LCD Buyer's Guide

[lupi]

Nice thread, just found and started reading through some.


My question.......

Have the 24-WS dell for my main that I do love. My secondary is using a 17" KDS that is losing some of its brightness. Probably would not be that big of a deal, except I use it just after getting off the dell and the difference drives me crazy. I would like to get something in the 20-22" range

 

[fzeroxx]

Originally posted by: fzeroxx
I was thinking of buying one of the following monitors:

Viewsonic VG2230vm Black 22" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD
Samsung 225BW Black 22" 5ms (GTG) DVI Widescreen LCD (Although I hear bad things about bleeding on this one)

or BenQ FP202W Black 20.1" 8ms DVI Widescreen LCD

I'm wondering which of these would be best for gaming? Specifically WoW.

Could anyone help me here? Would really appreciate some advice, thanks

 

[DangerDave]

xtknight, I have to choose from one of these lcd's. I'm making a return at Staples for a new lcd, and can only select from their very limited inventory.

Gateway FPD2185W
Samsung 225BW
Acer X221WSD

I need one for everything, including games, movies, -everything. The Gateway is appealing cause I guess I can hook my ps2 to it. But the Samsung it bigger. The Acer looks good too. What do you think?

 

[Yikes2000]

What about the LG L226WTX-BF? I can't find any "professional" review on this new monitor, only user reviews that were all positive. At ~$370, I'm tempted to give it a try.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Mogget

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: Mogget
Hello,

Apologies if this is lited somewhere and I missed it, but could someone tell me the 'best' 17" LCDs for gaming?

As with the recommendations in the guide, but 17".

Thanks!

Any particular reason why you want a 17"? The price diff b/t 17 and 19" monitors is not that great these days and you get a lot more screen real estate out of a 19" model.

Well no more desktop real estate. But the extra font size might be helpful for some.

Best 17" LCD? Hmm, most TNs should be just fine for gaming.

You could give the Samsung 740BX a shot: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001079

Actually the NEC 70GX2 would be better.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824002121

The choice seems to be quite limited here in New Zealand, although I could probably arrange something if need be.

Does anyone know if the Samsung Syncmaster 740B is a decent monitor? That's more readily available, and I do like Samsung as a brand.

EDIT: Oh, and the prices for 19", while not hugely different, are definitely significant. Especially on my limited budget ? plus I don't like the idea of everything being bigger without any practical gain in space.

Just a quick note: The 940B (despite ratings) is known for having dreadful response time (40 ms) so I would stay away from the 740B. I can help you further later but I wanted to save you from that one.

 

[Mogget]

Thanks xtknight ?

Ah, I was wondering about that, but didn't know if the 740B would have the same issues. Seems more than likely though.

Don't worry, I'm not about to rush out and buy anything! Still in the planning stage for my new rig.

 

[Cookie Monster]

Originally posted by: Mogget
Thanks xtknight ?

Ah, I was wondering about that, but didn't know if the 740B would have the same issues. Seems more than likely though.

Don't worry, I'm not about to rush out and buy anything! Still in the planning stage for my new rig.

Yea, new zealands a pain in the ass when it comes to PC components including the peripheral selection.

Im back in New Zealand, and couldnt get the LCD i wanted (samsung 971p) from US due to the luggage weight restrictions.

Stuff here are so expensive, but im looking at the Samsung 226BW (an improved 225BW with all the issues from 225BW being fixed). According to other forums, it seems like its the best 22incher out on the market today. But is there any real "benches" on the Samsung 226BW? yes, its a TN but from what im hearing its pretty darn good for a TN.

I would like some user feedback if any one here in AT is using one.

 

[Mogget]

I envy you if you can afford NZ$630 odd. I'm more in the $300-$400NZ range.

Our isolation isn't as bad with internal hardware, at least I don't notice too much. But monitors seem really limited :/

 

[Cookie Monster]

Originally posted by: Mogget
I envy you if you can afford NZ$630 odd. I'm more in the $300-$400NZ range.

Our isolation isn't as bad with internal hardware, at least I don't notice too much. But monitors seem really limited :/

Student allowance

Well, NZ is getting better in the internal hardware department but as you say, but the monitors.. way over priced, missing big brands like NEC and lacking the latest models like the samsung 971p.

Sorry for being OT though.

 

[Mogget]

A fellow student!

I'm at VUW btw (I'll take my chances with the resident AT stalkers). I've applied for student allowance, but it won't be very much p/w for me.

Still...

Yea, the lack of some really good models is frustrating.

Ok, back on topic!

 

[amking]

sad to see the prices for the 20WMGX2 still havent dropped a whole lot... at least there is a $50 mail in rebate available for April: http://www.provantage.com/07077necl06t.pdf

is there still not an lcd available that competes with the gx2 quality/etc wise, but does without the tv tuner/speakers?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Mogget
Thanks xtknight ?

Ah, I was wondering about that, but didn't know if the 740B would have the same issues. Seems more than likely though.

Don't worry, I'm not about to rush out and buy anything! Still in the planning stage for my new rig.

I'd need a better idea of what is available over there, but most modern TNs are very good for gaming. If you're on a budget obviously you can't expect miraculous high-contrast graphics with a TN. Text quality should be fine, as should gaming.

Originally posted by: amking
sad to see the prices for the 20WMGX2 still havent dropped a whole lot... at least there is a $50 mail in rebate available for April: http://www.provantage.com/07077necl06t.pdf

is there still not an lcd available that competes with the gx2 quality/etc wise, but does without the tv tuner/speakers?

There still isn't, IMO.

 

[Mogget]

Originally posted by: xtknight
I'd need a better idea of what is available over there, but most modern TNs are very good for gaming. If you're on a budget obviously you can't expect miraculous high-contrast graphics with a TN. Text quality should be fine, as should gaming.

While not comprehensive, this gives you a good idea of what's available in 17":

http://www.ascent.co.nz/Category.aspx?majorcatID=36

A few of the more prominent brands from that site:

Philips
170B7CB, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, DVI, Speakers, Black
170P6ES, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, DVI, Speakers, Silver
170P7ES, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, DVI, Silver
170S7FB, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, Black

Samsung
731B, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, DVI, Black
Syncmaster 740B, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, DVI, Black
Syncmaster 740N, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, Black

BenQ
FP71G+, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, Silver
FP72E, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, DVI, Speakers, Silver
FP72G+, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, Silver
FP73G, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, DVI, Silver

Etc... Pathetic selection eh? I would appreciate any advice, as I'm fairly clueless when it comes to monitors.


Thanks

 

[Phlargo]

Originally posted by: Cookie Monster

Originally posted by: Mogget
Thanks xtknight ?

Stuff here are so expensive, but im looking at the Samsung 226BW (an improved 225BW with all the issues from 225BW being fixed). According to other forums, it seems like its the best 22incher out on the market today. But is there any real "benches" on the Samsung 226BW? yes, its a TN but from what im hearing its pretty darn good for a TN.

I would like some user feedback if any one here in AT is using one.

I've got a Samsung 226 BW which I've had for about 3 weeks now. It's definitely nicer than my Viewsonic 22" was (vx2235wm - older panel) and quite a bit nicer than my arguably defective LG L226WT (which I returned and replaced with the Samsung). My Samsung is of the A panel variety, but I don't know if it suffers any for that.

The screen has a very nice coating - it's not glossy but it seems to help increase contrast at wider horizontal viewing angles. Out of the box color representation is pretty decent, but it doesn't come with any color calibration software so it's hard to get down to the finer tuning. I have all dynamic contrast stuff off as I think the monitor generally has a decent contrast ratio. Backlight uniformity is pretty high and although there is a modicum of backlight bleed on the top of the panel, it's nothing serious.

I can see down to 2,2,2 on XT Knight's Dark Greyscale test and no severe banding is apparent throughout the color range. (well, any more than any other TN LCD)

If you're looking straight on at the screen it's very nice - full rich colors and fairly wide color gamut. However, as soon as you look at it from slightly below, you loose a ton of contrast and colors get tweaked (as with any TN - though again, it's better than both the Viewsonic and the LG in this respect). I've generally enjoyed the panel a bunch. It still feels big.

As far as TN panels go, I think this is about as good as you're going to get right now.

If I sound a little critical, I just got a 2030B from Viewsonic as an RMA replacement for my dead 930B and it is absolutely beautiful! The P-MVA panels put the TN to shame. Better panel types do look a lot better - you just have to pay more too

 

[x7007]

Ok, what are the diffreneces between

Use Nvidia Scaling - The scaling unit on your graphics card will rescale the image before it reaches your monitor. If you have a relatively normal middle-to-low end monitor, this option results in the best image quality and is the one most recommended.


Use my display's built-in scaling - If you have a high-end monitor, try this form of scaling to see if it improves things. Otherwise usually the scalers in monitors are not as good as those on high end graphics hardware.


Now listen, important.

i have ViewSonic Vx922, the drivers are installed and set to 60Hertz.
This For XP & Vista.

When i choose "Use Nvidia Scaling' the monitor itself, in the OSD of the monitor itself in information tab, there are
H.Frequency : 85.00 Khz
V.Frequency : 74 Hz
Pixel Clock:135 Mhz.

This means its 75Herz as you can see at the V. Frequency is set to 74.

When i use "Use my display's built-in scaling" The monitor is set to default 60hertz.

H.Frequency : 64.00 Khz
V.Frequency : 60 Hz
Pixel Clock : 108.03 Mhz.

Why is that ?
I think thats why many users who change it have problems and people who doesnt change it doesnt.

Any idea on this one ?

because many monitor Manufuctre says not to use higher Hertz more than 60 or else it cause damage or loss of 3 pictures rendering in each 1 phase in games or movies.

Does anyone knows if Viewsonic Vx922 can support 75hertz? because on ViewSonic site i saw that the pixel clock is set there as when using 75hertz , so it should support it or it doesnt matter what hertz, it uses the pixel anyway ?

 

[Kindjal]

Originally posted by: xtknight

Originally posted by: scaaven2
thanks xtknight for a great post. I want to get a widescreen monitor for gaming, but I don't want to spend the money on NEC MultiSync 20WMGX2. Also, the reviews complaining about the glare and reflectivity concern me.

*me swears* Just kidding, obviously the 20WMGX2 isn't for everybody. In its last review, Maximum PC rated it a 4 out of 10.

Maximum PC posted the review online: Maximum PC Review of NEC 20WMGX2

 

[b1x]

Is this a new panel type:

A-TW-IPS (NEC LCD2690WUXi)

I'm trying to find out what's the difference/benefits/disdvantages between the S-IPS / AS-IPS and this A-TW-IPS panel in the NEC LCD2690WUXi

Edit: actually TFT Central is reporting the NEC LCD2690WUXi panel as "H-IPS A-TW Pol". So where does this H-IPS fit into the LCD panel landscape? If this is a new panel type can you add it to the guide xtknight?

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Mogget

Originally posted by: xtknight
I'd need a better idea of what is available over there, but most modern TNs are very good for gaming. If you're on a budget obviously you can't expect miraculous high-contrast graphics with a TN. Text quality should be fine, as should gaming.

While not comprehensive, this gives you a good idea of what's available in 17":

http://www.ascent.co.nz/Category.aspx?majorcatID=36

A few of the more prominent brands from that site:

Philips
170B7CB, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, DVI, Speakers, Black
170P6ES, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, DVI, Speakers, Silver
170P7ES, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, DVI, Silver
170S7FB, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, Black

Samsung
731B, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, DVI, Black
Syncmaster 740B, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, DVI, Black
Syncmaster 740N, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, Black

BenQ
FP71G+, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, Silver
FP72E, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, DVI, Speakers, Silver
FP72G+, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, Silver
FP73G, 17" LCD, 1280x1024, DVI, Silver

Etc... Pathetic selection eh? I would appreciate any advice, as I'm fairly clueless when it comes to monitors.


Thanks

Hmm. I don't know to tell you the truth. Just take a gamble IMO. BenQ FP71G+ is what I'd go with or perhaps one of the Philips.

Originally posted by: x7007
Ok, what are the diffreneces between

Use Nvidia Scaling - The scaling unit on your graphics card will rescale the image before it reaches your monitor. If you have a relatively normal middle-to-low end monitor, this option results in the best image quality and is the one most recommended.


Use my display's built-in scaling - If you have a high-end monitor, try this form of scaling to see if it improves things. Otherwise usually the scalers in monitors are not as good as those on high end graphics hardware.


Now listen, important.

i have ViewSonic Vx922, the drivers are installed and set to 60Hertz.
This For XP & Vista.

When i choose "Use Nvidia Scaling' the monitor itself, in the OSD of the monitor itself in information tab, there are
H.Frequency : 85.00 Khz
V.Frequency : 74 Hz
Pixel Clock:135 Mhz.

This means its 75Herz as you can see at the V. Frequency is set to 74.

When i use "Use my display's built-in scaling" The monitor is set to default 60hertz.

H.Frequency : 64.00 Khz
V.Frequency : 60 Hz
Pixel Clock : 108.03 Mhz.

Why is that ?
I think thats why many users who change it have problems and people who doesnt change it doesnt.

Any idea on this one ?

because many monitor Manufuctre says not to use higher Hertz more than 60 or else it cause damage or loss of 3 pictures rendering in each 1 phase in games or movies.

Does anyone knows if Viewsonic Vx922 can support 75hertz? because on ViewSonic site i saw that the pixel clock is set there as when using 75hertz , so it should support it or it doesnt matter what hertz, it uses the pixel anyway ?

Hm that's interesting. Well the VX922 probably can run at 75 Hz although I'm not sure what'll happen. Most LCDs just interpolate to 60 Hz (causing jittering by discarding each fifth frame (75 / 60) but just to display any image at all). It's possible motion could be smoother though, the best thing is to evaluate how it works for yourself. I don't recommend using above 60 Hz on an LCD to reduce damage though. Damage is always possible, though I ran 75 Hz on my ViewSonic VP930b with no problems at all. It seemed smoother to me in a lot of cases though it's possible there was a bit of jittering if you looked very closely.

Originally posted by: b1x
Is this a new panel type:

A-TW-IPS (NEC LCD2690WUXi)

I'm trying to find out what's the difference/benefits/disdvantages between the S-IPS / AS-IPS and this A-TW-IPS panel in the NEC LCD2690WUXi

Edit: actually TFT Central is reporting the NEC LCD2690WUXi panel as "H-IPS A-TW Pol". So where does this H-IPS fit into the LCD panel landscape? If this is a new panel type can you add it to the guide xtknight?

An A-TW-IPS is just a modified S-IPS. It fits under the IPS class of LCD panels. TW (True White) uses a new color filter to reproduce a more natural white. They are suited for photo editing better than LCDs with conventional color filters (even other IPS ones).

I don't know about H-IPS. Mitsubishi IPS variant, I think. I suppose I could add it to the list of variants, yeah.

 

[tuan209]

Hi,

Im looking at the NEC 20WMGX2, but I have one problem with it. Is there anyway I can get a stand with height adjustment on it? If not, is there another monitor comparable that has height adjustment?

Im looking for an LCD to edit photos, Im looking to spend anywhere from 700 on down.

Thanks!

 

[werdna130]

Hey xtknight,

What do you think of this display, http://www.benq.com/products/LCD/?product=997

I would be using it for 360, PC/PC Gaming, DVD Movies, and possibly HD Cable TV

-Thanks

 

[imported_dongle]

people like it on HardOCP. I'll be receiving one on Friday and will report (well, it's the W model but it's the same stuff -BFI). Anyhow, BenQShopper has it for $378 refurbished. Will also report what the refurb quality is...

 

[mushroom3]

hey xtknight, would you recommend the l204wt or l226wt? from customer ratings at FS, l204wt has close to 5 stars from over 600 people while the l226wt is around 3.5 with ~30 votes

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: tuan209
Hi,

Im looking at the NEC 20WMGX2, but I have one problem with it. Is there anyway I can get a stand with height adjustment on it? If not, is there another monitor comparable that has height adjustment?

Im looking for an LCD to edit photos, Im looking to spend anywhere from 700 on down.

Thanks!

I think you can use other stands from NEC. I don't know about ergonomics much but I'm sure you could work something out (that is, if you wanted to raise the height of it). Most monitors (including the 20WMGX2) have VESA mounts on the back of them so you could use that to adjust height.

Another option is the Samsung 215TW (21" S-PVA 16:10) which has height adjustment already and it's decent for editing photos. There's also the HP LP2065 (20.1" S-IPS 4:3).

Originally posted by: werdna130
Hey xtknight,

What do you think of this display, http://www.benq.com/products/LCD/?product=997

I would be using it for 360, PC/PC Gaming, DVD Movies, and possibly HD Cable TV

-Thanks

I would have to wait for reviews of it. Chances are, it's a great LCD. You won't see me recommending it until I'm sure. What I do know is that it contains an 8-bit P-MVA panel.

Originally posted by: mushroom3
hey xtknight, would you recommend the l204wt or l226wt? from customer ratings at FS, l204wt has close to 5 stars from over 600 people while the l226wt is around 3.5 with ~30 votes

The L204WT probably has a better panel in it. Smaller dot pitch, too. I would get a 20" or a 24", and in this case the only choice is the 20". 22" LCDs tend to have more backlight bleeding (could be something to do with the size).

 

[xxTurbonium]

Originally posted by: xtknight
22" LCDs tend to have more backlight bleeding (could be something to do with the size).

All 22", regardless of brand? Wow. Though I can't see how size has anything to do with it.

 

[tuan209]

xtknight,

Would you recommend the benq 24in lcd for photo editing? Would it be comparable to the NEC?