Curved or no
Curved or no
I already own a 720p, 27-inch TV at 60hz, which is quite low quality. It’s frustrating to view it up close. Recently I built a new computer and I’m thinking about getting a good monitor to match. My requirements are 1440p, 100-144hz, and around 30-35 inches. I’m unsure whether a high-end curved monitor is worth the investment. I saw some curved monitors at Best Buy and others that looked decent until I checked their specs. I don’t want to spend a lot on a monitor, so a curved 1440p at 144hz might not fit my budget. If I do choose a curved monitor at 144hz, I’d have to give up the 1080p option. So, it’s clear what I’m after. Should I prioritize getting a curved monitor over a 1440p one? Also, my budget is about 400$ Canadian (around 320$) in the US.
You face a couple of challenges ahead.
There’s only one 34" monitor that meets your requirements—120hz at 1440p, the Dell AW3418DW.
I bought it myself and am eager for its arrival, though I understand it comes with a higher price.
It has excellent reviews, but it isn’t inexpensive.
Around AU$1700, during Boxing Day sales, you’d likely pay between $1200 and $1500 USD.
Given your budget, skip the ultra-wide model right away.
You might be aiming for a 27" screen instead, which would require some compromises on other features.
Opt for a higher refresh rate or stick to 1080p with a lower refresh rate.
I’d recommend sticking with 120hz or above at all times.
You face a couple of challenges ahead. The only available option is a single 34" monitor supporting 120Hz at 1440p, the Dell AW3418DW. I bought it myself and am eager for its delivery, though it comes with higher prices. AU$1700 is around $1200-1500 during Boxing Day sales. Given your budget, skip the ultrawide model right away. You might be aiming for a 27" screen and will need to adjust expectations slightly on other aspects. Opt for a monitor with 120Hz or above, preferably at 1080p, or go for 1440p with a lower refresh rate. I’d prefer a 120Hz or higher setting consistently. Other choices could be considered later, as size usually takes priority over resolution. A $400 budget likely excludes G-sync, but if your GPU supports free sync, it might be feasible. TN panels are more affordable and offer decent performance if you stick with them. The AOC AG271QX is a strong pick—it’s under $400, reviewed highly, and even got an editor’s choice. It meets most of your needs and is a solid option.
It would be useful to understand your system's specifications and intended applications. For gaming purposes, keep in mind that increased resolutions require more powerful graphics cards; running games at 1440p on a mid-range card may not always deliver optimal performance in certain newer titles. In such scenarios, a display with a resolution of 1920x1080 or 2560x1080 ultrawide could be more suitable. Additionally, a screen refresh rate above 100 Hz is probably unnecessary unless gaming is a primary use case.
This rig is definitely suitable for smooth 1440p gaming. You won't need to max out the monitor's refresh rate unless you're playing very intense games, but the adjustment is available.