The best monitor for CAD selection is equally crucial while improving CAD skills. High-performance monitors not only enhance the image quality of drawings but also present design details more accurately. In this case, this post will introduce you to the 5 best monitors for CAD, focusing on their excellent performance in color reproduction, resolution, response time, and other advanced features. Without delay, scroll down and let’s pick them together!
Best overall: BenQ Mobiuz EX3210U
- Screen size: 32 inch
- Resolution: 3840 × 2160 pixels
- Refresh rate: 144 Hz
- Response time: 2 ms
- Panel Type: IPS
BenQ Mobiuz EX3210U offers an unparalleled display in terms of image quality and color. Not only equipped with a 32-inch 4K screen, but it also supports HDRi technology to provide more vibrant colors. HDRi, exclusive to BenQ, can automatically optimize image color and clarity, making it highly suitable for engineering design software like ZWCAD and other CAD programs that demand precise hue. Meanwhile, BenQ Mobiuz EX3210U features a 144Hz refresh rate and a response time as fast as two milliseconds. This is conducive to ensuring a lag-free and silky-smooth experience when running CAD software.
Beyond that, BenQ Mobiuz EX3210U excels in neck and eye protection. With a 100mm height adjustment, -5˚ to 15˚ tilt, and rotation options, its ergonomic stand helps alleviate neck and cervical pressure during extended CAD sessions, offering comfortable views for drawing and modeling. Also, Eye-Care Tech features like flicker-free, e-paper, and color weakness modes can help you free from headaches and eye strain. In essence, the screen quality and various health-oriented designs make BenQ Mobiuz EX3210U considered the overall best monitor for CAD.
Best Budget: Dell S2721H
- Screen size: 27 inch
- Resolution: 1920 × 1080 pixels
- Refresh rate: 75 Hz
- Response time: 4 ms
- Panel Type: IPS
For the most budget monitor for CAD, consider the Dell S2721H, which is priced at $199. Despite such an affordable price only with 1920 × 1080 resolution, its 27-inch screen is ample for easy CAD software. Also, this monitor has low blue light enabled by default, making your eyes more comfortable during extended CAD sessions by reducing potentially harmful blue light.
Dell S2721H also meets the performance and color needs for 2D drafting and 3D modeling. Its 75Hz refresh rate ensures smooth and tear-free operation of CAD software. The use of In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology allows for virtually seamless views with consistent colors. Additionally, Dell S2721H boasts multiple interfaces for convenient screen expansion, enabling you to effortlessly share your CAD ideas at any time.
Best Curved: Philips 346E2CUAE
- Screen size: 34 inch
- Resolution: 3440 × 1440 pixels
- Refresh rate: 100 Hz
- Response time: 4 ms
- Panel Type: VA
Given that curved screens are designed to match the curvature of the human eye, the third best monitor for CAD is the Philips 346E2CUAE. Featuring a VA LED display, it delivers an exceptionally high static contrast for vibrant and luminous images. Its optimized pixel management technology offers a wide 178/178-degree viewing angle and ensures clear images with 3440 x 1440 WQHD. Meanwhile, the ultra-wide color technology displays up to 121.3% sRGB and 99.5% NTSC color gamut, achieving realistic and accurate colors.
Philips 346E2CUAE also comes with an ergonomic stand. It allows height adjustment within 100mm, and tilt adjustment from -5 to 20 degrees for the best viewing conditions. Better yet, it adopts a USB-C cable, which not only caters to the current wired connection trend but also enables charging and image extension with just one cable.
Best Vertical: ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM
- Screen size: 27 inch
- Resolution: 2560 × 1440 pixels
- Refresh rate: 240 Hz
- Response time: 1 ms
- Panel Type: IPS
ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM was designed for gaming. Equipped with the NVIDIA G-SYNC processor, it can achieve a refresh rate of up to 240 Hz for an ultimately smooth and tear-free gaming experience. This advantage is also equally effective for Computer-aided design. And the 1-millisecond response time allows for almost instantaneous screen operations for CAD. Further, ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM excels with a 2K display, featuring DisplayHDR 400 certification and DCI-P3 professional color gamut. This combination ensures remarkable contrast and color precision for CAD drawings.
Not merely a swift performer, ASUS ROG Swift PG279QM stands out as the best vertical monitor by providing the ideal viewing position. In addition to common screen height and angle adjustments, it supports a 0° to 90° pivot option, truly making it vertical. Better, health-oriented features of flicker-free technology and ultra-low blue light are also included, helping you work with CAD software more comfortably.
Best Large: Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
- Screen size: 49 inch
- Resolution: 5120 × 1440 pixels
- Refresh rate: 240 Hz
- Response time: 1 ms
- Panel Type: VA
If you want an extra-large screen for CAD, look no further than the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9. With its 49-inch DQHD resolution, Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 provides a display as wide as two side-by-side QHD monitors. In this setup, you can enjoy the fullest field of view and maximum workspace for CAD tasks. When sharing CAD ideas, any extra monitors are no longer required. Meanwhile, it features a curved screen, which matches the curvature of the human eye and maintains visual consistency during drawing.
Coupled with the NVIDIA G-SYNC processor similarly, Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 can also achieve a refresh rate of 240 Hz and a 1-millisecond response time for fast work. Even better, the HDR2000 technology on the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 allows you to see every detail in CAD drawings, and the picture-in-picture feature enables you to simultaneously handle multiple CAD drawings or run multiple CAD software applications.
What to Look for When the Best Monitor for CAD Selection
Monitors, unlike other computer peripherals, demand a higher budget and stringent quality requirements. Therefore, to help you select the best monitor for CAD that is both of high quality and durable, here are some essential purchase criteria you can refer to.
- Screen Size: It is recommended to choose a larger monitor screen to view all design elements. However, the decision also should be coupled with the intended placement of the monitor to ensure its size is both reasonable and allows for adequate ventilation space.
- Resolution and Refresh Rate: A suggested resolution of 1920 x 1080 or higher ensures clear and detailed drawings. A higher refresh rate is also preferable as it helps to ensure image quality and avoid flickering when zooming in and out repeatedly.
- Panel type: Panel types include IPS, VA, and TN, each with its strengths and drawbacks. However, the recommendation leans towards IPS, as it is better suited for CAD designers in terms of color accuracy and viewing angles.
- Budget: A 4K display with advanced features is a good option. But for personal use, it’s not necessary to overspend on a top-tier monitor for CAD optimization. Just make sure the monitor you choose is smooth, without color issues, and can handle CAD tasks effectively.
Final Words
That’s all about the 5 best monitors for CAD. To wrap up, a good CAD monitor gives you ample workspace, lets you see detailed designs, runs CAD software smoothly, and more. All these aspects contribute to accuracy and efficiency in CAD tasks. However, the best monitor for CAD comes with a financial cost, so you should choose based on your needs. If possible, visit a store to see and try out different options.
