Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5: Gaming Monitor Review
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5, a gaming monitor that's been making waves in the gaming community. If you're on the hunt for a monitor that balances performance, features, and price, then stick around. We're going to break down everything you need to know about this monitor to help you decide if it's the right fit for your gaming setup. Let's get started!
First Impressions: Unboxing and Design
Alright, let's kick things off with the unboxing experience and design. The Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5 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, an HDMI cable, and some documentation. Nothing too fancy, but everything you need to get up and running.
As for the design, I'd describe it as sleek and understated. It’s not flashy or over-the-top, which I personally appreciate. The bezels are relatively thin, giving you more screen real estate to enjoy. The stand is sturdy and offers a good range of adjustments, including tilt, swivel, pivot, and height. This is a huge plus because you can really dial in the perfect viewing angle for those long gaming sessions. The build quality feels solid, and the matte black finish looks great on any desk. The red accents on the back add a subtle touch of gaming flair without being too distracting. Overall, the design is functional and appealing, blending seamlessly into most gaming setups. It definitely gives off a vibe of quality without shouting for attention, which is something I think a lot of gamers will appreciate.
Now, let's talk about the practical aspects. Setting up the monitor is a breeze. The stand attaches easily, and the monitor is relatively lightweight, making it easy to maneuver. The ports are conveniently located on the back, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB ports. Cable management is straightforward, helping you keep your desk clean and organized. From a design perspective, Iiyama has done a solid job of creating a monitor that looks good and is easy to use. No complaints here!
Display Quality: Colors, Clarity, and Immersion
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: display quality. After all, what good is a gaming monitor if the visuals don't impress? The Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5 features a 24-inch VA panel with a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution. While some gamers might prefer a higher resolution like 1440p or 4K, 1080p is still a sweet spot for many, especially if you're aiming for high frame rates without breaking the bank on a high-end graphics card.
The color accuracy on this monitor is surprisingly good for a gaming panel. Colors are vibrant and punchy, making games and movies look incredibly immersive. The VA panel also delivers excellent contrast, with deep blacks and bright whites. This makes a big difference in games with dark environments, where you can easily spot enemies lurking in the shadows. The viewing angles are decent, though there is some color shift when viewing from extreme angles, which is typical for VA panels. However, this shouldn't be an issue during normal use.
Clarity is another area where the GB2470HSU-B5 shines. The pixel density is sharp enough to provide a clear and detailed image, and the monitor handles fast-paced action with minimal motion blur. This is crucial for competitive gaming, where every millisecond counts. The monitor also supports AMD FreeSync, which helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, providing a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. The combination of vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and sharp clarity makes the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5 a visual treat. Whether you're exploring vast open worlds or engaging in fast-paced firefights, this monitor delivers a stunning and immersive experience. For its price range, the display quality is definitely top-notch.
Gaming Performance: Speed, Response Time, and Features
Alright, let's dive into the gaming performance of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5. This is where the rubber meets the road for any gaming monitor. The key specs here are the 165Hz refresh rate and the 1ms Moving Picture Response Time (MPRT). These numbers translate to a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
The 165Hz refresh rate is a significant step up from the standard 60Hz or even 144Hz. It makes a noticeable difference in motion clarity, reducing blur and making fast-moving objects appear much sharper. This is especially beneficial in fast-paced games like first-person shooters and racing games, where you need to react quickly and accurately. The 1ms MPRT further enhances responsiveness, minimizing ghosting and ensuring that you see the action as it happens.
The GB2470HSU-B5 also comes with a variety of gaming-centric features. As mentioned earlier, it supports AMD FreeSync, which synchronizes the monitor's refresh rate with your graphics card's frame rate. This eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, providing a smoother and more consistent gaming experience. The monitor also has several pre-set gaming modes, such as FPS, RTS, and MOBA, which optimize the display settings for specific game genres. These modes can be helpful for quickly adjusting the picture settings to suit your preferences.
Input lag is another critical factor for gaming, and the GB2470HSU-B5 performs admirably in this area. The low input lag ensures that your actions are translated to the screen with minimal delay, giving you a competitive edge. Overall, the gaming performance of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5 is excellent. The combination of a high refresh rate, fast response time, and gaming-specific features makes it a great choice for gamers of all levels. Whether you're a casual player or a competitive esports enthusiast, this monitor will help you perform at your best.
Extra Features: Speakers, Connectivity, and More
Beyond the core display and gaming performance, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5 packs in a few extra features that add to its overall value. Let's take a look at what else this monitor has to offer.
First up, let's talk about the built-in speakers. While they're not going to blow you away with audiophile-grade sound, they're perfectly adequate for casual gaming and general use. They're a convenient option if you don't have external speakers or headphones readily available. The sound quality is clear and balanced, making them suitable for watching videos, listening to music, and communicating with teammates.
Connectivity is another area where the GB2470HSU-B5 shines. It features two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort, giving you plenty of options for connecting your devices. There are also two USB 3.0 ports, which are handy for connecting peripherals like keyboards, mice, and headsets. The headphone jack is a welcome addition, allowing you to easily plug in your headphones for a more immersive gaming experience. The monitor also has a Kensington lock slot for added security.
The on-screen display (OSD) menu is intuitive and easy to navigate. You can use it to adjust a variety of settings, including brightness, contrast, color temperature, and gaming modes. The OSD also allows you to customize the monitor's overdrive settings, which can help to reduce ghosting and improve response time. The GB2470HSU-B5 also features a flicker-free backlight and a blue light filter, which can help to reduce eye strain during long gaming sessions. These features are especially important if you spend a lot of time in front of your monitor.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options
Alright, let's break down the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5 into its pros and cons. This will help you get a clear picture of what this monitor does well and where it falls short.
Pros:
- High Refresh Rate: The 165Hz refresh rate delivers smooth and fluid motion, enhancing the gaming experience.
- Fast Response Time: The 1ms MPRT ensures minimal ghosting and blur, providing a competitive edge.
- Excellent Color Accuracy: The VA panel delivers vibrant and accurate colors, making games and movies look great.
- AMD FreeSync Support: Eliminates screen tearing and stuttering for a smoother gaming experience.
- Adjustable Stand: Offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for optimal viewing comfort.
- Good Connectivity: Features HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB ports for connecting various devices.
- Built-in Speakers: Provide decent sound quality for casual gaming and general use.
Cons:
- 1080p Resolution: Some gamers may prefer a higher resolution like 1440p or 4K.
- VA Panel Viewing Angles: Color shift may occur when viewing from extreme angles.
- Basic Design: The design is functional but may not appeal to gamers who prefer a more flashy aesthetic.
Final Verdict: Is the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5 Worth It?
So, what's the final verdict on the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5? In my opinion, it's a fantastic gaming monitor that offers a great balance of performance, features, and price. The 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time deliver a smooth and responsive gaming experience, while the excellent color accuracy and AMD FreeSync support enhance the visual quality. The adjustable stand and good connectivity options add to its overall value.
Of course, it's not perfect. Some gamers may prefer a higher resolution, and the VA panel viewing angles are not as wide as IPS panels. However, considering its price point, the GB2470HSU-B5 is hard to beat. It's a great choice for gamers who are looking for a high-performance monitor without breaking the bank.
If you're in the market for a new gaming monitor, I highly recommend giving the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5 a look. It's a solid performer that will elevate your gaming experience without emptying your wallet. Thanks for tuning in, and happy gaming, everyone!