Iiyama G-Master GB247: Gaming Monitor Deep Dive

by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey gaming fanatics! Let's dive deep into the Iiyama G-Master GB247, a monitor that's been making waves in the gaming community. If you're on the hunt for a new display that can keep up with your lightning-fast reflexes and deliver stunning visuals, then you're in the right place. This review will cover everything from its features and performance to whether it's the right fit for your gaming setup. Ready to level up your gaming experience? Let's get started!

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

So, you've got your hands on the Iiyama G-Master GB247. Exciting, right? The first thing you'll notice is the sleek, minimalist design. The GB247 sports a pretty standard look for a gaming monitor, with a matte black finish that helps reduce glare – a definite win! The bezels are reasonably thin, which is great if you're thinking about a multi-monitor setup. You'll find the usual suspects in the box: the monitor itself, the stand, a power cable, and some connection cables (usually DisplayPort and HDMI). Setting it up is a breeze; the stand clicks into place easily, and the monitor feels sturdy. The initial impression is solid, and you get the feeling this is a well-built piece of kit.

Now, let's talk about the display. The Iiyama G-Master GB247 boasts a 24-inch Full HD (1920x1080) resolution, which, at this screen size, offers a crisp and clear image. It's an IPS panel, which is a major advantage for color accuracy and viewing angles. This means you'll see vibrant, true-to-life colors, whether you're gaming, watching movies, or just browsing the web. The monitor’s matte finish is great for preventing reflections, so you can enjoy your games without distractions from ambient light. The stand provides tilt, swivel, and height adjustment, making it easy to find your perfect viewing position. This is important for those long gaming sessions where comfort is key. The build quality feels robust, and the overall design is clean and unobtrusive, allowing you to focus on what matters most: the gameplay.

Key Features at a Glance

  • Panel Type: IPS
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
  • Refresh Rate: 144Hz
  • Response Time: 1ms (MPRT)
  • Adaptive Sync: FreeSync
  • Connectivity: DisplayPort, HDMI, USB Hub
  • Ergonomics: Height, Swivel, Tilt Adjustment

Performance: Does the GB247 Deliver?

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: How does the Iiyama G-Master GB247 perform in action? The short answer is: Pretty darn well, especially for the price! With a 144Hz refresh rate, this monitor offers incredibly smooth gameplay. If you're coming from a 60Hz monitor, the difference is night and day. Everything feels more fluid, and your games will look noticeably better, which makes a huge difference in competitive gaming, where every millisecond counts. This high refresh rate is perfect for fast-paced games like FPS, racing, and action titles where responsiveness is key.

The 1ms response time (using MPRT, Motion Picture Response Time) is another highlight. This means that the monitor can change pixels very quickly, which reduces motion blur. This is essential for competitive gaming, as it helps you see your targets more clearly and react faster. The combination of a high refresh rate and a low response time makes the GB247 a fantastic choice for gamers who demand the best performance.

Gaming Experience

When gaming, the Iiyama G-Master GB247 truly shines. The image quality is excellent, with vibrant colors and great contrast thanks to the IPS panel. Games look fantastic, and the wide viewing angles mean that the image doesn't degrade, even if you're not sitting directly in front of the monitor. The FreeSync technology helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering, as long as you have a compatible AMD graphics card (though it also works with NVIDIA cards via G-Sync compatibility). This makes for a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. In intense, fast-paced games, the monitor keeps up admirably, providing a responsive and immersive experience. The monitor's performance makes it a joy to play any game.

The monitor also includes various gaming-centric features, like pre-set display modes for different game genres. This makes it easy to optimize your settings for FPS, RTS, or other types of games. The on-screen menu is easy to navigate, and you can quickly adjust settings to suit your preferences. The monitor also has low blue light and flicker-free technology, which helps to reduce eye strain during those long gaming sessions.

Display Quality and Visuals

Let's talk about the visual experience the Iiyama G-Master GB247 offers. The IPS panel is a real selling point. IPS panels are known for their superior color accuracy and wider viewing angles compared to TN or VA panels. This means the colors look richer and more accurate, making your games and other content look more visually appealing. The wide viewing angles mean that the image remains consistent, even when viewed from the side, which is great if you have friends or family watching with you.

The Full HD resolution at 24 inches is ideal. It provides a sharp and clear image without putting too much strain on your graphics card. It strikes a good balance between visual quality and performance. The monitor's color reproduction is impressive, displaying a wide range of colors that bring games to life. The contrast ratio is good, providing deep blacks and bright whites, which enhances the overall visual impact of the games.

Color Accuracy and Brightness

The monitor's color accuracy is good right out of the box, making your games and other content look great without needing extensive calibration. The brightness levels are also sufficient for most environments. You can easily adjust the brightness to suit your preferences and the ambient lighting conditions. The monitor's matte finish helps to reduce glare, which enhances the visual experience, particularly in brightly lit rooms.

Connectivity and Features

The Iiyama G-Master GB247 comes equipped with a decent array of connectivity options. You'll find DisplayPort and HDMI ports, allowing you to connect to a variety of devices, including your gaming PC, consoles, and other media players. The inclusion of a USB hub is a nice bonus, providing extra ports for connecting peripherals, like your mouse, keyboard, and headset. This helps to keep your desk tidy and organized.

The on-screen display (OSD) menu is intuitive and easy to navigate. It allows you to adjust a wide range of settings, including brightness, contrast, color temperature, and various gaming-specific features. The monitor also offers a range of preset display modes optimized for different game genres, such as FPS and RTS. This makes it easy to quickly configure the monitor for your favorite games. The monitor also features flicker-free technology and a low blue light mode, which help to reduce eye strain, especially during long gaming sessions.

Ports and Ergonomics

  • Ports: DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.0 Hub, Headphone Jack
  • Ergonomics: The stand offers a good range of adjustment, including height, tilt, and swivel, ensuring a comfortable viewing position. The monitor is also VESA mount compatible, allowing you to mount it on a monitor arm or wall mount if desired.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's sum up the pros and cons of the Iiyama G-Master GB247 to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

  • High Refresh Rate: 144Hz provides smooth and responsive gaming.
  • Fast Response Time: 1ms (MPRT) reduces motion blur.
  • IPS Panel: Excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
  • FreeSync: Helps eliminate screen tearing.
  • Good Ergonomics: Adjustable stand for comfortable viewing.
  • Value for Money: Offers great features at a competitive price.

Cons:

  • Full HD Resolution: Might be considered low for some, especially on a larger screen.
  • Brightness: Could be brighter for very bright environments.

Who Is This Monitor For?

The Iiyama G-Master GB247 is an excellent choice for gamers looking for a high-performance monitor without breaking the bank. It's especially well-suited for:

  • Competitive Gamers: The 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time give you a competitive edge.
  • Casual Gamers: Who want a smooth and immersive gaming experience.
  • Gamers on a Budget: This monitor offers great value for the features it provides.

Alternatives to Consider

While the Iiyama G-Master GB247 is a great monitor, it's always a good idea to explore other options. Here are a few alternatives you might consider:

  • Other 24-inch 1080p 144Hz IPS Monitors: Explore other brands and models to compare features and prices.
  • Higher Resolution Monitors: If you want sharper visuals, consider a 1440p monitor, but keep in mind that you'll need a more powerful graphics card.

Verdict: Should You Buy the Iiyama G-Master GB247?

So, is the Iiyama G-Master GB247 worth your hard-earned cash? In short: Absolutely! It's a fantastic gaming monitor that offers a great balance of performance, features, and value. The 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and IPS panel make for a smooth, vibrant, and immersive gaming experience. While the Full HD resolution might not be for everyone, at 24 inches, it provides a sharp and clear image, and it's less demanding on your graphics card. If you're looking to upgrade your gaming setup without emptying your wallet, the Iiyama G-Master GB247 is definitely a monitor you should consider. Happy gaming!