Throwing this out to 4k monitor users. I am using a 27" 2k monitor (144Hz, 1ms refresh) with MSFS at Ultra setting for nearly everything. It looks great. Would I really notice a difference if I used a 4k monitor? I’m trying to decide whether to purchase.
I too only have a 2K monitor. I have a 32 inch. In my mind, I don’t really think you will see a huge difference in 27 inch monitor. I think the real noticeable difference on larger monitors.
The 4K on a 27 inch could be helpful if you use it to move small instruments to it. But as the main monitor, i don’t think you will see a huge difference.
I’m think that people with small 27 inch 4K monitors may disagree with me. I’ll go to 4K when I upgrade my main monitor to 36 inch or larger. Then at that size, I think you will see a noticeable difference, but don’t forget, you need a powerful card to frik a 4K monitor at 100% resolution.
I wish I would have gone with 4K when I bought my 32 instead of 2K. I didn’t have a card that could rive 4K at the time and didn’t think about fuite proofing it. I think at 32 inches, is where you will start noticing the 4K better.
I also have two 27 inch side monitors. Wish I would have gotten those also in 2K.
I’ve a 32" 4K monitor, have used larger 2K monitors in the past. The answer to your question is yes, if you can afford it then it’s definitely worth it.
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if both screens are 27", you’ll likely not really notice.
4K really shines (and is only really necessary) on large screens.
i’ve got a 48" (4k) G-Sync monitor running at 3840x2160 (120Hz) with a RTX1080Ti card. Everything on High except clouds on Ultra and I get s steady 30fps and no stutter. Sharpness is amazing. You will really notice the difference. Going to get an RTX 3090 card once the prices come down after the release of the 4000 series.
running here in 4k on a 55" sony tv, and I’ll never go back to the 32" 1080p monitor for flight sim. Even with the slightly lower fps, its great.
I think size matters more then 1080 2k 4k though, on the 55" i can put 2 chairs side by side, center the cockpit, and its just like being in the cockpit. And since the multimonitor is so poor in the at the moment I can live with the way it is.
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I have a 32” 4K HDR monitor and really enjoy the view. A thing to consider is fps. I’m quite content with 30 fps locked - if you must have 60 fps or more you need a really expensive rig. I have 2070S and it runs fine in GA.
I have a 27 inch curved 1080 monitor and RTX 2070 Super and seem to be doing extremely good with subjectively 2k-4k visual quality (on DLDSR 2.25) and FPS 60-90 … was gonna get a 33 inch 4k monitor but see no need at this point …
On a 27", you’re better off with 1440p. You won’t really see any perceivable quality increase bumping up to 4K at that size.
Once you start hitting 32" and bigger, individual pixels on a 1440p panel will start becoming visible. That’s where 4K starts becoming a requirement.
My main monitor is a 34" 3440x1440 UWQHD monitor (same effective pixel density as a 27" 2560x1440) with a nice IPS panel. I have a side monitor that’s a 27" 4K. I can edit photos and videos on either and there’s very little perceivable difference between them at that size.
I use a 55" 4K monitor on my desk. It’s basically life size and I love it, and it is way better than the 3X1440 monitor setup I was using before. I recently purchased an HP G2 VR setup, too, and I’ve been loving that, too.
The monitor is placed essentially where the instrumental panel would be in front of me.
My 4K monitor cost $375 at Costco 2 years ago for an LG 55UN7300 I think it is off the top of my head.
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Yes, when your 4K monitor or TV bigger than 40". Below that, 1440p is already good to enjoy, IMHO!
50-55" is the sweet spot to get the life-sized views. I use a 50" TV as my main sim monitor now. That’s a huge improvement over my old 3440x1440 monitor I used to use as my main sim display in every way.
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What really matters is the relationship between screen size and viewing distance.
At close viewing distances, the distance between pixels and their size should be smaller.
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I recently switched from 27” 4K to 2K. I find the 4k was really straining my eyes. The 2K monitor results in better performance and crucially, my eyes don’t get sore.
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The specs of your PC may come into play as well. Getting a larger screen at 4K may well be desirable, but that higher resolution may come at a price of smoothness/frame rates - worth bearing in mind before you part with your money.
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From the sound of it, the OP is looking to get a 27" 4K, the same size as his existing 1440p monitor.
So you’re absolutely correct. He’ll be pushing 66% more pixels, which will translate in a decrease in frame rate assuming no resolution scaling or DLSS is used.
I use both 38 inch Ultra Wide from Alienware which is little bit more or less 2K and also use LG CX OLED 48 inch 4K as my primary display for MSFS.
Although not a HUGE improvement, you definitely see the difference. It’s just way more crisp and clean when it comes to detail.
On my 3090 Ti, there is no difference in performance between both 2K and 4K. In fact, it performs a bit better in 4K but that may be due to the fact that RTX cards are designed to perform well in 4K.
Ever since I switched to 4K, can never go back. I even changed the screen size to make it look like a ultra wide screen and now get that extra horizontal angle view like you would with an ultra wide. It’s a perfect combination.
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Thanks to everyone for your insights. From what I read, 4k monitors should be greater than 27". I will certainly move up in size if I purchase one.
What size do you suggest if I want to be able to comfortably read, for instance, the numbers and text in the PFD and MFD of the PMDG 737 at a distance of 2-3 feet? What size is too big, i.e. pixels would become noticeable and actually degrade the crispness? I guess I’m looking for an optimal size range that would still show an improvement in image clarity over my 27" 2K.
I was using a 2070 Super with the 55" 4K monitor ok for me, but, I’m ok with 15 to 25 fps. It would usually be about 15 - 20 on the ground at airports (e.g. KASH and KACK, etc, the addon airports I created), and 20 to 30 or more fps in the air.
I’m using a 3080TI now, I haven’t bothered to display the FPS, so I don’t know what my FPS is (IOW, I’m perfectly happy with my performance in both 4K and VR (HP G2)).
Very good point though that your graphics card matters.
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It depends on how close your eyes are to the screen.
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