Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B6: Gaming Monitor Review

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

Hey gamers! Are you on the hunt for a new monitor that won't break the bank but still delivers a solid gaming experience? Let's dive into the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B6, a monitor that's been making waves in the budget-friendly gaming scene. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from its key features and performance to whether it's the right fit for your gaming setup. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let's get started!

First Impressions: What's in the Box?

Alright, so you've just unboxed your brand new Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B6. What do you get? Inside, you'll find the monitor itself, of course, along with a stand that's easy to assemble – no need to be a tech wizard here! You'll also get the necessary cables: an HDMI cable, which is great for connecting to your PC or console, and a DisplayPort cable, which you'll want to use to take full advantage of the monitor's refresh rate and adaptive sync capabilities. Power cable is also included of course. Iiyama also throws in a quick start guide and a warranty card, just in case. The packaging is pretty straightforward and functional, ensuring everything arrives safe and sound. First impressions matter, and Iiyama seems to have covered all the bases with the essentials. One thing I noticed right away is the sleek, understated design of the monitor itself. It's not overly flashy, which I personally appreciate. It will fit seamlessly into most gaming setups without demanding too much attention. So far, so good!

Key Features: What Makes This Monitor Tick?

Let's get into the meat and potatoes of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B6. This monitor packs a punch with features designed to enhance your gaming experience. First up, we're talking about a 23.8-inch Full HD (1920x1080) VA panel. Now, some of you might be thinking, "Full HD in this day and age?" But hear me out! At this screen size, Full HD still looks sharp and crisp, and it's less demanding on your graphics card, allowing you to achieve higher frame rates. The VA panel is known for its excellent contrast ratio, meaning you'll get deep blacks and vibrant colors, making your games look more immersive. Next, the monitor boasts a 165Hz refresh rate. This is a big deal because it means the screen updates 165 times per second, resulting in smoother motion and reduced blur. This is crucial for fast-paced games where reaction time is everything.

Complementing the high refresh rate is AMD FreeSync Premium technology. This tech synchronizes the monitor's refresh rate with your AMD graphics card, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for a fluid gaming experience. Even if you have an NVIDIA card, FreeSync often works, though it's not officially certified. Moving on, the GB2470HSU-B6 has a response time of 0.8ms (MPRT). This is the time it takes for a pixel to change color, and a lower response time means less ghosting and blurring, especially in fast-moving scenes. In terms of connectivity, you're covered with HDMI and DisplayPort ports, as well as a headphone jack for your gaming headset. The monitor also has built-in speakers, which are decent for casual use but probably won't replace a dedicated sound system. Iiyama also includes features like Black Tuner, which allows you to adjust the brightness in dark areas to spot enemies more easily, and preset gaming modes optimized for different game genres. All these features combine to make the GB2470HSU-B6 a compelling option for gamers on a budget.

Performance: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

Okay, so the specs look good on paper, but how does the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B6 actually perform in real-world gaming scenarios? The answer, in short, is pretty darn well. The 165Hz refresh rate is immediately noticeable. Movement feels smoother, and the overall gaming experience is more responsive. Whether you're playing fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty or racing games like Forza Horizon, the high refresh rate gives you a competitive edge. The VA panel delivers excellent contrast, making dark scenes look rich and detailed. This is especially beneficial in horror games or games with a lot of shadows, where being able to see clearly is crucial. Colors are also vibrant and accurate, although not quite as accurate as some high-end IPS panels.

The 0.8ms response time does a good job of minimizing ghosting and blurring, although some slight blurring can still be noticeable in very fast-paced scenes. However, for most gamers, it's not a major issue. AMD FreeSync Premium works flawlessly, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering as long as you have a compatible AMD graphics card. As for input lag, the GB2470HSU-B6 performs admirably, with very little noticeable delay between your input and what you see on the screen. This is crucial for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts. Overall, the performance of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B6 is impressive for its price point. It delivers a smooth, responsive, and immersive gaming experience that will satisfy most gamers. While it may not be the absolute best in any one area, it offers a well-rounded package that punches above its weight.

Image Quality: Colors, Contrast, and Clarity

Let's delve deeper into the image quality of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B6. As we've mentioned, the VA panel is a standout feature, providing impressive contrast levels. This means you'll get deep, inky blacks and bright, vibrant whites, resulting in a more dynamic and engaging picture. The contrast ratio is significantly better than what you'd typically find on a TN panel, giving games and movies a greater sense of depth and realism. Color accuracy is also decent, covering a good portion of the sRGB color spectrum. While it might not be ideal for professional color-sensitive work, it's more than adequate for gaming and general use. Colors are generally vibrant and pleasing to the eye, although some users may want to calibrate the monitor to achieve the most accurate results.

The Full HD resolution looks sharp on the 23.8-inch screen, with a pixel density that's comfortable for everyday use. Text is clear and easy to read, and images look detailed and crisp. Viewing angles are also good, thanks to the VA panel. There's minimal color shifting or contrast loss when viewing the screen from different angles. One thing to note is that VA panels can sometimes suffer from black smearing, which is a slight trailing effect in dark scenes. However, on the GB2470HSU-B6, this is minimal and not noticeable in most situations. Overall, the image quality of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B6 is excellent for its price range. It offers a combination of high contrast, decent color accuracy, and sharp resolution that makes games and movies look great.

Design and Build Quality: Form and Function

The Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B6 sports a sleek and understated design that will blend seamlessly into any gaming setup. The monitor has thin bezels on three sides, which gives it a modern and immersive look. The stand is sturdy and provides good stability, and it also offers tilt, swivel, and height adjustments, allowing you to find the perfect viewing position. The build quality is solid, with a durable plastic construction that feels well-made. The monitor doesn't feel cheap or flimsy, which is a plus. The back of the monitor is clean and uncluttered, with a subtle textured finish. The Iiyama logo is discreetly placed, and the ports are easily accessible. The on-screen display (OSD) is intuitive and easy to navigate, with a range of options for adjusting the monitor's settings. You can control brightness, contrast, color temperature, and other parameters to customize the image to your liking.

The monitor also has a low blue light mode, which reduces the amount of blue light emitted by the screen, helping to reduce eye strain during long gaming sessions. Overall, the design and build quality of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B6 are excellent. It's a well-designed and well-built monitor that looks good and feels durable. The adjustable stand and intuitive OSD are also nice touches that enhance the user experience.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Options

To summarize, let's take a look at the pros and cons of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B6:

Pros:

  • High refresh rate (165Hz): Provides smooth and responsive gaming experience.
  • VA panel with excellent contrast: Delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors.
  • Low response time (0.8ms): Minimizes ghosting and blurring.
  • AMD FreeSync Premium: Eliminates screen tearing and stuttering.
  • Adjustable stand: Offers tilt, swivel, and height adjustments.
  • Affordable price: Excellent value for money.

Cons:

  • Full HD resolution: May not be sharp enough for some users.
  • VA panel: Can exhibit some black smearing.
  • Built-in speakers: Sound quality is mediocre.

The Verdict: Is It Worth Your Money?

So, is the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B6 worth your hard-earned cash? Absolutely! This monitor offers a fantastic combination of features, performance, and affordability that makes it a top contender in the budget gaming monitor category. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of high-end monitors, it delivers where it counts: a smooth, responsive, and immersive gaming experience. The 165Hz refresh rate, VA panel with excellent contrast, and low response time make it a joy to play games on, and the AMD FreeSync Premium ensures a tear-free experience. If you're looking for a gaming monitor that won't break the bank but still delivers a solid performance, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B6 is definitely worth considering. It's a great all-around monitor that will satisfy most gamers. Just remember to consider its limitations, such as the Full HD resolution and potential black smearing, before making your final decision.