HardwareHeaven.com

HardwareHeaven.com

Looking for the skin chooser?
 
 
  • Home

  • Hardware reviews

  • Articles

  • News

  • Tools

  • Gaming at HardwareHeaven

  • Forums

 

Go Back   HardwareHeaven.com > Forums > Hardware and Related Topics > Hardware Discussion & Support


Hardware Discussion & Support Discuss your computer - its components or ANY hardware, past/current/future you want, or ask our forum experts if you have a general problem with your hardware.

Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old Nov 9, 2007, 06:26 PM   #1
hexa-core gamer
 
phantommenace2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New York City
Posts: 266
Rep Power: 52
phantommenace2 is a jewel in the roughphantommenace2 is a jewel in the roughphantommenace2 is a jewel in the rough
System Specs

best gaming LCD monitor

I'm looking to replace my 6 year old Sony 21' CRT monitor...anyone have any suggestions?...I've never purchased an LCD monitor before as I've always preferred CRT's...I'm looking for a 21' monitor but might be willing to settle for 19'...does anyone know the best of the best in terms of image quality...I'm a hard core gamer and need something that will make my games shine

for years it was a widely help opinion that LCD's were inferior to CRT's in terms of gaming...is that still the case?

actual CRT screen sizes were a bit smaller then their spec sizes---viewable size, does this also apply to LCD monitors?...meaning if I purchase a 21' LCD monitor is that the viewable screen size as well?
phantommenace2 is offline   Reply With Quote


Old Nov 9, 2007, 07:31 PM   #2
USB 3 dot oh
 
ChaosMinionX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,911
Rep Power: 47
ChaosMinionX has much to be proud ofChaosMinionX has much to be proud ofChaosMinionX has much to be proud ofChaosMinionX has much to be proud ofChaosMinionX has much to be proud ofChaosMinionX has much to be proud ofChaosMinionX has much to be proud ofChaosMinionX has much to be proud of
System Specs

I like the Samsung 226BW for gaming.... although im sure others will suggest other monitors
ChaosMinionX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 9, 2007, 07:56 PM   #3
DriverHeaven Lover
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: canada
Posts: 248
Rep Power: 0
coldfrontt is on a distinguished road

I've been using the samsung 206BW for about 6 months and love it. the differance between the 20" 206 and the 22" 226BW is mainly how it'll impact your wallet. Remember that your 21"crt was really a 20" monitor after you take into account the mask around it, with LCD, you get actual size.
__________________
[color=blue]TANSTAAFL![/color]
coldfrontt is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 9, 2007, 09:07 PM Threadstarter Thread Starter   #4
hexa-core gamer
 
phantommenace2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New York City
Posts: 266
Rep Power: 52
phantommenace2 is a jewel in the roughphantommenace2 is a jewel in the roughphantommenace2 is a jewel in the rough
System Specs

I just looked at the specs for the 226BW and they look good...my only question is why is the max resolution only 1680 x 1050?...is that normal for LCD's to have lower max resolutions then their CRT counterparts?...for example my current 21' CRT monitor's max resolution is 2048 x 1536
phantommenace2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 9, 2007, 10:03 PM   #5
HardwareHeaven Extreme Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Canada
Posts: 3,187
Rep Power: 71
Zelig has much to be proud ofZelig has much to be proud ofZelig has much to be proud ofZelig has much to be proud ofZelig has much to be proud ofZelig has much to be proud ofZelig has much to be proud ofZelig has much to be proud of
System Specs

Quote:
Originally Posted by phantommenace2 View Post
I just looked at the specs for the 226BW and they look good...my only question is why is the max resolution only 1680 x 1050?...is that normal for LCD's to have lower max resolutions then their CRT counterparts?...for example my current 21' CRT monitor's max resolution is 2048 x 1536
Optimal resolution is probably 1600x1200 though, which is real close to 1680x1050.

Past that, you need a 24" LCD for 1920x1200.
__________________
--
Zelig is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 10, 2007, 12:06 AM   #6
HH's Asteroids' Dominator
 
BlueMak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Hellas->Macedonia->Thessaloniki
Posts: 13,465
Rep Power: 349
BlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his status
System Specs

Gold Member
TFT monitors don't go as high as CRT.
But they do widescreen easier than CRT do.
Meaning, good luck finding a widescreen CRT monitor.
__________________

The people who are regarded as moral luminaries are those who forego ordinary pleasures themselves and find compensation in interfering with the pleasures of others(Bertrand Russell)"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil,You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." - Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis
This is slavery, not to speak one's thought. [Euripides-The Phoenician Women (c.411-409 B.C.)] http://www.macedonia.info/FALLACIESANDFACTS.htm
Sic semper tyrannis.
BlueMak is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 10, 2007, 03:07 AM Threadstarter Thread Starter   #7
hexa-core gamer
 
phantommenace2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: New York City
Posts: 266
Rep Power: 52
phantommenace2 is a jewel in the roughphantommenace2 is a jewel in the roughphantommenace2 is a jewel in the rough
System Specs

I'm confused...how does a widescreen monitor affect gaming?...if the game does not support widescreen then will it shrink the size down on my screen?...or will I see black bars on the screen as when watching a movie in widescreen format?...does it look really bad like this or does it really not make a big difference?

is purchasing a widescreen monitor the way to go or should I get a non-widescreen LCD?...I can't seem to find many non-widescreen LCD's at 21'+
phantommenace2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 10, 2007, 04:56 AM   #8
HardwareHeaven Extreme Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Canada
Posts: 3,187
Rep Power: 71
Zelig has much to be proud ofZelig has much to be proud ofZelig has much to be proud ofZelig has much to be proud ofZelig has much to be proud ofZelig has much to be proud ofZelig has much to be proud ofZelig has much to be proud of
System Specs

Quote:
Originally Posted by phantommenace2 View Post
I'm confused...how does a widescreen monitor affect gaming?...if the game does not support widescreen then will it shrink the size down on my screen?...or will I see black bars on the screen as when watching a movie in widescreen format?...does it look really bad like this or does it really not make a big difference?
Depending on the monitor, you can usually select an option to do this whichever way you want in the OSD. Or can be selected in the video card driver settings.
__________________
--
Zelig is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 10, 2007, 11:17 AM   #9
DH's oldest Geek
 
OldBuzzard's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Oberlin, OH
Posts: 2,783
Rep Power: 145
OldBuzzard has a reputation beyond refuteOldBuzzard has a reputation beyond refuteOldBuzzard has a reputation beyond refuteOldBuzzard has a reputation beyond refuteOldBuzzard has a reputation beyond refuteOldBuzzard has a reputation beyond refuteOldBuzzard has a reputation beyond refuteOldBuzzard has a reputation beyond refuteOldBuzzard has a reputation beyond refuteOldBuzzard has a reputation beyond refuteOldBuzzard has a reputation beyond refute
System Specs

For best absolute Image Quality in Wide Screen, it's gonna be damned hard to beat the Sony FW900/GDM-9011 CRT. (24" of ws goodness)

PRO: Great IQ, high resolution (2304x1440 @ 80Hx max), not limited to one 'optimal' resolution.

CON: Takes a LOT of desk space, takes two men and a boy to move it, not easy to find, and usually not real cheap.

I just managed to get a SGI branded one at a very good price, and I've yet to see an LCD that is better looking.
__________________
When looking for a reason as to why things go wrong, never rule out sheer STUPIDITY
OldBuzzard is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 10, 2007, 01:39 PM   #10
HardwareHeaven Extreme Member
 
Tipstaff's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna
Posts: 6,773
Rep Power: 190
Tipstaff is godlike in his statusTipstaff is godlike in his statusTipstaff is godlike in his statusTipstaff is godlike in his statusTipstaff is godlike in his statusTipstaff is godlike in his statusTipstaff is godlike in his statusTipstaff is godlike in his statusTipstaff is godlike in his statusTipstaff is godlike in his statusTipstaff is godlike in his status
System Specs

Gold Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by OldBuzzard View Post
For best absolute Image Quality in Wide Screen, it's gonna be damned hard to beat the Sony FW900/GDM-9011 CRT. (24" of ws goodness)

PRO: Great IQ, high resolution (2304x1440 @ 80Hx max), not limited to one 'optimal' resolution.

CON: Takes a LOT of desk space, takes two men and a boy to move it, not easy to find, and usually not real cheap.

I just managed to get a SGI branded one at a very good price, and I've yet to see an LCD that is better looking.
God I love that monitor. Just wish it wasn't so fricking huge, and heavy.

Oh, and if you do happen to find this monitor.... buy a new desk... that supports it's weight.... or else.... umm.. you will be viewing it from the floor.

I'm with suggestions for the Samsungs (either one), however I also like Samsungs 244T (although a bit expensive), 215TW, and Dells 2007WFP and 2407WFP monitors. Even though it may look like Dell doesn't sell those monitors any longer, if you do some searching on their site you will find them still for sale. Usually the 2007WFP will cost ya about $400, while the 2407WFP will cost ya about $700.
__________________


Portal: The Flash Version
_________________________________
Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker?
Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick.
Tipstaff is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 10, 2007, 03:53 PM   #11
HH's Asteroids' Dominator
 
BlueMak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Hellas->Macedonia->Thessaloniki
Posts: 13,465
Rep Power: 349
BlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his statusBlueMak is godlike in his status
System Specs

Gold Member
I still support my monitor, the LG L245WPM. Great 24" monitor P-MVA with component, HDMI and VGA connections and detachable speakers. I play a lot of games, no complains yet. It has very low input lag (I haven't noticed it yet), great colours (under sRGB) etc etc.
__________________

The people who are regarded as moral luminaries are those who forego ordinary pleasures themselves and find compensation in interfering with the pleasures of others(Bertrand Russell)"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil,You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." - Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis
This is slavery, not to speak one's thought. [Euripides-The Phoenician Women (c.411-409 B.C.)] http://www.macedonia.info/FALLACIESANDFACTS.htm
Sic semper tyrannis.
BlueMak is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 10, 2007, 03:57 PM   #12
HardwareHeaven Senior Member
 
Al_Vampyre's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Scotland
Posts: 1,532
Rep Power: 72
Al_Vampyre has much to be proud ofAl_Vampyre has much to be proud ofAl_Vampyre has much to be proud ofAl_Vampyre has much to be proud ofAl_Vampyre has much to be proud ofAl_Vampyre has much to be proud ofAl_Vampyre has much to be proud ofAl_Vampyre has much to be proud ofAl_Vampyre has much to be proud of
System Specs

Donator
Quote:
Originally Posted by phantommenace2 View Post
I'm confused...how does a widescreen monitor affect gaming?...if the game does not support widescreen then will it shrink the size down on my screen?...or will I see black bars on the screen as when watching a movie in widescreen format?...does it look really bad like this or does it really not make a big difference?

is purchasing a widescreen monitor the way to go or should I get a non-widescreen LCD?...I can't seem to find many non-widescreen LCD's at 21'+
The vast majority of games now support widescreen, I use a 22" hpw2207 great monitor!
__________________
"Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad" - Brian O'Driscoll - Ireland Rugby Team 2009 Grand Slam winning Captain.
Al_Vampyre is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Nov 11, 2007, 03:29 AM   #13
Why is it Beeping!?!?!
 
procupine14's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA, Missouri
Posts: 1,400
Rep Power: 58
procupine14 has a divinity and aura the likes we have never seenprocupine14 has a divinity and aura the likes we have never seenprocupine14 has a divinity and aura the likes we have never seenprocupine14 has a divinity and aura the likes we have never seenprocupine14 has a divinity and aura the likes we have never seenprocupine14 has a divinity and aura the likes we have never seenprocupine14 has a divinity and aura the likes we have never seenprocupine14 has a divinity and aura the likes we have never seenprocupine14 has a divinity and aura the likes we have never seenprocupine14 has a divinity and aura the likes we have never seenprocupine14 has a divinity and aura the likes we have never seen
System Specs

generally is the game that you are playing does not support wide screen resolution then either your graphics card will stretch the image or you may get black bars......im not too familiar because i have yet to switch to wide screen and still have my 17" LCD
__________________
HTPC/file server: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit - AMD Phenom x4 9850 - 4GB OCZ DDR2 800 (2x2GB) - 1TB WD Black - 4 x 1TB Hitachi DeskStar in RAID 5 - ATi TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner - HIS Raedon 4850 512MB - ASRock N68C-S UCC mobo - OCZ ModExtreme Pro 500W PSU

GF's Gaming PC: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit - AMD Phenom 9850 - 4GB OCZ DDR2 1066 - 500GB Western Digital GP - HIS Raedon 5770 1GB - ASUS M3A78-EM - Zalman 650W PSU

Media Streamer: Win 7 Pro 64-bit - AMD Athlon x2 3200+ - 4GB SuperTalent DDR2 800 - 250GB SeaGate Barracuda - MSI K9N6PGM2-V2 - ASUS Raedon 5450 SILENT - FSP group 250W PSU
procupine14 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools