budget monitor

Zairs · 1 Dec 2010 at 10:14

After a new monitor, will be usinging it for gaming.
after a the best one as cheap as possible.
but then was wondering about going 3d??
I think i'm putting a 460 card in the new rig

PCM2 · 1 Dec 2010 at 10:17

If you're looking for a budget monitor you can forget 3D I'm afraid. What size were you after and what is your budget limit?

Zairs · 1 Dec 2010 at 10:19

probably about the 200 mark, not sure on size
might go higher for 3d though, or are the cheap 3d monitors rubbish??

Zairs · 1 Dec 2010 at 10:22

maybe i should ask if its worth buying a budget monitor or paying the extra and going 3d???

PCM2 · 1 Dec 2010 at 10:27

The image quality of 3D monitors costing £270 upwards is on par with monitors of the same size costing around £150. It is therefore not a good choice for budget-conscious people. There is currently no such thing as a 'high quality' 3D display due to the current limitations in panel technology. The main reason for using the 'TN panel' in 3D displays that 'budget' monitors also use is that it is the most responsive LCD technology available. If you are prepared to invest in a pair of 3D Vision glasses and a 3D monitor then that's great. You'll also get a more fluid experience in '2D' viewing as well. But do be aware that the overall image quality is no better than much cheaper solutions.

I don't like to recommend monitors that OcUK don't sell (especially around Christmas!) but of their current repertoire the Samsung B2430L is a great choice for the price. I think given your budget you should be thinking about 23-24 inch models. I am hoping to receive a BenQ XL2410T today for review (this is a new and quite promising 3D monitor). This should hopefully retail at around £260 when it is fully released at the end of this year or beginning of next year.

Zairs · 1 Dec 2010 at 10:30

how do full hd tv compare to monitors??

PCM2 · 1 Dec 2010 at 11:35

There is considerable crossover at the price range you are considering. You can get a larger TV that will offer very poor image quality if you are sat close to it, or you will get a 24 inch monitor/TV hybrid. You will be paying extra for something you don't need if you just intend to use it as a PC monitor.