Supersampling vs Native Resolution for Gaming

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  • #55060
    InfectedDAS

      Good day,

      I’ve been reading several post from this forum and really like how the answers are backed with specs and user experience which is great, some of the posts that I’ve read so far are:
      144hz budget monitor specifically for FPS games
      Budget 1080p 24″ 144Hz monitor
      Cheap gaming monitor for Nvidia GPU

      So I’m planning to upgrade my current and humble monitor Asus VS247H-P (24” 1080@60Hz) for a 144Hz one so I thought you could give some guidance as to which is best for gaming and browsing aka YouTube.

      From what I’ve read the consensus for 1080p is 24” over 27” BUT what if you opt for a 27” 1080p using supersamplig? Which opens the next question, is there any benefit with a native 1440p vs supersampling to 1440p for gaming experience?

      So after all that, the different monitors (budget monitors) that I’ve looked at are:

      24” 1080p@144Hz

      AOC G2590FX TN 1ms
      Viewsonic XG2401 TN 1ms
      Viewsonic XG2402 TN 1ms

      27” 1080p@144Hz with 1440p Supersampling

      – Asus VG278Q TN 1ms
      – Asus VG279Q IPS 3ms

      27” 1440P@144Hz

      AOC AG271QX TN 1ms
      – Acer XG270HU TN 1ms
      – Acer XF270HU IPS 4ms

      Is worth noticing that I’m planning to pair the monitor with a Powercolor Red Dragon Vega 56 or Sapphire Pulse Vega 56…. or RTX 2060, also the monitor selection above is what’s available on Amazon MX at a decent price, although I’m always open to suggestions for other Models or even using Amazon USA with the import fee that it might be linked to it.

      #53517
      Jay

        Hi there!

        I have a newish i7 system with an Nvidia 1070 ti card. My gaming mostly consists of non-FPS games at the moment, but I want the flexibility to go back to FPS play if I want. Because of that, I’m focusing on a TN screen of 24-27 inches.

        I mostly have Dell monitors as I love their quality control and their quality. I’m sorely tempted by the 2719dgf, and I’ve read your review of it a couple of times. It’s really the only 27″ model I’m considering.

        The 24″ monitors I’m primarily considering in the 1080p resolution are the Asus XG248Q 1080p, and the Viewsonic XG2402 and XG240R. I’m also tempted by the Acer XB241H because of its native Gsync, but its quality control seems to be problematic.

        For my 1070 ti setup, I’m a bit concerned that a 1440p screen would put too much of a load on it. Do you think I’m worrying too much there?

        And if my concerns are justified, do you have any opinions on the Asus vs the Viewsonics?

        Thanks very much!

        Jay

        #53521
        PCM2

          @ InfectedDAS

          Whilst supersampling (or increasing “rendering resolution”) offers visual improvement, it is by no means equivalent to running at an actual higher resolution. The improvement in clarity and detail and overall look that a physically higher pixel density achieves can not be replicated in other ways. Supersampling should be thought of more as an “Ultra Plus” detail setting. It’s computationally as expensive (possibly slightly more so) compared to running the resolution you’ve set natively, so there’s no advantage unless you’re trying to save money or for other reasons wish to get a native Full HD rather than WQHD display.

          I wouldn’t worry too much about ~24″ vs. 27″ in terms of pixel density for gaming, at a given resolution. Particularly for Full HD. The difference is not as huge as you might be thinking, it’s generally not something users notice as much as the physical size difference. The difference between the two resolutions is certainly noticeable, however.

          Given this, I’d side towards the WQHD options. And the AOC AG271QX is reasonable, but it has a rather grainy screen surface. The XB270HU shares the same key issue as all of the current 144Hz WQHD IPS-type models. And that is that it’s by no means guaranteed that you’ll get a “good unit” and you’re more likely than average for a monitor to receive a model with issues. So you’d need to be prepared to play the returns game. The pixel responsiveness of that particular model isn’t particularly good, either, even amongst IPS-type models.

          As covered in this thread, you should consider the Dell S2719DGF as an alternative. Unlike the AG271QX it has a nice smooth and light matte anti-glare screen surface, similar to that used on the IPS-type models. This is something that no amount of calibration can fix, so is an issue you’re always going to be left with on the AG271QX. It doesn’t bother everyone and it’s something I’m sensitive to, but the AOC is really rather on the ‘grainy’ side. I also noticed you added specified response times to the monitor models. This is probably the least useful and potentially most misleading aspect of a monitor’s specification, so it’s best not to pay too much attention to it.

          @ Jay,

          Really, it depends on the type of gamer you are, the settings you’re happy to use (and hence frame rate you’d get) and the sorts of frame rate you’re happy with. Obviously running 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) is less demanding than running 2560 x 1440 (WQHD), with the same in-game settings aside from resolution. But the WQHD experience is far more rewarding, visually. Even if you use lower settings at WQHD, there’s a certain clarity and definition that’s lacking at Full HD regardless of the settings you’re using. The flashy effects added when bumping up the graphics settings to ‘Ultra’ are typically far less impressive than the overall look of the significantly higher pixel density even with some ‘Low’ and ‘Medium’ settings. It’s therefore not a straightforward performance to visuals comparison between the two resolutions.

          You then also have to factor in that the Dell S2719DGF offers other advantages aside from the resolution. Colour consistency, colour gamut and screen surface is also superior – so the image is simply richer and more pleasant, when the monitor’s set up appropriately. I used to game on a GTX 1070 (non Ti) and would happily take 144Hz WQHD with lower settings over a 144Hz Full HD model. G-SYNC also proved very useful for the WQHD resolution, as I’m very sensitive to tearing and stuttering.

          The ViewSonics you mention, particularly the XG240R, offer exceptional pixel responsiveness. In that respect they really do offer a ‘clean’ experience and that can be nice, competitively speaking. The ASUS XG248Q is an interesting one. The pixel responsiveness isn’t as good as on the ViewSonics (or the Dell, for some transitions). But where it comes into its own is for high frame rates significantly exceeding 144fps and ideally hitting or coming close to 240fps. So if you play games like CSGO competitively, that can certainly be a nice thing. Otherwise there’s really no reason to go for that model. It offers inferior pixel responsiveness for the lower frame rates and according to user feedback (haven’t used this model myself) it comes with the same interlace pattern artifacts described in our reviews of the 24.5″ 240Hz models. Namely the AOC AG251FG and ViewSonic XG2530.

          #53527
          Jay

            Thanks so much for all the great advice! Your careful attention to detail is just what’s needed in a monitor expert. I too am very picky about visuals.

            And I’m really happy to hear about your enthusiasm for the Dell. I’ve had such great luck with Dell products over the years that I’m glad to be able to buy from them again.

            Thanks again, and I’ll be sure to buy via your page link!

            #54602
            PCM2

              What did you end up going for and how are you finding it?

              #55069
              Bolgur

                I think AOC AG271QX will be the best solution

                #55072
                PCM2

                  Any particular reason?

                  #55073
                  Bolgur

                    I saw a Dell s2719dgf at a friend’s. I didn’t like the color rendering. I speak purely as a user, not an expert. Of course I can be wrong

                    #55076
                    PCM2

                      But did you see an AOC AG271QX for comparison? As per the review, the main issue with the Dell S2719DGF ‘out of the box’ is that gamma is usually too low. The unit you’ve seen was most likely not fully calibrated and gamma not corrected, so it would look less saturated than it should overall. To the casual user, it wouldn’t look as vibrant as it should – it’s massively improved by proper calibration. Although the AG271QX doesn’t have this issue as gamma is correctable in the OSD, it does have the issue with screen surface I mentioned and no amount of calibration can address that.

                      #55078
                      Bolgur

                        AOC AG271QX , I use it for 3 months

                        #55080
                        PCM2

                          Yes, so it was a calibration issue with the Dell as noted earlier. They use the same panel with exactly the same backlight, Dell resurfaces the panel or uses a resurfaced sub-variant for a lower haze value and smoother appearance. The only differences are with the colour setup (gamma being crucially important) which can be fixed with calibration. Once you’ve done that, you’re left with better colour reproduction from the Dell simply because of its superior screen surface.

                          #55085
                          InfectedDAS

                            Thanks!

                            Really appreciate the feedback from both of you.

                            As summary:

                            · Native is better than Supersampling thus WQHD is recommended
                            · Pixel density is not noticeable in Gaming scenarios (mod edit: only between ~24″ and ~27″ Full HD – it is “noticeable” but not as much as the physical screen size difference, in my view)
                            · 27” WQHD Display should be the best decision

                            Recommendation is to go for the Dell S2719DGF due to higher screen quality although it’ll need calibration out of the box, unfortunately that option is quite costly in Amazon MX and still high if bought through Amazon USA + fees.

                            For the price of Dell S2719DGF I could go for ASUS MG278Q, still Dell is better option?

                            Or are there any other Good Budget 27” WQHD 144Hz with FreeSync that I should also considered besides the Dell recommendation?

                            #55087
                            PCM2

                              Mostly an accurate summary, although:

                              “Pixel density is not noticeable in Gaming scenarios”

                              Only when talking about the 24″ vs. 27″ Full HD models, rather than different resolutions. I think you understood that, but that wording was too general and might confuse people reading the thread. 🙂

                              The MG278Q has the same grainy screen surface. The Dell models are the only TN options I’m aware of that don’t.

                              #55088
                              InfectedDAS

                                That’s right wording is general but I was thinking about 24 vs 27 1080p, should have specified it. Thanks for the information and suggestions.

                                #55105
                                ppn7

                                  Hi,

                                  I’m still waiting for the AHVA(IPS) Panel from AUO 1080p/144Hz. Like you i’m thinking about using supersampling 1440p or even UHD in some game.
                                  I tried now with my current monitor with The Witcher 3 with VSR AMD 1440p. The benefit is that there is less aliasing, but it will never be clear as 1440p native monitor. But i’m satisfied. I tried with PUBG, but i think there are some bug even without SSAA VSR/DSR, i have lot of aliasing flickering…

                                  So i think i will keep 1080p resolution with 144hz, because i’m still using my PS4 slim on it with DIY Ambilight, and i can’t use it with higher resolution.
                                  And of course, my PC setup is not enough to get 144fps at 1440p. Even 1080p 144fps is difficult. I still have a 2600k and i need to upgrade to Vega56/64 or 5700/XT but not now…

                                  #55209
                                  InfectedDAS

                                    Hey, just to let you know that I followed the advice and I’m quite please with the results.

                                    Still pending Calibration following the Optimal OSD Settings from the review though it looks great as is, here are some pics from out of the box:

                                    With game
                                    With 4k 60hz YT video_1
                                    With 4k 60hz YT video_2
                                    With 4k 60hz YT video_3

                                    Also @ ppn7 a video card upgrade is recommended, I’m planning to get RX 5700 AIB next month as reference cards run hot, though you can always go water cooling down the road with reference cards. From what I’ve read Vega56/64 are decent cards and if you get a good deal <300 USD you can undervolt them and get great results (similar to 5700 or 5700 XT), though doing the same to RX 5700 will yield far better results.

                                    I believe GPU and monitor should go side by side, though the types of games you play may help with the decision.
                                    As a side note playing @ 1440p GPU takes most of the Load so upgrading a CPU is recommended but not needed.

                                    Thanks for the information!

                                    #55213
                                    PCM2

                                      Glad you’re happy with the S2719DFG. I removed your “blank screen” picture as it was extremely overexposed and would mislead people into thinking it actually looks like that to the eye. It doesn’t, if you’re a human. The other pictures are nice to see 🙂

                                      #55377
                                      flamingjoe

                                        Hi,

                                        Im stuck choosing what route I should go for a monitor.

                                        My setup is: GPU: Sapphire RX580 – CPU: Ryzen 5 2600x – 16gb RAM
                                        & I will mostly be playing only Classic WoW, with maybe a little Overwatch

                                        I don’t know if I should get a 1080p screen at 24 or 27in 144hz OR 1440p screen at 27/31.5in 75hz?

                                        Apparently my PC will be able to play both Classic and OW at 1080 around 80-90fps, and 1440p around 60fps.

                                        Any thoughts? Thanks

                                        #55380
                                        PCM2

                                          Hi flamingjoe,

                                          I’ve merged your thread with an existing thread on this topic. It would be nice to give this thread some traction (reinvigorate it) given that it seems the OP has abandoned it. My first post runs through some food for thought with respect to both resolutions. It’s really a very personal choice which to go for and it’s a question only you can answer based on your own preferences as sensitivities.

                                          All I would say is that your frame rate ranges there seem very narrow and possibly a bit pessimistic. Where did you get that expected performance information from and what settings were used? Surely it is possible to lower graphics settings and improve the frame rate further. And as per my initial post, the 2560 x 1440 (WQHD) resolution at reduced settings brings a lot to the table beyond Full HD on a monitor of a similar size with all settings whacked up to ‘Ultra’. If you like an immersive gaming experience and you prefer graphical quality over responsiveness (and making compromises to get high frame rates) plus you seem to perform fine on your current monitor (presumably 60Hz) then the WQHD options might make sense. For an emphasis on immersipn and strong overall colour quality (with decent responsiveness), something like the AOC Q3279VWFD8 might be just what you need.

                                          #55381
                                          flamingjoe

                                            HI PCM2, happy to join on here.

                                            I got the expected performance information from userbenchmark.com, I believe I was selecting ‘Max’ game settings. I dont know how accurate it is though because I just checked and apparently for WoW at 1080p max settings I would average 95fps (15 samples), but when I change to 1440p it says 120fps (2 samples), so there’s that.. Also I actually don’t have a current monitor to use at all as this is a brand new build and my first proper PC in many years.

                                            Really I just cant decide between having a 1080 144hz or 1440 75hz, guess maybe I should try look at some in a store but might be hard finding somewhere that has a good display range

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