Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B1: Gaming Monitor Review

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the world of gaming monitors, and we're putting the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B1 under the microscope. If you're on the hunt for a monitor that can keep up with your fast-paced gaming sessions without breaking the bank, you've come to the right place. We’ll explore everything from its display quality and response times to its design and extra features. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfortable, and let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Alright, let's kick things off with what you get right out of the box. The Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B1 comes neatly packaged with all the essentials: the monitor itself, a power cable, an HDMI cable, and a DisplayPort cable. You also get the user manual, which, let’s be honest, most of us only glance at when we run into trouble. But hey, it's there if you need it! The initial impression is pretty solid. The monitor doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. The stand is sturdy, and the overall design is sleek and understated, making it a great fit for any gaming setup or even a professional workspace. Setting it up is a breeze; you can have it up and running in under five minutes. Just attach the stand (no tools required!), plug in the cables, and you're good to go. Now, let’s get into the meat of things and talk about what really matters: the display quality.

Display Quality: Visuals That Pop

The Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B1 boasts a 24-inch Full HD (1920x1080) VA panel, and honestly, for the price, the display quality is impressive. The colors are vibrant, and the contrast is excellent, thanks to the VA panel's ability to deliver deep blacks. This makes games and movies look incredibly immersive. The monitor covers a decent portion of the sRGB color spectrum, making it suitable for casual content creation and everyday use, in addition to gaming. Viewing angles are also pretty good; you won't notice any significant color distortion even when viewing the screen from different angles. The brightness levels are adequate for most environments, though it might struggle a bit in very brightly lit rooms. However, in typical indoor lighting conditions, it performs admirably. Overall, the display quality is a major highlight of this monitor, providing sharp, vivid, and immersive visuals that enhance your gaming and viewing experience. For gamers, this translates to more detailed environments, richer colors, and a greater sense of immersion. And for those who use their monitor for work or general use, the vibrant colors and sharp text make everyday tasks more enjoyable.

Gaming Performance: Speed and Responsiveness

When it comes to gaming, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B1 truly shines. It features a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, which are crucial for fast-paced games. The high refresh rate ensures smooth and fluid motion, reducing motion blur and ghosting. This is especially noticeable in fast-paced shooters and racing games where every millisecond counts. The 1ms response time further minimizes lag, giving you a competitive edge. The monitor also supports AMD FreeSync Premium, which eliminates screen tearing and stuttering by synchronizing the monitor's refresh rate with your AMD graphics card. This results in a tear-free and smooth gaming experience, even when your frame rates fluctuate. Input lag is minimal, ensuring that your actions are registered almost instantly on the screen. Whether you're playing competitive esports titles or immersive single-player games, the GB2470HSU-B1 delivers a responsive and enjoyable gaming experience. The combination of high refresh rate, low response time, and FreeSync support makes it a fantastic choice for gamers who demand performance and responsiveness.

Design and Build Quality: Sleek and Functional

The design of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B1 is both sleek and functional. It sports a minimalist aesthetic with thin bezels on three sides, which not only looks modern but also makes it a great option for multi-monitor setups. The stand is sturdy and offers tilt, swivel, and height adjustments, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle for maximum comfort. The build quality feels solid; the monitor doesn't wobble or creak, even when adjusting the stand. The back of the monitor features a textured finish and subtle branding, which adds a touch of sophistication. The integrated cable management system helps keep your desk clean and organized by routing cables through the stand. The monitor also includes built-in speakers, which are decent for casual use but not ideal for immersive gaming or media consumption. For serious gamers, a dedicated headset or external speakers are recommended. Overall, the design is well-thought-out, and the build quality is excellent, making it a durable and aesthetically pleasing addition to any setup. The adjustability of the stand is a major plus, allowing you to customize the monitor's position to suit your needs and preferences.

Connectivity and Features: Ports Galore

The Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B1 offers a solid range of connectivity options. It includes two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and a headphone jack. The inclusion of both HDMI and DisplayPort ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, including gaming consoles, PCs, and laptops. The headphone jack allows you to easily connect your headphones or speakers for audio output. The monitor also features built-in speakers, which, as mentioned earlier, are adequate for basic audio needs but not ideal for immersive gaming or media consumption. One of the standout features of this monitor is its overdrive function, which allows you to adjust the response time to further minimize ghosting. It also includes various preset modes for different gaming genres, such as FPS, RTS, and MOBA, which optimize the display settings for each type of game. The blue light filter helps reduce eye strain during long gaming sessions, and the flicker-free technology minimizes screen flicker, further enhancing comfort. The on-screen display (OSD) menu is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly adjust settings such as brightness, contrast, and color temperature. Overall, the connectivity and features of the GB2470HSU-B1 are comprehensive, providing everything you need for a seamless gaming and viewing experience. The inclusion of multiple ports, customizable settings, and eye-care technologies makes it a versatile and user-friendly monitor.

Pros and Cons: The Nitty-Gritty

Okay, let's break down the pros and cons of the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B1 to give you a clear picture of what this monitor offers.

Pros:

• High Refresh Rate: The 165Hz refresh rate provides smooth and fluid motion, enhancing your gaming experience.
• Fast Response Time: The 1ms response time minimizes lag and ghosting, giving you a competitive edge.
• AMD FreeSync Premium: Eliminates screen tearing and stuttering for a tear-free gaming experience.
• Excellent Display Quality: The VA panel delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making games and movies look immersive.
• Adjustable Stand: Offers tilt, swivel, and height adjustments for maximum comfort.
• Sleek Design: Features a minimalist aesthetic with thin bezels, making it great for multi-monitor setups.
• Comprehensive Connectivity: Includes HDMI and DisplayPort ports for compatibility with various devices.

Cons:

• 1080p Resolution: While Full HD is decent, some users may prefer a higher resolution for sharper visuals.
• Built-in Speakers: The built-in speakers are not ideal for immersive gaming or media consumption.
• Brightness: Might struggle a bit in very brightly lit rooms.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B1 doesn't quite tick all your boxes, here are a few alternatives you might want to consider:

• BenQ ZOWIE XL2411K: A popular choice among competitive gamers, known for its high refresh rate and low input lag.
• ASUS TUF Gaming VG259QM: Offers a higher refresh rate and a faster response time, but comes at a higher price point.
• MSI Optix G241: A budget-friendly option with a decent display quality and a high refresh rate.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So, the big question: is the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B1 worth your hard-earned cash? In my opinion, absolutely! It offers an excellent balance of performance, features, and affordability. The high refresh rate and fast response time make it a great choice for gamers, while the vibrant display and adjustable stand make it suitable for everyday use. While it's not perfect, its pros far outweigh its cons, making it a top contender in the budget gaming monitor category. If you're looking for a monitor that can deliver a smooth, responsive, and immersive gaming experience without breaking the bank, the Iiyama G-Master GB2470HSU-B1 is definitely worth considering. It’s a solid all-around performer that will enhance your gaming and viewing experience. Happy gaming, everyone!