Monitor or TV?

[pcasirag]

Currently building a budget gaming system. Intended use is about 30% gaming (SCII) 20% watching videos and the rest just casual email, web surf, etc..

Currently deciding on a monitor:

Is there any real difference between a 1080p 27 inch monitor and a 1080p 27 inch tv. What's the downside to using a TV as a monitor?

Max budget $300 for monitor. Any suggestions?

System info:

ga-z77-mx
i5-2500k
kingston 90gb HyperX 3d
8 gigs corsair vengence
HD 6870 video card.

 

[clarkjd]

There shouldn't be that much difference, as long as the TV has HDMI or DVI inputs, you should be good to go.

 

[Sunius]

TVs are more expensive and the text might not be so sharp. I'd advice using a monitor.

 

[clarkjd]

TVs are more expensive and the text might not be so sharp. I'd advice using a monitor.

TV's are more expensive because of the additional circuitry (Tuner, Audio amp & speakers) built into them. The actual screen at the 1080P resolution should not be that different at the 27" size.

 

[ubercake]

Input lag is the down-side. Most TVs will process the image before it appears on the screen. This introduces an advantage for your opponent, especially in first-person shooter multi-player gaming if they will see things happening in the game before you do. It's something you have to consider in addition to the response time.

If you're not playing any games that rely on split-second timing (ie first-person shooters), a TV is probably just fine. Star Craft II seems like it would be a good one for the television.

Most 27" monitors $300 and under will be decent. Here's a Planar with a 2ms response:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824016155

An Asus monitor with 2ms response:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236091

Both have 3-year warranties which is about as good as it gets with monitors.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824016155

 

[JustLurking]

Response time and input lag are the main things I'd watch out for in a "TV vs Monitor" decision.

Input lag can be especially bad on some TV's. I tried using a Sharp Aquos 42" TV as a monitor and the mouse icon was noticably 'lagging' behind the actual mouse movements.

 

[pcasirag]

Thanks all. I noticed Dell has the Planar 27" on sale for $209 Free Shipping from time to time so I'm thinking that is a good monitor for the price.

 

[ubercake]

Thanks all. I noticed Dell has the Planar 27" on sale for $209 Free Shipping from time to time so I'm thinking that is a good monitor for the price.

That is a good deal.

Do you have a link?

 

[pcasirag]

That is a good deal.

Do you have a link?

No, not now because the sale ended but they have this sale at least once a month.

Go to link below and add the item to your cart. At the bottom will be a link, "looking for coupons". Click that.

If they have the deal running you will see a coupon for $260 off. Grab the coupon and you are good to go:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A3401314&SMCID=703&CAWELAID=480877228&dgc=SS&cid=27530&lid=627063]

 

[ubercake]

No, not now because the sale ended but they have this sale at least once a month.

Go to link below and add the item to your cart. At the bottom will be a link, "looking for coupons". Click that.

If they have the deal running you will see a coupon for $260 off. Grab the coupon and you are good to go:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A3401314&SMCID=703&CAWELAID=480877228&dgc=SS&cid=27530&lid=627063]

Thanks!

 

[pcasirag]

Thanks!

The deal is back for the 27 inch monitor for 209.99 & free shipping. It Expires June 21 2012

Link to 27 Inch Planar 1080P

Add to cart and enter the following coupon code:

HDX6R45LRKLWW4

 

[ubercake]

Great. Thanks! Got one.

Did you get one?

 

[pcasirag]

Not yet, I'll be buying my stuff this weekend...

 

[ubercake]

Cool. Good find.