Monitors: Help Me Choose One.

[Heretic Machine]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001310

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014180

So here is the situation, I'm going to be getting a new monitor in the $200-$250 range. I was targeting 21.5-22" screens, with 5ms and lower response rate. I was hoping to get something with a native resolution of 1920x1200, but that doesn't seem to be in the cards in that size range, as New Egg only stocks 24" monitors with that resolution (which adds $200 onto the price tag, if you compare it to similar 22" monitors from the same vendor).

Right now, I'm looking at those two monitors I linked at the top. The primary difference is that the Samsung has a 2ms response rate, and it's 1680x1050 (16:10, the aspect ratio I want). The BenQ is 5ms, and has a native resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p, 16:9). I have to choose between the greater resolution, or the more widely supported aspect ratio.

As it stands, I'm leaning towards the Samsung. I'll be using this mostly for PC gaming, and I'm not sure how widely supported the 16:9 aspect ratio would be. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

EDIT: New price range is $250-$300, it must be within that range.

[roboninja]

I guess a big question is, do you have any true 1080P content you would be viewing through this display? If so, I would go with the BenQ. Otherwise, the extra res will not really help you much, and can mean you will need a slightly beefier video card to run newer games at that res. So in that situation, the Samsung would be my choice.

[bone_matrix]

So, the Samsung, the one you are leaning towards, is $10 cheaper than the BenQ, has an extra $30 mail in rebate, better response time, a touch bigger, and a more normal aspect ratio as far as pc monitors go.

I think its a no brainer. Go for the Samsung.

[biosc1]

I got the big brother of the Samsung...other than an issue with getting a broken product the first go around, once it was replaced (hassle free), I've been having a great time with it.

[NoName]

There's this 22 inch (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254035&nm_mc=TEMC-RMA-Approvel&cm_mmc=TEMC-RMA-Approvel-_-Content-_-text-_-N82E16824254035) on sale for their pre-black friday event. It has a 5ms refresh rate, 1680 x 1050 ratio, and is 50 dollars off with free (UPS) shipping.

[Smoof]

Hanns-G's are great monitors if you're looking for one when it comes to gaming. My first LCD was a 19" Hanns-G widescreen that I picked up for something like $170. It worked great for gaming and works great now as my monitor for my secondary machine. I'm now running a Samsung Syncmaster 245bw, which is also a great monitor for the $400 I paid for it.

One thing to consider is if the monitor has an adjustable stand, you may need it. I'm happy I went with this Samsung for my 24" because I can adjust the stand as needed, which some of the cheaper offerings (such as Hanns-G) don't offer.

Also, by adjustable, I mean that it slides up and down on a rail, changing the length of it's neck. As well, it tilts up and down.

[Shadowstorm]

I've got the Samsung Syncmaster 2253BW (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001268). 22". Worth every penny.

[PathMaster]

24", try the G2400WD by Benq.

For 22" try the L227WTG-P (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8739118&type=product&id=1201913867539). Yes a little more expensive, but it is a VERY good product.

For general recommendations, try Anandtech (http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=31&threadid=2049206&enterthread=y)LCD thread. Or even try Hard Forum (http://www.hardforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=78).

[Wraith]

Wonder if I can add on a monitor-related question here.

Is it worth worrying about getting an IPS vs. VA vs. TN panel? I read some of the Anandtech monitors thread linked from the CoG Hardware Recommendation thread. It sounds like IPS panels are better at most things, except that they have refresh rates a bit slower than TN panels, and they're more expensive.

I currently use a 20.1" 4:3 Dell monitor which has an IPS panel. I didn't really buy it because of that, but that's what it has, and I've been relatively pleased with it. But it's several years old, and only 16ms refresh rate.

Will I be disappointed moving from an IPS panel to a TN or VA panel? I've been thinking of getting a 22" widescreen, but they're practically all TN. I'd have to look at a 23" or 24" for IPS. I'd be willing to put in a bit more money, if the higher quality is worth it.

[Khrymsyn]

Is it worth worrying about getting an IPS vs. VA vs. TN panel? I read some of the Anandtech monitors thread linked from the CoG Hardware Recommendation thread. It sounds like IPS panels are better at most things, except that they have refresh rates a bit slower than TN panels, and they're more expensive.

Biggest difference (other than price), is that TN panels tend to have color "crush", as in, IPS tends to have a smoother and more consistant color gradient to them, where TN panels tend to "crush" colors together and can lose some detail for graphics or photo work. Next to that, TN tends to have somewhat a wide viewing angle, but a much thinner "unaffected" viewer angle... for instance a TN advertised as 175degrees angle of viewing probably gets color shift as quickly as 45degrees off axis.


For gaming, TN is generally fine. Look for 8bit color (minimum), as 6 bit color panels really exaggerate that color "crush" I mentioned earlier. I have an older Sammy 225BW and am very happy with it.

[Disgustipated]

Samsung ALWAYS owns BenQ. Get the Samsung. I've got the 226BW (which is basically the same thing) and it's amazing.

[PathMaster]

Samsung ALWAYS owns BenQ. Get the Samsung. I've got the 226BW (which is basically the same thing) and it's amazing.

Wait what? How dare you say I am wrong!! Maybe for the 22" area, but in the 24" arena, BenQ G2400WD or BenQ FP241VW are very good.

[Chill]

Wonder if I can add on a monitor-related question here.

Is it worth worrying about getting an IPS vs. VA vs. TN panel? I read some of the Anandtech monitors thread linked from the CoG Hardware Recommendation thread. It sounds like IPS panels are better at most things, except that they have refresh rates a bit slower than TN panels, and they're more expensive.

I currently use a 20.1" 4:3 Dell monitor which has an IPS panel. I didn't really buy it because of that, but that's what it has, and I've been relatively pleased with it. But it's several years old, and only 16ms refresh rate.

Will I be disappointed moving from an IPS panel to a TN or VA panel? I've been thinking of getting a 22" widescreen, but they're practically all TN. I'd have to look at a 23" or 24" for IPS. I'd be willing to put in a bit more money, if the higher quality is worth it.

Will you be disappointed? Yes. Most people wouldn't notice a difference, but if you've been working with a IPS display for awhile, moving over to a TN one would be painful...imo. Unfortunately, IPS panels are very expensive. Cheapest 1920 x 1200 IPS display I know of is the Doublesight one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824185010). Not a bad IPS display, but certainly not the best (or even close). Dell makes 24" IPS panels, but I wouldn't go down that route unless you want to play the panel lottery (Dell replaces IPS panels with PVA panels without warning or note). And, unfortunately, I've never seen/heard of a 1680x1050 IPS display since the NEC 20WMGX2, which is out of production. But, if you can get one at any price its worth it. I paid nearly $800 for mine first week of launch and have never regretted it.

[Wraith]

Will you be disappointed? Yes. Most people wouldn't notice a difference, but if you've been working with a IPS display for awhile, moving over to a TN one would be painful...imo. Unfortunately, IPS panels are very expensive. Cheapest 1920 x 1200 IPS display I know of is the Doublesight one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824185010). Not a bad IPS display, but certainly not the best (or even close). Dell makes 24" IPS panels, but I wouldn't go down that route unless you want to play the panel lottery (Dell replaces IPS panels with PVA panels without warning or note). And, unfortunately, I've never seen/heard of a 1680x1050 IPS display since the NEC 20WMGX2, which is out of production. But, if you can get one at any price its worth it. I paid nearly $800 for mine first week of launch and have never regretted it.Some of the 23"-24" ones I was finding were from HP, NEC, and another brand I hadn't heard of (Hazro?), and ran about $650 and up. Ah, here's the link (http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/s-ips-lcd-list.php). 26" is definitely bigger than I need. Even 24" seems like it would be a bit large (and 1920x1200 taxes the graphics card that much more).

[Chill]

Nice. Looks like the HP one was launched just a month or two ago and is getting good reviews. Will have to do more research.

Totally agree that 1920x1200 is a little too taxing for most systems (including mine). I wish manufactures would realize there's a market for high-end 1680x1050 panels. The masses just keep eating up TN panels though.

[Disgustipated]

Wait what? How dare you say I am wrong!! Maybe for the 22" area, but in the 24" arena, BenQ G2400WD or BenQ FP241VW are very good.

I agree the 24" BenQ's are nice, but I was talking in terms of quality. Samsung is just a big step ahead of almost anyone.

[Heretic Machine]

I'm going with the Samsung. I considered getting the one Shadowstorm linked instead, but I can't find any definitive information on whether it is an actual upgrade, or just a newer revision. Just keep in mind that I'm upgrading from a five year old, 17" CRT, so just about anything in this range is going to be a big upgrade for me.

[crazyD]

Wait what? How dare you say I am wrong!! Maybe for the 22" area, but in the 24" arena, BenQ G2400WD or BenQ FP241VW are very good.

Have you seen 24" Samsungs? They bring a tear to my eye. I will own one at some point, but until then, my 22" Samsung will have to do.

[Heretic Machine]

Okay, nix that; I was going to buy this with Bill Me Later on Newegg, because they have some kind of No Payments/Interest for 90 Days thing going on, but I didn't realize that it was only for orders $250 or up. Looks like my price range just went from $200-$250 to $250-$300.

EDIT: Leaning towards the LG mentioned earlier LG L227WTG-PF (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005109) as it is mentioned in the Anandtech LCD thread under the gaming heading, and is the only 22" mentioned under that heading. It is $280 normally on Newegg, but has a coupon code ending today for $20 off, which still puts it above the $250 minimum purchase for the Bill Me Later offer. LG also doesn't seem to play any "panel lottery" bullshit, from what I've been reading.

EDIT2: Topic no longer accepting suggestions, as I've already ordered the LG :)

[harle]

If you can stand rebates, TigerDirect has the Samsung you linked to in the OP for $159.99 after rebates:

Link (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?afsrc=1&EdpNo=4163685&sku=S203-2269&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&AffiliateID=lw9MynSeamY-zsK6aJ2Y3tHG1qjqQDFVnw)

You could also go through live.com and probably get cashback.

[KingGorilla]

I will just say, Samsung makes fantastic monitors. I have yet to meet someone who has purchased one and was unhappy. But I will add the caveat that actually getting your mail in rebate money back can be a bitch, and you often have to keep on top of them with phone calls.

I would suggest waiting until New Egg's sales really kick in, there will be some crazy deals.

I will have you look at this Acer (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009145) it caught my eye as I was just browing parts for a new build. 150 for that monitor is almost a steal.

[PathMaster]

I will admit Samsung does make some great LCD's, but I personally would prefer the Benq for what it can do bs the Samsung:
# 24": BenQ G2400WD, 1920x1200 (16:10)

* Panel: TN (Unknown Part Number); 6-bit+Hi-FRC, 16.7M colors
* Image Delay (rt+lag): 1.9 - 3 - 3
* Specifications: BenQ G2400WD
* HDCP Compliant: Yes
* More Info: prad.de
* Notes: Better quality than Samsung 245BW, cheaper. Less scaling lag than 2493HM and better out-of-the-box colors. 1:1 support.
* Price: ~$370 USD



# 24": Samsung SyncMaster 2493HM, 1920x1200 (16:10)

* Panel: TN (Unknown Part Number); 6-bit+Hi-FRC, 16.7M colors
* Image Delay (rt+lag): 0 - 0 - 0
* Specifications: Samsung SyncMaster 2493HM
* HDCP Compliant: Yes
* More Info: prad.de
* Notes: Zero input lag panel (at native res) with decent characteristics. However, it lacks 1:1 and the scaler introduces some lag.
* Price: ~$410 USD