Monitor Suggestions Please

[Beebop]

I am looking for a new monitor.
I have read through the posts on the subject but none seem to help for what I (think) I need.

First let me say what I DON'T want for advice.

* You need a BIG monitor at 240Hz refresh rate or better.
* You need a top tier graphics card to really enjoy the game.
* Go VR, it's the only way to go.  (I'm happy with a screen).
* You have to get an nVida card.  I have been using AMD for many years and am happy with the image quality I get.  IL-2 has always looked good with an AMD card.  With the exception of that one graphic glitch in this game which was quickly fixed, I see no need to change, unless someone can dramatically convince me .  

Most of the above suggestions are too expensive for me at this time.  Being on a fixed income I am looking at a price point of $270 - $350 USD.  I have a little leeway on the upper price.  I know that's not a lot of money but it appears there are several monitors with decent specs in that price range.  I know there are better monitors for ~$500 but I am reluctant to go there.  I'm OK with what I have but want to get a larger monitor.

After reading spec after spec after spec and the tons of different ideas on what is best my brain starts to go into a fetal position.

Most monitor reviews assume you are looking for the best FPS experience.  I come here because I want opinions on what is best for this game, a flight sim, not Overwatch, Call of Duty, Arma or World of Warcraft.

 

Here's what I currently have;
 
CPU:
Ryzen 7 1700, 3.0MHz
GPU:
RX 580 8GB DDR
MONITOR:
Samsung 2343, 23", TN Panel, 2380 X 1152, 60Hz, RGB, SDR.

 

If other specs are needed let me know and I will provide them.

 

So after doing some research I tried an ASUS VG249 IPS 1080p.  I found that the game looked fine although I had trouble finding a "sweet spot".  The IPS panel was very bright and using the "Eye Care" (reduced blue) feature didn't quite cut it and lowering the brightness and using different temperature profiles gave me a dull looking picture.  Calibration for me is limited to change a setting and observe.  I have no physical calibration tools.

But the biggest drawback was that although I was able to achieve an initial satisfactory game picture level even with the lower resolution, text and pictures were pixelated at 1080p.  I Admin at M4T so text clarity is high on my list.  My current setup is perfect for that job.
I am thinking that 1440p (2560 x 1440) will give me a sharp looking game and clear text while using an RX 580.  I'll probably upgrade but not right away.  With my current monitor and my satisfaction level with the current setup, a GPU upgrade would not be that effective.  I want more real estate!  I got spoiled by that 27" display and I want to have one now.

 

Some questions...
REFRESH RATE:
As I understand it, refresh rate is not as important for a flight sim as for say a competitive FPS game. I am quite happy with the 60Hz refresh rate I currently have.  I am running Ultra Settings with almost everything maxed out, post sharpen, landscape sharpen, long draw distances, no FPs limit MSAA or FXAA (FXAA seems a touch blurrier) at 4X up to 8X AA.  
In game FPS monitor shows between ~75 to 170 fps depending on where I'm looking although I know I am only seeing it at 60FPS due to monitor limitations, the game is smooth.
So as far as I can tell high a high refresh rate monitor, 144HZ etc. is not vital.  75~120Hz should be more than sufficient.  As I said, my current 60Hz monitor is smooth as butter.

 

PANEL TYPE:
I liked the IPS panel but it was really bright.  I understand VA panels have better contrast and are good for low light situations (I play mostly at night), but is ghosting that big of a problem with a VA panel as I have heard?  I like my TN Panel and know I can get fast response times with one but are they that bad as I have heard?  Mine looks fine, at least at the moment.

 

If you've read this far you are a trooper!

So given all that, is anyone using a 27" with WQHD resolution (1440p) and are you happy with it? Are text and images clear and not obviously pixelated?  Links to candidates appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

.

[cardboard_killer]

I'm using an RX 580 too and just upgraded to this Westinghouse monitor. I'm running it at 144hz and 2560x1440 without problem and am satisfied at just over $200 price tag (I think the price has gone up at newegg, but may be cheaper elsewhere), but YMMV.

Westinghouse WM32DX9019 32" WQHD 2560 x 1440 2K Resolution 144Hz HDMI DisplayPort AMD FreeSync Technology Flicker-Free Anti-Glare Widescreen Backlit LED Gaming Monitor

• 2560 x 1440 WQHD 2K Resolution
• 144Hz Refresh Rate
• HDMI, DisplayPort Video Inputs
• Audio Out
• 3000:1 Static Contrast Ratio
• AMD FreeSync Technology
• Flicker-Free Technology
• Eye Care Technology
• 16.7 Million Color Support
• Back Panel RGB Light Customization
• Tilt, Height Adjustable
• VESA Mount Compatible

[Beebop]

Thanks cardboard_killer.

How does text display?  The reason I hadn't considered 32" as I am concerned that with the extra real estate text might appear a bit pixelated.

I also skin so I'll be checking it out for sRGB color ability.

A quick scan of reviews say ghosting is problematic.  What's your experience been?

[cardboard_killer]

I've not experienced any ghosting. Text is okay, but I wear progressive lenses and my eyesight isn't the best so maybe it isn't as good as I think it is?

[Beebop]

Thanks for the info. 

I'm 72 and my vision is not too bad but they'd never let me get in the cockpit of a real fighter.

Edited November 17, 2020 by Beebop