The ViewSonic XG2401 is a budget-friendly 144Hz gaming monitor that has garnered attention for its performance and affordability. This review will dive deep into its features, performance, and overall value, helping you decide if it's the right choice for your gaming setup.
Price
The ViewSonic XG2401 strikes an appealing balance between cost and performance. Priced competitively, it often finds itself compared to other budget monitors like the Dell S2419HGF and various offerings from Acer and ASUS. What sets the XG2401 apart is its consistent reliability and solid build quality, which are sometimes not as pronounced in other monitors within the same price range. Users have reported finding this model at a very reasonable price point, especially during sales, making it an excellent choice for gamers who want to experience high refresh rates without breaking the bank.
Resolution
The XG2401 features a 1920x1080 resolution, which is standard for high-refresh-rate gaming monitors that prioritize speed over pixel density. While 1080p might not deliver the crystal-clear imagery of higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K, it remains the industry standard for competitive gaming where higher frame rates are more beneficial than higher resolutions. This makes the XG2401 an ideal monitor for gamers who play fast-paced, competitive games and prefer performance over visual fidelity.
Refresh Rate
One of the standout features of the ViewSonic XG2401 is its 144Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate allows for smoother gameplay and less motion blur, which is crucial in fast-paced gaming scenarios. The difference between 60Hz and 144Hz is palpable, with many users reporting that once they switch to 144Hz, it's tough to go back to lower refresh rates. This makes the XG2401 a great entry point for gamers looking to upgrade from standard 60Hz displays without spending a fortune.
Connectivity
The XG2401 offers a range of connectivity options, including HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, which are sufficient for modern gaming rigs. It also includes USB ports, which can be handy for connecting peripherals or charging devices directly through the monitor. This selection of ports ensures that the monitor can handle multiple input sources and serves well in a multi-device setup.
Durability
ViewSonic is known for its sturdy build quality, and the XG2401 is no exception. Users have noted that the monitor feels solid and well-constructed. The stand is particularly praised for its stability and minimal wobble, a common issue with many budget monitors. Additionally, the longevity of this model is commendable, with several users reporting heavy usage over extended periods without any significant degradation in performance or physical integrity.
Special Features and Issues
The XG2401 supports AMD's FreeSync technology, which helps eliminate screen tearing and stuttering by synchronizing the monitor's refresh rate with the GPU's frame rate. However, it's worth noting that some users with NVIDIA cards have expressed concerns about not being able to utilize FreeSync. This is a common limitation in monitors that are not certified by NVIDIA as G-Sync compatible.
Another point of discussion among users is the monitor's TN panel. While TN panels offer faster response times, they are often criticized for poorer color reproduction and viewing angles compared to IPS or VA panels. Some users have noticed issues like color shifting when viewing from different angles and less vibrant colors. However, for hardcore gamers, the faster response times might outweigh these disadvantages.
Conclusion
The ViewSonic XG2401 is a robust choice for gamers who are venturing into the realm of higher refresh rates. Its affordability, coupled with solid performance, makes it a worthy consideration for those on a budget. While it may not boast the best color accuracy or viewing angles, its strengths in refresh rate, response time, and build quality make it a recommended option for competitive gamers.
