Should I upgrade ? From old gen LCD to new gen ?

neoglow · 4 Dec 2011 at 19:55

Hey everyone, bit of a big question but should I upgrade from my current LCD monitor to a new one?

Its a Viewsonic VX2025WM 20inch widescreen LCD. Its spec is below. Im not sure when I got it but its a far few years old now, based upon its spec below would I see a benefit from buying a current gen 22"-23" LCD used 100% for Gaming. Mainly FPS and driving games.

Over recent years what main 'features' have improved or been developed that make them superior to older models like mine? If you catch my drift.

In general, its got DVI connection, 1680x1050 res, 8ms response time (although I think there used to be different 'variations' of response time like 'grey to grey'. Im not sure what type this one is, eg, if its true 8ms.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Viewsonic VX2025WM
TFT Active Matrix WSXGA+ LCD
20.1 inch
1680x1050
1000:1 (max), 800:1 (typ)
300 nits (typ)
176° horizontal, 176° vertical
8ms
Anti-glare

RGB Analog
DVI-D
Fh: 30~82KHz; Fv: 40~85Hz
H/V separated, Composite, Sync on Green (TTL)

VGA up to 1680x1050 Non Interlaced
Power Mac, up to 1680x1050

15-pin mini D-sub x1
DVI-D
3.5mm Audio line-in
Built-in power adpater, 3-pin plug

1W x 2

setter · 4 Dec 2011 at 20:09

Still a decent quality P-MVA panel screen, most modern screens feature TN panels, theese feature lower response times making them a bit better for gaming. Though they do suffer from poor viewing angles. What sort of budget have you in mind, and are you looking to go bigger, ie 23/4" with a higher res. 1920x1080 is the most common on 23/24" 1920x1200 was the preserve of much more expensive monitors and is being phased out. Got a vx2025 here as well, must be going on for 6 years old now.

neoglow · 4 Dec 2011 at 21:05

setter said:
Still a decent quality P-MVA panel screen, most modern screens feature TN panels, theese feature lower response times making them a bit better for gaming. Though they do suffer from poor viewing angles. What sort of budget have you in mind, and are you looking to go bigger, ie 23/4" with a higher res. 1920x1080 is the most common on 23/24" 1920x1200 was the preserve of much more expensive monitors and is being phased out. Got a vx2025 here as well, must be going on for 6 years old now.

Thanks for reply, got a budget around £150, can go lower/higher. Would be looking at a 22" or 23". Can I ask what P-MVA and TM stand for?

Thankyou!

setter · 4 Dec 2011 at 21:11

Good article here explaining panel types.

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/articles/panel_technologies.htm

neoglow · 4 Dec 2011 at 21:17

setter said:
Good article here explaining panel types.

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/articles/panel_technologies.htm

Thankyou, have you used anything other than your vx2025? Would I see a big difference in changing my monitor to get lower response times for example?

Zefan · 4 Dec 2011 at 21:22

If you're a serious FPS gamer then you'll most likely absolutely love the new super low response time, 120hz screens. I'd bet that you've become really used to playing on a slow responding screen, dig out an old CRT or something to see what it should really be like!

I'm planning on getting a 120hz in the near future, as I am getting a bit sick of switching to my old massive CRT to play games without feeling like I'm moving my mouse through mud!

The only problem with the 120hz monitors is that, as far as I'm aware, they are all TN panels. This means they aren't great for wide viewing angles and may have slightly worse picture quality, but if it's used entirely for gaming I'd say you'll appreciate the far faster response times!

Davefran · 4 Dec 2011 at 21:23

I'm still using a Viewsonic VP191s :eek:

neoglow · 4 Dec 2011 at 21:49

Thanks for help guys.

If a TN monitor and PVA monitor were next to eachother, would you see a big difference in the quality of the game image?

Do a lot of people go for TN panels since the image quality is still 'good' whilst getting fast response times?

setter · 4 Dec 2011 at 22:30

neoglow said:
Thankyou, have you used anything other than your vx2025? Would I see a big difference in changing my monitor to get lower response times for example?

My vx2025 has been relegated to another of my pc's. My main monitor now is a 24" benq fp241w. Another va panel screen, but im gonna get a 24" 120hz lcd soon, should be better for games but ill keep the 241w for movies.

Mercutio · 5 Dec 2011 at 23:51

I'm still rocking a dell 2405fpw, are the 120mhz panels a good step up? I don't really notice the lag etc but I guess after about 4 years with it i'm rather adapted by now.