Three monitor options explained
Checked 27 September 2026: Dell listed the S2725DC at A$399.30; JB Hi-Fi listed the MSI at A$329 with delivery available. Scorptec listed the ASUS as available for delivery; confirm its current checkout price. Prices, delivery charges and stock can change. These are three use-case examples, not a claim that one monitor suits everyone.
Dell S2725DC
Start with a 27-inch 1440p screen if you want useful workspace without the cost or gaming demand of 4K. This model adds USB-C and a fully adjustable stand.
The best computer monitor is not necessarily the largest, fastest or most expensive one. It is the monitor whose size, resolution, refresh rate, panel behaviour, connections and stand suit the way you actually use your computer. For many Australians, a 27-inch 2560 × 1440 monitor with an IPS-type panel and an adjustable stand is the strongest all-round choice. Gaming, professional creative work, consoles and laptop docking can justify something different.
Monitor choices at a glance
| Main use | Sensible starting point | Features worth prioritising |
|---|---|---|
| General home and office | 24-inch 1080p or 27-inch 1440p | Clear text, adjustable stand, suitable ports and comfortable brightness |
| Mixed use | 27-inch 1440p, 100–180Hz | IPS-type panel, adaptive sync and good ergonomics |
| Competitive gaming | 24–27 inches, 1080p or 1440p, high refresh | Low input lag, strong pixel response and variable refresh rate |
| High-detail gaming | 27–32-inch 4K high-refresh display | Powerful GPU, suitable DisplayPort or HDMI connection and adaptive sync |
| Photo, video or design | 27–32-inch 4K | Colour accuracy, gamut coverage, uniformity and calibration support |
| Laptop workstation | 27-inch 1440p or 4K USB-C monitor | Adequate USB-C charging, USB hub, Ethernet if required and KVM capability |
| Wide productivity or simulation | 34-inch 3440 × 1440 ultrawide | Useful curve, window space, GPU support and application compatibility |
How these examples were chosen
These research-led examples illustrate three different priorities: everyday usability, high-refresh gaming and detailed creative work. We compared manufacturer specifications and Australian retailer listings. BLD has not conducted hands-on testing of these monitors. Check independent measurements of response times, colour and uniformity before committing to a specialist workflow.
The three monitors in detail
Dell 27 Plus QHD USB-C Monitor S2725DC
A balanced starting point for work and mixed use.
The 27-inch IPS panel combines 2560 × 1440 resolution with up to 144Hz refresh. USB-C supplies up to 65W to a compatible laptop, while height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustments help position the screen comfortably.
Why consider it
- Useful balance of sharpness and gaming demand
- USB-C video and laptop charging
What to weigh up
- 65W may not power a demanding laptop fully
- Less fine detail than a 27-inch 4K screen
Choose this when office work, browsing and occasional gaming share the same desk.
MSI MAG 274QF X24
A speed-focused example with an ergonomic trade-off.
This 27-inch Rapid IPS monitor pairs 2560 × 1440 resolution with up to 240Hz and Adaptive-Sync. Use the supported DisplayPort connection for the maximum refresh rate. Its supplied stand adjusts tilt only; budget for a compatible monitor arm if height adjustment is important.
Why consider it
- High refresh ceiling for competitive games
- 1440p resolution and Adaptive-Sync
What to weigh up
- Tilt-only stand
- 240Hz needs sufficiently high frame rates
Choose this for fast games when your PC can make use of the refresh rate. The advertised response time is not a substitute for measured motion testing.
ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV
A detail-and-colour example for a creative workstation.
The 27-inch 3840 × 2160 IPS panel runs at 60Hz. ASUS specifies 99% Adobe RGB and 99% DCI-P3 coverage, factory colour accuracy of Delta E below 2, and USB-C charging up to 96W. These are manufacturer specifications, not BLD laboratory measurements.
Why consider it
- Sharp 4K workspace and wide colour coverage
- USB-C power delivery up to 96W
What to weigh up
- 60Hz rather than high-refresh gaming
- DisplayHDR 400 does not make it a reference HDR mastering display
Choose this for photo, design and detailed office work when its colour features justify the cost. Use an appropriate colour mode and calibration workflow.
Start with what the monitor will be used for
Write down the tasks that matter before comparing specifications. Office work benefits from readable text, a comfortable stand and useful ports. Competitive gaming rewards low delay and clean motion. Photo and video work requires dependable colour. Console gaming needs suitable HDMI capabilities. A laptop desk may benefit more from one-cable USB-C docking than from extreme refresh rate.
A monitor used for eight hours of work and two hours of gaming should not be chosen solely around the two gaming hours. Prioritise the features that improve the largest portion of your use.
What monitor size should you buy?
24 inches
A 24-inch screen is easy to fit on a small desk and works well at 1920 × 1080. It is a practical budget choice for study, office work and competitive gaming where the entire screen should remain easy to scan.
27 inches
This is the most versatile mainstream size. At 2560 × 1440 it provides noticeably more workspace and sharper detail than 24-inch 1080p without placing the same demand on a gaming PC as 4K.
32 inches
A 32-inch monitor provides a large, immersive picture and suits 4K resolution well. It needs a deeper desk and may require more head movement at close range. At 1440p, pixels and text can appear less refined than on a 27-inch screen viewed from the same distance.
Ultrawide
A 34-inch 3440 × 1440 ultrawide can replace two smaller screens for timelines, spreadsheets and multitasking. Games that support the aspect ratio can feel immersive, but some content displays black bars or uses an unsupported layout.
Resolution explained
| Common resolution | Often called | Where it makes sense | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1920 × 1080 | Full HD or 1080p | Budget 22–24-inch monitors and high-frame-rate gaming | Limited workspace and lower sharpness on larger screens |
| 2560 × 1440 | QHD or 1440p | General use and gaming at 27 inches | More GPU demand than 1080p |
| 3440 × 1440 | Ultrawide QHD | 34-inch productivity and immersive gaming | Application and game support varies |
| 3840 × 2160 | 4K UHD | Sharp text, detailed images, larger screens and console use | High GPU demand in games and possible interface scaling |
Resolution describes the number of pixels, not the physical size. Pixel density depends on both. A 27-inch 4K monitor is sharper than a 32-inch 4K monitor, while a 27-inch 1440p monitor is sharper than a 32-inch 1440p monitor.
How much refresh rate do you need?
Refresh rate, measured in hertz, describes how many times the monitor can update its image each second. A higher rate can make cursor movement, scrolling and games look smoother, but the computer must produce enough frames and use a suitable connection.
- 60–75Hz: adequate for ordinary office work, video and basic home use;
- 100–120Hz: a clearly smoother general experience and a useful upgrade for mixed use;
- 144–180Hz: the practical mainstream range for gaming;
- 240Hz and above: mainly valuable to competitive players whose hardware can sustain very high frame rates.
Buying a 360Hz monitor will not make a game run at 360 frames per second. CPU, graphics card, game settings and resolution determine what the PC can produce.
What is variable refresh rate?
Variable refresh rate, or VRR, lets a compatible monitor adjust its refresh timing to follow the frames produced by the PC or console. This can reduce visible tearing and improve smoothness when frame rate varies.
Marketing names include Adaptive-Sync, AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC. Compatibility labels are useful, but model-specific behaviour still matters. Check the supported refresh range, connection requirements and independent testing for flicker or other issues.
IPS, VA, TN, OLED and mini-LED
| Display type | Typical strengths | Typical weaknesses | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPS-type LCD | Good colour, viewing angles and broad model choice | Modest contrast and possible glow in dark scenes | General use, gaming and creative work |
| VA-type LCD | Higher native contrast and deeper dark-room blacks | Some models show dark-level motion smearing | Films, mixed use and contrast-focused gaming |
| TN LCD | Fast, inexpensive competitive-gaming options | Weaker viewing angles and colour consistency | Speed-first competitive gaming |
| OLED | Perfect-looking blacks, excellent contrast and extremely fast pixel response | Burn-in risk, text-fringing concerns on some layouts and higher cost | Premium gaming and entertainment |
| Mini-LED LCD | High brightness and stronger HDR through many local-dimming zones | Blooming around bright objects and variable implementation | HDR gaming, films and some creative work |
These are broad tendencies. A well-engineered model using one technology can outperform a poor model using another.
Should you buy OLED?
OLED provides exceptional contrast and motion clarity because each pixel produces its own light and can switch off individually. It is especially impressive for games and films in a controlled room.
The trade-off is long-term image retention or burn-in risk from repeated static elements. Modern protection features reduce the risk but do not eliminate it. Desktop taskbars, application menus and fixed game interfaces deserve consideration if the monitor will display them for many hours every day.
Before buying, read the exact warranty wording for burn-in, understand required panel-maintenance cycles and consider whether the monitor’s subpixel layout renders text cleanly enough for your eyes.
What does HDR really mean?
High dynamic range can show brighter highlights, deeper blacks and a wider range of colour when the monitor, content, operating system and connection all support it. An “HDR-compatible” input alone does not guarantee convincing HDR.
Strong HDR usually requires:
- high peak brightness;
- deep black levels;
- effective local dimming or self-emissive pixels;
- wide colour capability;
- appropriate bit depth and processing; and
- good tone mapping.
VESA DisplayHDR certification provides standardised performance tiers, but check the exact certification and independent test results. Entry-level HDR labels may deliver only a modest improvement over standard dynamic range.
How important is colour accuracy?
For general use and gaming, a pleasant, reasonably accurate factory mode is normally enough. Photographers, designers and video editors should look more closely at measured accuracy, uniformity, colour-gamut coverage, hardware-calibration support and the colour space required by their work.
A very wide colour gamut is not automatically better if unmanaged applications display ordinary content with excessive saturation. Professional users may need a calibration device rather than relying entirely on a factory report.
Brightness, contrast and screen coating
A bright room needs enough screen brightness to overcome ambient light, but maximum brightness is not the same as comfortable daily brightness. Contrast affects the separation between dark and bright parts of the image, particularly in a dim room.
Matte coatings reduce obvious reflections but can slightly soften the picture or create grain on light backgrounds. Glossy coatings often look clearer and richer but reflect windows and lights more strongly. Consider the room rather than treating either finish as universally superior.
Flat or curved monitor?
A gentle curve can make a wide or ultrawide screen easier to view from a central position. On an ordinary 24- or 27-inch monitor, curvature usually provides less benefit and becomes a matter of preference.
People doing straight-line design, architecture or shared-screen work may prefer flat displays. Curvature numbers work in reverse: a lower radius number means a stronger curve.
Which connections do you need?
DisplayPort
DisplayPort is a common desktop-PC connection and supports high resolutions, high refresh rates, HDR and adaptive-sync features depending on the versions and capabilities implemented at both ends.
HDMI
HDMI is essential for many laptops, consoles and entertainment devices. Do not rely only on the version number: confirm the exact resolution, refresh rate, VRR and HDR capabilities supported by the monitor’s particular HDMI inputs.
USB-C
A USB-C monitor can carry video, USB data and power through one cable when the laptop and monitor support the required modes. Check the charging wattage, because a basic output may charge an ultraportable adequately but be insufficient for a powerful workstation laptop.
KVM switch and USB hub
A built-in KVM can let one keyboard and mouse control two connected computers. Confirm how switching works and which video and USB connections must be used. A monitor hub may also provide Ethernet, audio and downstream USB ports.
What should gamers prioritise?
- Choose a resolution your graphics card can handle in the games you play.
- Select a refresh rate that provides a real benefit at those frame rates.
- Check measured input lag and pixel-response behaviour.
- Look for variable refresh rate with a useful operating range.
- Check overshoot and motion quality across different refresh rates.
- Confirm the required DisplayPort or HDMI capability.
- Consider HDR only when the display has hardware capable of showing it convincingly.
The advertised “1ms” response time often reflects a best-case test mode that may introduce visible inverse ghosting. Independent measurements across multiple transitions are more meaningful.
What should office users prioritise?
- sharp, readable text at a comfortable scaling level;
- a stand with height, tilt and preferably swivel adjustment;
- flicker-free brightness control;
- a matte or reflection-controlled screen suitable for the room;
- enough resolution for multiple documents;
- USB-C docking if regularly connecting a laptop; and
- VESA mounting support if using an arm.
Speakers built into thin monitors are convenient for calls and basic system sounds but rarely replace proper desktop speakers or headphones.
What should creative professionals prioritise?
- the colour space required by the work;
- measured accuracy and uniformity;
- appropriate resolution and screen size;
- 10-bit workflow support where genuinely required;
- calibration and profiling options;
- consistent brightness and white point;
- correct video input and bandwidth; and
- HDR capability appropriate to the delivery format.
A monitor marketed for creators is not automatically accurate. Verify independent measurements and distinguish true hardware capability from software simulation.
One large monitor or two smaller monitors?
Two monitors provide separate physical workspaces and make it easy to maximise different applications. One ultrawide avoids the centre bezels and uses fewer cables, while one large 4K screen can provide a clean desk with extensive workspace.
Check whether the computer supports the required number of displays and their combined resolution and refresh rates. Laptop docks may impose bandwidth limits even when every connector appears suitable.
Ergonomics matter more than thin bezels
A good stand can be worth more than decorative styling. Height adjustment helps position the top portion of the display near a comfortable eye level. Tilt and swivel make it easier to reduce reflections and maintain a natural posture.
If the included stand is poor, check for a standard VESA mounting pattern and confirm that the monitor arm supports the display’s weight and size. Very deep stands can consume valuable desk space even when the panel itself is thin.
How much should you spend?
Spend according to the features you will notice every day:
- Basic office use: prioritise a clear panel, decent stand and necessary ports over gaming features.
- General home use: 27-inch 1440p usually provides a worthwhile improvement without excessive cost.
- Mainstream gaming: pay for strong motion performance, adaptive sync and 144–180Hz before decorative lighting.
- Premium gaming: 4K high refresh, OLED or strong mini-LED HDR can be worthwhile with suitable hardware.
- Professional creative work: pay for measured accuracy, uniformity, calibration and support—not merely resolution.
Common monitor-buying mistakes
- Buying too large for the desk: Measure complete dimensions and viewing distance first.
- Choosing 4K without considering GPU demand: Higher resolution requires considerably more gaming performance.
- Assuming all HDR is equal: An HDR input signal does not prove strong HDR picture quality.
- Trusting the “1ms” label: Check measured response and overshoot.
- Ignoring the stand: A fixed-height display may be uncomfortable for daily work.
- Forgetting port bandwidth: The wrong input or cable can limit refresh rate, colour or resolution.
- Expecting perfect OLED permanence: Static desktop use requires sensible care and warranty checking.
- Buying refresh rate the PC cannot use: Match the screen to realistic game performance.
- Ignoring returns for pixel defects: Read the seller and manufacturer policies before buying.
A practical buying process
- Define your main use. Decide whether work, gaming, creative applications or mixed use leads the decision.
- Measure the desk. Include stand depth, screen width and viewing distance.
- Choose size and resolution together. Aim for suitable sharpness and workable scaling.
- Match gaming demand to the PC. Estimate realistic frame rates at the intended resolution.
- Select the display technology. Balance contrast, motion, colour, cost and burn-in risk.
- Verify ports and cables. Confirm every required resolution, refresh rate and laptop-charging feature.
- Check ergonomics. Look at adjustment, VESA mounting and stand footprint.
- Read independent measurements. Examine brightness, contrast, colour, response and input lag.
- Check warranty and pixel policy. Understand returns before discovering a defect.
- Inspect it promptly. Test inputs, pixels, uniformity and maximum refresh rate while return options remain open.
Frequently asked questions
Is 27-inch 1440p still the best general choice?
For many people, yes. It provides useful workspace, good sharpness and manageable gaming demand at a comfortable desktop size. A 4K monitor is better when maximum text or image detail matters.
Is 4K worth it for office work?
It can make text exceptionally sharp and provide detailed workspace, although Windows scaling will usually be required. Check that older applications behave properly at the chosen scale.
Do I need more than 60Hz if I do not game?
No, but 100Hz or higher can make scrolling and pointer movement noticeably smoother. Treat it as a comfort improvement rather than a necessity.
Is a television a good computer monitor?
A suitable TV can work for couch gaming or a large display, but check text clarity, input lag, chroma support, sleep behaviour and viewing distance. TVs are not automatically designed for close desktop use.
Should I buy a monitor with speakers?
Built-in speakers are useful for convenience, but sound quality is usually limited. Do not let them outweigh panel quality unless basic audio is an important requirement.
Do expensive cables improve picture quality?
A properly functioning digital cable does not make the image more detailed merely because it is expensive. Buy a correctly certified or rated cable that supports the required bandwidth and length.
Sources and further reading
- VESA: DisplayHDR performance specification
- VESA DisplayHDR: Certified products
- VESA DisplayPort information
- HDMI Licensing Administrator: HDMI gaming features
- Microsoft Support: HDR settings in Windows
- Microsoft Support: Change monitor refresh rate in Windows
- MSI: MAG 274QF X24 specifications
- ASUS: PA279CRV specifications
- Dell: Dell 27 Plus QHD USB-C Monitor S2725DC
- JB Hi-Fi: MSI MAG 274QF X24
- Scorptec: ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV
Product specifications and retailer listings checked on 27 September 2026. Confirm the exact model, checkout total, delivery availability and supported connections before ordering.
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