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

Hey gamers! Today, we're diving deep into the Iiyama G-Master G247, a monitor that's been making waves in the budget-friendly gaming scene. If you're on the hunt for a new display that won't break the bank but still delivers a solid gaming experience, you've probably stumbled upon this model. But is it really worth your hard-earned cash? Let's break it down, piece by piece, so you can make an informed decision. We'll cover everything from its specs and features to its performance in real-world gaming scenarios. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's get started!

First Impressions: What's in the Box?

Alright, let's talk about what you get when you actually purchase the Iiyama G-Master G247. Unboxing experiences aren't always the most thrilling part of buying a monitor, but it's still important. Inside the box, you'll typically find the monitor itself (obviously!), a stand that requires some simple assembly, a power cable, and usually an HDMI cable. Some retailers might also throw in a DisplayPort cable, but don't count on it. The stand is usually a basic, no-frills affair, offering tilt adjustment but lacking swivel or height adjustment. This is pretty standard for monitors in this price range, but it's something to keep in mind if ergonomics are a big concern for you. You might want to consider a VESA-compatible monitor arm for more flexibility. The initial setup is straightforward; just attach the base to the stand, connect the cables, and you're pretty much good to go. No need to be a tech wizard to get this thing up and running, guys! The design is functional, if not particularly flashy. It’s a black plastic build, keeping things simple and unassuming. The bezels are reasonably slim, which is a nice touch for immersion, especially if you're planning on using multiple monitors. So, while the unboxing experience isn't going to blow you away, it covers all the basics and gets you ready to game without any unnecessary hassle. Remember to check that all the expected components are present when you open the box to avoid any surprises down the road. Always a good practice, right?

Diving into the Specs: What Makes It Tick?

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and explore the key specifications of the Iiyama G-Master G247. This is where we separate the wheat from the chaff, guys. The G247 typically features a 23.8-inch VA panel with a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution. The VA panel technology is crucial here, as it aims to provide a better contrast ratio and deeper blacks compared to traditional TN panels, which are often found in cheaper monitors. A higher contrast ratio means a more vibrant and immersive picture, with richer colors and more detail in dark scenes. This is a big plus for gaming, where visual clarity can make all the difference. The monitor usually boasts a refresh rate of 165Hz, which is a significant step up from the standard 60Hz found in many office monitors. A higher refresh rate translates to smoother motion and reduced blur, giving you a competitive edge in fast-paced games. Combined with a 1ms response time (MPRT), the G247 aims to minimize ghosting and motion blur, ensuring a clear and responsive gaming experience. Variable refresh rate (VRR) support, usually in the form of AMD FreeSync, is another important feature. FreeSync synchronizes the monitor's refresh rate with your AMD graphics card, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. The typical brightness is around 250 cd/m², which is adequate for most indoor environments. However, it might not be sufficient for very bright rooms or direct sunlight. The color gamut coverage is usually around 99% of sRGB, which is decent for gaming and general use but might not be ideal for color-critical work like photo or video editing. Connectivity options typically include HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, providing flexibility for connecting various devices. Some models might also include a headphone jack for audio output. So, in a nutshell, the Iiyama G-Master G247 packs a solid set of specifications that are well-suited for gaming, offering a good balance of performance and affordability.

Gaming Performance: Does It Deliver?

Okay, folks, this is where the rubber meets the road! How does the Iiyama G-Master G247 actually perform in real-world gaming scenarios? Well, the 165Hz refresh rate is definitely a standout feature. The difference between 60Hz and 165Hz is night and day, especially in fast-paced games like first-person shooters (FPS) and racing games. The smoother motion and reduced blur give you a significant advantage, making it easier to track targets and react quickly. The 1ms response time (MPRT) also contributes to a more responsive gaming experience, minimizing ghosting and motion blur. However, it's important to note that the actual response time can vary depending on the overdrive settings. Overdrive is a feature that boosts the response time but can also introduce overshoot or inverse ghosting if set too high. Finding the right balance is crucial for optimal performance. The VA panel technology delivers good contrast and decent black levels, which enhances the visual experience in games with dark scenes. However, VA panels typically have slower response times than TN panels, which can lead to some motion blur. The Iiyama G-Master G247 does a decent job of mitigating this issue, but it's something to be aware of. AMD FreeSync support works effectively to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, providing a smoother and more enjoyable 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 some models of the G247. Overall, the Iiyama G-Master G247 delivers a solid gaming performance, offering a good balance of speed, image quality, and features. It's not the fastest or most feature-rich gaming monitor on the market, but it provides excellent value for its price, making it a great choice for budget-conscious gamers.

Image Quality: Colors, Contrast, and Clarity

Let's talk about the image quality of the Iiyama G-Master G247. When it comes to monitors, image quality is king, especially if you're planning on using it for more than just gaming. The VA panel technology used in the G247 is known for its good contrast ratio, which is definitely a strong point here. The contrast ratio is typically around 3000:1, which means that blacks are deeper and whites are brighter, resulting in a more vibrant and immersive picture. This is particularly noticeable in games and movies with dark scenes, where the increased contrast helps to reveal more detail. The color accuracy is decent, with the monitor typically covering around 99% of the sRGB color space. This is adequate for gaming and general use, but it might not be sufficient for color-critical work like photo or video editing. If you're a professional content creator, you might want to consider a monitor with wider color gamut coverage, such as Adobe RGB or DCI-P3. The viewing angles are generally good, thanks to the VA panel technology. However, there can be some color shifting at extreme angles, which is a common characteristic of VA panels. The brightness is typically around 250 cd/m², which is adequate for most indoor environments. However, it might not be sufficient for very bright rooms or direct sunlight. The Full HD (1920x1080) resolution provides a decent level of detail, but it's not as sharp as higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K. However, Full HD is still a good choice for gaming, as it's less demanding on your graphics card. The Iiyama G-Master G247 also features various image enhancement options, such as contrast and brightness settings, color temperature adjustments, and gamma correction. These settings allow you to fine-tune the image quality to your liking. Overall, the Iiyama G-Master G247 offers good image quality for its price range, with decent color accuracy, good contrast, and wide viewing angles. It's not the best monitor on the market in terms of image quality, but it provides a solid visual experience for gaming and general use.

Design and Build Quality: Aesthetics and Durability

Now, let's talk about the design and build quality of the Iiyama G-Master G247. While performance and image quality are crucial, the overall design and build quality also play a significant role in the overall user experience. The design of the G247 is relatively simple and understated. It features a black plastic build with slim bezels, giving it a modern and minimalist look. The stand is usually a basic, no-frills affair, offering tilt adjustment but lacking swivel or height adjustment. This is pretty standard for monitors in this price range, but it's something to keep in mind if ergonomics are a big concern for you. You might want to consider a VESA-compatible monitor arm for more flexibility. The build quality is decent, but it's not exceptional. The plastic feels relatively sturdy, but it's not as premium as some of the more expensive monitors on the market. The buttons for the on-screen display (OSD) are located on the bottom of the monitor, which can be a bit fiddly to use at times. The OSD menu is relatively easy to navigate, but it's not the most intuitive interface. The connectivity options are located on the back of the monitor and typically include HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, as well as a headphone jack. The Iiyama G-Master G247 doesn't feature any built-in speakers, so you'll need to use external speakers or headphones for audio output. Overall, the design and build quality of the Iiyama G-Master G247 are decent for its price range. It's not the most stylish or well-built monitor on the market, but it's functional and gets the job done. If you're looking for a monitor with a more premium design and build quality, you might need to spend a bit more money.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Alright, guys, let's break down the pros and cons of the Iiyama G-Master G247 to give you a clear overview of its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

• High Refresh Rate (165Hz): Provides smoother motion and reduced blur for a more responsive gaming experience.
• Fast Response Time (1ms MPRT): Minimizes ghosting and motion blur.
• VA Panel Technology: Delivers good contrast and decent black levels.
• AMD FreeSync Support: Eliminates screen tearing and stuttering.
• Affordable Price: Offers excellent value for its features and performance.

Cons:

• Basic Stand: Lacks swivel and height adjustment.
• Decent Build Quality: The plastic feels relatively sturdy, but it's not as premium as some of the more expensive monitors on the market.
• Limited Brightness: Not the best in bright light condition.
• Color Accuracy: Might not be sufficient for color-critical work.

The Verdict: Is It Worth Your Money?

So, the big question: is the Iiyama G-Master G247 worth your money? In my honest opinion, absolutely, especially if you're a budget-conscious gamer looking for a solid 1080p high refresh rate monitor. It offers a great balance of performance, image quality, and features at an affordable price. The 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time make it a great choice for fast-paced games, while the VA panel technology delivers good contrast and decent black levels. The lack of swivel and height adjustment on the stand is a bit of a bummer, but you can always upgrade to a VESA-compatible monitor arm. The build quality is decent, but it's not exceptional. Overall, the Iiyama G-Master G247 is a great value for its price, making it an excellent choice for gamers on a budget. If you're looking for a monitor that won't break the bank but still delivers a solid gaming experience, the Iiyama G-Master G247 is definitely worth considering. Just remember to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and preferences. Happy gaming, guys!