Looking for a new monitor

**GroundZero3** · August 3rd, 2012, 08:42 AM

I currently have the EVGA SuperClocked 015-P3-1582-AR GeForce GTX 580 (Fermi) 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 video card

Newegg.com - EVGA SuperClocked 015-P3-1582-AR GeForce GTX 580 (Fermi) 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

with this monitor:

Newegg.com - Acer G235HAbd 23'' 5ms 1920x1080 WideScreen LCD monitor 300 cd/m2 1000:1

I was looking at getting an new monitor that had HDMI and had a couple of questions

1. I assume if im using the HDMI the video card would be taxed even more with video games

2. Do they have any monitors out there that have two HDMI ports? I was looking to consolidate and maybe be able to put my xbox 360 on the monitor.

**ShyguyXPC** · August 3rd, 2012, 01:01 PM

shouldn't matter whether its HDMI or DVI. The cards have Audio Pass through, I don't think the Audio is really processed on the cards, like they are on Radeon Cards.

but as for taxing, for GPU graphics, shouldn't be any different, if your already using DVI for your 1080p output.

Its just a different connector, both are digital signals, same resolutions, etc. Only difference I can think of is adding HDCP encryption to the signal for the monitor for some content to be displayed.

My Acer P244W that I bought 3+ years ago, 24" 1080p, has at least 2 HDMI and a Single VGA connection, as well as Digital Audio (3.5mm jack) pass through on the monitor.

that was 3 years ago, so safe to say there should be plenty out there with multiple HDMI ports on them.

for my uses I use a "Cheap" Phillips 1080p HDMI Switch, has 3 Inputs, 1 out, and plugged into one of the HDMI's on the monitor. so in theory I have 4 inputs for HDMI.

but I use a DVI to HDMI adapter cable on my video card, since all my audio goes to my Home Theater that lacks HDMI, and uses SPDIF Coaxial or Optical Toslink.

**MegalosSkylaki** · August 3rd, 2012, 06:40 PM

Check out this monitor which has ergonomic adjustments and an IPS (incline plane switching) screen.

Newegg.com - ASUS PA Series PA238Q Black 23" 6ms HDMI Height,Swivel,Pivot & Tilt adjustment LED Backlight Widescreen LCD Monitor 250 cd/m2 ASCR 50000000:1

Specifications

•Panel: IPS
•Panel Size: 23-inch Widescreen (16:10 Aspect Ratio)
•True Resolution: 1920 x 1080
•Color Saturation (NTSC): 100% (sRGB)
•Pixel Pitch: 0.2652 mm
•Brightness(Max): 250 cd/m2
•Contrast Ratio (Max): 50,000,000:1
•Display Color: 16.7 million (10-bit)
•Viewing Angle (CR>=10): 178°(H)/178°(V)
•Time: 6ms (Gray-to-Gray)

Also>>>

Optimum Connectivity

The PA238Q includes DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI-D, D-sub, PC audio in, and a 1/8" audio-in jack, providing you with a wealth of connectivity to PCs, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and more. When connected to multiple devices, effortlessly switch between them using the front side input hotkey or place them side by side simultaneously using the Picture-in-Picture mode

DOOOG

PS. I posted about a $125 23" LED IPS LG monitor recently, but it lacks the ergonomic adjustments.

PPS. Gamers traditionally have preferred the TN (twisted nematic) screens despite poorer color rendition and viewing angle because the are(weere) faster , but look at each monitor on its own merits regarding gaming and other uses.

(There used to be a Post about the three different monitor types.)

**GroundZero3** · August 3rd, 2012, 07:57 PM

Apparently that monitor you posted has a lot of issues with corner bleeding. I like the easy switching option

**tony_j15** · August 3rd, 2012, 09:58 PM

What's your budget and how much screen do you want? Decent 27" monitors can be had for less than 300 these days.

**ShyguyXPC** · August 3rd, 2012, 10:17 PM

Will probably want LED backlit as well.

Not sure if "3D" is a thing you want as well, as its still kind of a gimmick, but if you do, you'll need a 120Hz or higher refresh for that as well.

**paul9** · August 3rd, 2012, 11:23 PM

I'm using a 37" Samsung LCD TV. Three HDMI ports, a VGA port and other inputs. It keeps my PC, PS3 and X-360 happy. It isn't one of the 3D or DLNA models, but I manage without those.
Consumer Home

**KarmaKiller** · August 4th, 2012, 02:28 AM

As Shy said, using HDMI doesn't make the GPU work any harder. There is no noticeable difference between that and a DVI cable, outside of the HDMI handling audio also. (which 99% of all monitor speakers suck anyways)

As far as displays, you want to be looking at IPS panels. They offer a MUCH more vivid color palette, and generally they are 120hz. (not all of them are, but the better brands will be)
The downside is price of course, but I'm sure you knew that.
On another forum I'm a member of there has been a huge craze going of korean monitors. There are some brands that apparently use the same panels as Apple screens, at 1/2 the price.
Yamakasi Catleap Monitor Club
(Reviewed) $400 2560x1440 IPS no-AG 90hz+ Achieva Shimian QH270 and Catleap Q270
There are a few more brands floating around. I suppose for the price it's worth looking at.

Other then that, I'd check out this:
Newegg.com - ASUS VG Series VG23AH Black 23" 5ms HDMI Widescreen 3D LED Monitor 250 cd/m2 ASCR 80,000,000:1, IPS Panel, Height & Swivel Adjustable with Speaker and 3D Glasses
^Has 2x HDMI plus IPS panel + 120hz/3D.

**ShyguyXPC** · August 4th, 2012, 03:06 AM

Once I'm in the market next spring for a new LCD, I'll have to keep the IPS panels in mind then, after reading some of those links. Don't think I'd want to deal with imported high priced items like that, with repairs and warranty and what not...

But myself I'm wanting to get something in the 27" Range at least, my 24" is nice, but sometimes looking at it, it just feels too small.

I'd LOVE to get a nice 32" or larger LED backlit LCD TV, but my desk won't fit anything larger than a 27" with a stand, it could fit a 32" with out a stand, though I'd need one of those swivel mounts mounted to the desk, and due to the age and construction of the desk material (need a whole new desk as well), don't think it would hold the mount for too long either.

Actually I'd love a triple display setup if I could, but a single larger display would be my first and main option.

**Taxmancometh** · August 4th, 2012, 03:15 AM

If I have a 3D monitor does that make BF2 3D?

**KarmaKiller** · August 4th, 2012, 04:10 AM

Originally Posted by ShyguyXPC

Once I'm in the market next spring for a new LCD, I'll have to keep the IPS panels in mind then, after reading some of those links. Don't think I'd want to deal with imported high priced items like that, with repairs and warranty and what not...

But myself I'm wanting to get something in the 27" Range at least, my 24" is nice, but sometimes looking at it, it just feels too small.

I'd LOVE to get a nice 32" or larger LED backlit LCD TV, but my desk won't fit anything larger than a 27" with a stand, it could fit a 32" with out a stand, though I'd need one of those swivel mounts mounted to the desk, and due to the age and construction of the desk material (need a whole new desk as well), don't think it would hold the mount for too long either.

Actually I'd love a triple display setup if I could, but a single larger display would be my first and main option.

Yeah, I would love to have a 27". I've been running a 24" and a 20" for quite some time. A few weeks ago my g/f's monitor died, so she stole my 20" and since I've really been missing it. One of my friends just happens to be selling this off for cheap so I snagged it. Should be arriving this next week sometime.

As far as the Korean monitors, there are a few sellers on Ebay that offer 'perfect pixel warranties'. Basically they test it before they ship it to make sure it's perfect. People have had good luck with those sellers.

Originally Posted by Taxmancometh

If I have a 3D monitor does that make BF2 3D?

The game has to support it.
Featured games

**Taxmancometh** · August 4th, 2012, 04:14 AM

Ahhh shocks, looks like BF2 isn't supported.

**MegalosSkylaki** · August 4th, 2012, 06:14 AM

I don't know if this post will help you regarding your 2D to 3D situation above.

How Good is TriDef 3D Conversion?

I recently purchased the 3D monitor referenced--which is a TN screen--for $150 but I have yet to install and use it.

DOOOG

**GroundZero3** · August 4th, 2012, 07:33 AM

I have no interest in 3d period

**MegalosSkylaki** · August 4th, 2012, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by GroundZero3

I have no interest in 3d period

What are your priorities in a monitor?

Your current one is very basic all around.

Other stuff.I've learned that the super-slim ones are often crappy and the "business" monitors are often better than the "consumer" monitors. The "professional" ones are in a class --and often price range

--of their own.

If price is an issue--and when is it not--I would go for a smaller (23" -20" and less) of higher quality than a large (24-27 -30" ) of lesser quality. My two best monitors are a 19" NEC and a 17" NEC. I stopped using a 23" LG as a primary because of its lack of ergonomic adjustments and unnecessary widescreen and I only use a 27" VIZIO razor because of its internet connectors and apps which allow it to function as a second HDTV. You'll probably do best in a 23" monitor in regards value for dollar and usability.

I save on the price by buying "refurbished" which are new but come with only a 3 month warrentee. Most failure is infantile failure anyway so when I retired a monitor it was due to lack of connectors I needed, not electronic failure.

DOOG

**tony_j15** · August 4th, 2012, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by GroundZero3

I have no interest in 3d period

So no 3D (good, it's a gimmick for children and the easily amused). But what size and what's your budget?
Here's two options:
cheap, 24" with 2 HDMI inputs
Decent 27" with 2 HDMI's

It seems on most models when you get 2 HDMIs you lose DVI. If your goal is to run PC and console, you really only need one HDMI. The PC is better off run through DVI or DisplayPort.

**KarmaKiller** · August 4th, 2012, 02:09 PM

I agree that the whole 3d thing is kind of a gimmick, but the 120hz definitely is not. It really makes a HUGE difference in games, especially FPS's. It's hard to explain without seeing 60hz and 120hz side by side. It's possible to run 120hz without 3d also.

What size of screen are you looking for? I haven't really even seen you post that? Are you just looking for best bang for buck, or a nicer panel for a bit more?

**GroundZero3** · August 4th, 2012, 02:58 PM

I'm running a 23 inch right now and I'm happy with it but I wouldn't mind extra screen space. I guess im willing to spend up to 400 bucks.

Sorry I write more when I get on my computer

**MegalosSkylaki** · August 4th, 2012, 04:53 PM

One of the reasons I have so many monitors is that I kept looking for the "best" monitor at a price I could afford, but the reality is that there may be no "optimal" monitor for all causes.

Monitor technology is like medical technology: the medicines all have a trade-off and it depends on what you are prepared to live with. Bleedthrough at times in not uncommon and it depends on what circumstances it occurs.

So I ended up with several monitors in use for different reasons. Since I read text the most, I use a monitor that renders static images with high refresh --and fewer headaches the most. Perhaps you should keep in mind what purpose you can put your existing monitor in conjuction with the new one beyond a backup.

In regard to the bigger screens like 27", to get equal quality requires a disproportionate amount of buck$. Also, they require a higher resolution for equal clarity and a greater load on the graphics card. While I trust "refurbished" monitors, I don't trust "refurbished" video cards with 3-month warrentees.

I would look for a 23" (or 24") with 16:10 rather than 16:9 ratio and 1920 X 1200 (rather than 1080) pixel array and a high refresh rate. The display should have an adjustable stand and some coatings are better at dealing with reflections. Brightness I believe is overated --how many times have you run a monitor on 100% brightness?--but color gamut is not.

If you find that beast, tell me.