Gaming Monitor with Low Input Lag

AvalancheRyder

Honorable
Feb 25, 2013
13
0
10,510
Hi all,

Does anyone have any suggestions for a 27" monitor with low input lag? I am looking at the BenQ XL2720T. The marketing information states that this monitor is "Using an ultra-low 0.002-frame input lag". Is this even possible? I am somewhat new to monitor research and I know this isn't a spec most manufacturers advertise, but this seems as low as a CRT monitor, which I didn't think was possible with LCD. So I'm not sure if this some kind of misleading marketing.

Does anyone have any other suggestions for a gaming monitor? While I would love a 2560x1440 IPS at 120hz, I am using a single GTX680 4gb and I don't think this card can even push newer games up to 120fps at 2560x1440. Probably not even 120fps at 1920x1080 or 60fps at 2560x1440 on Ultra settings for the newest and upcoming titles. I really can't stand any noticeable input lag, so I think it makes sense to focus on finding a monitor with the lowest lag available as a priority. I understand this is likely a TN panel at 1920x1080, which I'm fine with. I'm primarily interested in a glossy monitor as I have control over the light sources and have no issues with glare. I think the BenQ above is matte though.

Also, I understand that 1920x1080 will look somewhat pixelated on the desktop and non-gaming tasks. I am fine with this as I will likely be using a separate IPS at 2560x1440 for non-gaming tasks.

Thanks!

 
Everybody wants the best in current technology, but gaming is one area where having high-performance equipment matters. When the virtual bullets (or arrows, or psionic blasts) start flying, you need to be sure that you can see what you're doing and what's going on. When it comes to PC gaming, it may not be enough to buy the first generic monitor you find. You need a display that looks sharp, keeps you competitive, and has the features you need to make the most of your games.

How you define a good gaming monitor depends on who you ask. It also depends on the type of video game you play, and whether you are sensitive to imperfections. One person might scoff at even the possibility of ghosting, while another couldn't care less about an input lag of a few milliseconds. Thanks to the 3D revolution, there are 120 Hz monitors now in addition to the typical 60 Hz ones. Some gamers won't use anything else, while others are completely indifferent.

There is one requirement for gaming monitors everyone can agree on, and that's a fast response time so rapid movements don't cause ghosting. Response time is how long it takes for a monitor to change the colour of a pixel, and is indicated in milliseconds. You can measure this in a variety of ways.Manufacturers tend to use the method that gives the most favourable results, a reason why you only find 2 ms and 5 ms nowadays mostly. Perhaps go with a monitor that has a true 120Hz refresh rate. A 120Hz refresh rate draws the data twice as many times as a 60Hz and makes the in-game detail come slightly faster and appear smoother. Most 120Hz refresh rate monitors are 3D, if your into that.If you're looking for the best 3D monitor that will also play great in 2D, then you should choose between the BenQ XL2420T and the ASUS VG278H. Both incorporate nVidia's 3D Vision 2 with 3D LightBoost which greatly improves the overall 3D experience.

While the BenQ doesn't disappoint as far as specifications with a 2ms response time, 120Hz refresh rate, low input lag, and a great picture, The XL2420T comes with a lot of other features built-in to this monitor specifically for gamers including FPS Mode, RTS Mode, Intuitive OSD, S. Switch;Height Adjustment, and Game Mode Loader.

If you just want this monitor for the 2D technology, then you might want to consider its predecessor, XL2410T, which is significantly cheaper and has many of the same features as the XL2420T, but has nVidia 3D Vision rather than 3D Vision 2. If you rather just have a 27 monitor with low input lag then check these out

Samsung 27-Inch Class LED Monitor S27A350H
I'm fond of the look, design, and sturdiness of the A350H. Although a warranty longer than 1 year would be nice this is still one of my favorite monitors with a 2ms or lower response time.
Amazon Price: $349.99

Viewsonic VX2753MH-LED 27-Inch LED Monitor - Black
1920 x 1080/ DC 30,000,000:1/ 1ms, D-Sub, HDMI x 2/ 300 cd/m2 brightness/ 170°(H) / 160°(V) viewing angle/ tilt adjustable, and built-in speakers.
Amazon Price: $309.99
Here is a link to a very good web site with a comprehensive list of IPS monitors:

http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/s-ips-lcd-list.php

You can click on the names of most monitors to go to highly detailed technical reviews.