Switching from 2x monitors to 1 curved monitor?

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caffynz

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#306726 16-Aug-2023 13:59

Currently have 2x 27" monitors, and considering a move to a 34" curved monitor (maybe this one https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/MONTTA3422/Titan-Army-34GLR-H-34-Ultrawide-QHD-144Hz-Gaming-M) - has anyone else done a similar switch? Any regrets? Did you just use the curved monitor, or also keep one 27" monitor as the additional display just in case useful?

I am wondering how it will work in terms of windows e.g. when I game, the default monitor goes into full-screen mode. How will this work with just one wide monitor - will it stretch to fill the screen or will I have to adapt the game to load in window-mode instead so the proportions aren't stretched?

Thanks

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#3116822 16-Aug-2023 15:50

I made the move from 2x27” to a single 34” about 18 months ago (for WFH) and the only regret is I didn’t do it earlier. I still have separate screens at work and really miss the single monitor for the days I’m at work. Went with the Xiaomi screen recommended by many here on GZ, though I’m not sure if there are other more recent models that are regarded as better VFM.

There are some older but still valuable threads on this exact topic (including the one that encouraged me to make the move!) so I suggest it’s worth searching to find these as the general feedback there will still be as valid today as it was at the time.

SpartanVXL

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#3116830 16-Aug-2023 16:24

For gaming it will depend entirely on if the game supports wider than 16:9 aspect ratios. Not all do e.g. elden ring and will need to either be run in pillarboxed scaling or windowed mode.

As for whether the xiaomi is a good screen, there are better panels but not at that cost level.

gehenna

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#3116837 16-Aug-2023 16:41

Flawless Widescreen solves most incompatibility issues. Most games work great on my 32:9

richms

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#3116856 16-Aug-2023 17:12

If you have an old GPU, check if it can even output at the rates and res of the monitor. I got a 1440p 144Hz screen and have to stick with 120Hz or else I get that horrid 4:2:0 colour rubbish, same on a 4k panel where I only get 60 because it has older displayport.

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#3116865 16-Aug-2023 17:47

Cable specs and monitor inputs versions matter in those cases too.

caffynz

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#3118488 21-Aug-2023 13:02

Thanks for your input so far. I have also done a search for earlier posts that covered this topic, which has been very useful.

My current graphics card (radeon rx 570 4gb gddr5 itx) can meet the resolution specs of the below 34" curved monitors, but not the refresh rate (mine is 60Hz). I plan to upgrade my computer in a few months time anyway, for a newer graphics card.

For context, I do a fair bit of gaming, but also use for work/university (reading articles in PDF, writing in Word). I currently have 2 ASUS VC239 monitors (Apologies I now see I said I had 2x 27" when in fact it is 23") and I am happy with them colourwise/performance wise, so what I guess I want to know is if anyone can advise that if the following options I have listed below would be "worse" than what I currently have, or will I definitely get the same or better in terms of colour quality and video/gaming experience? If it's the same, then I'm happy :)

I think I have narrowed it down to the Dell https://www.dell.com/en-nz/shop/dell-34-curved-gaming-monitor-s3422dwg/apd/210-azhu/monitors-monitor-accessories (which was recommended as a lower mid-range gaming monitor on rtings.com) and the Xiaomi https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/MONMIX34140/Xiaomi-Mi-34-UltraWide-QHD-Curved-Gaming-Monitor-3.

Any comments on the AOC? https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/MONAOC83403/AOC-CU34G3S-34-Ultrawide-WQHD-165Hz-Curved-Gaming

Thanks so much.

caffynz

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#3122392 31-Aug-2023 20:24

Just as FYI, after much to-ing and fro-ing, I went with the AOC.

Very happy with it. The games I have played so far have had to be in window mode, which is OK.

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gehenna

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#3122402 31-Aug-2023 21:04

When you find a game that doesn't support it natively, just google the game name + 32:9 or ultrawide and if there is a patch you'll quickly find it. Again, Flawless Widescreen is a good place to start.

sudo

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#3128888 18-Sep-2023 08:36

I'm looking at a similar move, but more curious about aspect ratios.

I've currently got my Macbook propped next to a 24" Dell Business monitor (16:9 ratio) and looking at a larger screen.

I don't do gaming, and find the USB hub useful for all my peripherals. So will look at another business grade monitor

The options on that form factor is...

-> 32" with 16:9 ratio ( ~ 700W x 400H viewing dimensions)

-> 34" with 21:9 ( ~ 800W x 330H)

Question is, which is the most useful form-factor for productivity/browsing use (I have a technical IT role, that ends up accumulating/stacking windows)

Slightly wider screen (sacrificing extra height), with incrementally more screen real estate, and the ability of having 2 full-size display panes side-by side.

Or the familiar 16:9 ratio, giving a much larger single screen.

In the old days, I have shunned the wider screens as they have been so small, and looked ridiculous (only useful for watching movies)

But I think from 32" + size perspective, that is less of a limitation.

So anyone used both and has a reasoned preference?

SpartanVXL

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#3128904 18-Sep-2023 09:45

caffynz:
Thanks for your input so far. I have also done a search for earlier posts that covered this topic, which has been very useful.

My current graphics card (radeon rx 570 4gb gddr5 itx) can meet the resolution specs of the below 34" curved monitors, but not the refresh rate (mine is 60Hz). I plan to upgrade my computer in a few months time anyway, for a newer graphics card.

For context, I do a fair bit of gaming, but also use for work/university (reading articles in PDF, writing in Word). I currently have 2 ASUS VC239 monitors (Apologies I now see I said I had 2x 27" when in fact it is 23") and I am happy with them colourwise/performance wise, so what I guess I want to know is if anyone can advise that if the following options I have listed below would be "worse" than what I currently have, or will I definitely get the same or better in terms of colour quality and video/gaming experience? If it's the same, then I'm happy :)

I think I have narrowed it down to the Dell https://www.dell.com/en-nz/shop/dell-34-curved-gaming-monitor-s3422dwg/apd/210-azhu/monitors-monitor-accessories (which was recommended as a lower mid-range gaming monitor on rtings.com) and the Xiaomi https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/MONMIX34140/Xiaomi-Mi-34-UltraWide-QHD-Curved-Gaming-Monitor-3.

Any comments on the AOC? https://www.pbtech.co.nz/product/MONAOC83403/AOC-CU34G3S-34-Ultrawide-WQHD-165Hz-Curved-Gaming

Thanks so much.

FYI the rx570 should be able to output that monitors max refresh rate over Displayport1.4a (3440x1440 at 165Hz

Also don’t use any widescreen patches on online games with anti-cheat. If it doesn’t support it natively you might get with a ban for trying to patch it in yourself.

SpartanVXL

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#3128923 18-Sep-2023 10:54

sudo:
I'm looking at a similar move, but more curious about aspect ratios.

I've currently got my Macbook propped next to a 24" Dell Business monitor (16:9 ratio) and looking at a larger screen.

I don't do gaming, and find the USB hub useful for all my peripherals. So will look at another business grade monitor

The options on that form factor is...

-> 32" with 16:9 ratio ( ~ 700W x 400H viewing dimensions)

-> 34" with 21:9 ( ~ 800W x 330H)

Question is, which is the most useful form-factor for productivity/browsing use (I have a technical IT role, that ends up accumulating/stacking windows)

Slightly wider screen (sacrificing extra height), with incrementally more screen real estate, and the ability of having 2 full-size display panes side-by side.

Or the familiar 16:9 ratio, giving a much larger single screen.

In the old days, I have shunned the wider screens as they have been so small, and looked ridiculous (only useful for watching movies)

But I think from 32" + size perspective, that is less of a limitation.

So anyone used both and has a reasoned preference?

Might want to have your own thread for recommendations, but first question would be, how good are your eyes?

If you get a higher resolution screen things will get smaller comparatively with a same size monitor. The upside is of course you can fit a lot more e.g. 4k is pretty much four 1080p screens. If you enable scaling (which apple does really well) you’ll lose this space as the scaling will make everything bigger at a higher detail.

Aspect ratio doesn’t really matter for regular windowed content since for the most part you can move/resize it around as you like. If you do want side by side windows then 32:9 is pretty much purpose built for that. You don’t lose height by buying a wider aspect ratio, you gain extra pixels in the width. The machine displays via resolution and doesn’t care how big/wide/tall it physically it.

If you want a lot of vertical space then find a 16:10 monitor and put it in portrait orientation for an effective 10:16 display.

sudo

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#3128993 18-Sep-2023 15:24

SpartanVXL: Might want to have your own thread for recommendations, but first question would be, how good are your eyes?

If you get a higher resolution screen things will get smaller comparatively with a same size monitor. The upside is of course you can fit a lot more e.g. 4k is pretty much four 1080p screens. If you enable scaling (which apple does really well) you’ll lose this space as the scaling will make everything bigger at a higher detail.

Aspect ratio doesn’t really matter for regular windowed content since for the most part you can move/resize it around as you like. If you do want side by side windows then 32:9 is pretty much purpose built for that. You don’t lose height by buying a wider aspect ratio, you gain extra pixels in the width. The machine displays via resolution and doesn’t care how big/wide/tall it physically it.

If you want a lot of vertical space then find a 16:10 monitor and put it in portrait orientation for an effective 10:16 display.

I figured a separate thread is just duplication as many people are asking, and this thread starter has same size in mind.

From my perspective, the resolution is irrelevant. Any display will be the same length away from me (just over arms length), and I will just scale the font size to match the same (which is exactly the size of what is visible on the laptop display).

Side-by side would be useful in a productivity context. I always have multiple windows open/monitoring (e.g. terminals/browser/email/chat/notes), but I am wondering if having it too wide, am I just going to end up moving my head/whiplash, each time I want to scan everything. My son has a triple monitor setup, with multiple wide screens, and it looks impressive, but it wraps right at the edge of your vision, so requires a lot of head turning.

At the moment, I only need to glance at the laptop display, to change focus. Otherwise I rely on command-tab to cycle windows (which, at times, feels like an attention deficit disorder type experience)

I am starting to remember my experience when I first got this 24" screen. It replaced a 4:3 style 19" screen, and since it had the same height, I only gained a proportional amount of sidebar (but a much nicer quality Dell business class display). I would have liked to have 2 full windows side by side, at the time.

I think the 32" model 16:9 (or is it 16:10), may be able to do this. But as I haven't used one before, not sure if it works, or the wider one is the better fit.

sudo

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#3129004 18-Sep-2023 15:53

SpartanVXL:If you do want side by side windows then 32:9 is pretty much purpose built for that.

32:9 is just 2x 16:9 displays ... which is already too wide for a single pane window (browser/terminal etc).

Maybe the 21:9 will fit that bill (approx 2 x 4:3)

My current screen shows a full A4 page vertically without scaling (which is what is useful when I am drafting/reading a doc). But I can't have a pane next to it (typically something like a terminal ... which ends up running on my laptop screen)

SpartanVXL

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#3129014 18-Sep-2023 16:07

If you are going to end up scaling a higher resolution screen then there is no benefit to your use case. You are better off with multiple monitors or 21:9/32:9 side-by-side over a non-scaled 4k 16:9 screen and splitting your windows into quarters. That way you can focus your windows to their own display/ screen region.

It’s different for gaming which this OP and I’m assuming your son use it for. The aspect ratio gives extra room for field of view to be rendered in 3d games, you’d use your periphery rather than needing to focus on detail. (Also easier if you use your eyes rather than turning your head)

SpartanVXL

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#3129020 18-Sep-2023 16:15

sudo:
SpartanVXL:If you do want side by side windows then 32:9 is pretty much purpose built for that.

32:9 is just 2x 16:9 displays ... which is already too wide for a single pane window (browser/terminal etc).

Maybe the 21:9 will fit that bill (approx 2 x 4:3)

My current screen shows a full A4 page vertically without scaling (which is what is useful when I am drafting/reading a doc). But I can't have a pane next to it (typically something like a terminal ... which ends up running on my laptop screen)

If 16:9 is too wide, for docs or maybe mobile content then I’d really recommend a 16:10 monitor in portrait mode (10:16). It’s otherwise the majority standard for desktop content now to be 16:9 1080p.

An ultrawide would also work as you say, at least on Windows 10+ you can just drag windows to a side or corner and have it resize-snap into place.

For having multiple things open at once you’d still have to consider multi monitor.

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