strain on your CPU. It only needs GPU muscle power. As you said - your GPU should be up to the task. (and you can of course still play in lower non-native resolutions)

27 -> 34 Is certainly a nice upgrade. You will definitly enjoy it!

Edit: I started playing in 4K with a 1080ti....

Edited December 15, 2023 by Hiob

EmJay22 · December 15, 2023

8 minutes ago, Hiob said:

4K doesn't put any additional strain on your CPU. It only needs GPU muscle power. As you said - your GPU should be up to the task. (and you can of course still play in lower non-native resolutions)

27 -> 34 Is certainly a nice upgrade. You will definitly enjoy it!

Edit: I started playing in 4K with a 1080ti....

Oh wow.. awesome.

17 hours ago, LucShep said:

It depends on various things...

It depends on the system you'll be using DCS with that new screen.
You seem to have a 2560x1440 27'' screen. How much are you seeing in the GPU usage?
If you're already seeing over 80% of GPU usage at that resolution, then at 4K you'll certainly hit 100% with the same settings, forcing you to decrease settings.
On the other hand, with the recent inclusion of DLAA, TAA, and DLSS, you'll certainly manage a compromise with settings that can make you really satisfied.

It depends what you value most, more resolution or more framerate.
The jump in clarity and definition from 1440P to 4K is as big -if not bigger- than 1080P to 1440P. It's that good. But it's still very intensive after all these years - it does push the GPU to its limits at a certain point... forget 90+FPS everywhere and all the time in DCS at 4K, it won't happen.
As to say, if you're the type of person that "it always has to be 120+FPS all the time, period" then DCS in 4K is probably not for you. Especially if not using the very best hardware.

It depends what you value most, vertical depth or horizontal depth.
Widescreen format, either in 21:9 (super-wide) or 32:9 (ultra-wide) really is an acquired taste. You should definitely try it first, it may or may not work for you.
Some swear by it, and it does have its pluses depending on application. For example, for sim-racing the big curved ultra-wide 49'' monitors are excelent.
But then, we're talking flight-sims + TrackIR here.... and in this particular scenario (DCS and others) I personally don't think it works all that well.
You lose the immersive vertical depth that a regular 16:9 screen provides, and is an important factor you'll be missing.
Personally, I felt like "something is missing", as if the top of the screen was chopped off (I regretted it... never again).

In regards to the spotting in DCS, even with latest updates, it's still mediocre regardless of resolution (IMO). I do not think this should be considered as a decision factor for your new screen. The immersion, the clarity, definition, motion handling, crispness of colors, overall image quality, now those certainly are.

I'm sure opinions will vary but, I'd really recommend two potential paths in 16:9 format, first because they are safe bets for DCS and, second, because in your case it's basically taking what you already seem to like and make it "bigger, more better" :

A good 32'' 2560x1440 (1440P) monitor is fairly affordable now. Yes, the pixel density is lower compared to your 27'' with same resolution (equivalent to that of a 24'' 1080P screen), but still very good on a bigger 1440P screen that is also easy to run (same as you have in that aspect).
There are OLED panels at 32'' size, but they're too pricey for the size (IMO). Models with IPS panel are affordable and the better choice for this size, with good overall quality and no ghosting/smearing issues with fast moving images (likely to happen with VA panels and why some avoid these).
Examples: Gigabyte M32Q, Asus TUF VG32AQL1A, LG 32GP750 and 32GP850 (these are all IPS)

A good 43'' or 42'' 3840x2160 (4K) monitor can be expensive and a little harder to run but is, most likely, the choice that will knock your socks off.
IPS panel would be good but don't know any high-refresh model (LG 43UN700-B is 60Hz only, ok but not "wow"). There are some with VA panel (Samsung, Asus, etc).
An OLED panel is definitely the best of all (excelent) and very worth a look - if it's for pure gaming use (burn-in risk factor).
Examples: LG C2 42'' and C3 42'' (OLED, 120hz)

I'd even recommend a 48'' 4K OLED, but then we're entering a whole'nother level of "bigger more better"....

And thank you so much for providing all this great food for thought. I really do appreciate the time you spent on this.

Hiob · December 15, 2023

Well,

the 1080 ti is (was) no slouch by any means.

...and of course I compromised on some gfx settings and fps. But it looked good and was perfectly playable!

LucShep · December 15, 2023

1 hour ago, EmJay22 said:

The more I think about ultra-wide, the more I think it's a waste of money. A 32" isn't gonna add much more to what I currently see with my 27" 1440.

(...)
I am a bit limited in desk space and as my current configuration has my head about 2 ft from the display. So am not sure I can go bigger than a 34.

32'' is definitely a noticeable increase coming from 27''.
...do you imagine downgrading to a 22''? (those tiny little things heh)

Now compare your 27'' to a 34'' SuperWide:

If your desk is short and you're forced to be very close to the monitor, then of course a 42'' is probably out of the equation but, just look at the scale.........
The in-game cockpits (everything really) then start to feel a LOT more "real life like" (LG 42'' OLED C2 or C3 are really, really good, I tell ya)

PS: comparisons from https://www.displaywars.com/

Edited December 15, 2023 by LucShep

EmJay22 · December 15, 2023

2 hours ago, LucShep said:

32'' is definitely a noticeable increase coming from 27''.
...do you imagine downgrading to a 22''? (those tiny little things heh)

Now compare your 27'' to a 34'' SuperWide:

If your desk is short and you're forced to be very close to the monitor, then of course a 42'' is probably out of the equation but, just look at the scale.........
The in-game cockpits (everything really) then start to feel a LOT more "real life like" (LG 42'' OLED C2 or C3 are really, really good, I tell ya)

PS: comparisons from https://www.displaywars.com/

Very useful size comparison.

I'm one of those old timers who generally doesn't use headphones and has some ancient ADS speakers on my desk with an MB Quart center channel speaker. I have to keep finding ways to move the center speaker every time I get a bigger monitor. Attaching a shelf to the wall will likely result in death when wife sees it.

Is not the need for a curved monitor proportional to the size?

Just how close can one sit to a 42" ?

Nazgûl · December 15, 2023

Hi man.

In November I was upgrading my PC. I was in doubt between a 32" 16:9 1440p or a 34" 21:9 1440p. I was using a 24" 16:9.

I chose the 32" 1440p because it would give me a larger image and I'm very happy. The 34" would give me an image the size of a 27" d but with more information on the sides.

But adding some things that I learned in my research (they may have already told you here, so sorry if it's repetitive).

The 34" ultrawide is the same as a 27" but with more area on the sides.

As 1440p resolution is the most recommended for a 27", this is also the most recommended for a 34" ultrawide (they have the same ppi). More recommended because if you opt for 4k you will be losing performance but not gaining much more sharpness.

The 34" monitor is the same height as a 27", and if it is 1440p, it will also have the same ppi.

The 32" (16:9) is taller and a little less wide than the 34". My 32" is 1440p. In this configuration (2K), it has the same ppi as a 24 FHD monitor, that is, a 32" 1440p has the same sharpness as a 24" FHD.

I believe you already know, but it doesn't hurt to write in case anyone else is interested. Monitor has some features that make the choice more complicated than it seems:

- Inches: 24", 27", 32", 34"...(which is the diagonal measurement of the screen)
- height and width: The largest inch does not always mean greater height or width
- resolution: FHD, 1440p, 4K... this, associated with the screen size, will give you the ppi
- ppi: the higher it is, the greater the sharpness and greater VGA consumption.

(sorry for any personal errors. Any errors, please correct me)

I'll put up some videos that helped me and some photos comparing my 24" with the 32". It may not help you much, but it may help other interested parties.

24" 53 x 29.5 = 1,563.5cm²
27" 60 x 33.5 = 2,010cm² (28.5% larger than 24')
31.5" 70 x 39.2 = 2,744cm² (75.5% larger than 24'; 36% larger than 27')
34" 80 x 33.5 = 2,680cm²

Pixels:

FHD --- 2,073,600
QHD --- 3,686,400 - 77.7% more pixels than FHD.
UWQHD - 4,953,600 - 34.3% more pixels than QHD.
4K --- 8,264,400 - 67% more pixels than UWQHD.

Video comparing the 32" with the 34"

PPI table

I put the DCS in FHD and windowed mode to compare the image size of a 24" FHD monitor with the size of a 32", because 24" was my monitor.

I used the DCS zoom to scale the image as close to the FHD image above to see how much image (information) it would gain.

Image without changing the zoom, showing how much larger the image is on the 32" compared to the 24".

Attention. When thinking about a larger or smaller image, it does not mean greater or lesser sharpness. Sharpness is a mix between screen size and resolution. The image below (32" and 1440p) is larger but with the same sharpness as a 24" in FHD.

Difference in size (area) of a 32" and a 24".

Edited December 15, 2023 by Nazgûl

LucShep · December 15, 2023

Good post @Nazgûl that's nicely detailed and exemplified.

12 hours ago, EmJay22 said:

I'm one of those old timers who generally doesn't use headphones and has some ancient ADS speakers on my desk with an MB Quart center channel speaker. I have to keep finding ways to move the center speaker every time I get a bigger monitor. Attaching a shelf to the wall will likely result in death when wife sees it.

I kind of relate with your issue... At some point I didn't know what to do with my old 7.1 speakers/tweeters+sub system that I held on for years and years.
One day I realize I can't live anymore with the space restrictions and so many cables around. My constant "evo versions of the man cave" instead had transformed into something opposite to my ideal "comfortable personal zone" once envisioned. haha
Some space restructuring and recycling followed... best thing I did then. I love headphones, so kept mine, losing the complicated sound system was not too hard after all.

You don't like headphones, so in your case I think the best solution could be trying a soundbar system (and store all the speakers away).
It's same principle as you see now for big TV's, but for PCs and gaming instead.
One bar below the screen, usually "fits" the space, it's simple, looks clean and neat, good sound to make you grin.
Plenty brands and models at wildly different budgets, compact or large, systems from 2.0 to 7.1, gadgets galore or simplistic, with or without sub-woofer.

Many articles around about it, this long one also with recommendations is as good as any: https://www.soundguys.com/best-computer-soundbars-75253/

If you're not sure on the idea, get something really basic and inexpensive, just to see if you gel with the idea and concept.

12 hours ago, EmJay22 said:

Is not the need for a curved monitor proportional to the size?

Just how close can one sit to a 42" ?

With a 42'' screen right in front of the face, I think most will feel that 27 inches (70 centimeters) from it is the minimum comfortable distance, you won't like it being too close.
Regardless, jumping so much in size of screen will always be a bit of a shock in first days of use. Each person is different, of course, but one gets accustomated quickly.

Hey, I remember gaming on CRTs, first a 13'', later a 15'', then onto a brand new 19'' to substitute it and thinking "wow, that's definitely the maximum sized screen one would ever be comfortable with!!" ....over 20 years later, that didn't age well.

Unless you get a really big screen (43'' and over), I personally don't think you'll ever see a need for a curved-screen. Also, flat-screens fit in a desk much better.
I do miss my old '55 curved Samsung NU8500 (then placed on a vertical stand at front of desk, not over it), but that thing was just friggin ginormous.

Better take a walk at the mall or a store where you get to see those screens, sometimes it's enough to understand if it's what you envisioned or not.
Maybe entertain the idea of simulating how it'd go and fit in the place, by cutting some cardboard paper or something the size of the screens you're looking at.

32'' 16/9 screen, estimated dimensions:

42'' 16/9 screen, estimated dimensions:

34'' 21/9 screen, estimated dimensions:

Matter of budget, desk and space for (and from) the monitor, how you'd feel about it being 1) bigger, 2) much bigger, or 3) just larger at the sides than the one you have....

Edited December 16, 2023 by LucShep

Hiob · December 16, 2023

For the longest time I was very deep into surround sound (5.1 and so on), mostly for home cinema, but at some point I had set up a similar setup for the gaming „workplace“.

Long story short. I left it behind. Nowadays I have a set of (decent) active stereo speakers for each use case. If you set it up correctly, the center speaker is the easiest to get rid off without real loss. The surround/effect speakers are the most noticeable but you get used to it. The need for a subwoofer is very much a matter of taste and a function of the size and punch of your mains. (and of course nobody keeps you from setting up a 2.1)

I did get tired of all the hassle that comes with setting up big multi-channel systems and the impact on your living space. Today I enjoy a good stereo setup and don‘t feel I‘m missing out much. Being content with a simple quality stereo setup makes life so much easier.

SharpeXB · December 16, 2023

I found that surround gaming headphones are so magnificent that I abandoned the idea of computer speakers altogether. There are hardly any 5.1 systems made for the PC anymore. And the big screen doesn’t leave any room for speakers but it’s a fair trade.

Marshallman · December 16, 2023

55 inch LG Oled 4K TV here, running at 120hz and using Track Ir, mind blowing clarity, automatic blue light dimming according to time. Wall mounted. Sitting in a 5ft square sim area.
Kindly bought for me by my son who suffered a torn adductor tendon. I drove for him for a year and a half while it repaired allowing him to continue working.
Ironically, once you have flown VR, you cant go back.

Edited December 16, 2023 by Marshallman

Hiob · December 16, 2023

2 hours ago, SharpeXB said:

And the big screen doesn’t leave any room for speakers.

Your desk is too small!

LucShep · December 16, 2023

1 hour ago, Marshallman said:

Ironically, once you have flown VR, you cant go back.

I have to say, I always loved an overkill sized screen, still do, but... that statement turned out to be true for me as well (for flight sims anyway).

Edited December 16, 2023 by LucShep

Hiob · December 16, 2023

7 hours ago, Marshallman said:

Ironically, once you have flown VR, you cant go back.

Objection! Yes you can.

Simply when you prefer visual fidelity over 3D-depth and fresh air around your face. My Index is shelved (yet again) for those reasons.

I get the appeal of VR, and I will retry it every now and then, and probably (hopefully) find it good enough one day to keep it….. but for now….

A statement I could get behind, would be „once you go OLED, you can’t go back…..“

Marshallman · December 16, 2023

hahaha!!!

SharpeXB · December 16, 2023

10 hours ago, Hiob said:

Your desk is too small!

It’s a 60” desk but there’s other stuff on it. I did realize that the 48” LG is about the largest screen you could set on a desk without it being awkwardly high. The fact that it’s stand is very short is a good thing.

EmJay22 · December 16, 2023

Of course bigger is better, unless there isn't room for it. At least that's what she said!

This looks like a good deal.. for a 32" 4K 240HZ

https://www.newegg.com/samsung-ls32bg852nnxgo-32/p/N82E16824027121

Amazon is even cheaper...

https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Odyssey-FreeSync-Ultrawide-DisplayPort/dp/B09ZH3WM47/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1ZY8DVZIMLLV9&keywords=odyssey%2Bneo%2Bg8%2Bls32bg852nnxgo&qid=1702747527&sprefix=Neo%2BG8%2BLS32BG852NNXGO%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-2&th=1

Edited December 16, 2023 by EmJay22
add another link

LucShep · December 16, 2023

3 hours ago, EmJay22 said:

Of course bigger is better, unless there isn't room for it. At least that's what she said!

This looks like a good deal.. for a 32" 4K 240HZ

https://www.newegg.com/samsung-ls32bg852nnxgo-32/p/N82E16824027121

Amazon is even cheaper...

https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-Odyssey-FreeSync-Ultrawide-DisplayPort/dp/B09ZH3WM47/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1ZY8DVZIMLLV9&keywords=odyssey%2Bneo%2Bg8%2Bls32bg852nnxgo&qid=1702747527&sprefix=Neo%2BG8%2BLS32BG852NNXGO%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-2&th=1

Avoid that one. Two problems, the VA panel and the outrageous price.

VA panel will never be as good as IPS for motion handling, no matter the processing behind it. It's inherent to the panel tech, there's always a bit of blur and smear on fast moving objects and scenario. What VA does better than IPS is contrast-ratio (higher whites and lower blacks) which is very sought for HDR based content, or for games focusing on extremely bright or dark tones (manga/cartoon style, or horror ones). This of no importance for DCS.
IPS panel is better for DCS, always, every single time. The clarity in motion (motion handling) is really important especially with TrackIR, when you need to focus something same time you maneuver, like you would in real life. You'll notice it once in the air and head-tracking, for example in BFM, over forests, or focusing on objects. It's not just that it is more effective, it's how naturally it feels when compared.

Then the price, no 32'' display is worth 1000$ (and over), much less VA panels from Samsung (and others) know to be overpricing their monitors (and TVs!) for years now.
Also, noone using 4K needs 240Hz refresh (it's great for marketing though!). 144Hz with 4K is already outstandingly good, even 120Hz is excelent for a 4K screen.

If you already decided 32'' size in 16/9 format is prefered, and desire a quality 4K high-refresh panel (for DCS but not only), I think these three are what you should be targeting:

Gigabyte M32U
- RTINGS review: https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/gigabyte/m32u
- Newegg: https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16824012042
- Amazon https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-FreeSync-Compatible-3840x2160-Response/dp/B083GRVFXN/ref=sr_1_3?crid=29K39YUK02GPS&keywords=M32U&qid=1702754017&sprefix=m32u%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-3&th=1
LG 32GR93U
- RTINGS review: https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/lg/32gr93u-b
- Newegg: https://www.newegg.com/black-lg-ultragear-32gr93u-b-32/p/N82E16824026380
- Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/LG-UltraGear-3840x2160-DisplayHDR-DisplayPort/dp/B0C633799X/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1S7SG1HCP78DA&keywords=32GR93U&qid=1702754096&sprefix=32gr93u%2Caps%2C290&sr=8-3&th=1
LG 32GQ950
- RTINGS review: https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/lg/32gq950-b
- Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/LG-UltraGear-32GQ950-B-DisplayHDR-FreeSync/dp/B0B355VFH7/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3279G9ADWWA9C&keywords=LG%2B32GQ950&qid=1702759511&sprefix=lg%2B32gq950%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-3&th=1

With all that said, I still think a 32'' 1440P IPS gaming monitor is still the best balanced choice, for 99% of people looking to use DCS at that particular screen size.
The Gigabyte M32Q, Asus TUF VG32AQL1A, LG 32GP850 and LG 32GP750 are all great gaming monitors in this segment, found around 400$.

Edited December 16, 2023 by LucShep

EmJay22 · December 16, 2023

31 minutes ago, LucShep said:

Avoid that one. Two problems, the VA panel and the outrageous price.

VA panel will never be as good as IPS for motion handling, no matter the processing behind it. It's inherent to the panel tech, there's always a bit of blur and smear on fast movements. What VA does better than IPS is contrast-ratio (higher whites and lower blacks) which is very sought for HDR based content, or for games focusing on extremely bright or dark tones (manga/cartoon style, or horror ones). This of no importance for DCS.
IPS panel is better for DCS, always, every single time. The clarity in motion (motion handling) is really important especially with TrackIR, when you need to focus something same time you maneuver, like you would in real life. You'll notice it once in the air and head-tracking, for example in BFM, over forests, or focusing on objects. It's not just more effective, it feels like it should IRL.

Then the price, no 32'' display is worth 1000$, much less VA panels from Samsung (and others) know to be overpricing their gaming monitors (and TVs!) for many years now.
Also, noone using 4K needs 240Hz refresh (it's great for marketing though!). 144Hz with 4K is already outstandingly good, even 120Hz is excelent for a 4K screen.

If you already decided 32'' size in 16/9 format is prefered, and desire a quality 4K high-refresh panel (for DCS but not only), then these three are what you should be targeting:

Gigabyte M32U
- RTINGS review: https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/gigabyte/m32u
- Newegg: https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16824012042
- Amazon https://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-FreeSync-Compatible-3840x2160-Response/dp/B083GRVFXN/ref=sr_1_3?crid=29K39YUK02GPS&keywords=M32U&qid=1702754017&sprefix=m32u%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-3&th=1

LG 32GR93U
- RTINGS review: https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/lg/32gr93u-b
- Newegg: https://www.newegg.com/black-lg-ultragear-32gr93u-b-32/p/N82E16824026380
- Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/LG-UltraGear-3840x2160-DisplayHDR-DisplayPort/dp/B0C633799X/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1S7SG1HCP78DA&keywords=32GR93U&qid=1702754096&sprefix=32gr93u%2Caps%2C290&sr=8-3&th=1

LG 32GQ950
- RTINGS review: https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/lg/32gq950-b
- Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/LG-UltraGear-32GQ950-B-DisplayHDR-FreeSync/dp/B0B355VFH7/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3279G9ADWWA9C&keywords=LG%2B32GQ950&qid=1702759511&sprefix=lg%2B32gq950%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-3&th=1

With all that said, I still think a 32'' 1440P IPS gaming monitor is still the best balanced choice, for 99% of people looking to use DCS at that particular screen size.
The Gigabyte M32Q, Asus TUF VG32AQL1A, LG 32GP850 and LG 32GP750 are all great IPS gaming monitors found around 400$.

I decided to try something really dumb and connect my MSI Vector GP76 laptop to an old Samsung 42" plasma TV via HDMI just to confirm that, yes, bigger is better. The ancient 1080p not good but it was enough to make me realize 32 is not really that much of an upgrade.

It's unfortunate there is not much available between 32 and 42 but I am going to try the card board cut out thing you suggest, sir.

I really do appreciate those links you shared above and will keep them. I certainly don't have the patience to look all that information up.

I did realize that for DCS i was not using the center channel speaker in my set up so I think I can lose it considering I use it primarily for stereo audio listening.

Thank you

LucShep · December 16, 2023

On 12/16/2023 at 9:16 PM, EmJay22 said:

I decided to try something really dumb and connect my MSI Vector GP76 laptop to an old Samsung 42" plasma TV via HDMI just to confirm that, yes, bigger is better. The ancient 1080p not good but it was enough to make me realize 32 is not really that much of an upgrade.

It's unfortunate there is not much available between 32 and 42 but I am going to try the card board cut out thing you suggest, sir.

I really do appreciate those links you shared above and will keep them. I certainly don't have the patience to look all that information up.

I did realize that for DCS i was not using the center channel speaker in my set up so I think I can lose it considering I use it primarily for stereo audio listening.

No problem, glad if it helps.

If you want something between the 32'' and 42'' size, well, then you might be in luck!

ASUS recently revelead the world's first 38'' 4K high-refresh gaming monitor, the ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ. And it's available (at 1000$).
It's a 38'' size, 16/9 format, 3840x2160 144Hz VRR display gaming monitor, with IPS panel. It seems to be also RGB sub-pixel layout (so, perfect text clarity).
A bit expensive, but looks like it checks all the right boxes.