Laptop, upgrading monitor to an external one

[Luis Hernandez 570]

Hello everyone. I'd like to "upgrade my monitor" to my laptop, i.e., get an external monitor and connect it to my laptop, as single display. Specs are in my signature.

Right now I'm able to keep 30 FPS and to use the 1/2 refresh rate in FS9; and 20 FPS locked and 1/3 refresh rate in FSX-SE (I could do better, but I can't keep 30 FPS at all times). My laptop screen resolution is just 1366x768. I'm sick and tired of this, and I want something better. I was thinking of a 1920x1080 (24" or a bit higher), but then I saw the 2K monitors (2560x1440). However, I saw some comments in forums where people reported that their GPUs were not powerful enough for the resolution. These comments were for 4K monitors, but driven by 1060-1080 desktop GPUs, and with FSX/P3D4).

Will I be able to move up to 2K with my GPU (Nvidia GeForce GT 940MX), or should I stay with 1920x1080?

Edited June 21, 2019 by Luis Hernandez

[Luis Hernandez 570]

OK, I did my own tests using my 32" TV. Its native resolution is the same as my laptop (just 1366x768), but I can force it to run at 1920x1080. I know I won't be having the clarity I expect, but at least I can simulate the load on my GPU.

I had to reduce AA, from 8xSQ to just 8xS. The 940MX is too weak to handle all that AA at that resolution (with add-on airports, real WX, and the iFly 747v2). I don't want to think how much will my GPU suffer with an even higher resolution.

Conclusion: In my case, a 2K monitor will be a waste of money until I upgrade to something with a better GPU.