4 replies to this topic

[Texugo87]

Hi all,

I'm progressing through a gradual freshening up of my system, I tend to gradually update instead of replace all at once if I can. My previous motherboard went, so that forced an update of MB, CPU and RAM. The pertinant details of my system is as follows:

The good:
Asus p8z77-v LK
Mushkin Blackline DDR3-1600mhz 8gb
I5 3570k
550w 80plus gold psu

The ok:
Evga GTS 450 1gb DDR5 overclocked to it's max potential
64gb Vertex 2 SSD as boot drive (and where MWO lives)
500gb 7200rpm SATA2 storage drive

The outdated:
case
Acer P201w monitor

The next component on the list to replace is my monitor, though I've kept abreast of other computer components I'm not really sure how monitors have changed in the ~6 years I've had this one. For all I know it may not even be worth replacing at this point (if i replace it, it would then be used on another system that still has a 4:3 aspect lcd).

P201w specs:
20"
16:10 aspect
2500:1 contrast
1680x1050 60hz
5ms response time
50w (I think)

My main reason for wanting to upgrade is the contrast ratio, especially for movies I find the range of contrast too low, either black isn't black enough, or if i adjust it so it is the rest of the picture is dark and murky.

23" is the max size I'd like to go, i think, with a preference for something comparable to what I have now (so 21 or 22").
I don't have any particular brand loyalty, though like Asus products. On the other hand this is the only trouble free/functional Acer product I've owned, so I'd probably stay away from them short of glowing recommendation.
My budget is preferably around $150, not over $200.
The native resolution has been fine for me, though i suspect most modern monitors support higher.
I do a lot of reading on this computer, so a monitor with presets and the ability to dim enough is a requirement.
Additionally something taller (sits higher off the desk) would be nice.

What can you recommend me?

[th3 fr4gil3]

24" iiyama prolite b2409hds, though mine is fluorescent backlit they do have an led backlit version now.
can't quote you the specs but they are easily googled.
it's 1920x1080 btw.

Edited by th3 fr4gil3, 28 December 2012 - 12:52 PM.

[Sen]

24" [I caught max 23" preference, but as a 27" user it's alien to me ]

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16824014299

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16824014299

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16824236102

23"

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16824009421

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16824001546

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16824236175

Things to know:

1920 x 1080 is pretty industry standard.
Contrast/dynamic contrast ratio are marketing buzzwords. Check 3 and 4 star reviews to get a better picture of any given monitor's. . picture

Response rate: lower the better, Grey to grey is the industry way of "cheating" this for lower numbers, but 2ms Grey to grey is alright.
There is a difference between LCD and LED. LED is superior
Brightness: Obviously the brighter the better, Some of the ones I've listed are200, I'd TRY to get 250+

I have a 3 stack of Acers 23" I use for eyefinity. They're not as good as my 27" samsung or my Apple cinema display, but they're not terrible either. Asus are alright, Samsung are decent,BenQ I haven't personally used, but I've seen some online reviewers use them [if they use them for youtube videos they can't be THAT bad].

Also make sure to read the reviews in regards to backlight bleed. It's pretty much a given at this price point, but you may be able to use the reviews as a feeler for how bad/not bad it is.

Good luck : )

Edited by Sen, 28 December 2012 - 01:25 PM.

[Texugo87]

Thanks for your help.

Having looked around online and seen a couple monitors in the store I've decided I want to stay with 16:10 if possible, which severely limits my options unfortunately.

One final question, do you know any easy way to determine if a monitor has a glossy or matte screen without actually looking at it? This doesn't seem to be info that manufacturers put on their websites, or vendors list.

[Sen]

16:10 has a pretty stiff cost markup for what little you get, I wish you the best of luck on that. I don't know WHY they're so much more than standard 16:9, but they are.

Usually if something comes in gloss it'll tell you. Typically ANY additional coating, be it anti-glare matte or glossy will jack up the price [it's an additional coat, after all]. Just have to use best discretion, and know that the large majority come with nothing.