Lots of research, no clear answer

[Chris911t]

First post here, apologies if I haven't found the answers in searches on previous threads.

I haven't bought a monitor for years so I'm surprised at the number of variables and yet no monitor seems to deliver the "right" solution for me.

I'm getting an Alienware M18x (no DVI ports, only HDMI and mini-display port). It has dual GTX 580s so I would like to get a monitor that really shows off the capabilities of those cards when I'm not on the move.

After a heap of research I listed the following criteria/preferences:

1. LED Backlit
2. I prefer 16:10, but that's possibly more of an issue in the <= 24" range.
3. I would prefer a resolution > 1920x1080
4. I would prefer 27" but a 24" 16:10 may be ok
5. 120Hz would be good
6. 3D would also be good
7. USB is also useful to leave mouse/keyb connected, docking station style
8. HDMI connection seems a good idea given the limited ports on the M18x although I imagine an HDMI --> dual DVI cable might be ok?


There seem to be no monitors that are a perfect fit. Few come close.

The only monitors that seemed close were the Acer HN274Hbmiiid and the Samsung T27A750D, both 3D. I discarded the idea of the S27A950D because I don't really need a TV and the design looks flawed with all that left-sided weight likely to break the stand at some point in time.

My concerns over these choices were:

1. Only the Acer seems to work with NV 3D without constant manual twiddling.

2. 1920x1080 seems to be a low pixel density for such a large monitor?

3. I panicked when I saw that you need "dual DVI" for 120Hz - I think I'm ok with HDMI : HDMI connector to achieve 120Hz though?

4. They're TN, so there's a fair chance that there will be issues with colour and blackness if you move your head. The few reviews out there didn't really mention how good/bad these monitors are on this issue.

I'm close to ordering the Acer (subject to checking 3 above), but I've ploughed through so many reviews and specs and I'm also worried that I'm missing something. Is there something else I might consider, or is this the best choice of what's out there now?

Any input would be welcome.

Thanks, Chris

 

[Chris911t]

TV

Actually I'm now wondering if the TV tuner might be a useful addition - if 3D TV takes off and some channels end up on UK freeview then it could be useful to have a screen with 3D emitters rather than the cruddy paper glasses.

Then again... the technology will probably evolve so that glasses aren't needed?

Thoughts?

 

[melmac]

Actually I'm now wondering if the TV tuner might be a useful addition - if 3D TV takes off and some channels end up on UK freeview then it could be useful to have a screen with 3D emitters rather than the cruddy paper glasses.

Then again... the technology will probably evolve so that glasses aren't needed?

Thoughts?

My understanding of 3D is that you need an emitter and glasses for 3D to work. So if the screen you buy doesn't have one than you need the 3D vision kit.

For the things you mentioned in your previous post, Well, I am sorry to say that you will have to use display port or dual DVI to get true 120Hz. You won't get 120hz through HDMI. An HDMI to Dual link DVI cable won't work either.

If you want 3D there is no option only 1920x1080. And you are right only the acer supports Nvidia 3D vision.

But you are wrong about the Samsung monitors. The model number you have listed, the S27A750D doesn't come with a TV tuner. It's only the model numbers beginning with T have a tuner. Also with the S models the stand is in the centre.

So there is the T27A750 and the T27A950 which are TV's. And there is the S27A750 and the S27A950 which are monitors.

Lastly, there is no right monitor at the moment for everyone. Every single one of them is about compromise. You pick the one with the most features that suit you. I would advise that you think of the things that are most important to you and go from there.

 

[Chris911t]

dang

Thanks for your response melmac, very useful.

(1) It seems you're right about the dual DVI issue, so thanks for that. I did a lot more reading and the only option is the DP port.

What I can't seem to find out though is whether or not there's any loss across a mini-DP to DP cable? Is mini-DP exactly the same as DP in terms of what it can output and so using such a cable would lose nothing?

(2) Also you seem to be right that I got confused at the S- and T-series Samsungs.

However, it seems that the only difference between the S27A750D and the S27A950D (other than they very different styling) is that the 950 has a DVI port - which is exactly what I don't need!

So the upshot is that (assuming I can connect at 120Hz/3D vis mDPP), the only monitor that makes any sense is the S750.

However, I'm worried about the lack of "compatibility" with NVidia cards for 3D. Is this a driver issue that is likely to be fixed later (soon?) or will it always be an issue?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Surveyor]

MiniDP gives you exactly the same output as DP just on a smaller connector.

I'm using a miniDP to DP adapter with a DP cable at 2560x1600 and the image quality is exactly the same as when I used the DP cable in a "full size" DP connector.

 

[melmac]

Thanks for your response melmac, very useful.

(1) It seems you're right about the dual DVI issue, so thanks for that. I did a lot more reading and the only option is the DP port.

What I can't seem to find out though is whether or not there's any loss across a mini-DP to DP cable? Is mini-DP exactly the same as DP in terms of what it can output and so using such a cable would lose nothing?

(2) Also you seem to be right that I got confused at the S- and T-series Samsungs.

However, it seems that the only difference between the S27A750D and the S27A950D (other than they very different styling) is that the 950 has a DVI port - which is exactly what I don't need!

So the upshot is that (assuming I can connect at 120Hz/3D vis mDPP), the only monitor that makes any sense is the S750.

However, I'm worried about the lack of "compatibility" with NVidia cards for 3D. Is this a driver issue that is likely to be fixed later (soon?) or will it always be an issue?

Thanks in advance.

Your welcome

As surveyor said the mini DP is fine and should output the same as an ordinary DP.

I can't comment on the second issue, I just don't know. These samsung monitors are very new so you would think that Nvidia will support them eventually, especially if they become popular.

There are display port to dual-dvi adapters out there which will let you connect from your display port to a dual-dvi monitor. They are a little expensive tbh, about £80 or so. The adapter will allow you to choose a wider range of monitors.

But if you are on a budget, then, yeah, it looks like you are stuck with monitors that have display ports. And in your case that means the S27A750D.