Iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 Review: Is It Worth It?

by Jhon Lennon 44 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 monitor. If you're on the hunt for a new display that balances price, performance, and features, you've probably stumbled across this one. We’re going to break down everything you need to know to decide if it’s the right fit for your needs. Let's get started!

First Impressions and Build Quality

Alright, let’s kick things off with the unboxing experience and the overall build quality of the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5. Right out of the box, the monitor gives off a solid, no-nonsense vibe. It's not trying to win any beauty contests with flashy designs or RGB lighting, but that's perfectly fine for most users who prioritize functionality over aesthetics. The stand is sturdy and provides 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, whether you're gaming for hours or working on a detailed project.

The materials used feel durable, and the matte black finish helps to minimize reflections, which is crucial for maintaining focus during long sessions. The bezels are reasonably thin, contributing to a modern look and making it suitable for multi-monitor setups. Setting up the monitor is straightforward; it’s mostly tool-less, which is always a welcome feature. Connecting cables is easy, and the monitor has a good selection of ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA. This variety ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, from older PCs to the latest gaming consoles.

In terms of build quality, the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 feels well-assembled. There are no creaks or wobbles, and the buttons for navigating the on-screen display (OSD) are responsive and tactile. While the OSD menu itself might not be the most visually stunning, it's functional and easy to navigate, allowing you to adjust settings quickly. Overall, the initial impression is positive. It’s a monitor that’s built to last and designed with practicality in mind. So, if you appreciate a reliable and well-built display without unnecessary frills, the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 starts off on the right foot.

Image Quality and Performance

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: image quality and performance. After all, what good is a monitor if it doesn't deliver a visually pleasing experience? The iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 boasts a 23.8-inch VA panel with a Full HD (1920x1080) resolution. While some might argue that 1080p is starting to show its age, especially on larger screens, it's still a sweet spot for many users, offering a good balance between visual clarity and performance, especially in gaming.

The VA panel technology is known for its excellent contrast ratios, and the GB2470HSU-W5 doesn't disappoint. Colors are vibrant, and blacks are deep, creating a more immersive viewing experience. Whether you're watching movies, playing games, or working on graphic design projects, the monitor delivers rich and detailed visuals. The color accuracy is also commendable, covering a decent portion of the sRGB color spectrum. While it might not satisfy professional photographers or video editors who require absolute color precision, it's more than adequate for everyday use and most gaming scenarios.

In terms of performance, the monitor features a 75Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. While 75Hz might not be as buttery-smooth as 144Hz or higher, it's still a noticeable improvement over the standard 60Hz, resulting in smoother motion and reduced motion blur. The 1ms response time ensures that fast-paced action appears crisp and clear, which is crucial for competitive gaming. Additionally, the monitor supports AMD FreeSync, which helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering when paired with a compatible AMD graphics card. This technology synchronizes the monitor's refresh rate with the GPU's frame rate, resulting in a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.

Viewing angles are also quite good, thanks to the VA panel. Colors remain consistent even when viewing the screen from off-center positions, making it suitable for sharing the screen with others. Overall, the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 delivers a solid image quality and performance, making it a great choice for both gaming and everyday use. It strikes a good balance between visual fidelity and responsiveness, ensuring a pleasant viewing experience across various applications.

Gaming Experience

For gamers, the gaming experience is often the deciding factor when choosing a monitor. The iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 aims to deliver a smooth and responsive gaming experience without breaking the bank. As mentioned earlier, the monitor features a 75Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, which are respectable specs for a budget-friendly gaming monitor. While hardcore gamers might prefer a higher refresh rate for the ultimate competitive edge, 75Hz is still a significant improvement over the standard 60Hz, providing a noticeable reduction in motion blur and input lag.

The inclusion of AMD FreeSync technology is a major plus for gamers with AMD graphics cards. FreeSync eliminates screen tearing and stuttering, resulting in a smoother and more immersive gaming experience. This is particularly beneficial in fast-paced games where split-second reactions are crucial. The monitor's low input lag also contributes to a more responsive feel, ensuring that your actions are translated accurately on the screen.

The VA panel's excellent contrast ratio also enhances the gaming experience, making dark scenes more immersive and allowing you to spot enemies lurking in the shadows. Colors are vibrant and engaging, bringing games to life and making them more visually appealing. The 23.8-inch screen size is a good compromise between immersion and practicality, providing enough screen real estate to get you in the game without overwhelming your desk.

While the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 might not be the ultimate gaming monitor for professional esports players, it's a solid choice for casual and recreational gamers who want a smooth and responsive experience without breaking the bank. It offers a good balance of performance, image quality, and features, making it suitable for a wide range of games, from fast-paced shooters to immersive RPGs.

Features and Connectivity

Let's talk about the features and connectivity options that the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 brings to the table. In terms of connectivity, this monitor offers a good range of ports to accommodate various devices. You'll find HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA inputs, ensuring compatibility with both modern and older devices. This is particularly useful if you have multiple devices that you want to connect to the monitor, such as a gaming console, a PC, and a laptop.

The inclusion of built-in speakers is a convenient feature, although the audio quality is fairly basic. They're fine for casual listening and watching videos, but serious gamers and audiophiles will likely want to use external speakers or headphones for a more immersive audio experience. The monitor also has a headphone jack, allowing you to easily connect your headphones for private listening.

One of the notable features of the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 is its blue light filter. This feature reduces the amount of blue light emitted by the screen, which can help to reduce eye strain and fatigue during long sessions. This is particularly useful for people who spend a lot of time in front of the computer, whether it's for work or gaming.

The monitor also has a range of preset picture modes that are optimized for different types of content, such as gaming, movies, and text. These modes adjust the monitor's settings to provide the best possible viewing experience for each type of content. The on-screen display (OSD) menu is easy to navigate, allowing you to customize the monitor's settings to your liking.

Overall, the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 offers a decent set of features and connectivity options. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end monitors, it provides the essentials for a comfortable and enjoyable viewing experience.

Pros and Cons

To give you a clear overview, let's break down the pros and cons of the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5.

Pros:

  • Affordable Price: One of the biggest selling points of this monitor is its budget-friendly price tag. It offers a lot of value for the money, making it a great choice for budget-conscious consumers.
  • Good Image Quality: The VA panel delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, resulting in a visually pleasing experience.
  • 75Hz Refresh Rate and 1ms Response Time: These specs provide a smooth and responsive gaming experience, especially when combined with AMD FreeSync.
  • Versatile Connectivity: The inclusion of HDMI, DisplayPort, and VGA inputs ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices.
  • Adjustable Stand: The stand offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle.

Cons:

  • 1080p Resolution: While 1080p is still decent, some users might prefer a higher resolution, especially on larger screens.
  • Basic Speakers: The built-in speakers are adequate for casual use, but they lack the oomph for a truly immersive audio experience.
  • Plain Design: The monitor's design is functional but not particularly eye-catching. If you're looking for a monitor with a stylish aesthetic, this might not be the one for you.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So, is the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 worth it? Absolutely! For the price, you're getting a monitor that punches above its weight. It's a fantastic option for anyone looking for a reliable, budget-friendly display that doesn't skimp on performance. Whether you're a student, a casual gamer, or someone who just needs a solid monitor for everyday use, the GB2470HSU-W5 is a great choice.

It's not the flashiest monitor on the market, and it doesn't have all the high-end features, but it delivers where it counts: image quality, responsiveness, and versatility. Plus, the adjustable stand and blue light filter are nice touches that add to the overall value. If you're on a tight budget and need a monitor that can handle gaming, movies, and work without any major compromises, the iiyama GB2470HSU-W5 is definitely worth considering. You won't be disappointed!