Curse

ajc2123 · Jan 24, 2010, 03:15 PM // 15:15

I'm considering looking for a new monitor for under 200$. What do I need to look for to make it a good quality?

Also, do any monitors have lag like some TV's do? I do NOT want a monitor that lags making gameplay like interrupting impossible. If they do how do you tell the ones that lag?

Quaker · Jan 24, 2010, 03:49 PM // 15:49

TVs and Monitors do not cause lag. The monitor merely displays what the video card sends it. The closest you could get to what might appear to be lag, would be if the rez of the tv/monitor was too high for your video card to handle smoothly, but the "lag" (low frame rate actually) would be caused by the video card.

As far as quality goes, I'd basically stick with a good brand name such as ASUS, Acer, LG, etc. Most specifically, I'd recommend Samsung.
For best compatability, get one with a common native rez like 1680x1050, 1920x1080, or 1900x1200 (for example).
As far as the rest of the specs go, almost any recent LCD model will have good specs, and since there's no real standards for measuring the specs, it's nearly impossible to choose a model based upon things like response time and contrast ratio.
If you find a model you think you might like, Google reviews of it.

BTW - Your choice could be limited by the ability of your video card to handle higher resolutions. What is your video card, or are you planning to upgrade it too?

ajc2123 · Jan 24, 2010, 06:43 PM // 18:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quaker

TVs and Monitors do not cause lag. The monitor merely displays what the video card sends it. The closest you could get to what might appear to be lag, would be if the rez of the tv/monitor was too high for your video card to handle smoothly, but the "lag" (low frame rate actually) would be caused by the video card.

As far as quality goes, I'd basically stick with a good brand name such as ASUS, Acer, LG, etc. Most specifically, I'd recommend Samsung.
For best compatability, get one with a common native rez like 1680x1050, 1920x1080, or 1900x1200 (for example).
As far as the rest of the specs go, almost any recent LCD model will have good specs, and since there's no real standards for measuring the specs, it's nearly impossible to choose a model based upon things like response time and contrast ratio.
If you find a model you think you might like, Google reviews of it.

BTW - Your choice could be limited by the ability of your video card to handle higher resolutions. What is your video card, or are you planning to upgrade it too?

I have an ATI radeon 4670.

Are you sure TV's don't lag? My sister has this big screen (no idea what it is) TV and when we tried to play guitar hero on her wii, we sucked, but when we played it on the Big screen at my house, it didn't. We had to recalibrate it at her house to properly play since the video/audio was a bit behind what was actually showing.

That is what I am worried about the most.

-Vodka- · Jan 24, 2010, 08:11 PM // 20:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajc2123

I have an ATI radeon 4670.

Are you sure TV's don't lag? My sister has this big screen (no idea what it is) TV and when we tried to play guitar hero on her wii, we sucked, but when we played it on the Big screen at my house, it didn't. We had to recalibrate it at her house to properly play since the video/audio was a bit behind what was actually showing.

That is what I am worried about the most.

That's due to using a HDTV with consoles, computers don't experience this problem.

Slightly off topic but for further reading on HDTV lag, see the following article: http://hdtvlag.googlepages.com/details

Black Metal · Jan 24, 2010, 08:21 PM // 20:21

I'm no expert, but there is a tiny lag that monitors have. It's a specification, called response. The lower the number, the less lag -- for example, a 15 millisecond response is bad, while a 5 ms is good.

These days most monitors are the widescreen format 16:9. If you really want a regular aspect 16:10, keep that in mind. Another consideration is the manufacturer's warranty, how long. For a cheaper one you won't find HDMI inputs. Also be sure to read reviews, CNet seems to have the most covered, and often have video reviews which are awesome. Good luck.

Elder III · Jan 24, 2010, 10:33 PM // 22:33

look for a name brand 20-22" LCD with 1650 x 1050 native resolution (any higher res and you will need a more powerful video card for most new games) and with either DVI or HDMI inputs. 5ms response time or less is considered good to game........

Burst Cancel · Jan 24, 2010, 11:47 PM // 23:47

None of you seem to know what you're talking about.

Computer monitors do exhibit input lag, which is separate from pixel response time. Manufacturers do not provide input lag specs; you have to check independent review sites for that information.

ajc2123 · Jan 25, 2010, 05:32 PM // 17:32

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824176112

This is looking very good to me and is on sale. Never really had a problem with HP products and I don't see bad reviews about gaming lag. Native res is 1600 by 900 which I was told on my thread is good on my HD4670

What do you think?