looking for new monitor

[chelseaman]

Was looking through some of the topics on forum. I have a somewhat similar rig as your guest texasboy. However I use the Thermalright Ultra-120eXtreme-1366 heatsink cooler with Apache and Thermaltake fans in a push/pull layout. i7 920 processor is easily OC to 3.6 3.96GHz with air cooling(stock 2.67GH. Good figures on Mark Vantage 18,500 marks .
But down to my main question ,a decent monitor?? A 22" screen is all I need that can handle good graphics and under £150. I know CRT monitors have good specs but are bulky.Any reasonable flat screens with good figures?
many thanks

[billyfridge]

you can get some good figures (porn) on a normal 19inch screen Chelseaboy

[Synbios]

There are three major types of panels used in LCD. TN, VA, and IPS.

TN have the best response times, but the colors are pretty bad. These are the cheapest monitors and usually used in 22 inch variants.

VA have good colors but worse response times (recently, the response times of VA have been getting much better). Middle of the road panels.

IPS have the best response and the best color, and the best viewing angle. These can be very pricey.

Since TN panels look like utter crap in most cases, in my opinion, I usually recommend VA panels to people. Unless you can afford or need an IPS. Check out samsung panels, they use mostly VA. Usually 23-24 inch are VA. There are also a ton of other different types within each category (TN, VA, IPS) so do some more research if you're seriously considering buying a new LCD. Most people seem to think that price and size are the only things that matter, but it's important to know what type of panel you're buying too.

[chelseaman]

Thank you mr synbios, had a quick look at IPS models. Much better contrast and graphics. They are mostly over £200 for 24" models but I will keep searching. Tks

[Synbios]

Here are a few more resources:

Panel Types Explained

Comprehensive list of IPS panels

Chart depicting all panel types


IMO the best resolution is 1920x1200 (16:10). There are some 1920x1080 (16:9) out there but they are a bit too wide IMO. You can also get 1680x1050 which is somewhat obsolete these days. There is also 2560x1600 but I heard those can't display 1080p content very well, also they mostly only come in 30 inch panels. Go with 1920x1200, or 1920x1080 if you watch a lot of movies on it, either one displays 1080p content very nicely. You'll have horizontal bars regardless most of the time, since most movies use about 2.35:1 ratios.

[Synbios]

I'm in love with this monitor:

http://www.amazon.com/NEC-EA231WMI-BK-inch-1920X1080-1000/dp/B002LARVYK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1262823159&sr=8-1

It is the cheapest IPS panel I have ever seen, and the figures look great across the board. I'm still running a 20.1 inch VA Samsung panel from over 5 years ago (paid 650 for it). I am in need of an upgrade as well.

[chelseaman]

Been very busy working ,but  managed to find 2 cheap models below £200. I have not got a clue if they are any good.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-126-SA&utm_source=newsletter20100127&utm_medium=email

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-033-BQ&utm_source=newsletter20100127&utm_medium=email

Have a look and enlighten me.
tks

[Synbios]

The BenQ LED panel you got there looks like a great buy, I'd have to see the panel in person to really know how well it is. I'm assuming that is not possible since you're just buying online? Perhaps a local retailer would have a selection so you can see some models in person, then go back online and buy them there if they're cheaper.

[chelseaman]

Tks synbios. I think I will press the buy button shortly.  If I can ration the wifes vodka it will be possible to make it happen. How much water per bottle can I safely add.
tks

[billyfridge]

Tks synbios. I think I will press the buy button shortly.  If I can ration the wifes vodka it will be possible to make it happen. How much water per bottle can I safely add.
tks

i think you will find the vodka is already watered down.......lol

[chelseaman]

The BenQ LED panel you got there looks like a great buy, I'd have to see the panel in person to really know how well it is. I'm assuming that is not possible since you're just buying online? Perhaps a local retailer would have a selection so you can see some models in person, then go back online and buy them there if they're cheaper.

A little late on this one, but just purchased the BenQ G2420HDBL tonight. got free delivery which saves a bit. Should have it in a couple of days. Reading the reviews,they are all very positive. plenty of adjustments,but most people said it works brilliant straight out of the box. Will let you know.     http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-033-BQ (not where I bought it)
cheers

[chelseaman]

  Well I`m up and running. Monitor came with cable hooked up to VGA slot. Picture was excellent and no dead pixels. The extra size is impressive. So went out and bought cable £5 to connect DVI-D (monitor) to DVI-I on 4890 graphic cards. (monitor has 2 slots) Now on digital with super quality. TV programmes are brilliant. Ony thing I noticed from Billies avatar was it seems to highlight the creases under his left eye
All in all a super monitor with a reasonable price tag. Personal video`s are crystal clear (almost thought I was in the movies)
cheers

[billyfridge]

nice going Chelseaman, I hope you have many happy hours viewing with yer new monitor, but be careful because I have heard a whisper that porn damages these new HD monitors!!!!

 

[chelseaman]

  found a few more "knobs" in the menu to adjust color/contrast etc. The flesh colours are super.
cheers

[Synbios]

It sounds like it was a great buy, I hope you're enjoying the view of whatever it is you like to view on your monitor.