Acer GD245HQ vs Iiyama ProLite B2712HDS

Alexandre Botella
Updated: May 17, 2010

On the left, we have the Acer GD245HQ with a 120 Hz TN panel. So far, it's the best 3D compatible monitor that we've tested. It's been such a big hit that a lot of stores have had trouble keeping stock levels up.

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Opposite it, the Iiyama B2712HDS, a bigger 27'' display that combines responsiveness and accurate colours in a stylish unit.

MARCHANDS	€
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Prices unavailable Recommended alternatives

TN 120 Hz

1920 x 1080 pixels

2 ms

HDMI + DVI + VGA

170° / 160°

THE BACKGROUND

Acer's monitor for the first to really stand out in the 120 Hz category. Such a high refresh rate allows it to produce a more fluid display and also opens the door to the world of 3D.

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This 27'' display from Iiyama has a response time of 2 ms, a height-adjustable stand, accurate colours without any need for calibration and a great response time.

Although Iiyama's monitor is bigger than Acer's, both are available for round the same price. So, if you're on a fixed budget, should you make do with a smaller screen to get 120 Hz, or the opposite? Let battle commence!

HARDWARE: IIYAMA WINS

Iiyama takes a clear lead here. In our original tests, the GD245HQ only scored two stars in this section, compared to the four that the B2712HDS collected.

Fixed stand: the 24'' monitor's stand only allows you to tilt it back a little, but you can move the 27'' up and down as well is turn it round thanks to its rotating base.

3D: of course, Acer is the only one to offer compatibility with Nvidia's 3D Vision system. That doesn't come cheap though, as you need to buy a GeForce 3D Vision kit to use it, as well as a recent Nvidia graphics card if you don't have one already, which adds to the cost.

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Size: we don't really need to tell you why a 27'' monitor is better than one that's only 24'' ...

Audio: both monitors have a headphone jack, but only the B2712HDS has a pair of external speakers. Demanding music fans won't find them up to much, but they will do the job if you have nothing else.

Efficiency: incredibly, if both monitors are set to the same brightness, the larger 27'' display uses 6 W less than the 24'' display. That can represent a serious saving in your electricity bill if you leave them switched on all day.

RESPONSIVENESS: ACER WINS

More fluid movements: it's simple: the GD245HQ is the most responsive monitor we've ever had a chance to test. The B72712HDS might well be fast enough for the majority of gamers, but it's still a notch below its rival.

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COLOURS: IIYAMA WINS

A little more contrast: the GD245HQ has a slightly higher contrast ratio than its rival form Iiyama.

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Accurate default colours: Although calibration profiles can make a marked improvement on the accuracy of the colours shown on screen, some software—including many games—don't make use of them. When that's the case, then everything depends on the quality of the display using its factory settings. There are no problems at all with the B712HDS, because it's one of only two monitors that we've ever given five stars to without having to adjust any of the settings ourselves. That means that it will have accurate colours not just for gaming, but for everything else too—without you having to do anything.

RESULT: ACER FOR GAMERS, IIYAMA FOR EVERYBODY ELSE

So far, the B2712HDS seems to be doing a little better than the GD245HQ, but it all depends on what you want to do with your monitor.

Office Use: because both of our challengers have the same resolution, you'll be able to fit the same number of pages on screen, although everything will be a little larger on the 27''.

Gaming: 120 Hz monitors are the most responsive, and the GD245HQ is the best of the bunch. It's the best choice for the most demanding gamers, whether you're using 3D or not. Don't forget that a 120 Hz monitor is only one link in the 3D chain. You also need to factor in the GeForce 3D Vision system, as well as a powerful, modern Nvidia graphics card. That can add a lot to the final bill.

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Photography: Iiyama has a definite advantage with such accurate colours. However, beyond a certain level, moving away from TN to another panel technology is recommended. If you are one of these more demanding users, then the duel between the F2380M and the U2410 will probably be of more interest.

Movies: a larger 27'' screen is better for watching movies, but also makes any problems with upscaling more apparent. If you do choose a monitor this size, then make sure you have a video source that can provide a decent quality signal.

For Us: even amongst the gamers on the team, there are people on either side of the debate. Those were most keen to move over to 3D didn't hang about before making the switch to 120 Hz, while others were willing to sacrifice a little responsiveness to get more monitor for their money.

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