new monitor advice needed

endmatter

I’m looking to replace my monitor (7 years old, 1600x900, 20”, VGA), mainly because I’d like to subscribe to the Criterion Channel, and that requires HDCP compliance.

For reasons of space I’m looking at something in the 24” range. I use my computer for browsing the internet (sometimes for extended periods), watching movies and TV shows, listening to music, and sometimes recording music. I don’t game at all. I don’t need speakers on the monitor, though I don’t mind if they’re there.

I have this computer, unmodified: https://www.microcenter.com/product/507423/acer-aspire-tc-885-ur12-desktop-computer

In researching over the past few days, I’ve been leaning toward these, sometimes one, sometimes another:

AOC 24G2

https://www.microcenter.com/product/633304/aoc-24g2-238-full-hd-144hz-hdmi-vga-dp-freesync-ips-frameless-lcd-gaming-monitor

Viewsonic XG2405

https://www.microcenter.com/product/626193/viewsonic-xg2405--24-full-hd-144hz-hdmi-dp-freesync-premium-hdr-ips-led-gaming-monitor

Asus ProArt PA248QV

https://www.microcenter.com/product/624528/asus-proart-display-pa248qv-241-wuxga-75hz-hdmi-dp-vga-freesync-pre-calibrated-ips-led-monitor

The first two are gaming computers, and as I said, I don’t game, but they seem good. After days of reading all kinds of reviews, I honestly don’t remember how they ended up at the top of the list, but they did.

I’ve been leaning most heavily toward the Asus, because the color quality seems like it might be good for movies and because I might at some point get back into taking and editing photos (strictly hobby level). And the extra space might be nice when using music software. Will I have any trouble with the 1920x1200 resolution with the computer listed above? And will I need a different HDMI cable than the one suggested on the product page (it says it has a max resolution of 1080)? Maybe this one: https://www.microcenter.com/product/485072/inland-hdmi-male-to-hdmi-male-24k-gold-plated-high-speed-cable-with-ethernet-6-ft---black ?

Alternatively, maybe given my computer and usage, any of these would be overkill and I should get something like one of these (though if I can use it without problem, I am still leaning toward the Asus ProArt):

https://www.microcenter.com/product/512419/asus-vp248qg-24-full-hd-75hz-hdmi-vga-dp-freesync-eye-care-led-monitor

https://www.microcenter.com/product/613199/aoc-24b2xh-238-full-hd-60hz-hdmi-vga-ips-led-monitor

Sorry for lengthy post. Any input or advice is welcomed.

Ian

The ProArt's in my opinion are fantastic monitors for their price, especially if you do plan on doing any sort of photo editing. It really is probably the best bang for the buck monitor if you don't intend to do any gaming.

The gaming monitors may have a higher refresh rate but quality / color quality will generally be lower. HDMI does support the 1920x1200 resolution level per the product manual so there should be no issue there. I would recommend the ProArt over a gaming display for what you are describing.

endmatter

Thank you.

Ian

https://community.microcenter.com/discussion/comment/30453#Comment_30453

You're welcome, please let us know if you have any other questions.