Iiyama GB2470HSU-W5: The Ultimate 24 Gaming Monitor?
Are you on the hunt for a new gaming monitor that won't break the bank but still delivers a fantastic experience? Then you might have heard of the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5. In this article, we're diving deep into everything this monitor has to offer, from its technical specs to real-world performance, so you can make an informed decision. Let's get started!
First Impressions and Build Quality
When you first unbox the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5, you'll notice its sleek and minimalist design. It's not flashy, but it looks modern and professional. The stand is sturdy and offers a good range of adjustments, including tilt, swivel, and height. This is crucial for finding the perfect viewing angle, especially if you're planning long gaming sessions. The build quality feels solid, with no noticeable creaks or wobbles. The bezels are relatively thin, which is always a plus for immersive gaming and multi-monitor setups. Overall, the initial impression is positive, suggesting a well-built and thoughtfully designed monitor.
Setting up the monitor is a breeze. The stand easily clicks into place, and the connections are straightforward. The monitor includes HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, providing flexibility for connecting to various devices. The on-screen display (OSD) is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly adjust settings like brightness, contrast, and color profiles. For gamers, the quick access to overdrive settings and game modes is particularly useful. The anti-glare coating on the screen does a decent job of reducing reflections, making it suitable for use in brightly lit rooms. From a design and usability perspective, the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 gets a thumbs up.
Display Quality and Performance
The heart of any monitor is its display, and the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 doesn't disappoint. It features a 23.8-inch VA panel with a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution. While some might argue that 1080p is a bit low for modern gaming, it's a sweet spot for performance and affordability. The VA panel offers excellent contrast ratios, resulting in deep blacks and vibrant colors. This makes games and movies look rich and immersive. The monitor also boasts a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, which are essential for smooth and responsive gameplay. Fast-paced action games benefit greatly from these features, reducing motion blur and ghosting to provide a competitive edge.
In terms of color accuracy, the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 performs admirably. It covers a decent portion of the sRGB color space, making it suitable for general use and gaming. However, it's not ideal for professional color-sensitive work like photo editing or graphic design. The viewing angles are also good, with minimal color shift when viewed from different positions. This is important if you often have friends over for gaming sessions or if you need to view the screen from an off-center angle. The monitor also supports AMD FreeSync Premium, which helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering when paired with a compatible AMD graphics card. This further enhances the gaming experience by providing smoother and more consistent performance. Overall, the display quality and performance of the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 are impressive for its price range, making it a great choice for gamers on a budget.
Gaming Experience
Now, let's talk about the most important aspect: gaming. The iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 truly shines in this area. The 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time make a noticeable difference in fast-paced games like first-person shooters and racing sims. The action feels fluid and responsive, allowing you to react quickly and accurately. The VA panel's high contrast ratio adds depth and immersion to the gaming experience, making environments feel more realistic and engaging. Whether you're exploring the dark and gritty streets of a cyberpunk city or speeding through a lush forest, the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 delivers stunning visuals.
The AMD FreeSync Premium support is another significant advantage. It eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, which can be distracting and detrimental to gameplay. With FreeSync enabled, the game feels smoother and more consistent, allowing you to focus on the action without being bothered by visual artifacts. The monitor also offers various game modes that optimize the display settings for different types of games. These modes adjust the color, contrast, and sharpness to enhance the visual experience and provide a competitive edge. For example, the FPS mode brightens the dark areas of the screen, making it easier to spot enemies lurking in the shadows. Overall, the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 provides an exceptional gaming experience that rivals more expensive monitors.
Features and Connectivity
The iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 comes packed with a range of features that enhance its usability and versatility. It includes built-in speakers, which are decent for casual listening but not ideal for immersive gaming or music production. For serious gamers, a dedicated headset or external speakers are recommended. The monitor also features a headphone jack, allowing you to easily connect your headphones for private listening. The stand offers a good range of adjustments, including tilt, swivel, and height, making it easy to find the perfect viewing angle.
In terms of connectivity, the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 offers HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, providing flexibility for connecting to various devices. It also includes a USB hub with two USB 3.0 ports, allowing you to easily connect peripherals like keyboards, mice, and USB drives. The USB hub is a convenient addition that helps to keep your desk tidy and organized. The monitor also features a Kensington lock slot, providing security against theft. The on-screen display (OSD) is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly adjust settings and customize the display to your preferences. Overall, the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 offers a comprehensive set of features and connectivity options that make it a versatile and user-friendly monitor.
Pros and Cons
To summarize, let's take a look at the pros and cons of the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5:
Pros:
- High refresh rate (165Hz): Provides smooth and responsive gameplay.
- Fast response time (1ms): Reduces motion blur and ghosting.
- VA panel: Offers excellent contrast ratios and vibrant colors.
- AMD FreeSync Premium: Eliminates screen tearing and stuttering.
- Adjustable stand: Allows for comfortable viewing angles.
- USB hub: Provides convenient connectivity for peripherals.
- Affordable price: Offers excellent value for money.
Cons:
- 1080p resolution: May not be ideal for users who prefer higher resolutions.
- Built-in speakers: Decent but not great for serious audio.
- Color accuracy: Not ideal for professional color-sensitive work.
Final Verdict
So, what's the final verdict on the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5? Overall, it's an excellent gaming monitor that offers a fantastic balance of performance, features, and affordability. The high refresh rate, fast response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium support make it a great choice for gamers who want a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The VA panel provides excellent contrast ratios and vibrant colors, making games and movies look rich and immersive. While the 1080p resolution and built-in speakers may not be ideal for everyone, they are acceptable compromises for the price. If you're looking for a budget-friendly gaming monitor that doesn't compromise on performance, the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 is definitely worth considering. It's a solid all-around performer that will provide you with hours of enjoyable gaming.
Alternatives to Consider
Of course, the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 isn't the only option in the 24-inch gaming monitor market. Here are a few alternatives you might want to consider:
- AOC 24G2: Another popular 24-inch gaming monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate and IPS panel.
- BenQ ZOWIE XL2411K: A high-performance gaming monitor designed for competitive esports.
- ViewSonic XG2405: A budget-friendly gaming monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate and IPS panel.
Where to Buy
You can typically find the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 at major online retailers like Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy. Be sure to compare prices and check for any special deals or promotions before making your purchase.