Iiyama G-Master G247: Is This Gaming Monitor Worth It?

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

Hey guys! Are you looking for a new gaming monitor that won't break the bank? Then you've probably stumbled across the Iiyama G-Master G247. This monitor has been making waves in the budget gaming scene, and for good reason. In this in-depth article, we're going to dive deep into what makes this monitor tick, its pros and cons, and whether it's the right choice for your gaming setup. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Okay, so the first thing you'll notice is the no-nonsense packaging. Iiyama isn't trying to win any design awards here, and that's totally fine. What matters is what's inside, right? Inside the box, you'll find the monitor itself, a stand, a power cable, and usually an HDMI cable. Some retailers might throw in a DisplayPort cable too, but don't count on it. The assembly is pretty straightforward; just snap the stand into the monitor, and you're good to go. The stand itself is functional but basic. It allows for tilt adjustment, which is nice, but no swivel or height adjustment. If you're picky about ergonomics, you might want to consider a VESA-compatible monitor arm.

Now, let's talk about the monitor's design. It's not flashy, but it's clean and understated. The bezels are relatively thin, which is a plus for immersion, especially if you're planning on a multi-monitor setup. The back of the monitor is plain black plastic with the Iiyama logo. The overall build quality feels solid enough for the price. It doesn't feel cheap or flimsy, which is always a good sign. The OSD (On-Screen Display) buttons are located on the bottom right of the monitor. They're a bit small and fiddly, but you'll get used to them after a while. Navigating the OSD menu is simple enough, but it's not the most intuitive system. You'll find all the usual settings like brightness, contrast, color temperature, and overdrive. One thing that I appreciate is the inclusion of preset gaming modes, like FPS and RTS, which can be helpful for optimizing the display for different game genres. The Iiyama G-Master G247 provides a decent first impression. It's an affordable gaming monitor that offers great value. For gamers looking for a budget-friendly option, the Iiyama G-Master G247 is worth considering. However, it does have some limitations in the stand and OSD buttons, which may not be suitable for all users. Overall, the Iiyama G-Master G247 provides a simple and clean design, making it a solid choice for gamers on a budget.

Display Quality and Performance

Let's dive into the heart of the matter: the display quality. The Iiyama G-Master G247 boasts a 23.8-inch VA panel with a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate (usually 144Hz, overclockable to 165Hz). VA panels are known for their excellent contrast ratios and decent color accuracy, and the G247 doesn't disappoint. The colors are vibrant and punchy, and the blacks are deep and inky, which makes for an immersive gaming experience. The 1080p resolution is perfectly adequate for this screen size, providing a sharp and detailed image without putting too much strain on your GPU. The 165Hz refresh rate is where this monitor really shines. It makes gameplay feel incredibly smooth and responsive, especially in fast-paced games like first-person shooters and racing games. Combined with the 1ms MPRT response time, you'll experience minimal motion blur and ghosting, giving you a competitive edge.

Now, let's talk about color accuracy. Out of the box, the G247 is reasonably well-calibrated, but it's not perfect. The colors might be a bit oversaturated for some users. However, you can easily adjust the color settings in the OSD menu to achieve a more accurate and natural look. The monitor covers around 95% of the sRGB color gamut, which is good enough for most gaming and general use. However, if you're a professional content creator who needs accurate colors for photo or video editing, you might want to consider a monitor with wider color gamut coverage. The viewing angles are decent for a VA panel. There's some color shifting when viewed from extreme angles, but it's not a major issue. As long as you're sitting directly in front of the monitor, you'll have no problems. Backlight bleed is minimal on my unit, which is always a plus. Some users have reported experiencing some backlight bleed, so it's something to keep an eye on. Overall, the display quality and performance of the Iiyama G-Master G247 are impressive for the price. The combination of a VA panel, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms response time makes for a smooth, vibrant, and immersive gaming experience. For gamers on a budget, this monitor is a fantastic option.

Gaming Experience

Alright, let's get to the good stuff: the gaming experience. The Iiyama G-Master G247 is designed for gaming, and it shows. The 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time make a huge difference in fast-paced games. The difference between 60Hz and 165Hz is night and day. Everything feels smoother, more responsive, and more fluid. In first-person shooters like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Valorant, the reduced input lag gives you a noticeable advantage. You'll be able to react faster and aim more precisely. The fast response time also minimizes motion blur and ghosting, which is crucial for tracking fast-moving targets. In racing games like Assetto Corsa and Forza Horizon, the smooth visuals make the experience more immersive and enjoyable. You'll be able to see the track and other cars more clearly, which helps you make better decisions. The monitor also supports AMD FreeSync Premium, which helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. FreeSync synchronizes the monitor's refresh rate with your AMD graphics card, resulting in a tear-free and smooth gaming experience.

However, it's important to note that FreeSync only works with AMD graphics cards. If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, you'll need to use NVIDIA's Adaptive Sync technology, which is also supported by the G247. The monitor also has several gaming-specific features, such as a Black Tuner, which allows you to adjust the black levels to see better in dark areas, and a Crosshair Overlay, which puts a crosshair on the screen to help you aim. These features can be helpful, but they're not essential. The G247 also has a low input lag mode, which further reduces input lag for an even more responsive gaming experience. Overall, the gaming experience on the Iiyama G-Master G247 is excellent. The combination of a high refresh rate, a fast response time, and FreeSync support makes for a smooth, responsive, and immersive gaming experience. If you're a gamer on a budget, this monitor is definitely worth considering. The monitor also works well with multiple gaming consoles. When playing on the PS5 or the Xbox Series X the monitor will be able to take full advantage of its 120hz refresh rate.

Pros and Cons

To summarize, here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the Iiyama G-Master G247:

Pros:

  • Affordable Price
  • 165Hz Refresh Rate
  • 1ms Response Time
  • VA Panel with Excellent Contrast Ratio
  • AMD FreeSync Premium Support
  • Low Input Lag
  • Decent Color Accuracy

Cons:

  • Basic Stand with Limited Adjustability
  • Fiddly OSD Buttons
  • Mediocre Viewing Angles
  • No Built-in Speakers
  • Plain Design

Alternatives to the Iiyama G-Master G247

If the Iiyama G-Master G247 isn't quite what you're looking for, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • AOC 24G2: This is a popular budget gaming monitor that offers similar features to the G247, including a 144Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and FreeSync support. However, it uses an IPS panel, which provides better color accuracy and viewing angles than a VA panel, but at the expense of contrast ratio.
  • BenQ ZOWIE XL2411K: This is a more expensive gaming monitor that's designed for competitive gaming. It features a 144Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and BenQ's DyAc (Dynamic Accuracy) technology, which reduces motion blur. However, it uses a TN panel, which has the worst color accuracy and viewing angles of the three panel types.
  • MSI Optix G241: This is another budget gaming monitor that offers a 144Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and FreeSync support. It uses an IPS panel for better color accuracy and viewing angles.

Final Verdict: Is the Iiyama G-Master G247 Worth It?

So, is the Iiyama G-Master G247 worth it? Absolutely! For the price, it's hard to beat. The combination of a 165Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and a VA panel with excellent contrast ratio makes for a smooth, vibrant, and immersive gaming experience. The monitor is not perfect, but its shortcomings are minor and easily forgivable, especially considering the price. If you're a gamer on a budget and looking for a monitor that can handle fast-paced games without breaking the bank, the Iiyama G-Master G247 is an excellent choice. Just be aware of its limitations and consider whether they're deal-breakers for you. For most gamers, the G247 will provide a fantastic gaming experience at an affordable price. So go ahead and pull the trigger, you won't regret it! Thanks for reading, and happy gaming!