Decision for Gaming

jambus · 10 Jan 2011 at 03:35

Follow up from this thread:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18227187

Cmndr_andi has be invaluably helpful in bringing two screens to my attention in particular:

1. The Samsung P2450H

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-124-SA

2. Dell Ultrasharp U2311H

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-046-DE&groupid=17&catid=1425&subcat=

However, as I allude to in the aforementioned thread, I've been bludgeoned over the head enough times to worry about considering a 3rd possibility: a 120hz monitor for its 'smoothness' (sounds technical, doesn't it just?).

I'm mostly going to be playing WoW on this monitor, and as such colour vibrancy and contrast ratio win me over pretty easily. I'm not a complete stranger to FPS either, so MS isn't completely negligible. Screen size conversely isn't particularly important.

The budget is around £150-250.

The Samsung seems to be a solid choice and would jump at it; I only worry that I'll be disappointed and would rather have secured a more vibrant colour about the screen, from whichever particular marketing gimmick I missed. I suppose it's one of the aspects I'm most looking forward to in my new setup.

A friend's initial reaction to Ultrasharp was 'don't waste your money on a Dell Ultrasharp' (the implication being it was better spent on other components). That said the IPS tech seems to be worthwhile -- but what are the drawbacks for this particular screen. Good for viewing but not for gaming?

As for the '3d 120hz' screens, I don't as of yet have a recommendation, or even know if it's an avenue worthy of persuit.

So there we have it - comments eagerly welcome.

Thanks in advance.

mrbios · 10 Jan 2011 at 08:58

Never used a U2311H but i've had a U2410, assuming they are pretty similar i can honestly say they are fantastic. I played CSS competitively on a U2410 and noticed no signs that it couldn't be used for fast paced FPS amoung others.

I'm sat infront of 2 x Samsung P2450s at work at the moment, personally i'd say go for the dell, though the samsungs certainly aren't bad.

PCM2 · 10 Jan 2011 at 09:18

The U2410 is not particularly similar at all as it has a broad colour gamut

. One thing the OP hinted at is that he likes a good level of colour vibrancy. The U2311H provides a lovely range of natural shades but the image will not be as vivid as you may like - http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=18186791&postcount=34. The P2450H provides superior vibrancy but obviously the range of shades and variability across the screen is far higher than on the Dell. I would suggest you consider 120Hz monitors only if your average framerate on WoW is 120fps+ which I doubt it will be. If it is you may need to improve the graphics settings.

jambus · 10 Jan 2011 at 11:01

PCM2 said:
The U2410 is not particularly similar at all as it has a broad colour gamut . One thing the OP hinted at is that he likes a good level of colour vibrancy. The U2311H provides a lovely range of natural shades but the image will not be as vivid as you may like - http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=18186791&postcount=34. The P2450H provides superior vibrancy but obviously the range of shades and variability across the screen is far higher than on the Dell. I would suggest you consider 120Hz monitors only if your average framerate on WoW is 120fps+ which I doubt it will be. If it is you may need to improve the graphics settings.

The U2410 is well out of the ball park in terms of price range, sadly.

I'm trying to work out why a 'range of shades' would be a bad thing for my purposes. Or was that a typo? Sounds like something the Dell might have over the p2450H and not the other way around.

So 120hz monitors are very much just for the increased smooth sync but not for picture quality?

Maybe I ought to stop fussing and get a P2450H. If only cmndr_andi hadn't said that it sounded like I was looking for an IPS screen; I'm worried that anything short won't be what I'm expecting. I thought at that premium vibrancy would be inclusive. If not then what are you getting that's worth the money? Trying to educate myself but it seems a very subjective topic in some ways.

"As for monitors, If you are mainly gaming - then I would suggest going with a nice, responsive, good value monitor like this.

However, if you have the budget - I would have a look at an IPS panel monitor like this. The superior colour accuracy, viewing angles and general image quality are worth it imho. Here is an in-depth review."

Edit: Oh and thanks for the help thus far!

PCM2 · 10 Jan 2011 at 11:58

The range of shades isn't a bad thing at all - you read it correctly. This was a positive attribute of the U2311H. The problem is that the sRGB colour space coupled with an aggressive anti-glare coating can lead to an image that looks a little 'dull' compared to what you may be expecting. It isn't washed out by any means but it lacks the vibrancy of some other monitors and this was one thing you pointed out you would like.

jambus · 10 Jan 2011 at 14:19

PCM2 said:
The range of shades isn't a bad thing at all - you read it correctly. This was a positive attribute of the U2311H. The problem is that the sRGB colour space coupled with an aggressive anti-glare coating can lead to an image that looks a little 'dull' compared to what you may be expecting. It isn't washed out by any means but it lacks the vibrancy of some other monitors and this was one thing you pointed out you would like.

Ah, that's clear now, thank you.

I'll heed the advice I've been given then, cheers for the responses. =]

zebedeee · 10 Jan 2011 at 15:44

i myself have been looking to buy a new monitor for my new build, i generally use my computer for the same reasons as you, asmuch as i like the everyday screens available and to which some can have me druling for a while, i'm a little interested upon hearing what the differences can be like when using the LED screens to which are very color vibrant to my knowledge

zebedeee · 14 Jan 2011 at 23:49

i noticed late last night that overclockers have a few more prices reduced on some of their monitors, i've seen an awsome monitor for as low as £175 and some that go as low as £110 but i think the lowest cost for 1 with HDMI input is £135, but then the rest of the specs didn't open my eyes that much.
The lowest cost with the specs i'd like was £175 or £185

Rroff · 14 Jan 2011 at 23:56

If your mostly playing WoW get the biggest, best quality, high-res IPS you can afford, your gonna be staring at it for hours on end with a much lower game pace most of the time than typical of an FPS game.

IMO there is no alternative to an 120Hz panel atm for serious FPS gaming even tho this means TN and usually 6bit color, but its not a necessity for slower paced games or casual fps.

zebedeee · 24 Jan 2011 at 01:46

Rroff said:
If your mostly playing WoW get the biggest, best quality, high-res IPS you can afford, your gonna be staring at it for hours on end with a much lower game pace most of the time than typical of an FPS game.

IMO there is no alternative to an 120Hz panel atm for serious FPS gaming even tho this means TN and usually 6bit color, but its not a necessity for slower paced games or casual fps.

you got a point... a valid 1 at that...