We took a look at ten of the best 1440P 144Hz gaming monitors currently available. This guide breaks down the top options for 2K 144Hz monitors for 2019, including the best G-Sync options and FreeSync options.
If you’re a serious gamer who wants to gain every competitive advantage possible, as well as play your games with the highest detail and best visuals, you’ll likely want to get a 1440P 144Hz monitor.
In this extensive buyer’s guide, we’re going to present you with the best 1440P 144Hz monitors currently available. These are currently the pinnacle of gaming monitors (with exception to the 4K 144Hz monitors that have started to hit the market) and combined the best performance with the highest screen resolution possible.
So, if you have a big budget to spend on your monitor and your in-game visuals and performance are of paramount importance to you, then you’ll want to consider one of these monitors below.
Also, to help you make your decision, we’ve separated the guide into G-Sync 1440P 144Hz monitors and Freesync 1440P 144Hz monitors. If you have an AMD graphics card, you’ll want a Freesync monitor. If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, either a G-Sync monitor or FreeSync monitor will work.
Table of Contents
1. Quick-Look: The Top 1440P 144Hz Monitors
2. The Best G-Sync 1440P 144Hz Monitors
Quick-Look: The Best 1440P 144Hz Monitors for Gamers
For a quick rundown of our top picks for the best 1440P 144Hz monitors for gaming, the table below showcases four of the best options currently available.
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Name | SPECS | RATING | ||
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G-SYNC
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ASUS PG278QR 27″ |
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/10 | ||
FREESYNC
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Samsung C32HG70 32″ |
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/10 | ||
CURVE
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ASUS PG27VQ 27” |
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/10 | ||
BUDGET
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AOC AG271QX 27″ |
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/10 |
*To read more about each of the monitors in the table above, click on the “Read Review »” link to skip down to our overview on the specific monitor. You can also keep scrolling further down to see our other options as well.
G-Sync 1440P 144Hz Monitors
NVIDIA’s G-Sync technology helps ensure that your monitor and graphics card sync with each other and maintain the same refresh rate. The result is a reduction in (or complete prevention of) screen tearing.
AMD also has a similar technology (FreeSync), but if you have an NVIDIA graphics card already, your only option to take advantage of variable refresh rate technology is by pairing it with a G-Sync monitor.
Fortunately, if you do have a NVIDIA GPU, there are plenty of solid 1440P 144Hz G-Sync monitors out there. Below we’ve listed the best G-Sync 144Hz 1440P monitors.
Comparison of 1440P/144Hz Monitors (G-Sync)
ASUS PG278QR 27″ |
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/10 |
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Recommendation
The ASUS PG278QR is quite possible the best overall gaming monitor currently on the market. With a 1440P resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, it is one of the few monitos out there that combines a high-resolution panel with incredibly performance. I wouldn’t recommend this monitor to anyone who doesn’t have (or isn’t planning on getting) a high-end gaming computer, though, as lower-end systems won’t be able to truly take advantage of its features.
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TECH SPECS
RESOLUTION | 2560×1440 |
SCREEN SIZE | 27″ |
RESPONSE | 4ms GTG |
PANEL | IPS |
REFRESH | 165Hz |
ASUS PG278QR 27″ Review
If you’ve got an unlimited budget and you want the best-of-the-best, the first option you’ll want to check out is the ASUS ROG PG278QR 27″ monitor. The PG278QR is a 2560×1440 monitor that has a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time.
It’s a WQHD TN panel monitor that has a slim bevel design and is G-Sync compatible.
It also comes with 16.7 million display colors and a 1,000:1 contrast ratio. It offers one DisplayPort and HDMI port, as well as two USB 3.0 ports.
The high price tag on this ASUS 1440P 165Hz monitor will scare a lot of gamers away. However, if you have the budget and a high-resolution monitor that performs incredibly well is at the top of your list, the PG278QR might be worth the cost for you.
Overall, this monitor is a serious financial committment. Not only do you need a big budget in order to accommodate it, but you also need a high-end PC to run it.
So, if you don’t quite have the money to spend on the PG278QR, or the hardware necessary to utilize it to its fullest, you might want to go with another option. (Some of the budget-friendly 1440P 144Hz monitors below will give you extra to spend on hardware upgrades if necessary.)
Acer XB271HU 27″ |
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/10 |
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Recommendation
Acer’s XB271HU 27″ is a nice alternative to the ASUS PG278QR if you are someone who doesn’t mind the slightly slower response time that comes with an IPS panel. So, if you’re not an ultra-competitive gamer that needs ever performance advantage possible, the wider viewing angles on the XB271HU’s IPS panel might make it a better option for you.
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TECH SPECS
RESOLUTION | 2560×1440 |
SCREEN SIZE | 27″ |
RESPONSE | 4ms |
PANEL | IPS |
REFRESH | 144Hz |
Acer Predator XB271HU 27″ Review
Acer’s Predator XB271HU 27″ gaming monitor is a nice alternative to ASUS’ PG278QR. Like the PG278QR, the Acer XB271HU is a 1440P 27-inch monitor that comes with G-Sync technology and a high refresh rate.
The Acer Predator 1440P 144Hz IPS gaming monitor also has a conrast ratio of 1,000:1.
The only realy differences between the PG278QR and the XB271HU (spec-wise) are the XB271HU’s 144Hz refresh rate versus the PG278QR’s 165Hz refresh rate and the XB271HU’s IPS panel versus the PG278QR’s TN panel. However, the XB271HU can be overclocked to reach 165Hz.
What the XB271HU has over the PG278QR, though, is a much lower price tag (~$80 difference). And, ultimately, there probably aren’t a whole lot of gamers who will notice the difference between 144Hz and 165Hz.
So, if you want to save some money without seeing a sizable performance drop and you don’t mind going for a slightly lower response time, the Acer Predator is probably your best bet.
Either way you choose, though, you’re going to land yourself a high-end monitor.
ASUS PG27VQ 27” |
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/10 |
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Recommendation
ASUS’ PG27VQ is a curved 1440P 165Hz G-Sync gaming monitor that comes with a high price tag. With a 165Hz refresh rate, only it, its sibling (the PG278QR), and the ViewSonic XG2760 offer a refresh rate faster than 144Hz on a 2560×1440 monitor. But, its TN panel will likely be the make or break point for gamers. The cheaper panel will offer a faster response time, but it won’t provide as wide of viewing angles as an IPS panel monitor will.
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TECH SPECS
RESOLUTION | 2560×1440 |
SCREEN SIZE | 27″ 1800R |
RESPONSE | 1ms |
PANEL | IPS |
REFRESH | 165Hz |
ASUS PG27VQ 27” Review
Two of the most interesting monitors on this list are the ASUS PG27VQ and the VIOTEK GN32DR. Both are 2560×1440 monitors with curved panels. However, there are some key differences.
First, ASUS’ PG27VQ sports a 165Hz refresh rate whereash VIOTEK’s GN32DR only has a 144Hz refresh rate. VIOTEK has the larger panel, though, at 32″. The PG27VQ is a 27″ monitor.
The ASUS PG27VQ comes with a TN panel, whereas the GN32DR has a VA panel. The TN panel gives the PG27VQ a faster response time (1ms), but the GN32DR brings wider viewing angles.
Also, the two monitors have different adaptive sync technologies. The PG27VQ is a G-Sync monitor, whereas the VIOTEK GN32DR is a Freesync monitor. So, if you want a 2560×1440 curved monitor with a high refresh rate, it be your GPU (AMD or NVIDIA) that determines which of these options you can get.
And, finally, perhaps the biggest difference is in price. The ASUS PG27VQ is over $200 more experience than the GN32DR at the moment.
However, part of that is that VIOTEK is a relatively unknown monitor manufacturer. And, ASUS’ brand recognition likely contributes to the higher cost.
Overall, the TN panel on the ASUS PG27VQ makes it a better option if the fastest possible response time is important to you. If it were up to me, I likely would want a little better panel for nearly $800. However, the low response time that TN panels offer will likely make the PG27VQ an option that pro gamers consider. And, the PG27VQ is definitely one of the best curved gaming monitors currently on the market.
ViewSonic XG2760 27” |
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/10 |
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Recommendation
Another option you have if you like the ASUS PG278QR is the ViewSonic XG2760. In fact, both monitors sport identical specs and features (1440P 144Hz G-Sync TN panel monitors with 1ms response times.) However, the downside of this ViewSonic monitor is that it currently comes in at about ~$20 more than the PG278QR. So, unless this monitor goes on sale, you could get the PG278QR for less.
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TECH SPECS
RESOLUTION | 2560×1440 |
SCREEN SIZE | 27″ |
RESPONSE | 1ms |
PANEL | TN |
REFRESH | 165Hz |
ViewSonic XG2760 27” Review
The ViewSonic XG2760 27-inch 1440P monitor is another solid option for competitive gamers. The main standout feature on the XG2760 is the fact that it comes with a 165Hz refresh rate instead of a 144Hz refresh rate. However, unlike the other 165Hz refresh rate option on this list (the Acer XB271HU), the XG2760 comes with a 1ms response time. That is due to the fact that it comes with a TN panel instead of an IPS panel.
And, while the TN panel might not offer as good of viewing angles as an IPS panel, it will deliver a faster response time. As a comparison, the Acer XB271HU comes with an IPS panel and a 4ms response time (gray-to-gray), whereas the XG2760’s TN panel is able to deliver a 1ms response time.
The real-world difference between 1ms and 4ms isn’t significant for the average user, but for ultra-competitive gamers, that small of a difference in response time can have an impact.
So, the bottom line is that, if you’re a serious esports gamer that needs as much performance as possible, the faster response time on the XG2760 might make it a better option for you than the Acer XB271HU. Although, even if you play esports games—but not at the upper levels of competition—the XB271HU will still work just fine.
The only downside of the XG2760 right now is the fact that the ASUS PG278QR offers essentially the same specs and features while costing about $20 less. So, unless the XG2760 goes on sale, you’d probably be better offer saving a bit of cash and opting for the PG278QR instead.
Dell S2716DG 27″ |
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/10 |
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Recommendation
If you’re not quite looking to spend $600+ on a 2K 144Hz+ G-Sync gaming monitor, the Dell S2716DG is your best bet. At a little under $500, the S2716DG is the cheapest 1440P 144Hz G-sync monitor currently available. That alone will make it a worthy option for some gamers. And, while its TN panel won’t offer the best viewing angles, it will give the monitor a quicker response time than its more expensive counterparts.
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TECH SPECS
RESOLUTION | 2560×1440 |
SCREEN SIZE | 27″ |
RESPONSE | 1ms |
PANEL | TN |
REFRESH | 144Hz |
Dell Gaming S2716DG 27″ Review
Dell’s S2716DG is the most budget friendly G-Sync 1440P 144Hz monitor currently available (at least, for 27″ versions). In fact, the difference between the S2716DG and the next closest in price on this list (the Acer Predator XB271HU) is nearly ~$140.
If you have a big budget to spend, that’s not a big deal. But, if you’re building/buying a new gaming computer along with getting a new monitor, that $140 could be put to better use on other hardware/peripherals.
And, in that case, the S2716DG is a worthy option for gamers who have a decent-sized budget—but not an unlimited one—and who also want to go with a G-Sync monitor (or an NVIDIA GPU).
The S2716DG does come with a cheaper TN panel, which helps contribute to its lower cost. However, that also means that it comes with a faster 1ms response time. So, if you’re a competitive gamer who needs the fastest response time possible, there may be no reason for you to spend up to get the IPS panel G-Sync monitors listed above.
Ultimately, Dell’s S2716DG offers a nice middle ground between performance and price for 144Hz 2K gaming monitors.
FreeSync 1440P 144Hz Monitors
While G-Sync started off as the more popular of the technologies, FreeSync is quickly becoming the more used technology.
This is because, unlike G-Sync, AMD’s Freesync technology doesn’t require strict specifications from monitor manufacturers in order to implement onto their monitors.
And, as a result, FreeSync technology can be found in more monitors and is more readily available.
Fortunately, NVIDIA did release GPU drivers earlier this year that allow NVIDIA GPUs to work with FreeSync technology. So, whether you have an NVIDIA GPU or an AMD GPU, a FreeSync monitor will work for you.
Either way, if you are looking for a high-end monitor, the following Freesync 1440P 144Hz gaming monitors are worthy options for you to consider.
Comparison of 1440P/144Hz Monitors (FreeSync)
Samsung C32HG70 32″ |
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/10 |
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Recommendation
Samsung’s C32HG70 32-inch display is one of the more expensive 1440P 144Hz displays out there, but it brings a lot to the table. It’s large 32-inch curved VA panel display, 144Hz refresh rate, and 1440P resolution help it stand out from the majority of the FreeSync monitors currently on the market.
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TECH SPECS
RESOLUTION | 2560×1440 |
SCREEN SIZE | 32″ |
RESPONSE | 1ms |
PANEL | VA |
REFRESH | 144Hz |
Samsung C32HG70 32″ Review
If you’re looking for a large display that comes with a 1440P resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate and you don’t mind paying a premium for some nice additional features, then the Samsung C32HG70 might be an option you’ll want to consider.
The C32HG70 sports a 32-inch curved VA panel, a 144Hz refresh rate, a 2560 x 1440 resolution, and a 1ms response time. And, while there are plenty of other 1440P 144Hz FreeSync monitors out there, the C32HG70 stands out with its curved display, it’s sharp VA panel, and it’s 1ms response time.
With the VA panel you get better viewing angles and a sharper pictures without having to sacrifice on the response time (which is the case for monitors that opt for a TN panel).
The one downside, though, is that at a little over $500, the C32HG70 is significantly more expensive than most of the other 1440P 144Hz FreeSync monitors currently on the market. But, if you have large budget and you don’t want to sacrifice on either your response time or your viewing angles, the C32HG70 makes for a compelling option when compared to the other monitors on this list.
ViewSonic VX3258 32″ |
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/10 |
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Recommendation
While BenQ’s ZOWIE XL2730 is quite a bit more expensive than Nixeus’ EDG27S, it does have some features that help it stand out. Namely, its Black eQualizer technology and it’s better stand/tilt options. If you want the most performance for your dollar, though, the EDG27S or Acer’s XG270HU are more affordable 1440P 144Hz monitor options.
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TECH SPECS
RESOLUTION | 2560×1440 |
SCREEN SIZE | 32″ |
RESPONSE | 1ms |
PANEL | TN Panel |
REFRESH | 144Hz |
ViewSonic VX3258 32″ Review
BenQ’s ZOWIE XL2730 Freesync monitor is another worthy option to consider. While it does come in at a bit higher of a price than Nixeus’ 144Hz 1440P monitor despite offering a cheaper TN panel, BenQ has a better reputation and is known for building high-end gaming-specific monitors.
With a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, the XL2730 is a great option for eSports gamers who play highly competitive games (like CS:GO, PUBG, Fortnite, or Overwatch.)
Its Black eQualizer feature helps increase visibility in darker in-game settings, which can help give you an edge in spotting hidden competitors.
You also get a better stand and tilt features than what the Nixeus NX-EDG27S offers as well. So, while the price is quite a bit higher (~$100) than the EDG27S, if you’re looking for a more complete offering, the XL2730 might be worth looking into.
Again, though, just note that if you want to utilize the Freesync feature on the XL2730, you will need an AMD GPU in order to do so.
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VIOTEK GN32DR 32″ |
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/10 |
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Recommendation
The GN32DR 32″ curved 1440P 144Hz gaming monitor is one of only two curved 2560×1440 high refresh rate monitors available. (The ASUS PG27VQ is the other). The GN32DR is the cheaper and larger of the two options. It also has the better panel (VA panel.) However, it doesn’t have as high of a refresh rate and has a lower response rate. So, for those seriously competitive games who have a huge budget, the PG27VQ would be the better option of the two.
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TECH SPECS
RESOLUTION | 2560×1440 |
SCREEN SIZE | 32″ |
RESPONSE | 3ms (OD mode) |
PANEL | Curved/VA |
REFRESH | 144Hz |
VIOTEK GN32DR 32″ Review
VIOTEK is another lesser-known monitor manufacturer that has jumped onto this list due to having a unique offering. The VIOTEK GN32DR is one of only two curved 2560×1440 144Hz+ gaming monitors on the market.
The other is, of course, the ASUS PG27VQ listed above.
While both are curved 1440P 144Hz+ monitors, there are some notable differences.
First, the GN32DR is a bigger monitor (32″) than the ASUS PG27VQ (27″). The PG27VQ does have a higher refresh rate (165Hz to 144Hz) and lower response time (1ms to 3ms) than the GN32DR, but the GN32DR has the better panel technology (VA vs TN) in terms of viewing angles and visuals.
They also both sport different adaptive sync technology. The GN32DR is a Freesync (AMD) monitor and the PG27VQ is a G-Sync (NVIDIA) monitor.
So, if you like the idea of a high-end curved gaming monitor and you are debating between these two options, make sure you take your video card into consideration.
Finally, one of the biggest differences between the two monitors is that the ASUS PG27VQ costs over $200 more than the GN32DR.
A lot of that is likely to do with that fact that ASUS is more well-known and established than VIOTEK. However, I’d have to imagine that the $200+ difference is enough to make some consider going with the lesser-known VIOTEK.
Ultimately, though, if you want a curved 144Hz+ 1440P monitor, you really only have two options. And, the GN32DR is one of them.
ASUS MG279Q 27″ |
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/10 |
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Recommendation
While the ASUS MG279Q will offer a great experience for gamers, its price tag is higher than the other Freesync options on this list. (With exception to the VIOTEK GN32DR—which is bigger and comes with a curved panel.)
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TECH SPECS
RESOLUTION | 2560×1440 |
SCREEN SIZE | 27″ |
RESPONSE | 4ms |
PANEL | IPS |
REFRESH | 144Hz |
ASUS MG279Q 27″ Review
The MG279Q is yet another 1440P 144Hz gaming monitor from ASUS. This one sports an IPS panel that has a 4ms response rate, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and 16.7 million colors.
It also comes with built-in speakers, which drives its price up a little bit. However, from the reviews the speakers range from as low as “not good” to as high as “the speakers are good in a pinch.”
So, while these monitors do come with speakers, they probably aren’t long-term options… especially if you’re planning on gaming with them. And, since this is a 144Hz monitor, you probably won’t be considering it unless you are a gamer.
Overall, this is a solid monitor. But, it’s downfall in comparison to the other Freesync 1440P 144Hz monitors on this list is its price. The monitor runs in the mid $500s (which is the same as the VIOTEK curved monitor listed above).
Unfortunately, that kind of puts it as a tough sell, because for ~$150 or so less you can get the similarly-specced Nixeus EDG27S.
Of course, the EDG27S doesn’t have as good of a stand or as many adustability options (and doesn’t come with speakers). But, if it’s all about performance and picture quality, the EDG27S is going to provide a similar experience at a fraction of the cost.
AOC AG271QX 27” |
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/10 |
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Recommendation
If you’re looking for the most affordable 1440P 144Hz monitor it is currently the AOC AG271QX. For just under $400, this Freesync monitor will pair perfectly with a high-end AMD graphics card (Vega 56 or Vega 64) to deliver an incredibly smooth in-game experience.
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TECH SPECS
RESOLUTION | 2560×1440 |
SCREEN SIZE | 27″ |
RESPONSE | 1ms |
PANEL | TN |
REFRESH | 144Hz |
AOC AGON AG271QX 27” Review
AOC doesn’t quite pack the brand name that ASUS, Acer, and BenQ do among gamers, but they have become more well known in the past few years.
And, they have done so in part by offering high quality monitors at lower prices than the bigger brands.
The AOC AGON AG271QX is no different. At a bit under $400, the AG271QX is nearly the cheapest 1440P 144Hz 27″ gaming monitor available. (The Acer Acer XG270HU listed below is ~$10 cheaper.)
The AG271QX has a TN panel and a 1ms response time, so it is a nice budget-friendly option for gamers who prefer the faster response time over the better viewing angles of an IPS panel monitor.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for an affordable 2560×1440 144Hz monitor with a 1ms response time, either this AOC monitor or the Acer monitor below are good options.
Pro Gamers Need High-End Gaming Monitors
There’s a reason why today’s top gamers and Twitch streamers use 1440P 144Hz monitors. (Besides the fact that they get them for free…)
And, that is that they offer the most performance advantage over their competitors.
Yes, it does take a high-end gaming PC with an expensive graphics card in order to handle a 2K 144Hz+ refresh rate monitor. But, if you are serious about your gaming, you’ll want to make sure the gear you game with is the best it can possibly be.
The guide above will help you pick out the best gaming monitor for eSports and highly-competitive gaming. And, if you want to know a little more on choosing the right option, check out our guide on what to look for in a gaming monitor.
Dan King says
Hey I know this article is old but it’s the first one that pops up on a google search. Nvidia recently released an update for their GPU’s so they can interact with certain Freesync enabled monitors! Just wanted to let anyone know to check their website if there was a particular price point or model they were looking for!
George says
400 dollars in the budget zone? Oh well. These monitors are still a distant dream for me. I’ll just keep on playing with my 75 Hz TV for a while lol.