Thinking about new monitor!

[rh535]

Right know i am using a Dell 15' CRT with max res at 1024 by 768. I was thing about getting this SCEPTRE x22wg-Gamer. I have a few questions about this monitor...

1. Is this a good monitor for the money?
2. I have heard problems with the dvi port, have any of you heard about this?
3. What about the company?
4. Will i see a huge difference from my current dell monitor?
5. Will it work well with the current setup?

Setup

CPU - AMD64 2800+
GPU - 9600 XT All in Wonder
MEM - 512 x 2

 

[BXtreme]

1. For 1680x1050 maybe..but you may find better deals....
2. err..ya, the pins were damaged with 'some' ppl, that's where luck is the only frnd...
3. I've heard about this company, but haven't bought anything from them.
4. HUGE diff. is to be seen.
5. Maybe a new cpu/gpu will has to come , but it'll work...somehow....

 

[DaMulta]

You keep monitors forever remember that.

Buy the most you can afford think 5-6+ years

 

[Pinchy]

If your gaming, you will need a new CPU/GPU to play at those kinds of pixels. If you are just using the comp for movies and stuff, you set to go

Pretty cheap IMO, if its a good brand.

 

[TLH]

Based on the review graph on the Egg I'd give that a miss.I didn't read more than the first review but if it can't make more than 50% in the 5 star region it can't be worth it,just my 2 cents.

Besides that your 9600xt ain't gonna cut it with a widescreen monitor,not in gaming anyway.

 

[rh535]

can you find one for me with around the same specs? It doesn't have to have hdmi.

 

[gamer210]

I recently purchased a new monitor and I did a lot of research. I've heard that a lot of LCD monitors from Sceptre have issues with scaling. If you are going to keep your 9600, that's going to be an issue. If you are willing to buy a refurbished one, I would go with the 2007WFP from dell. I got my for $279 w/ free shipping. Here's a link

http://www.dell.com/content/products/category.aspx/monitor?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh

I can tell you from personal experience that it scales resolutions very well. It's the same resolution as the 22" and has a better panel. I ended up getting a S-IPS. Even though it's refurbished it has the same warranty as a brand new one. The first one I got had some dead pixels on it. I called Dell, and I had a replacement in two days. They even took care of the shipping. It has some extras like s-video, picture in picture, and usb, but the only one I use is the USB. This really is a great monitor and at that price, it's a great deal too.

 

[KennyT772]

dell computers may suck, but their highend displays are worth every penny. i second the display gamer210 mentioned.

rh i would also put some cash forward for either a 7600gt or x1650xt. i remember my 9600xt did not like its dvi port much.

 

[bruins004]

I dont mean to toot my own horn but I know quite a bit about LCD monitors.

I will help as much as I can, unfort. not too many on these forums ask many questions about them.
That Sceptre you listed up there is cheap for a reason, it uses a cheap panel and doesnt have the greatest contrast between colors.

Also, please note that 22" monitors are relatively new to the market.
I would suggest either going for a 20" or 24" monitor since not many games support the 22" and they become stretched.

Now here are some important things to look at monitors for gaming:
1. Response Time - Def the most important feature - you dont want to see ghosting

Things you might want to look for:
1. Panel Used - There are 2 types of panels out there. A 6 bit panel and 8 bit panels. Pretty much what this means is that the 6 bit panel has 16.2 million colors and the 8 bit panels (or panels that use 6 bit w/ dithering) 16.7 million colors. Please note that most panels with 16.7 million colors use 6 bit panels + dithering which are just as good as 8 bit panels. ANd I have seen both 16.2 million color panels and 16.7 million color panels side by side and there is a BIG difference in the colors and the brightnesses of the colors. If you can I suggest you go with a 16.7 million color panel.

2. Contrast Ratio: This tells you how well the colors show up on the screen. The higher the ratio the better (such as 1000:1 is better than 600:1)

3. Size of LCD

Anyways as for brands I recommend Dell, Viewsonic, LG and Acer.
They make very good LCDs.
I myself own a 20.1" Dell, 20.1" Viewsonic and a 17" Sony (If you want to see the exact models than please look at my specs).
I must say I game a lot (games like CS:S, WC3, Doom3, FEAR, etc) and I do not see any ghosting with any of these monitors.

However, I must say the best one of all is def the Viewsonic.
Yes I had to RMA my Viewsonic once, but every since they fixed it it has been great.

The reason I like the Viewsonic the best is bc it looks great overall (not plain like the Dell) and it has more intervals with brightness, color ratios, etc.
However, I must say Dell has the best warranty overall (a zero dead pixel warranty which rox).

If you need anymore help please let me know.

 

[rh535]

I have been looking at a new computer so just say i get a new computer that could run a better monitor. How about this one? Also looking at the contrast ration what does (DC 3000:1) mean?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001096

 

[bruins004]

Hmm I have never seen that before.
But the normal contrast ratio is 1000:1.

It looks like a decent monitor.
I must say though that the horizontal and vertical viewing angle is not as good as other monitors ( most are closer to 180 degrees).
Also, I have seen some problems with monitors that have a 2ms response time.
Some get stuck since the response is soooo fast.

For gaming all you really need is 16ms or lower.

Also, is there a reason why you want a 22" screen?

 

[ktr]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009094

i have this one, and it is fantastic.

pesonally, i felt 20in is small becuase you have to consider the aspect ratio...its gonna be short...22 felt right size.

 

[bruins004]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009094

i have this one, and it is fantastic.

pesonally, i feel 20in is small, 22 felt right size.

That Acer is a good monitor.
The only thing I have seen that is on the negative side is everyone says the stand is flimsy (or seems flimsy)

 

[vipercrazy]

i have sceptre's 19in widescreen dvi, it rules, and i only use the $5 dvi cable, i should upgrade lol
just the border is a little thick for my liking

 

[ktr]

That Acer is a good monitor.
The only thing I have seen that is on the negative side is everyone says the stand is flimsy (or seems flimsy)

stand is alright i guess, not that i move it much...but it is much better than samsung pos....

acer stands are built in to the lcd, where samsung has you to screw it in. after a while those screws and the back mounting starts to bore out and bend...then SNAP, you lcd falls apart. i blame it on they small piece of die cast (hot wheel cars) metal they use...due to the weight of the screen, it worps and breaks.

 

[rh535]

I want something bigger than 20' and 24' seems to be to expensive.

 

[Chewy]

I want something bigger than 20' and 24' seems to be to expensive.

That new samsung you posted, I hear good things about them though the 20'" one is like 80usd cheaper.. I am horney to get one since I just found out I am getting money back from taxes!

 

[HellasVagabond]

Samsung prices have dropped alot......

 

[Chewy]

I went out and bought the SyncMaster 226bw. If your going to be gaming with the monitor on your desk I think you should get the 20" one since with 22" @ 1680x1050 the pixels are bigger than with 20" with 1680x1050 resolution (the picture has to streach out an extra 2 inches).

I couldent resist the size of this one though and since it was almost the same price I picked it.. + I will be using it to watch movies on in my room , but if your soley going to use it for games I think you should get the 20". I noticed so jagged edges in Oblivion and with 6xAA my video card gets choppy at 1680x1050 resolution.

 

[rh535]

I don't play alot of games but some.

 

[HookeyStreet]

I don't play alot of games but some.

If you dont play a lot of games I think its pointless having a big flashy monitor (that is unless you use your PC to watch movies)

TBH the money would be better spent by upgrading your current system (maybe a new graphics card and some more RAM)

I recently upgraded my monitor (17" TFT to 20.1" Widescreen TFT) but I also downgraded my graphics card (from a nice 7900 GS to a crappy 7300 LE) but this is because I know only use my PC for the internet and burning etc and I have my XBOX360 connected to the monitor for gaming

 

[Pinchy]

Na man, i reckon the monitor is the better thing.

Hookey, what would be the point of upgrading his GPU if he doesnt game ?

The monitor is good because he doesnt need a new system for what he is gonna use it for

See, there would be no point if he DID game and got that screen...then he would be better off getting a better GPU

 

[HookeyStreet]

Na man, i reckon the monitor is the better thing.

Hookey, what would be the point of upgrading his GPU if he doesnt game ?

The monitor is good because he doesnt need a new system for what he is gonna use it for

See, there would be no point if he DID game and got that screen...then he would be better off getting a better GPU

LOL, I get your point. Catch 22 really isnt it....so he could have:

A) a crap GPU with a great monitor

B) a great GPU with a crap monitor

If he does use his PC a lot for the internet and movies etc, then I suppose the monitor would be the best bet

 

[Dippyskoodlez]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001087


I use a samsung 204B and its absolutely amazing.

This is the widescreen version.

 

[Chewy]

If he does use his PC a lot for the internet and movies etc, then I suppose the monitor would be the best bet

Thats what I was going to say. My new 22" monitor is great for browsing the internet. I can use huge font in FireFox, makes it easy on the eyes.. but I think I would of been better off with the 20" since I love having the highest quality image in games. Though this thing still pwns my old monitor and it was only $28 Canadian more after taxes than the 20".

I still have to work out some bugs :\ the auto adjustment is not available for some reason and I have to find another movie player that will use 100% of my screen... wmp ain't.. so I guess I'll go find Power DVD.
I wish it was a bit further away though, the screen is not all in my direct vision.