Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU Review: Is It Worth It?

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU gaming monitor. If you're on the hunt for a new display that won't break the bank but still delivers a solid gaming experience, this might just be the one for you. We’re going to break down everything from its design and features to its performance in real-world gaming scenarios. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

First Impressions and Design

Alright, so let's kick things off with the initial impressions and overall design of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU. Unboxing this monitor, the first thing you'll notice is its sleek, understated design. It's not flashy or over-the-top like some gaming monitors, which honestly is a breath of fresh air. The matte black finish gives it a professional look that would fit just as well in an office as it would in a gaming den. The bezels are reasonably thin, providing an immersive viewing experience without being too distracting. The stand is sturdy and provides good stability, which is always a plus. It also offers tilt, swivel, and height adjustments, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle for those long gaming sessions. The build quality feels solid, giving you the impression that this monitor is built to last. The materials don't feel cheap or flimsy, which is reassuring. Overall, the design is practical and functional, prioritizing comfort and usability. The OSD (On-Screen Display) buttons are located on the bottom of the monitor and are easy to navigate, making it simple to adjust settings on the fly. The monitor also includes built-in speakers, which are decent for casual use but probably won't satisfy audiophiles. For serious gaming, you'll likely want to use headphones or external speakers. In terms of connectivity, the GB2470HSU offers a good range of ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA, ensuring compatibility with a variety of devices. This flexibility is great if you have multiple devices you want to connect, such as a gaming console and a PC. The inclusion of a headphone jack is also a nice touch for those who prefer to keep their audio setup simple. So, to sum it up, the design of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU is clean, functional, and well-built, making it a great option for anyone who values practicality and comfort.

Key Features and Specifications

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty – the key features and specifications that make the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU tick. This monitor boasts a 23.8-inch VA panel with a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution. While some might argue that 1080p is getting a bit dated, it's still a sweet spot for many gamers, especially if you're aiming for high refresh rates without needing a super high-end GPU. Speaking of refresh rates, this monitor comes with a 165Hz refresh rate, which is a significant step up from the standard 60Hz. This higher refresh rate translates to smoother motion and reduced blur, giving you a competitive edge in fast-paced games. The 1ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time) ensures that ghosting and blurring are kept to a minimum, providing a clearer and more responsive gaming experience. The VA panel technology offers excellent contrast ratios, typically around 3000:1, which means you'll get deeper blacks and more vibrant colors compared to TN or IPS panels. This makes the picture quality more immersive and enjoyable, whether you're gaming, watching videos, or just browsing the web. The monitor also supports AMD FreeSync Premium, which helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering by synchronizing the monitor's refresh rate with your AMD GPU's frame rate. This technology ensures a smoother and more fluid gaming experience, especially in demanding titles. The GB2470HSU also features flicker-free technology and a blue light filter, which help to reduce eye strain during long gaming sessions. These features are essential for maintaining your comfort and preventing fatigue, allowing you to game for longer periods without discomfort. In terms of connectivity, the monitor includes HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA inputs, providing plenty of options for connecting your devices. It also has built-in speakers, which are adequate for basic audio needs, and a headphone jack for more immersive sound. To wrap it up, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU packs a solid set of features and specifications that make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers who want a smooth and responsive gaming experience.

Gaming Performance: Does It Deliver?

Alright, let's get to the heart of the matter: gaming performance. Does the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU actually deliver where it counts? In short, yes, it does! The combination of a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time makes a noticeable difference in fast-paced games. I tested it with a variety of titles, from first-person shooters like CS:GO and Call of Duty to racing games like Forza Horizon, and the results were impressive. The higher refresh rate made the motion feel noticeably smoother, reducing motion blur and making it easier to track fast-moving targets. This is especially important in competitive games where split-second reactions can make all the difference. The 1ms response time also helped to minimize ghosting, which is a common issue with slower monitors. I didn't notice any distracting ghosting artifacts, even in high-contrast scenes. The AMD FreeSync Premium support worked flawlessly with my AMD GPU, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. This made the gaming experience much more enjoyable, especially in demanding games where the frame rate can fluctuate. The VA panel's excellent contrast ratio also contributed to a more immersive gaming experience. The deep blacks and vibrant colors made the visuals pop, adding depth and richness to the game worlds. Whether I was exploring a dark and atmospheric dungeon or racing through a sun-drenched landscape, the image quality was consistently impressive. While the 1080p resolution might not be as sharp as a 1440p or 4K display, it's still perfectly adequate for most gamers, especially at this screen size. It also has the advantage of being less demanding on your GPU, allowing you to achieve higher frame rates without needing a top-of-the-line graphics card. Overall, the gaming performance of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU is excellent for its price range. It offers a smooth, responsive, and immersive gaming experience that will satisfy most gamers. Whether you're a casual player or a competitive enthusiast, this monitor is sure to impress.

Image Quality: Colors, Contrast, and Clarity

Now, let's talk about something super important: image quality. When it comes to a monitor, especially one you're going to use for gaming and general use, colors, contrast, and clarity are king. The Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU uses a VA panel, and that's a big win right off the bat. VA panels are known for their excellent contrast ratios, and this monitor doesn't disappoint. The contrast ratio is rated at 3000:1, which means you get deep, inky blacks and bright, vibrant whites. This makes a huge difference in the overall image quality, giving everything a more dynamic and lifelike appearance. Colors are also quite good on this monitor. While it might not cover 100% of the sRGB color spectrum, it still offers accurate and pleasing colors for most uses. Whether you're gaming, watching videos, or browsing the web, the colors look natural and well-balanced. The monitor also has several picture modes that you can choose from, depending on your preferences. There's a standard mode, a gaming mode, a movie mode, and more. Each mode is designed to optimize the image quality for specific types of content. Clarity is also excellent on this monitor. The Full HD (1920x1080) resolution is perfectly adequate for a 23.8-inch screen, providing a sharp and detailed image. Text looks crisp and easy to read, and images are clear and well-defined. The monitor also has a flicker-free backlight, which helps to reduce eye strain during long use. This is a great feature for anyone who spends a lot of time in front of a screen. Overall, the image quality of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU is excellent for its price range. The VA panel provides excellent contrast and good colors, while the Full HD resolution ensures a sharp and detailed image. Whether you're gaming, watching videos, or just browsing the web, you'll be impressed with the image quality of this monitor.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU so you can make a well-informed decision. No monitor is perfect, and this one is no exception. Understanding its strengths and weaknesses will help you determine if it's the right fit for your needs.

Pros:

  • High Refresh Rate: The 165Hz refresh rate is a major advantage for gaming. It provides smoother motion and reduced blur, giving you a competitive edge in fast-paced games.
  • Fast Response Time: The 1ms response time helps to minimize ghosting, providing a clearer and more responsive gaming experience.
  • Excellent Contrast Ratio: The VA panel's high contrast ratio delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors, making the image quality more immersive.
  • AMD FreeSync Premium: This technology eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, ensuring a smoother and more fluid gaming experience.
  • Flicker-Free and Blue Light Filter: These features help to reduce eye strain during long gaming sessions, improving your comfort.
  • Adjustable Stand: The stand offers tilt, swivel, and height adjustments, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle.
  • Affordable Price: The GB2470HSU is priced competitively, making it a great value for budget-conscious gamers.

Cons:

  • 1080p Resolution: While 1080p is still adequate for many gamers, some may prefer a higher resolution like 1440p or 4K.
  • Limited Color Gamut: The monitor doesn't cover 100% of the sRGB color spectrum, which may not be ideal for color-critical work.
  • Built-In Speakers: The built-in speakers are decent for casual use but lack the quality of dedicated speakers or headphones.

In conclusion, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU is a great monitor with a lot to offer. Its high refresh rate, fast response time, and excellent contrast ratio make it a compelling choice for gaming. While it does have a few drawbacks, such as the 1080p resolution and limited color gamut, these are minor issues that are easily overlooked, especially considering its affordable price.

Final Verdict: Is the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU Worth It?

So, after putting it through its paces, what’s the final verdict on the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU? Is it worth your hard-earned cash? Absolutely! For gamers on a budget, this monitor is a fantastic option. It strikes a great balance between performance, features, and price. The 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time provide a smooth and responsive gaming experience, while the VA panel delivers excellent contrast and good colors. The AMD FreeSync Premium support eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, and the flicker-free and blue light filter features help to reduce eye strain. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive monitors, it offers everything you need for an enjoyable gaming experience. The 1080p resolution is still perfectly adequate for most gamers, and the monitor's overall image quality is excellent. The adjustable stand and VESA mount compatibility add to its versatility, allowing you to customize your setup to your liking. If you're looking for a budget-friendly gaming monitor that doesn't compromise on performance, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU is definitely worth considering. It's a great all-around monitor that will satisfy both casual and competitive gamers alike. So, if you're in the market for a new display, be sure to check out the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU. You won't be disappointed!