Viotek Gn24C Review

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The Viotek GN24C is a solid contender in the budget gaming monitor space, offering a compelling blend of features for its price point.

It’s a 24-inch, 1080p VA panel with a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms Motion Picture Response Time MPRT, making it a strong option for gamers who prioritize smooth visuals without breaking the bank.

It’s a pragmatic choice for those looking to level up their gaming rig without unnecessary frills.

Here’s a quick rundown of some comparable options in the market, allowing you to see where the Viotek GN24C stands against its peers:

  • AOC C24G1A

    Amazon

    • Key Features: 23.6-inch, 1920×1080, 165Hz, 1ms MPRT, FreeSync Premium, VA panel, 1500R curvature, height adjustable stand.
    • Average Price: Around $180-$200
    • Pros: Higher refresh rate, excellent adjustable stand, strong contrast, immersive curve.
    • Cons: Some users report minor ghosting, slightly higher price than the GN24C.
  • ASUS TUF Gaming VG24VQE

    • Key Features: 23.6-inch, 1920×1080, 165Hz, 1ms MPRT, FreeSync Premium, VA panel, 1500R curvature.
    • Average Price: Around $200-$220
    • Pros: Reputable brand, strong gaming performance, good colors for a VA panel.
    • Cons: Stand is tilt-only, can be pricier.
  • MSI Optix G24C4

    • Key Features: 23.6-inch, 1920×1080, 144Hz, 1ms MPRT, FreeSync, VA panel, 1500R curvature.
    • Pros: Clean design, good performance for the price, strong contrast.
    • Cons: Stand is tilt-only, colors might need calibration out of the box.
  • Dell S2422HG Samsung 85 Inch Class Qn90A Neo Qled Tv Review

    • Average Price: Around $200-$230
    • Pros: Dell’s reliable build quality, excellent stand, strong gaming features.
    • Cons: Can be more expensive, ghosting reports from some users.
  • HP X24c

    • Key Features: 23.6-inch, 1920×1080, 144Hz, 1ms MPRT, FreeSync Premium, VA panel, 1500R curvature, height adjustable stand.
    • Pros: Solid all-around performance, good stand, strong brand reputation.
    • Cons: Design might be a bit plain for some, color accuracy could be better.
  • Acer ED240Q

    • Key Features: 23.6-inch, 1920×1080, 165Hz, 1ms VRB Visual Response Boost, FreeSync Premium, VA panel, 1500R curvature.
    • Average Price: Around $170-$190
    • Pros: High refresh rate for the price, good value, decent visuals.
    • Cons: Stand is tilt-only, build quality feels a bit cheaper.
  • Sceptre C248B-144R

    • Key Features: 24-inch, 1920×1080, 144Hz, 1ms MPRT, FreeSync, VA panel, 1800R curvature.
    • Average Price: Around $150-$170
    • Pros: Extremely budget-friendly, decent performance for the price, built-in speakers.
    • Cons: Basic stand, quality control can be hit or miss, less refined image.

Table of Contents

Diving Deep into the Viotek GN24C: Is It Your Next Gaming Monitor?

When you’re looking to upgrade your battle station, especially if you’re a gamer on a mission to optimize performance without liquidating your crypto portfolio, the Viotek GN24C often pops up on the radar.

This isn’t about chasing the absolute bleeding edge.

It’s about hitting that sweet spot where value meets tangible performance improvements.

The GN24C aims squarely at that target, promising a smooth, immersive 1080p experience at a competitive price.

Let’s peel back the layers and see what makes this monitor tick, and whether it aligns with your specific needs.

Understanding the Core Specifications: 144Hz, 1ms, and VA Panel

Alright, let’s cut to the chase on the numbers that matter.

The Viotek GN24C rolls with a 144Hz refresh rate, a 1ms MPRT Motion Picture Response Time, and it’s built around a VA Vertical Alignment panel. These aren’t just marketing buzzwords. Sonos Beam Gen 2 Review

They fundamentally shape your experience, especially if you’re deep into competitive gaming.

The 144Hz Advantage: A Game Changer for Smoothness

Think of refresh rate like frames per second for your screen. A standard monitor often caps out at 60Hz. When you jump to 144Hz, you’re effectively seeing more than double the frames per second displayed on your screen, assuming your GPU can push them.

  • Reduced Input Lag: While refresh rate isn’t directly input lag, a higher refresh rate can contribute to a feeling of greater responsiveness. The time between your mouse click and the action appearing on screen is subtly reduced.
  • Competitive Edge: For serious gamers, 144Hz isn’t a luxury. it’s practically a requirement. Spotting opponents faster and reacting more quickly can mean the difference between a clutch win and a frustrating defeat.

1ms MPRT: Sharpening the Picture

The 1ms MPRT specification is crucial for combating motion blur. MPRT measures how long a pixel remains visible.

A lower MPRt means pixels transition faster, leading to a sharper image during fast-moving scenes.

  • Clearer Fast Motion: In games where the camera is constantly panning or objects are whizzing across the screen, a low MPRT helps keep things crisp. Without it, you’d see noticeable “smearing” or blurring behind moving objects, making it harder to track targets.
  • Gaming Focus: While a 1ms GtG Gray-to-Gray response time is often considered the gold standard, 1ms MPRT is still excellent for gaming. It typically involves backlight strobing, which reduces perceived motion blur but can slightly dim the screen. Viotek’s implementation aims to give you that competitive edge in visual clarity.

The VA Panel: Contrast and Immersion

The choice of a VA panel for the GN24C is a strategic one, especially for a budget monitor.

Each panel type IPS, TN, VA has its own strengths and weaknesses.

  • Superior Contrast: VA panels are renowned for their high native contrast ratios, often reaching 3000:1 or even higher. This means deeper blacks and brighter whites, leading to a more dynamic and immersive image, particularly noticeable in dimly lit game scenes or movies. Unlike IPS panels which can suffer from “IPS glow,” VA panels generally offer more uniform black levels.
  • Good Color Reproduction: While not as color-accurate as some high-end IPS panels, VA panels generally offer good color reproduction, often better than TN panels. For gaming and general media consumption, the colors on the GN24C will appear vibrant and pleasing.
  • Viewing Angles: While better than TN panels, VA panels typically have narrower viewing angles than IPS panels. If you’re looking at the screen significantly off-axis, you might notice some color or contrast shift. However, for a single user sitting directly in front of the monitor, this is rarely an issue, and the curved design further mitigates this.
  • Potential for Ghosting: A common characteristic of VA panels, especially at lower price points, is a phenomenon known as “VA ghosting” or “black smearing.” This occurs when dark pixels transition to lighter ones slowly, leaving a noticeable trail. While Viotek aims to minimize this with their 1ms MPRT, it’s something to be aware of and might be perceptible to highly sensitive users in specific scenarios. Most gamers, however, find the trade-off for superior contrast worthwhile.

Design and Build Quality: A Functional Approach

The Viotek GN24C isn’t going to win any awards for groundbreaking aesthetics, but it gets the job done.

It’s a functional design that prioritizes performance and affordability.

Think of it as a reliable workhorse rather than a show pony.

Aesthetics: Understated and Practical

  • Matte Black Finish: The monitor comes in a standard matte black finish, which is practical as it resists fingerprints and reduces glare from ambient light. It blends well into most gaming setups.
  • Thin Bezels: Viotek has opted for relatively thin bezels on three sides, which is a welcome sight. This contributes to a more immersive viewing experience, especially if you’re considering a multi-monitor setup in the future. The bottom bezel is slightly thicker, housing the Viotek logo.
  • Curved Design: The 1800R curvature is a key design element. This gentle curve aims to pull you into the action, making the edges of the screen feel closer to your peripheral vision. While some find curved monitors essential for immersion, others find the effect subtle on a 24-inch screen. It’s largely a matter of personal preference, but it certainly doesn’t detract from the experience.

Stand and Ergonomics: Where Cost-Cutting Shows

This is often where budget monitors reveal their compromises, and the GN24C is no exception. Alienware X17 Review

  • Basic Stand: The included stand is quite basic. It’s a tilt-only stand, meaning you can adjust the vertical angle of the screen usually -5° to +15°, but there’s no height adjustment, swivel, or pivot functionality.
    • Limited Adjustability: This lack of ergonomic flexibility can be a significant drawback for users who spend long hours at their desk. Proper monitor height is crucial for maintaining good posture and preventing neck strain.
    • Stability: While the stand is generally stable enough for its size, don’t expect a rock-solid feel. There might be some minor wobble if your desk isn’t perfectly stable or if you bump it frequently.
  • VESA Mount Compatibility: Thankfully, Viotek includes VESA mount compatibility 75x75mm. This is a huge win. If the limited stand adjustability is a deal-breaker for you, investing in an aftermarket VESA mount or monitor arm is a highly recommended upgrade. A good monitor arm can transform your setup, allowing for precise height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments. This is often the first “hack” for budget monitor users looking to improve ergonomics.

OSD On-Screen Display and Controls: User-Friendly Experience

  • Button Layout: The OSD controls are typically located on the back or bottom right side of the monitor, using physical buttons. While joysticks are becoming more common and user-friendly, buttons are perfectly functional.
  • Intuitive Menus: Viotek’s OSD menus are generally intuitive and easy to navigate. You’ll find standard options for:
    • Brightness and Contrast: Essential for calibrating your display.
    • Color Settings: Adjusting color temperature, gamma, and individual RGB levels.
    • Response Time/Overdrive: Options to fine-tune the pixel response to minimize ghosting.
    • Game Modes: Pre-set modes optimized for different game genres FPS, RTS, etc., which often adjust brightness, contrast, and sharpness.
    • FreeSync: Enabling or disabling adaptive sync.
    • Input Selection: Switching between DisplayPort and HDMI.

Overall, the design is pragmatic.

It’s not flashy, but it’s built to deliver the core performance features without excess.

The biggest limitation is the stand, but the VESA mount alleviates that concern for those willing to invest a little extra.

Connectivity: Covering the Essentials

Connectivity is straightforward on the Viotek GN24C, providing the necessary ports to get you up and running for gaming and general use.

Don’t expect a multitude of USB hubs or exotic ports, but the essentials are covered.

Video Inputs: DisplayPort and HDMI

  • DisplayPort DP: This is your primary port for gaming. To achieve the full 144Hz refresh rate at 1080p, you must use the DisplayPort connection. It has the bandwidth required to transmit the higher refresh rate signals. For PC gamers, this is your go-to.
  • HDMI: The monitor typically includes at least one HDMI port, sometimes two. While HDMI can support 144Hz at 1080p, it often depends on the specific HDMI version e.g., HDMI 1.4 or 2.0. For consoles like the PlayStation 4 Pro or Xbox One X, which often target 1080p at 60Hz or 120Hz, HDMI is perfectly adequate. If you’re connecting a console or a secondary device, HDMI is a convenient option.
    • Version Matters: Always check the specific HDMI version on the monitor’s specifications. If it’s HDMI 1.4, 144Hz at 1080p might be limited, whereas HDMI 2.0 would typically handle it without issue. Viotek generally provides HDMI 1.4, which limits 1080p to 120Hz on HDMI for this model, making DisplayPort crucial for full 144Hz.

Audio Features: Built-in Speakers and Headphone Out

  • Integrated Speakers: The GN24C does feature built-in stereo speakers. However, manage your expectations here. Like most monitor speakers, they are generally basic and lack bass or rich audio quality. They’re perfectly fine for system sounds, watching a quick YouTube video, or casual browsing, but for immersive gaming, podcast, or movies, you’ll definitely want to use headphones or external speakers.
  • 3.5mm Headphone Jack: Crucially, there’s a 3.5mm audio out jack. This allows you to connect your gaming headset or external speakers directly to the monitor. This is convenient if you’re receiving audio via DisplayPort or HDMI from your PC or console, as the monitor acts as an audio pass-through. It keeps your desk tidy and simplifies cable management.

USB Ports: A Notable Omission

  • No USB Hub: One significant omission, common in budget monitors, is the lack of integrated USB ports or a USB hub. This means you can’t plug in your keyboard, mouse, or other peripherals directly into the monitor to reduce cable clutter. You’ll need to connect these directly to your PC. This isn’t a deal-breaker for most, but it’s a convenience factor that’s often found on slightly more expensive models.

In summary, the connectivity on the Viotek GN24C is exactly what you need for its primary function: PC gaming at 144Hz via DisplayPort, with an HDMI option for other devices, and a headphone jack for quality audio.

If you need extensive USB connectivity, you’ll need to look at your PC’s ports or invest in a separate USB hub.

Gaming Performance: Where the GN24C Shines

This is the moment of truth for any gaming monitor.

The Viotek GN24C is designed with gamers in mind, and its specifications translate into a genuinely solid performance for its price bracket.

It’s not about achieving the absolute pinnacle of visual fidelity, but delivering a smooth, responsive, and enjoyable gaming experience. Mobile Pixels Duex Lite Review

Responsiveness and Input Lag: Feel the Flow

  • Low Input Lag: One of the most critical aspects for competitive gaming is low input lag, and the GN24C generally performs well here. While Viotek doesn’t always publish specific input lag numbers, user reviews and independent tests often confirm that it’s minimal, ensuring that your actions on the mouse and keyboard are almost instantly translated onto the screen. This responsiveness is vital for twitch-based shooters.
  • Overdrive Settings: The OSD will typically include an “Overdrive” or “Response Time” setting. Experimenting with these is key.
    • Finding the Sweet Spot: Too low, and you’ll see more ghosting. too high, and you might introduce “inverse ghosting” or “overshoot,” where bright trails appear behind moving objects. Finding the optimal setting is a bit of a trial-and-error process, but many users find a good balance that minimizes visual artifacts.

Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync Support

  • FreeSync Compatibility: The Viotek GN24C comes with AMD FreeSync support. This is a massive plus for gamers with AMD graphics cards. FreeSync and similar adaptive sync technologies works by synchronizing the monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU’s frame rate.
    • Eliminating Screen Tearing: Without adaptive sync, if your GPU renders frames faster or slower than your monitor’s refresh rate, you’ll experience screen tearing where the image appears split horizontally or stuttering.
    • Smooth Gameplay: FreeSync eliminates these artifacts, resulting in incredibly smooth and fluid gameplay, especially when your frame rate fluctuates. It significantly enhances the visual experience, making even small frame rate dips feel less noticeable.
  • G-Sync Compatibility Unofficial: While officially FreeSync, many FreeSync monitors, including some Viotek models, are unofficially “G-Sync Compatible.” This means they can work with NVIDIA’s G-Sync if you have a compatible NVIDIA graphics card GTX 10-series or newer. You’ll need to enable it in the NVIDIA control panel and results can vary from monitor to monitor. It’s not guaranteed to be perfect, but it’s often worth trying for NVIDIA users.

Visual Fidelity in Gaming: Immersion Through Contrast

  • Deep Blacks and Vibrant Colors: Thanks to the VA panel, the GN24C delivers impressive contrast ratios, which directly benefits gaming immersion. Dark scenes in horror games or atmospheric adventures will have deeper blacks, making shadows more impactful and details in dimly lit areas more discernible than on comparable TN or even some IPS panels. Colors also pop with vibrancy, which adds to the overall visual appeal.
  • Curved Immersion: The 1800R curve, while subtle on a 24-inch screen, does contribute to a slightly more immersive feel. It gently wraps the image around your field of view, making the edges feel less distant. For racing games or flight simulators, this can be particularly effective.

Potential Drawbacks: VA Ghosting

  • Black Smearing: As mentioned earlier, VA panels can exhibit “black smearing” or “ghosting,” particularly when dark pixels transition to bright ones quickly. While Viotek has optimized the response time, highly sensitive users might still notice it in specific scenarios, like moving white text on a black background, or in certain game environments with stark contrast changes. For most gamers, this is a minor caveat and often goes unnoticed during actual gameplay.

In essence, the Viotek GN24C truly shines where it matters most for gamers: fast, responsive performance, tear-free visuals with FreeSync, and a contrasty, immersive picture, all packaged at an attractive price point.

It’s a monitor that empowers you to perform and enjoy your games without unnecessary graphical distractions.

Color Accuracy and General Use: Beyond Gaming

While the Viotek GN24C is primarily a gaming monitor, it’s important to assess its capabilities for everyday tasks, content consumption, and even some light productivity work.

Its VA panel brings certain characteristics that influence these uses.

Color Reproduction: Good for the Price

  • Vibrant, But Not Professional Grade: The VA panel in the GN24C typically offers good color saturation and vibrancy, especially compared to older TN panels. For general browsing, watching movies, and casual photo viewing, the colors will look pleasing and punchy.
  • Not for Color-Critical Work: However, it’s crucial to understand that the GN24C is not designed for professional color-critical work like graphic design, video editing, or serious photography.
    • sRGB Coverage: While it likely covers a good percentage of the sRGB color space often in the 90-100% range, the out-of-the-box calibration isn’t precise enough for professional tasks where absolute color accuracy is paramount.
    • Gamma and White Point: Gamma and white point might not be perfectly calibrated to industry standards. If you require precise color, you’d need a colorimeter for hardware calibration, which is often an additional investment.
  • Practical Use: For the average user who watches Netflix, browses social media, and works on spreadsheets, the color performance is more than adequate. It delivers a visually appealing image that’s vibrant and generally accurate enough for non-professional tasks.

Contrast for Media Consumption: A Strong Point

  • Enhanced Immersion: This is where the VA panel truly shines for general use. The high native contrast ratio typically 3000:1 or higher results in deep, inky blacks. This is a significant advantage when watching movies or TV shows, particularly those with dark scenes. You’ll notice more detail in shadows and a more dynamic image overall compared to an IPS monitor with “IPS glow.”
  • Better for Dark Rooms: The superior black levels make the GN24C an excellent choice for media consumption in dimly lit rooms, as the blacks don’t appear as washed out or grayish.

Viewing Angles: A Minor Caveat

  • Off-Axis Shift: As with most VA panels, the viewing angles are decent but not as wide as IPS panels. If you view the screen significantly off-center, you might notice some color shift, a slight drop in brightness, or a change in contrast.
  • Single User Focus: For a single user sitting directly in front of the monitor, this is rarely an issue. If you often share your screen with others who are looking from extreme angles, an IPS panel might be a better choice. However, the curve on the GN24C subtly helps by directing the edges of the screen more towards the viewer.

Productivity: Adequate for Most Tasks

  • 1080p Resolution: At 24 inches, 1080p 1920×1080 is a perfectly sharp and comfortable resolution for productivity. Text appears clear, and there’s enough screen real estate for typical office applications, web browsing, and document editing.
  • Limited Screen Real Estate for Multitasking: If you’re a heavy multitasker who needs multiple applications open side-by-side, a single 24-inch 1080p monitor might feel a bit cramped. Many users opt for a 27-inch 1440p monitor or a dual-monitor setup for more serious productivity. However, for most, it’s perfectly functional.
  • No Eye Care Features Likely: Budget monitors often lack advanced eye-care features like dedicated low blue light modes or flicker-free backlighting though flicker-free is becoming standard. If you spend extremely long hours staring at the screen, it’s worth checking specific model specs for these features. However, good lighting and taking breaks are always the best eye-care strategies.

In summary, for general use, the Viotek GN24C provides a vibrant, high-contrast image that’s great for media consumption and perfectly adequate for standard productivity tasks.

Just don’t expect it to replace a professional-grade monitor for color-critical work.

It’s a solid all-rounder that prioritizes gaming but holds its own for everyday computing.

Value Proposition: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

This is where the Viotek GN24C truly excels and why it’s a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers.

Its value proposition is built on delivering essential high-performance gaming features at a price point that undercuts many competitors.

Competitive Pricing: The Core Appeal

  • Aggressive Price Point: Viotek monitors, including the GN24C, are generally priced very competitively. You’re getting a 144Hz, 1ms, 1080p VA curved display for a price that often falls into the $150-$180 range, especially during sales.

What You’re Paying For: Key Features at Value

  • High Refresh Rate: The 144Hz refresh rate is arguably the biggest selling point. It directly translates to a smoother, more enjoyable, and more competitive gaming experience. This alone is a significant value add.
  • Fast Response Time: The 1ms MPRT ensures motion clarity, preventing blurry images during intense action.
  • VA Panel Contrast: The inherent contrast benefits of the VA panel provide a more immersive visual experience for both gaming and media, which is often superior to TN panels in the same price range.
  • Adaptive Sync FreeSync: Inclusion of FreeSync is essential for tear-free gaming with compatible AMD graphics cards, further enhancing the fluidity of gameplay.

Where the Value Lies: Compromises and Smart Spending

The value proposition of the GN24C is also about understanding where the compromises are made and whether those trade-offs are acceptable for your budget. Wrc 10 Fia World Rally Championship For Pc Review

  • Basic Stand: The non-adjustable stand is a clear area where costs are saved. However, for users willing to invest an extra $20-$40 in a basic VESA mount, this issue is entirely negated, effectively turning a “con” into a customizable opportunity.
  • No USB Hub: The lack of a USB hub is another cost-saving measure. For many, this is a minor inconvenience, as most PCs have sufficient USB ports. If you rely heavily on monitor-integrated hubs, you’d need to look at higher-priced models.
  • No HDR: At this price point, you won’t find true HDR support. While some monitors might claim “HDR compatibility,” it’s often a software implementation that doesn’t deliver a true HDR experience. For a sub-$200 monitor, this is an expected omission.
  • Limited Aesthetics: The design is functional rather than flashy. You’re not paying for premium materials or intricate RGB lighting. This is pure performance-to-cost ratio.

Who Benefits Most from This Value?

  • First-Time High Refresh Rate Buyers: If you’re currently on a 60Hz monitor and want to experience the dramatic difference of 144Hz without breaking the bank, this monitor offers incredible value.
  • Budget Gamers: Gamers who have allocated the majority of their budget to their GPU and CPU but still want a capable monitor will find the GN24C an excellent fit.
  • Users Upgrading from Older TN Panels: The GN24C provides a significant upgrade in both refresh rate and visual quality especially contrast compared to older, cheaper TN panels.

In essence, the Viotek GN24C isn’t just cheap. it’s cost-effective. It intelligently allocates its budget to the features that matter most for its target audience: high-refresh-rate gaming. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to maximize their gaming performance per dollar spent.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations: What to Watch Out For

No product is perfect, especially in the budget category.

While the Viotek GN24C offers excellent value, it’s important to be aware of its potential shortcomings and areas where you might need to manage your expectations.

Being informed helps you make the best decision for your specific needs.

1. Ergonomics of the Stand

  • Major Limitation: As discussed, the tilt-only stand is arguably the biggest ergonomic drawback.
    • No Height Adjustment: This means you can’t easily raise or lower the monitor to eye level, which is crucial for long-term comfort and preventing neck strain.
    • No Swivel or Pivot: You can’t rotate the screen horizontally or vertically without moving the entire base.
  • Solution: This is easily remedied by purchasing a VESA-compatible monitor arm 75x75mm. A decent single monitor arm can be found for $20-$50 and will provide full adjustability, transforming your ergonomic experience. This is almost a mandatory upgrade for anyone planning to use the monitor for extended periods.

2. VA Panel Characteristics: Ghosting/Smearing

  • The “Black Smearing” Phenomenon: While Viotek has done a good job with its response time and overdrive, VA panels inherently have slower pixel transitions from dark to light shades compared to IPS or TN panels. This can lead to a noticeable “black smearing” or “ghosting” effect, particularly when dark objects move across bright backgrounds.
  • Perceptibility Varies: How much this affects you depends on your sensitivity, the games you play, and the specific scenes. Some users are highly sensitive and find it distracting, while many others don’t notice it during normal gameplay.
  • MPRT Mode: Enabling the 1ms MPRT mode often called “overdrive” or “response time” in the OSD can significantly reduce this, but it might introduce subtle flicker or reduce overall brightness.
  • Recommendation: If you are extremely sensitive to motion artifacts and black smearing, an IPS panel might be a safer bet, although they often come at a higher price for comparable refresh rates.

3. Quality Control and Brand Perception

  • Emerging Brand: Viotek is a relatively newer player in the monitor market compared to established giants like Dell, ASUS, or MSI. This can sometimes lead to perceptions and occasionally realities of varying quality control.
  • Minor Imperfections: While many users have flawless experiences, a small percentage might report issues like:
    • Dead Pixels: A common concern with any monitor, though usually covered under warranty for a certain number of pixels.
    • Backlight Bleed/Uniformity: Some variations in backlight uniformity, especially around the edges, might be present.
    • Minor Build Quirks: Very minor cosmetic imperfections or slightly less robust plastic feel compared to premium brands.
  • Warranty and Support: Researching Viotek’s warranty policies and customer support experiences before purchase is always a good idea, just in case you encounter an issue.

4. Limited Features Beyond Gaming

  • No USB Hub: As noted, the absence of a built-in USB hub means you can’t connect peripherals directly to the monitor, which is a common convenience feature on mid-range and high-end monitors.
  • Basic Speakers: The integrated speakers are functional but offer poor audio quality. You’ll need headphones or external speakers for any serious audio consumption.
  • No True HDR: While many budget monitors claim HDR compatibility, they lack the necessary peak brightness and local dimming zones for a true High Dynamic Range experience. Don’t buy this monitor for HDR.

5. Resolution Limitation for Productivity

  • 1080p on 24-inch: While 1080p is perfectly sharp for gaming at 24 inches, for heavy productivity users who juggle many windows or spreadsheets, the screen real estate might feel limited. For power users, 1440p resolution on a 27-inch monitor is often preferred for a more expansive workspace.

Understanding these considerations is key to making an informed choice.

For most budget-conscious gamers, the benefits of the GN24C far outweigh these drawbacks, especially when considering the price.

The trick is to ensure that the compromises don’t align with your personal “must-have” features.

Conclusion and Recommendation: Is the Viotek GN24C Right for You?

So, after dissecting the Viotek GN24C from every angle, the big question remains: is this the right monitor for your setup? My take is this: if you’re a gamer who wants a genuine, tangible upgrade in responsiveness and visual fluidity without emptying your wallet, the Viotek GN24C is a seriously strong contender. It nails the essentials for high-refresh-rate gaming at 1080p.

Who Should Buy the Viotek GN24C?

  • The Budget-Conscious Gamer: If your primary goal is to get a smooth 144Hz gaming experience with decent visuals for under $200 or even less during sales, this monitor is built for you. It delivers performance per dollar that’s hard to beat.
  • Competitive FPS Players on a Budget: For games like CS:GO, Valorant, Overwatch, or Apex Legends, where refresh rate and low input lag are paramount, the GN24C provides a significant competitive advantage over 60Hz displays.
  • Users Upgrading from Old Monitors: If you’re coming from a 60Hz TN or IPS panel, the jump to 144Hz on this VA panel will be immediately noticeable and genuinely transformative for your gaming experience. The contrast improvement will also be a welcome sight.
  • Those with Mid-Range GPUs: If your graphics card e.g., an NVIDIA GTX 1660 Super, RTX 3050, or AMD RX 6600 is well-suited for pushing 1080p at high frame rates, this monitor will allow you to fully utilize its power.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

  • Professional Content Creators: If your work requires absolute color accuracy and precise gamma calibration e.g., graphic design, professional photo/video editing, an IPS panel with factory calibration would be a much better fit.
  • Users Demanding Premium Ergonomics: If you absolutely need a highly adjustable stand height, swivel, pivot right out of the box and don’t want to buy an aftermarket VESA mount, you’ll find the GN24C’s stand limiting.
  • Extremely Sensitive to VA Ghosting: While it’s minimized, if you are acutely sensitive to any black smearing or ghosting artifacts, you might find VA panels in general, and this one specifically, less appealing. An IPS alternative might be preferable.
  • Those Needing Integrated USB Hubs: If you rely on your monitor to act as a USB hub for peripherals, you’ll be disappointed by its absence on the GN24C.
  • Resolution Enthusiasts: If you’re looking for a 1440p or 4K experience, or a larger screen size 27 inches and above for multi-tasking, this 24-inch 1080p monitor won’t meet those needs.

Final Word

The Viotek GN24C is a no-frills, high-performance gaming monitor for the budget-conscious.

It focuses its resources where they matter most for gamers: a high refresh rate, fast response time, and a contrasty VA panel for immersive visuals. Fujifilm Instax Link Wide Review

While it makes compromises in ergonomics and non-gaming features, these are understandable at its price point and often easily mitigated.

If you prioritize raw gaming performance and value, and you’re willing to overlook a basic stand or invest in a VESA mount, the Viotek GN24C is a smart, impactful upgrade that will undoubtedly enhance your gaming sessions.

It’s a pragmatic choice for leveling up your visual game without overspending.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the native resolution of the Viotek GN24C?

The native resolution of the Viotek GN24C is 1920×1080 Full HD.

What is the refresh rate of the Viotek GN24C?

The Viotek GN24C has a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz.

Does the Viotek GN24C support FreeSync?

Yes, the Viotek GN24C supports AMD FreeSync technology, which helps eliminate screen tearing and stuttering with compatible AMD graphics cards.

Is the Viotek GN24C G-Sync compatible?

While not officially G-Sync compatible by NVIDIA, many FreeSync monitors, including the Viotek GN24C, can often work with NVIDIA G-Sync Adaptive Sync enabled in NVIDIA Control Panel with varying degrees of success. It’s unofficially supported.

What is the response time of the Viotek GN24C?

The Viotek GN24C features a 1ms MPRT Motion Picture Response Time.

What type of panel does the Viotek GN24C use?

The Viotek GN24C uses a VA Vertical Alignment panel.

What are the advantages of a VA panel for gaming?

VA panels offer superior contrast ratios deeper blacks compared to IPS or TN panels, which can lead to more immersive visuals, especially in dark scenes. Nintendo Switch Oled Model Review

Does the Viotek GN24C have built-in speakers?

Yes, the Viotek GN24C has built-in stereo speakers, though their audio quality is basic.

What connectivity options does the Viotek GN24C offer?

The Viotek GN24C typically offers DisplayPort and HDMI inputs, along with a 3.5mm audio out jack.

Can I get 144Hz over HDMI on the Viotek GN24C?

Usually, to achieve the full 144Hz refresh rate, you’ll need to use the DisplayPort connection.

HDMI might be limited to 120Hz or 60Hz depending on the specific HDMI version and your graphics card.

Is the Viotek GN24C a curved monitor?

Yes, the Viotek GN24C features a 1800R curvature, which is a moderate curve designed to enhance immersion.

Is the stand on the Viotek GN24C adjustable?

The included stand is typically tilt-only, meaning it lacks height adjustment, swivel, or pivot functionality.

Is the Viotek GN24C VESA mount compatible?

Yes, the Viotek GN24C is VESA mount compatible usually 75x75mm, allowing you to use an aftermarket monitor arm or wall mount for better ergonomic adjustments.

Is the Viotek GN24C good for professional graphic design?

No, while it has good colors for its price, the Viotek GN24C is not designed for professional color-critical work like graphic design or video editing, as it lacks precise factory calibration.

Does the Viotek GN24C suffer from ghosting or black smearing?

As a VA panel, it can exhibit some black smearing or ghosting, especially when dark pixels transition to light ones.

However, Viotek’s response time optimization helps mitigate this, and it’s less noticeable for most users during actual gameplay. Anker Soundcore Mini 3 Review

What is MPRT and how does it compare to GtG?

MPRT Motion Picture Response Time measures how long a pixel is visible.

GtG Gray-to-Gray measures how long it takes for a pixel to change from one shade of gray to another.

1ms MPRT focuses on reducing perceived motion blur, often through backlight strobing.

Can the Viotek GN24C be used with consoles like PS5 or Xbox Series X?

Yes, it can be used with consoles.

However, current-gen consoles primarily target 120Hz at 1080p, which the monitor supports via DisplayPort or potentially HDMI 2.0 if present. You won’t get the full 144Hz from most consoles.

Does the Viotek GN24C have HDR support?

While some budget monitors claim HDR compatibility, the Viotek GN24C typically does not offer true HDR support, as it lacks the necessary peak brightness and local dimming zones.

What size is the Viotek GN24C?

The Viotek GN24C is a 24-inch monitor.

Is the Viotek GN24C flicker-free?

Most modern monitors, including the GN24C, incorporate flicker-free technology to reduce eye strain, but it’s always good to check specific product listings for confirmation.

Does the Viotek GN24C have a low blue light mode?

Many monitors in this category include a low blue light mode in their OSD settings to reduce eye strain, especially during prolonged use.

Is the Viotek GN24C a good monitor for multitasking and productivity?

For basic productivity tasks, 1080p on a 24-inch screen is adequate. Sleep Number 360 I8 Smart Bed Review

However, for heavy multitasking with many windows, you might find a single 24-inch 1080p monitor a bit limited.

What cables come with the Viotek GN24C?

The Viotek GN24C typically includes a DisplayPort cable in the box, which is essential for achieving the full 144Hz refresh rate.

How do I enable 144Hz on the Viotek GN24C?

To enable 144Hz, ensure you’re using a DisplayPort cable.

Then, go to your PC’s display settings NVIDIA Control Panel, AMD Radeon Software, or Windows Display Settings and set the refresh rate to 144Hz.

Does the Viotek GN24C have a crosshair overlay feature?

Some gaming monitors include OSD-based crosshair overlays, but this is not a universal feature.

You’d need to check the specific model’s OSD manual.

What is the typical contrast ratio of the Viotek GN24C?

Given it’s a VA panel, the Viotek GN24C likely has a high native contrast ratio, often around 3000:1 or higher.

Is the Viotek GN24C bright enough for a well-lit room?

Yes, the Viotek GN24C typically offers sufficient brightness for use in a well-lit room.

Its peak brightness is usually around 250-300 nits.

How does the Viotek GN24C compare to a TN panel monitor?

The Viotek GN24C’s VA panel offers superior contrast and better color reproduction compared to TN panels, while still maintaining excellent response times suitable for gaming. Amazon Workmail Review

TN panels generally have wider viewing angles and are less prone to ghosting but suffer in color and contrast.

How does the Viotek GN24C compare to an IPS panel monitor?

Compared to IPS panels, the Viotek GN24C’s VA panel offers much better contrast and deeper blacks.

IPS panels typically have wider viewing angles and more accurate out-of-the-box colors, but often have “IPS glow” and lower contrast.

Is the Viotek GN24C good for movies and media consumption?

Yes, thanks to its VA panel’s high contrast ratio and deep blacks, the Viotek GN24C is generally very good for watching movies and other media, offering an immersive viewing experience.

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