Looking for a more immersive pc gaming experience: smaller monitor or large tv?

CrypticBox

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Sep 17, 2012
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So basically I'm on a tight budget and the 24 inch off-brand tv I've been doing my pc gaming on just bit the dust. I have an absolute max of 300 dollars to spend and I'm torn between buying a 1080p 27 inch monitor and a 1080p 32 inch tv. I'm already aware that the larger tv stretches pixels out to fill space and makes everything look a little less detailed. I guess my question is really this: do you think the extra 5 inches of landscape is worth slightly more pixelated graphics? I'm going for overall immersion here, not just graphics quality.

By the way, the reason I'm not looking at higher resolution monitors with larger screens is also because my gpu only has 1gb of memory and can't handle anything above 1080p at reasonable graphics settings. Basically I can't afford to drop another 200-300 on a gpu.

The tv:
http://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics-32LN5300-32-Inch-1080p/dp/B00BB0ZTM2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401839852&sr=8-1&keywords=32+inch+tv+1080p

The monitor:
http://www.amazon.com/Asus-VE278Q-27-Inch-Integrated-Speakers/dp/B0043T34RK/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1401839947&sr=8-14&keywords=27+inch+monitor
 

Wolfshadw

Titan
Moderator
If you're strictly using it as a computer monitor, I'd definitely be looking at the 27" monitor over the 32" HDTV.

Questions I'd ask, however, are:
1) How close are you sitting to the display
2) Are you absolutely sure that HDTV can accept a 1920x1080@60Hz signal from a computer graphics card? I ask because my 1366x768 native resolution HDTV cannot accept that signal from my graphics card. Only 1280x720.

When my 28" display died, it took me a while to re-adjust to my emergency 21" purchase, but I managed it. I don't think you'll lose too much by going with "just" a 27" display.

For the record, I've used the following at home:

17" 1280x1024 CRT (still working)
19" 1280x1024 LCD (still working)
1280x1024 Projector (sold)
22" 1366x768 LCD (dead)
32" 1366x768 HDTV (current)
28" 1920x1200 LCD (dead)
1920x1080 Projector (current)
21.5" 1920x1080 LCD (current)

-Wolf sends
 

CrypticBox

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Sep 17, 2012
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I was originally going to say I would use it only for pc gaming, but it occurs to me that it would be nice to have something I could hook my old gamecube up to or play ps4 on should I ever purchase one for exclusives. This may complicate the decision for me. As for your first question, I typically sit 18-20 inches away from the screen. As for your second, I am pretty positive it does receive a 1080p 60hz signal. Several people were saying it made a great monitor for their gaming pc in the reviews. Although I didnt see anyone explicitly stating it received the full 1080p signal, I just assumed they did. I'll post a question on the product to confirm this though. But overall would you still recommend the 27 inch monitor?
 

Wolfshadw

Titan
Moderator
At that viewing distance, I'd definitely recommend the 27" monitor. I am at the same viewing distance and my old 28" monitor was "almost" too big. Not saying the 32" HDTV is a bad idea (if it still supports the native resolution from your PC) *and* supports your consoles. If the monitor does not support your older consoles, that makes it easy.

-Wolf sends

-Wolf sends
 

leeb2013

Honorable
Personally, I'd recommend 3 monitors as having your horizontal field of view (which is much greater than your veticle FOV) filled is the most immersive thing. I even tried a Sony VR headset, but it was still 16:9 aspect ratio, so it still seems like you are looking at a large screen. With 3 screens, slightly wrapping around you, you feel much more immersed. I picked up 3 Samsung monitors 2nd hand for $65 each and they work great. I can't game on 1 monitor now, it feels like I'm blinkered looking at a screen, rather than being in the game. I moved from using a 42" 1080 TV as, even though it's larger, you have to sit further back, so again, you are not immersed.
 

gamer1411

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Jun 16, 2014
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3 monitors? What,this guy don't have r9 295x2 or something better.
 

leeb2013

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So are you his spokesperson?

1) he doesn't say what gpu he's got
2) you don't need an R9 295x2 for 3x1050p monitors
3) he wanted a more immersive experience which 3 monitors would give and larger 16:9 screens would not.
4) he didn't say he wants to play ultra 60fps, just immersive.

So what is your helpful advice to the op, or are you just here to criticise others trying to help?

 

gamer1411

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Jun 16, 2014
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What is your helpful advice?
1) He asked for one monitor,he never say he wanted a 3 monitors.
2)Also he said he is on tight budget.
3)1080p,not 1050
4)It is better to buy 1 good monitor then 3 monitors,because oyu will always have like 2cm of space beetween pictures.
5)You need good gpu what 3 monitors,and he paid his 200-300$.