In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards upgrading to higher-resolution displays. With 1080p monitors being the standard for many years, many users are now considering upgrading to 1440p displays.
However, the question remains: is it worth upgrading from 1080p to 1440p? In this article, we will explore the differences between these resolutions and evaluate whether the increased resolution justifies the cost.
Is It Worth Upgrading from 1080P to 1440P
It is worth upgrading from 1080P to 1440P because 1440P has almost twice the number of pixels resulting in a much clearer image.
While there is an impact on performance, it’s around a 33% reduction in framerate, depending on a number of factors.
I personally think moving from 1080P to 1440P is a night and day difference, especially a 27″ 1440P monitor.
Is 1440p a Noticeable Upgrade from 1080p?
Yes. 1440P is a very noticeable upgrade from 1080P. The image quality is much clearer in 1440P than in 1080P. If you’re looking to upgrade monitors, I recommend going with a 1440P 144 Hz display.
Speaking of refresh rates, you may be wondering if moving from 144 Hz to 240 Hz is noticeable.
One of the primary differences between 1080p and 1440p resolutions is the number of pixels. A 1080p display has a resolution of 1920×1080, which equates to 2,073,600 pixels.
In contrast, a 1440p display has a resolution of 2560×1440, which translates to 3,686,400 pixels. This means that a 1440p display has almost twice as many pixels as a 1080p display.
Benefits of 1440P
Another benefit of 1440p is the increased color accuracy. With more pixels, the color gradient is smoother and transitions between shades are more natural. This can result in more realistic and vibrant colors on 1440P display.
One of the benefits of 1440p is the increased screen real estate. Since the pixels are smaller, the UI and desktop icons are smaller too, so you can fit more items on it.
For professionals who work with high-quality images, the increased resolution can improve the accuracy of color reproduction and provide a clearer view of small details.
Pixel Density
Another point to consider is pixel density (PPI), the number of pixels in a inch. A 27-inch 1080P monitor has a pixel density of 81. In comparison, a 27″ 1440P monitor has a PPI of 108.
For smaller monitors, a 24″ 1080P monitor has a 92 PPI, while a 1440P has around 122 PPI.
The increase in pixels provides a significant boost in image quality. The additional pixels result in sharper, more detailed images, which can be particularly noticeable in games and movies.
The improvement in image quality is also noticeable when browsing the web or using productivity applications.
In practical terms, it’s much harder to see the individual pixels on a 1440P monitor than it is on a 1080P monitor.
In fact, now that I moved to 1440P, I the pixels on 1080P monitors really stand out to me.
Recommended 1440P Monitors
Here are some recommended 1440P monitors:
- Gigabyte M27A PRO 27″ 165 Hz 1440P IPS – Check Price
- MSI QHD 1440P 165 Hz IPS – Check Price
- LG UltraGear GL83A QHD 27″ IPS 144 Hz – Check Price
Best Monitor Size for 1440P
The best monitor size for a 1440P monitor is 27″ and 144 Hz is recommended. I also recommend going with an IPS panel because they don’t have as much ghosting as VA panels.
How Many Frames do You Lose from 1080p to 1440p?
Because a higher resolution requires more processing power, it can result in a decrease in the number of frames per second (FPS) that the computer can output.
The impact on frame rates varies depending on the hardware being used. For example, the graphics card, CPU, and game requirements. However, the decrease in FPS may not be as significant as one might expect.
It’s difficult to say exactly how many frames you lose from 1080P to 1440P because every game has different hardware requirements.
Generally, since there are twice as many pixels in 1440P as in 1080P, it doubles the load on the GPU and CPU. It’s usually around a 30% or a 50% loss in frames.
For games that are already pushing the limits of your hardware, you’ll see a significant drop in frames.
However, for less demanding games, like CS GO or Rocket League, you won’t lose as many frames.
To give you an idea, I can run Rocket League at 1440P with a stable 144 FPS on my almost 8-year-old GTX 1060. The same with CS GO.
I wrote a post about casual gaming at 144 Hz that might interest you.
However, if your game is already struggling to reach 60 FPS at 1080P with max GPU load, you can expect to get around 40 FPS with the same game at 1440P.
In my opinion, the upgrading visual clarity is worth the framerate drop, as long as the frames don’t fall under 60 FPS.
Most modern graphics cards, especially the RTX series, can definitely push 1440P with no frame issues.
Does 1440p Give an Advantage?
In certain situations, the increased resolution of 1440p does give a competitive advantage.
For gamers, the increased resolution can provide better visibility of in-game details, such as enemies and objects.
This can give players a strategic advantage in games that require quick reflexes and situational awareness, such as first-person shooters.
In CS GO, I noticed character models are much clearer, and there’s less aliasing (the jagged pixels around objects).
I would say 1440P does give an advantage in competitive games because distant enemies are much clearer.
Is 1440p Worth it For Gaming?
Yes. 1440P is definitely worth it for gaming. The difference from 1080P to 1440P may not seem massive but it’s a very noticeable upgrade.
Additionally, the increased resolution can provide a more immersive gaming experience. With more pixels, game environments appear sharper and more detailed, which can enhance the sense of immersion.
However, the decision to upgrade ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences, as well as the hardware and software being used.
If your computer is struggling with 1080P, a 1440P won’t make much of a difference. Upgrade your system first before upgrading your monitor!
Conclusion
While 1440p offers several benefits, such as increased resolution, improved image quality, and potentially a competitive advantage, the upgrade may not be worth it for everyone.
The main sticking point would be your budget. The price of 1440P monitors has definitely come down over the years but they’re still a bit pricey when compared to 1080P monitors.
Either way, if you do most of your work or gaming on a monitor, it’s something you look at for long periods, and you should get one that has the best clarity.
Writer:
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Timothy Gagnon is the owner of My Portable Office. As a kid, he's always had a fascination with electronics and never passed on the chance to disassemble and reassemble them. When he's not taking a hammer to his electronics, he can be found playing with his cats or writing about his latest discoveries on My Portable Office.
