Iiyama G-Master GB247: Gaming Monitor Review

by Jhon Lennon 45 views

Hey gamers! Are you on the hunt for a new monitor to level up your gaming experience? Well, buckle up, because today we're diving deep into the iiyama G-Master GB247, a monitor that has been making waves in the gaming community. We'll be taking a comprehensive look at this monitor, exploring its features, performance, and whether it's the right fit for you. So, is the iiyama G-Master GB247 worth your hard-earned cash? Let's find out!

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

First impressions matter, right? When you unbox the iiyama G-Master GB247, you're greeted with a sleek and modern design. The monitor boasts a relatively thin bezel, which is perfect for a multi-monitor setup if you're into that sort of thing. The stand is sturdy and offers decent adjustability, including height, tilt, and swivel. This is a huge plus because it allows you to find that perfect viewing angle for those extended gaming sessions. No one wants a crick in their neck, right?

Setting up the monitor is straightforward. The included cables ensure you're ready to go right out of the box. The build quality feels solid, and the matte finish on the screen helps reduce glare, which is always a bonus. The overall aesthetic is clean and simple, so it will blend nicely into any gaming setup. The OSD (On-Screen Display) is easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly adjust settings like brightness, contrast, and color temperature. The buttons are located on the bottom right of the monitor, making them easy to access. Iiyama has done a great job of making the initial setup experience as user-friendly as possible, so you can jump into your favorite games quickly.

Now, let's talk about the key specs. The iiyama G-Master GB247 features a 23.8-inch display with a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution. It has a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, which are critical features for a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The panel type is TN (Twisted Nematic), which is known for its fast response times. It also features AMD FreeSync technology, which helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, leading to a more immersive gaming experience. The monitor also offers a decent color accuracy, making it suitable not only for gaming but also for general use and content consumption.

Performance in Gaming

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: how does the iiyama G-Master GB247 perform in games? This is where the magic happens, and the monitor truly shines. With its 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, the GB247 delivers incredibly smooth and responsive gameplay. The difference between a 60Hz and a 144Hz monitor is night and day, especially in fast-paced games like FPS and racing games. The higher refresh rate makes the action feel much more fluid, allowing you to react quickly and stay ahead of the competition. The 1ms response time ensures that there is minimal ghosting or blurring, providing a clear and crisp image even during the most intense moments.

I tested the monitor with a variety of games, including CS:GO, Overwatch, and Forza Horizon 5, and the results were impressive. In CS:GO, the fast response time and high refresh rate allowed me to track enemies with ease and react quickly to incoming threats. The game felt incredibly smooth, and I felt like my aiming accuracy improved. In Overwatch, the vibrant colors and fast refresh rate brought the game to life, making the gameplay more immersive and enjoyable. Forza Horizon 5 looked amazing on the GB247, with its vibrant colors and smooth performance enhancing the overall gaming experience. The AMD FreeSync technology worked flawlessly, eliminating any screen tearing or stuttering, even with variable frame rates. The overall gaming experience was fantastic, and the monitor truly enhanced my enjoyment of these games.

The TN panel might not offer the same viewing angles as some other panel types, like IPS. This means that the colors might shift slightly if you view the screen from extreme angles. However, this is a minor issue and is generally not a problem when you're sitting directly in front of the monitor, which is how most gamers play. The color accuracy is still good enough for gaming and general use, and the fast response time is a key advantage for competitive gaming.

Image Quality and Features

Let's move beyond the raw performance and discuss the image quality and extra features the iiyama G-Master GB247 has to offer. The monitor features a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, which is standard for a 23.8-inch display. The image is sharp and detailed, and the colors are vibrant and accurate. While some gamers might prefer a higher resolution, like 1440p, Full HD is still a great option, especially if you're on a budget or have a more modest graphics card. Full HD allows you to achieve higher frame rates, which is crucial for a smooth gaming experience.

The monitor has a good contrast ratio, which makes the image appear more dynamic and realistic. The blacks are deep, and the whites are bright, creating a balanced and visually appealing picture. The iiyama G-Master GB247 also offers a variety of picture modes, including pre-set modes for different game genres. This is a nice touch, as it allows you to quickly optimize the picture settings for different types of games. For example, there's a mode specifically for FPS games that enhances the visibility of enemies in dark areas, giving you a competitive advantage.

In terms of features, the iiyama G-Master GB247 is pretty well-equipped. It has AMD FreeSync technology, which, as we mentioned earlier, helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. It also has a low blue light mode, which reduces eye strain during long gaming sessions. The monitor has a built-in headphone jack and two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort for connectivity. This gives you plenty of options for connecting your gaming PC, console, or other devices. The OSD (On-Screen Display) is easy to navigate, and you can quickly adjust settings like brightness, contrast, and color temperature. Iiyama has packed a lot of useful features into this monitor, making it a great all-around option.

Design, Build Quality, and Ergonomics

Let's talk about the physical aspects of the iiyama G-Master GB247. The design is clean and modern. The bezels are relatively thin, which is great for a multi-monitor setup. The stand is sturdy and offers height, tilt, and swivel adjustments. This is crucial for ergonomics, as it allows you to find the perfect viewing angle for your needs. Comfort is key, especially during those long gaming sessions.

The build quality feels solid. The monitor is made of durable materials, and the overall construction feels well-made. The matte finish on the screen helps to reduce glare, which is a welcome feature. The buttons on the monitor are easy to access, and the OSD (On-Screen Display) is straightforward to navigate. Iiyama has put some thought into the design and build of this monitor, making it a pleasure to use.

The ergonomics are also impressive. The adjustable stand allows you to customize the height, tilt, and swivel of the monitor, which is a must-have for comfort. The ability to adjust the height is particularly helpful, as it allows you to position the screen at eye level, which can reduce neck strain. The tilt and swivel adjustments provide even more flexibility, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle for your needs. The monitor is also VESA mount compatible, giving you even more options for mounting it if you prefer. Overall, the design, build quality, and ergonomics of the iiyama G-Master GB247 are excellent, making it a comfortable and enjoyable monitor to use.

Value for Money and Competition

Alright, let's talk about the million-dollar question: is the iiyama G-Master GB247 worth the price? Considering its features, performance, and build quality, I'd say yes, absolutely! The monitor offers excellent value for money. The price is usually in the mid-range for a 144Hz monitor with these specifications, making it accessible to a wide range of gamers. The competition in this price range is fierce, but the iiyama G-Master GB247 holds its own. It competes directly with monitors like the BenQ ZOWIE XL2411P and the Acer KG241P. While those monitors are also good options, the iiyama G-Master GB247 often offers a better overall package, with features and performance. Plus, the iiyama brand has a solid reputation for quality and reliability.

When comparing the iiyama G-Master GB247 to other monitors, it's important to consider your specific needs. If you're a competitive gamer, the 1ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate are essential. If you value image quality above all else, you might want to consider a monitor with an IPS panel, although you'll likely have to sacrifice some speed. If you are on a tight budget, there might be slightly cheaper options out there, but you'll probably have to compromise on features or performance. The iiyama G-Master GB247 strikes a good balance between price, performance, and features, making it an excellent choice for most gamers.

Pros and Cons

Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the iiyama G-Master GB247:

Pros:

  • High Refresh Rate and Fast Response Time: 144Hz and 1ms for smooth, responsive gaming.
  • AMD FreeSync: Eliminates screen tearing and stuttering.
  • Good Image Quality: Vibrant colors and a sharp picture.
  • Solid Build Quality: Durable and well-made.
  • Ergonomic Stand: Offers height, tilt, and swivel adjustments.
  • Good Value for Money: Competitive pricing.

Cons:

  • TN Panel: Limited viewing angles compared to IPS panels.
  • Full HD Resolution: Might not be enough for some users. 1440p could be preferred.

Conclusion

So, is the iiyama G-Master GB247 the right monitor for you? If you're looking for a fast, responsive, and feature-rich gaming monitor at a reasonable price, then the answer is a resounding YES! The 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and AMD FreeSync technology provide an excellent gaming experience, and the monitor's solid build quality and ergonomic stand make it a pleasure to use. While the TN panel has its limitations, the advantages it offers in terms of speed outweigh the drawbacks for most gamers. The iiyama G-Master GB247 is a great all-around gaming monitor that delivers excellent value for money. Highly recommended!