Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU Review: The Ultimate Gaming Monitor?

by Jhon Lennon 63 views

Are you on the hunt for a new gaming monitor that won't break the bank but still delivers a fantastic experience? Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU. This monitor has been making waves in the gaming community, and for good reason. Let's break down what makes it a contender for your hard-earned cash.

First Impressions: Unboxing and Setup

Alright, guys, let's kick things off with the unboxing experience. The iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU comes well-packaged, ensuring it arrives at your doorstep safe and sound. Inside the box, you'll find the monitor itself, the stand, a power cable, and usually an HDMI or DisplayPort cable – always a nice touch! Setting it up is a breeze; the stand easily snaps into place, and you'll be ready to game in no time. The design is sleek and understated, meaning it won't look out of place in your gaming setup or home office. No over-the-top gamer aesthetics here, just a clean, functional design that gets the job done.

Display Quality: Visuals That Pop

Now, let's get to the juicy part – the display quality. The iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU boasts a 23.8-inch VA panel with a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution. While some might scoff at 1080p in this day and age, it's honestly the sweet spot for many gamers, especially if you're aiming for high frame rates without needing a super-powerful graphics card. The VA panel technology delivers excellent contrast ratios, meaning you'll get deep blacks and bright whites, making games and movies look incredibly vibrant. The color accuracy is also surprisingly good for a monitor in this price range, with colors appearing natural and lifelike. Whether you're exploring the lush forests of an RPG or battling it out in a fast-paced shooter, the visuals on this monitor are sure to impress. Moreover, the viewing angles are decent, ensuring that the image doesn't distort too much when viewed from different positions.

Performance: Speed and Smoothness

When it comes to gaming, performance is king, and the iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU doesn't disappoint. It features a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms Moving Picture Response Time (MPRT). What does this mean for you? In simple terms, super smooth and responsive gameplay. The high refresh rate ensures that motion blur is minimized, making fast-paced action look incredibly fluid. The 1ms MPRT further reduces ghosting, providing a clear and sharp image even during intense gaming sessions. Additionally, this monitor supports AMD FreeSync Premium, which eliminates screen tearing and stuttering by synchronizing the monitor's refresh rate with your AMD graphics card. The result is a seamless and immersive gaming experience that will give you a competitive edge. Even if you're not a hardcore gamer, the smooth visuals make everyday tasks like browsing the web and watching videos a more enjoyable experience.

Features: What Else Does It Offer?

The iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU comes packed with a range of features that enhance its usability. It has built-in speakers, which, while not audiophile-grade, are perfectly adequate for casual gaming and general use. It also includes a headphone jack for those times when you need to keep the noise down. The monitor has multiple input options, including HDMI and DisplayPort, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. The stand offers tilt, swivel, and height adjustment, allowing you to find the perfect viewing position for maximum comfort. The on-screen display (OSD) is easy to navigate, with a variety of settings to customize the image to your liking. You can adjust brightness, contrast, color temperature, and even enable various gaming modes optimized for different game genres. For example, the FPS mode enhances visibility in dark areas, giving you an advantage in competitive shooters.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Okay, let's break down the good and the not-so-good.

Pros:

  • High Refresh Rate: 165Hz for buttery-smooth gaming.
  • Fast Response Time: 1ms MPRT eliminates ghosting.
  • AMD FreeSync Premium: Tear-free gaming with compatible AMD cards.
  • Excellent Contrast Ratio: Vibrant colors and deep blacks.
  • Adjustable Stand: Tilt, swivel, and height adjustments for optimal comfort.
  • Affordable Price: Great value for the features offered.

Cons:

  • 1080p Resolution: May not be sharp enough for some users, especially on larger screens.
  • Built-in Speakers: Not the best audio quality.
  • VA Panel: While contrast is great, response times can sometimes be a tad slower compared to TN panels (though the 1ms MPRT helps mitigate this).

Who Is This Monitor For?

The iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU is an excellent choice for gamers on a budget who are looking for a fast and responsive monitor. It's also a great option for students or anyone who needs a versatile display for both work and play. If you primarily play competitive games where high frame rates are crucial, this monitor will give you a definite edge. However, if you're a content creator or someone who values color accuracy above all else, you might want to consider a monitor with an IPS panel. And if you're used to gaming at 1440p or 4K resolution, stepping down to 1080p might feel like a downgrade.

Alternatives to Consider

If the iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU doesn't quite tick all your boxes, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • ViewSonic XG2405: A popular 144Hz IPS monitor with excellent color accuracy.
  • ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QR: A 165Hz IPS monitor with ASUS's ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) technology.
  • BenQ ZOWIE XL2411K: A 144Hz TN monitor designed for competitive gaming.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So, the million-dollar question: is the iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU worth buying? In my opinion, absolutely! It offers an impressive blend of performance, features, and affordability that's hard to beat. The high refresh rate and fast response time make it a joy to game on, while the excellent contrast ratio ensures that visuals look stunning. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive monitors, it delivers where it counts: providing a smooth, responsive, and immersive gaming experience. If you're on a budget and looking for a solid 1080p gaming monitor, the iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a fantastic all-rounder that won't disappoint.

Where to Buy

You can find the iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU at most major online retailers, such as Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy. Be sure to check for deals and promotions to get the best possible price. Happy gaming, folks!