Monitor Advice

[Commander Jaco]

Hi Guys

I need some advice, I am thinking of buying a new monitor, but things seem to have changed a bit and after reading up a bit I'm still ever slightly confused.

I currently have this monitor: Samsung B2330

My budget is around R3000 and I don't really think I want to go any bigger than 24" with the screen as I am using the PC for office purposes and having a huge thing in my face might make it hard to speak to our clients.

The main thing is I don't know what is better to get these IPS ones or 3D 120hz monitors? (As I understand 3D have better refresh rates and better response times, where as IPS offers better viewing angle and nicer colours)

And does having a 3D monitor mean you can play games and watch movies on 3D? And if so what other then the monitor do I need to make it possible?( I've got a Sapphire HD7950 Vapor X and an i5 3570K if it makes a difference.)

I am not brand attached at all, looking for a quality product. On that note anyone know what these LG's are like? My experience with LG products are sinister at best. If you guys can recommend anything else I would love to have a look at them.

Lastly will a new monitor even make a noticable impact? The family is looking to buy a new monitor, but I can pass mine along and get a new one if it will be noticable.

Any advice and recommendations are appreciated.

 

[CataclysmZA]

Firstly, 3D playback depends on a lot of things. Nvidia's 3D tech requires that you run a particular monitor that uses Nvidia-approved active-shutter glasses in the 3D Vision kit (~R1500), which limits the range of screens you can use for it. AMD's 3D can run with both active and passive shutter glasses and works with a wider range of monitors, so its the better choice if you already have a 3D monitor that you're not using for its intended purpose.

So if you have a Nvidia card and want 3D, you'll need the glasses as well. If you don't want the glasses you can still buy a 120Hz screen and simply disable V-Sync for better/higher framerates. Likewise for AMD you can run the monitor at 120Hz without 3D, but you have a better chance of it working with the glasses most manufacturers ship with their screens.

As for movies, its dependent on the movie and the software you're using. The 3D Stereo driver has two modes: fully "automatic" mode, where 3D Vision driver controls screen depth (convergence) and stereo separation, and "explicit" mode, where control over screen depth, separation, and textures is performed by the game developer with the use of proprietary NVAPI.

Screen-wise I'll have to make a recommendation in a little while (supper time!) but there are a lot of good choices out there, including TVs, in the R3000 range.

 

[garyc]

This depends on what you want from the monitor. You mention that it is for office use at a station where you interact with clients. Is this a home office where you want to also use it for movies / gaming / etc while off duty? What are the shortcomings of your current monitor that you want to rectify?

 

[Commander Jaco]

Thanks for the replys so far guys,

My current monitor doesn't have any shortcomings per se I just have the chance to upgrade and I thought it would be good a time as ever. As for what my PC is used for. It is a gaming PC without a doubt. I kinda use it for everything though, watching movies and series included. The PC is being used to run office programs while I work, but it is not the primary function.

 

[PostmanPot]

Lastly will a new monitor even make a noticable impact? The family is looking to buy a new monitor, but I can pass mine along and get a new one if it will be noticable.

Only if it's IPS. LG IPS235 or Dell U2412 (eIPS panels, still good though).

 

[Roman4604]

I am not brand attached at all, looking for a quality product. On that note anyone know what these LG's are like? My experience with LG products are sinister at best.

Can be hit & miss, the LG IPS235V is a budget monitor. My first one had all the interface screw lugs missing, out of a brand new sealed box. Second one is fine but exhibits a bit of light bleed along the top edge when you crank up the brightness.

From a product quality perspective I'd rate my older Samsung BX2450 better e.g. no bleed and more solid materials & finish.