Buying an AMD 300 series graphics card? You need these Samsung 4K FreeSync monitors
Have you bought, or are you planning to buy, one of AMD's new graphics cards, like Fury X or R9 380? If so, well done my fellow PC builder; these cards are extremely powerful, while being competitively priced. Great choice.
While not the first cards to feature FreeSync, the higher end of these new cards will allow for comfortable 4K gaming too. Obviously you need a 4K FreeSync monitor. Well, need is a strong word -- you can get by without it (it is not food or water), but you do need it if you want to be the coolest PC gamer in your neighborhood (and you do). Today, Samsung announces two such monitors that will have you drooling.
"The U24E590D and U28E590D are the first UHD Samsung monitors with AMD FreeSync capabilities. FreeSync synchronizes the monitors' refresh rates to eliminate large jumps in frame time for noticeably smoother multimedia use. The integration of AMD FreeSync is especially beneficial for gamers, who will notice an immediate increase in responsiveness and the elimination of screen tearing and shuttering", says Samsung.
The popular manufacturer further explains, "the U24E590D and U28E590D's UHD display (3840x2160) offers users discernibly sharper text, images and video content. Previously uncaptured content and a brightness level of 370cd/m2 that further enhances the visual experience with incredibly rich and vibrant colors, all on a flicker-free screen. Both monitors also use HDMI 2.0, which supports a 60 Hz frequency to view content smoothly, while the 28 inch has a 1ms response time".
Samsung shares the following specs.
|
Attribute |
U24E590D | U28E590D | ||||||
| Display | Screen Size | 23.6" (16:9) | 28" (16:9) | |||||
| Panel Type | PLS | TN | ||||||
| Brightness | 300cd/m2 | 370cd/m2 | ||||||
| Contrast Ratio (DCR) | 1000:1 (Mega ∞ ) | 1000:1 (Mega ∞ ) | ||||||
| Resolution | UHD(3840x2160) | UHD(3840x2160) | ||||||
| Response Time | 4ms(GTG) | 1ms(GTG) | ||||||
| Viewing Angle (H/V) | 178°/178° | 170°/160° | ||||||
| Feature | Embedded Function |
Magic Bright, UHD Upscale, Eco Saving Plus, PIP 2.0, PBP, Easy Setting Box, Image Size, Eye-Saver Mode, Flicker Free, Free-sync, Game Mode |
Magic Angle, Magic Bright, UHD Upscale, Eco Saving Plus, PIP 2.0, PBP, Easy Setting Box, Image Size, Eye-Saver Mode, Flicker Free, Free-sync, Game Mode |
|||||
| OS Compatibility | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac | ||||||
| Windows Certification | Windows 8.1 | Windows 8.1 | ||||||
| Interface | Interface | 2 HDMI(2.0x1, 1.4x1), 1 DP(1.2Ver) | 2 HDMI(2.0x1, 1.4x1), 1 DP(1.2Ver) | |||||
| Eco | Energy/Environment Mark | Energy Star 6.0 | Energy Star 6.0 | |||||
| Design | Color | Front/Rear : Black High Glossy /
Stand : Metallic (Deco-bar) |
Front/Rear : Black High Glossy /
Stand : Metallic (Deco-bar) |
|||||
| Power | Type | External Adaptor | External Adaptor | |||||
| Accessory | Cables | 1 HDMI, 1 DP | 1 HDMI, 1 DP | |||||
Not only are the specs impressive, but so is the design. It is very simplistic, which is important for proper immersion. No one wants a display design -- gaudiness, lights, etc. -- to be a distraction. I think Samsung hit a home-run in this regard -- it is classy and pretty.
The 28 inch U28E590D is available now for a very reasonable $599. We aren't far removed from a time when much-lesser quality 4K displays from less-reputable brands were much more expensive. A 28 inch 4K display from Samsung with FreeSync seems properly priced here.
If you can wait until July, you can opt for the 24 inch model, which will save you $200. While I am sure it is a great monitor too, you may regret not spending more on the larger size.
Remember, this is an investment, and not an annual purchase. You may end up owning this display for 10 years. The $200 saved now averaged over the life of ownership may not be worth the savings. Just something to think about, gamers.
What do you think of these monitors? Sound off in the comments.