Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5: Gaming Monitor Review
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5, a monitor that's been making waves in the gaming community. If you're on the hunt for a new display that balances performance, features, and price, you've come to the right place. We’re going to break down everything you need to know, from its technical specs to real-world gaming performance, so you can decide if this is the monitor you've been waiting for. Let’s get started!
Unboxing and First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5 makes a solid impression. The design is sleek and understated, with a matte black finish that should fit seamlessly into any gaming setup. The stand is sturdy and offers a good range of adjustments, including tilt, swivel, pivot, and height, allowing you to dial in the perfect viewing angle for those marathon gaming sessions. Setting it up is a breeze; it’s pretty much plug-and-play. The monitor doesn't scream “gamer” with aggressive styling, which is a plus for those who prefer a more minimalist aesthetic. The bezels are reasonably thin, providing an immersive viewing experience, especially if you plan on using multiple monitors. The build quality feels robust, suggesting that this monitor is built to last. Included in the box, you'll find the necessary cables (HDMI and DisplayPort), ensuring you have everything you need to get started right away. Overall, the initial impression is positive, hinting at a well-rounded gaming monitor that's ready to perform.
Tech Specs Deconstructed
Let’s dive into the technical heart of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5. This monitor boasts a 24-inch Full HD (1920x1080) VA panel. Now, some of you might be thinking, "Full HD in this day and age?" But hear me out. Full HD on a 24-inch screen provides a pixel density that still looks sharp and detailed, without putting too much strain on your GPU. This means you can achieve higher frame rates, which is crucial for competitive gaming. The VA panel technology is where this monitor shines. VA panels are known for their excellent contrast ratios, and the GB2470HSU-B5 doesn't disappoint, offering a contrast ratio of 4000:1. This results in deep blacks and bright whites, making images pop and adding depth to your games. The monitor also features a 165Hz refresh rate, which is a significant step up from the standard 60Hz or even 144Hz. This higher refresh rate translates to smoother motion and reduced ghosting, giving you a competitive edge in fast-paced games. A 1ms Moving Picture Response Time (MPRT) ensures minimal blur, keeping the action crisp and clear. The inclusion of AMD FreeSync Premium technology further enhances the gaming experience by synchronizing the monitor's refresh rate with your AMD GPU, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. Connectivity options are solid, with HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, as well as a headphone jack. All these specs combine to create a monitor that's well-equipped for a variety of gaming scenarios.
Image Quality Analysis
The image quality of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5 is where this monitor truly stands out. The VA panel delivers vibrant colors and excellent contrast, making games and multimedia content look stunning. The color accuracy is also commendable, covering a decent portion of the sRGB color spectrum, which means colors appear natural and lifelike. While it might not be the best choice for professional color grading, it's more than adequate for gaming and general use. The high contrast ratio of 4000:1 is particularly noticeable, providing deep blacks that enhance the overall viewing experience. This is especially beneficial in dark scenes in games or movies, where details remain visible instead of being lost in murky shadows. The 165Hz refresh rate combined with the 1ms response time ensures that motion is smooth and blur-free, reducing eye strain during long gaming sessions. Viewing angles are also good, although there is some slight color shifting when viewed from extreme angles, which is typical for VA panels. However, this is unlikely to be an issue in most gaming setups. The monitor also features various picture modes, allowing you to customize the display to your preferences. Overall, the image quality is impressive for a monitor in this price range, making it a great choice for gamers who value visual fidelity.
Gaming Performance
Okay, let's get to the good stuff: gaming performance on the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5. The combination of a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time makes a noticeable difference in fast-paced games. Whether you're playing first-person shooters, racing games, or MOBAs, the action feels incredibly smooth and responsive. The reduced motion blur helps you track targets more easily, giving you a competitive edge. AMD FreeSync Premium further enhances the gaming experience by eliminating screen tearing and stuttering, ensuring a fluid and immersive gameplay. I tested this monitor with a variety of games, including Cyberpunk 2077, Valorant, and Forza Horizon 5, and was consistently impressed with the performance. In Valorant, the high refresh rate and low response time made tracking enemies feel effortless, while in Forza Horizon 5, the smooth motion and vibrant colors made the game world come alive. Even in graphically demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077, the monitor held its own, delivering a smooth and enjoyable experience. The input lag is minimal, which is crucial for competitive gaming. Overall, the gaming performance of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5 is excellent, making it a great choice for gamers of all skill levels.
Features and Ergonomics
The Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5 isn't just about raw performance; it also packs in a range of features designed to enhance your overall experience. The monitor includes built-in speakers, which, while not audiophile-grade, are decent enough for casual use or for when you don't want to wear headphones. It also features a headphone jack for more immersive audio. The blue light filter is a welcome addition, reducing eye strain during long gaming sessions or work periods. The monitor's OSD (On-Screen Display) is easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly adjust settings such as brightness, contrast, and color temperature. The stand offers a full range of ergonomic adjustments, including tilt, swivel, pivot, and height, allowing you to find the perfect viewing position. This is especially important for maintaining good posture and reducing the risk of neck and back pain. The monitor also supports VESA mounting, so you can easily attach it to a monitor arm or wall mount for even greater flexibility. The inclusion of both HDMI and DisplayPort inputs ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices. Overall, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5 offers a well-rounded set of features that enhance both gaming and general use.
Pros and Cons
To give you a clear overview, let's break down the pros and cons of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5:
Pros:
- High Refresh Rate (165Hz): Provides smooth and fluid motion, crucial for competitive gaming.
- Fast Response Time (1ms): Reduces motion blur and ghosting.
- Excellent Contrast Ratio (4000:1): Delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors.
- AMD FreeSync Premium: Eliminates screen tearing and stuttering.
- Ergonomic Stand: Offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments.
- Good Color Accuracy: Suitable for gaming and general use.
- Affordable Price: Great value for the features offered.
Cons:
- Full HD Resolution: Some users may prefer a higher resolution like 1440p.
- Built-in Speakers: Sound quality is adequate but not exceptional.
- Viewing Angles: Slight color shifting at extreme angles.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
So, after putting it through its paces, what’s the final word on the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5? For gamers on a budget who don't want to compromise on performance, this monitor is an excellent choice. The combination of a high refresh rate, fast response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium delivers a smooth and immersive gaming experience. The excellent contrast ratio and good color accuracy make games and multimedia content look great. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive monitors, it offers a fantastic value for the price. If you're looking for a 24-inch Full HD gaming monitor that ticks all the right boxes, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B5 should definitely be on your shortlist. It’s a solid all-rounder that will serve you well for both gaming and everyday use. Highly recommended!