Looking for good monitor for this build

[yanxtar]

Dear highly respected and well reputed community of Tom's Hardware

I have the following build:
CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12P SE2 54.4 CFM CPU Cooler ($67.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V PRO ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($208.49 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($117.85 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($374.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($374.98 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Switch 810 (Black) ATX Full Tower Case ($185.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1998.21



And my question regarding a new monitor is:

·What resolution should I be looking for - considering I'll want to play games like Battlefield 3 at Ultra High gfx at 60fps and above (on average)?
Because I was thinking of getting 1920x1080 or 1920x1200 but people told me I should go higher and that a build like ^that will be overkill in the case of 1080p gaming

So yeah, what resolution are you guys recommending for the conditions above.
PS: I only want 1 single screen and obv. widescreen aspect ratio

Thank you so much for your time!

 

[TheBigTroll]

nice rig you got there. about perfect if you ask me

id get this monitor.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236292

if you are looking for speed rather than image quality, get this
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006HIKIG0/?tag=pcpapi-20

 

[manofchalk]

To justify the SLI you have going, you need a 120hz monitor or a Surround setup. Since you only want one monitor, a 120Hz it is (this also gives you 3D).

Benq XL2420T. $390
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014270&Tpk=xl%202420t

 

[yanxtar]

To justify the SLI you have going, you need a 120hz monitor or a Surround setup. Since you only want one monitor, a 120Hz it is (this also gives you 3D).

Benq XL2420T. $390
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014270&Tpk=xl%202420t

Yes I can't agree more with you, 120Hz is almost a must in my case.

It's funny that's actually exactly the monitor I was about to order, it's amazing and in my opinion the best in the 1920x1080/1920x1200 genre between 19 and 25 inches.

However, I was stopped in my tracks because people were saying left and right that 1080p is way too low and that I should be looking into resolutions in the 2000 pixel turf, which is more gpu demanding, and therefore I'm not overkilling a smaller 1080p screen.

So I'm looking for a monitor with a higher resolution than 1920x1080/1200, but I also don't want to go too high so that my computer can't handle it, so I'm asking you guys, the pros, what you think is best?

Thanks

 

[TheBigTroll]

how is 1080p low? anything higher will be the 2560x1440 or 2560x1600 screens. and those will run you at least 600 to 1200

 

[manofchalk]

If it was a normal 60/75hz panel (which it would be, as 120hz isn't higher than 1080p yet), then it would be true. A 1080p 60hz monitor will bottleneck a rig like that.

But since its a 120hz, you aren't being restricted by the refresh rate of the monitor, so it can display an FPS of up to 120. Which I suspect even your rig wont be bottlenecked by.

 

[yanxtar]

If it was a normal 60/75hz panel (which it would be, as 120hz isn't higher than 1080p yet), then it would be true. A 1080p 60hz monitor will bottleneck a rig like that.

But since its a 120hz, you aren't being restricted by the refresh rate of the monitor, so it can display an FPS of up to 120. Which I suspect even your rig wont be bottlenecked by.

Yes good points I agree with that, but are you sure a higher res (in the 2000 range) wouldn't end up being better? even if it is 60hz, I'd rather a larger resolution with 60hz than 1080p at 120hz, if my system can handle it I mean, and if you, the pros, think it is better to have higher res over hz

Thanks

 

[yanxtar]

how is 1080p low? anything higher will be the 2560x1440 or 2560x1600 screens. and those will run you at least 600 to 1200

It's not low at all but they meant it in the sense that, as manofchalk describes it, 1080p will be bottlenecked by my rig, which apparently should be running higher resolutions.

Yes nice I like the suggestions of 2560x1440/1600 could you tell me more about that? It's fine if they cost over a grand, I will probably end up buying, if not at least I'll be informed about something new and ineresting

 

[manofchalk]

The system could handle either.
Whether you would prefer a higher refresh rate or a higher resolution is up to you. I would personally go for the 120hz, as it gives you the option for 3D and it costs much less than a large resolution monitor (so you could get multiple).
But the decision is up to you.

 

[TheBigTroll]

ok then if you want a 1440p monitor

the PB278Q from asus is the cheapest 1440p monitor that is actually good. it uses a PLS panel which is above IPS. should look amazing. technically speaking, you can watch 4 720p videos at the same time on this one panel
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/893541-REG/ASUS_PB278Q_PB278Q_27_Widescreen_LED.html

 

[bigcyco1]

As far as which monitor is for you all depends Response Rate


The response rate of an LCD monitor refers to how quickly each pixel on the screen can change color. The lower the response rate, the faster the screen updates. If you are playing fast-paced action game for example, where the images change quickly, if you're playing on a monitor with a slower response rate, you may experience what is known as "ghosting". Ghosting happens when the previous image displayed on the screen can still be seen as a blur for moments after the image has changed.


When choosing the best gaming monitor, the response rate is perhaps the single most important factor to consider. Ghosting and motion blur can ruin your overall gaming experience. The faster the response rate of your monitor, the less ghosting you will see.


I would say that an LCD with a response rate of 5ms is the minimum for gaming. Lower than 5ms is better of course (remember that the lower, the faster), and the very best gaming monitors on the market have extremely fast response rates such as 2ms and lower to avoid any ghosting/blur issues completely.



LED vs LCD Monitors


LED monitors are the exact same as LCD monitors, except they use LED backlighting which provides some advantages such as a brighter and sharper display, thinner screen, and lower power usage.


LED monitors currently cost a little more than a standard LCD, but if you want the best gaming monitor then I would definitely suggest you buy one. If not, a standard LCD monitor with a good response rate will do just fine.



What Size Monitor?


Ultimately, the size you go for is totally up to you and how much you're willing to spend. Obviously the larger the screen, the more expensive it will be, but for the best gaming monitor experience I would suggest at least 19", and go for a widescreen LCD if you can. Nothing beats gaming on a nice, decent-sized widescreen monitor.


If you want the most immersive gaming experience possible and you have the money to spend, go for a quality 23" or 24" screen, or even 25" and above. After gaming on such a massive screen you won't ever want to go back to a smaller screen!



Contrast Ratio


The contrast ratio of a monitor can be a helpful spec to generally compare picture quality between different monitors. In general, the higher the contrast ratio, the better the picture quality.


With high contrast ratios your screen can produce deeper black levels, which creates a more immersive and visually sharp experience. Keep in mind that the contrast ratio isn't always an accurate measure of image quality, so don't use it solely to compare two monitors as there's more to it than that.



Viewing Angle


If you look at an LCD monitor from an angle, you will notice that the image appears dimmer and the colors can look weird. At extreme angles the entire image can even disappear. The viewing angle of an LCD monitor is the angle at which you can still view the screen clearly, and is usually listed in the monitor's specifications list.


The greater the viewing angle, the better, but for gamers the viewing angle doesn't really matter because you are looking directly at the screen the whole time. But there are some people who will consider the viewing angle important, for example if you need to show presentations with your LCD monitor.



Matte vs Glossy Screens There are two kinds of modern LCD screens: matte (anti-glare) and glossy. Both have their pros and cons and are a subject of many discussions.


Matte screens don't get glare or reflections on them; however, the same rough surface (polarizer) that reduces the intensity of reflected light results in less contrast and brightness since the light from the LCD screen has to pass through it. Matte screens diffuse light instead of reflecting it so they might be easier to read outdoors, if the backlight provides enough brightness. You don't have to worry about reflections unlike with a glossy screen. One of the downsides of a strong anti-glare coating in matte displays is a grainy "crystalline" pattern which is mostly visible when viewing text on a white background.


Glossy screens have vibrant colors and high contrast and brightness because they have a smooth, high-gloss surface. As a result, it is often the choice for movies or gaming. However, strong lighting sources in the environment cause glare on these screens which is not only annoying, but can also cause eye strain and pain. If the lighting isn't adequate, you will also see distracting reflections on the screen. Some graphics designers may find the colors inaccurate, although that mostly depends on the LCD matrix. Glossy will work great for you if the lighting in your room doesn't create any glare on the screen. 120Hz
Why a 120Hz Refresh Rate Computer Monitor?
120Hz Vs. 60Hz
120 Hz vs. 60Hz Refresh Rate - Source: BenQBoth response time, the time it takes for a pixel to go from black to white and back again, and input lag, the difference in time that it takes for you to input a command into your computer and see it displayed, are very well-known terms in the gaming community. Few gamers think about the impact that a higher refresh rate will have on their game.


What is Refresh Rate?


Refresh rate is basically the amount of times in a second that a monitor will draw the data which it receives. Most TN and IPS panel monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate. In order to really see all the advantages that come with a 120Hz display you should be gaming at an FPS well above 60.


Benefits of 120Hz:


1. Details are more crisp, smoothly rendered, and lifelike.
2. More Responsive
Great Gaming Monitors In No Certain Order
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004KKGF1O/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004KKGF1O&linkCode=as2&tag=gamingsquid-20
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-S27A950D-27-Inch-Class-Monitor/dp/B004Z75LX0%3FSubscriptionId%3D19BAZMZQFZJ6G2QYGCG2%26tag%3Dsquid1140819-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB004Z75LX0
http://www.amazon.com/Asus-VG278H-27-Inch-Integrated-Speakers/dp/B0063BM5NK%3FSubscriptionId%3D19BAZMZQFZJ6G2QYGCG2%26tag%3Dsquid1313771-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0063BM5NK
http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-XL2420T-Professional-Gaming-Monitor/dp/B006HIKIG0%3FSubscriptionId%3D19BAZMZQFZJ6G2QYGCG2%26tag%3Dsquid1140819-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB006HIKIG0
http://www.amazon.com/Acer-HN274H-BMIIID-27-Inch-Monitor/dp/B004YCMEJU%3FSubscriptionId%3D19BAZMZQFZJ6G2QYGCG2%26tag%3Dsquid1140819-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB004YCMEJU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824260111

 

[bigcyco1]

I have two MSI 670 PE's i game on this monitor it's amazing http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014288

 

[TheBigTroll]

the tx is the same as the regular but with 3d vision glasses in the box.

 

[bigcyco1]

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.

 

[yanxtar]

BenQ XL2420T is the best one for my (gaming) needs, both in performance and in price. I love it. Watched many many videos on it too and read a few reviews. Not sure I like the Asus one.

I came here with the idea to get a monitor similar to ^that BenQ with those features (120Hz etc.) except much higher in res. (2000 turf), but turns out 1900x1080 is the place to be if you want the good 120Hz and not über-priced screens. It's just that I would much prefer to have one huge screen than 3 screens, I know 3 are obviously a lot better and more immersive, especially with FOV issues, but I'm not a fan of them.

Anyway yeah, I came here thinking I'd change my decision from a BenQ to something else (bigger), guess I'm sticking with it, it is pretty damn awesome to be fair. Thanks y'all