Recommend a monitor please

Buy anyone of the LG or Samsung. Make sure it is LCD and of size 22 inches . Three things to notice:

1) Response-Time: must be 5ms or less
2) Contrast-Ratio: must be 8000:1 or 10000:1 .
3) Plug: DVI Interface
4) Angle: 160/170 or 170/170 (should be greater than 160)

If monitor is both DVI and HDMI compatible then it is great but they are costly, so I prefer DVI plug only. DVI offers higher quality of video input than normal plugs. See Wikipedia

You can find lots of monitors having these features at economic prices these days. I am in India, here they are not that expansive, See here.

I just got this monitor for my media server to have a screen and now its on my son's computer and he is gamming with it. It is incredible for the money and looks stunning for that price range. (I use a very high end monitor)

Also with your video card and budget you are now ready to game at 1680 x 1050.. so say goodbye to your square gaming days! (that is a good thing)

Also included the HDCP (HD video capable) version of the same monitor if you can handle the extra $ its still the best buy for the cost.

Careful with all this Contrast Ratio hype. The companies are using two systems that kind of double talk. You want a minimum of 1000:1 for sharp crisp that can be 3000-5500:1 in ASCR. ASUS has been almost giving its monitors away to break into the market and they are solid quality products at amazing prices.

DVI is a must vs Analog(VGA). DVI-D is Dual link dvi capable monitor which is very nice. HDMI is the defacto HD connection but DVI-D can carry higher resolutions. (so either will support your monitors max resolution)
So for your 22" DVI is must and DVI-D / HDMI would be nice to have.


ASUS VW224U Black 22" 2ms(GTG) Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail $169 (newegg)

* Maximum Resolution: 1680 x 1050
* Recommended Resolution: 1680 x 1050
* Viewing Angle: 170°(H) / 160°(V)
* Pixel Pitch: 0.282mm
* Display Colors: 16.7 Million
* Brightness: 300 cd/m2
* Contrast Ratio: 1000:1(ASCR 5000:1)
* Horizontal Refresh Rate: 30~82 KHz
* Model #: VW224U
* Item #: N82E16824236050
* Return Policy: LCD Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy


Or if you can handle another $100 you can get that monitor with HDCP (HD support)

ASUS LS221H Black 22" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail ($269 newegg)

* Recommended Resolution: 1680 x 1050
* Viewing Angle: 170°(H) / 160°(V)
* Pixel Pitch: 0.282mm
* Display Colors: 16.7 Million
* Brightness: 300 cd/m2
* Contrast Ratio: 4000:1
* Horizontal Refresh Rate: 31~81KHz
* Vertical Refresh Rate: 56~75 Hz
* Model #: LS221H
* Item #: N82E16824236044
* Return Policy: LCD Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy