Quote (TheHeistman @ Jun 26 2019 05:17am)
do i need a really good monitor? what would major differences be? I don't feel like i need a really high one
In my opinion, there are only a few things that really matter in choosing a monitor: 1) aspect ratio, 2) resolution, 3) FPS, 4) Frame Syncing, and 5) affordability. Because it's impossible to really appreciate the differences in these qualities, you pretty much have to go to a computer hardware store (Best Buy etc.) to see the differences for yourself.
1) Aspect Ratio: One thing you have to decide if you want a wide-screen (21:9) monitor or a normal 16:9 ratio monitor. If that wide wrap-around feel appeals to you, then you might want a wide-screen monitor. Personally, I love my widescreen, since it feels more immersive, but if you choose a wide-screen monitor then you have to make sacrifices in other areas (either in FPS, resolution, or affordability). Alternately, you could have multiple monitor screens for a wide-screen effect, although I find that bevel between monitors utterly intolerable.
2) Resolution: You've probably noticed this whenever you stroll into a store that sells TVs. Compare how sharp those 4k TVs look to a basic 1080p: there's a huge difference. This difference is a bit different on a computer monitor though, since you're closer to the screen. Also there's 2k resolution for PCs, which is a middle-ground of sorts. The difference is perceptible, but you have to decide for yourself how much this matters to you. Here's a video that tries to demonstrate it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-3ACiPM9y43) FPS (Frames per Second, represented in Hz): This is where a lot of people have differing opinions. Generally speaking, there's three tiers: low-tier (~60 Hz), mid-tier (~120-144 Hz), and high-tier (200-240 Hz). Again, this is something you just have to see in-person and decide how much it matters to you. Nevertheless, here's a useful video that tries to compare the difference in slow-motion:
Personally, I would not get a monitor below 120 Hz because the difference between 60 and 120 is very noticeable for me. Even just moving the mouse cursor is smoother and nicer—I'd never go back to 60. After that, I find the difference between 120 and 144 to be basically imperceptible (you have to really try and see a difference. The video above makes it look way different for some reason, but it isn't). Getting a 240 Hz monitor is diminishing returns, since the human eye can process images only but so quickly, but there is definitely a difference between 240 Hz and 120. It looks smoother.
However, 200+ FPS only matters if you play games that will allow you to regularly reach those FPS—this is why I asked which games you'll be playing. If you'll be playing a lot of online competitive multiplayer games or racing games, then those high-end FPS will be available to you. CSGO, for example, supports 240 FPS I believe. On the other hand, if you're playing mainly single-player games that emphasize resolution more than FPS, then those high-end framerates will never come into play. Like, if you plan on playing the latest Tomb Raider game at high resolution, then you'll absolutely never see 240 Hz. You might be lucky to even reach 80 FPS temporarily (FPS fluctuates).
Another thing to consider is that you will be limited by your GPU. Most GPUs aren't going to reach high framerates without sacrificing quality in other areas (resolution, shading, other graphic settings). So you have to decide what matters here and if your GPU can handle it.
4) Frame Syncing: Have you ever played a game and noticed "screen tearing"? I have, and it's fucking annoying. This is why you will want a monitor that has either FreeSync or G-Sync. Freesync is cheaper and most monitors have it (the one in your link has Freesync). G-Sync is better and more consistent, but costs more, and you must have an Nvidia chip that supports it (your build currently does). Personally, I would disqualify any monitor that doesn't come with at least Freesync.
5) Affordability: The more you want out of your monitor, the more it'll cost. You have to decide what matters most to you and rank them in order of importance, because you're going to have to make a sacrifice somewhere and find a balance. You also have to keep in mind that your monitor is only as good as your GPU, so buying a monitor capable of 4k at 144 Hz is pointless if your GPU will bottleneck you to 60 FPS at 4k.
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For me, because I play mainly single-player games that emphasize high-resolution, I emphasized resolution over FPS. I was never going to see 200 FPS in the games I play at high resolution, so getting a 200-240 Hz monitor was pointless (also, if you get a 200-240 Hz monitor, you're stuck with 1080p). I ultimately settled on a 120 Hz monitor, which was my minimum (60 Hz looks noticeably choppier). However, because I really wanted a wide-screen aspect ratio, I had to cut back on the resolution (couldn't get 4k within my price range, but 2k was affordable. This was the most difficult decision for me. If I had to do it over again, I might opt for 4k at 144 Hz over the wide aspect ratio). I also really wanted G-Sync, so that was an automatic prerequisite in my search. However, if I had sacrificed in one of these areas (especially aspect ratio), I could have gotten more in other areas. Another thing is that my GPU is high-end, so I knew I would be able to utilize all of my monitor's potential.
Since it sounds like you'll be using your PC for possibly a wide array of games, I'd try to find something in the middle. Head into PC Part Picker and fool around with the monitor specs until you find something you like. I'd also recommend upping your budget on the monitor a bit. Your PC build won't even matter if your monitor sucks. 1080p and 75 Hz is pretty low-end. Allocating another $50-100 toward the monitor would go a long way, mainly in improving FPS (your current GPU won't allow you to 4k game anyway).
Quote (TheHeistman @ Jun 26 2019 05:17am)
I asked if the market is good atm, cus i remember parts being expensive awhile ago due to the bitcoin craze. He said it is, but said prices may increase if the tarrifs on china pass or whatever
It seems like RAM is still about where it was when the bitcoin frenzy hit. GPU prices have gone down for sure though.
This post was edited by Terps on Jun 26 2019 07:20am