Time to upgrade

[suzyb]

I have a Sony SDM-HS73 and a Medion MD30217PG (both 17") that I've had for years. There isn't really anything wrong with them but it's time to upgrade. But it's been so long since I bought a monitor I am completely out of date.

I need an IPS panel as I need good quality colours. With my current monitors I can't get them to show colours the same shade and light or dark shades can look completely white or black and it's a PITA.

I may also be doing a bit of gaming as well although not sure my GTX 460 graphics card will handle games at a decent res.

Now monitors are generally widescreen and come in larger sizes and resolutions would I be better going for 1 larger screen or keeping 2 smaller ones. For years I've been used to using 2 monitors, I have a browser open in one and work open on the other. Would I be better with something like a 27" or should I keep my current 2 monitor setup allowing any games to run on one of my smaller monitors at a higher res.

And can anyone give any recomendations, £600 max total.

 

[suzyb]

Currently leaning toward a 27" like the Dell U2711.

My current graphics card is a GTX 460 Cyclone 768Mb. Would I also need to upgrade this to take full advantage of a monitor that size for everyday use.

 

[Axeia]

Gaming will mean you can't go all out on the eyecandy settings according to the Hardware canucks review of the card it's not utterly terrible with 2560x1600 (fairly close to 2560x1440) but you are pushing it to the limit.

A Hazro HZ27WC is quite a bit cheaper (do read the Hazro topic though as it's not exactly problem free) and would leave you some more money to spend on a videocard (waiting for the AMD 7950 might be worth it!).
Of course if you're used to two 17" than you could go for two Dell u2312hm's as well with which 23" are still quite an upgrade size wise. Would also give you slightly more pixels than a single 2560x1440 monitor and allows you to maintain your two monitor workflow.. but most importantly you don't have turn the eyecandy levels down too much in games.

More expensive than 2 * 1920x1080 Dell u2312hm's would be two Dell u2412m's which sport a 1920x1200 resolution, with the OC UK prices still within your budget though, if barely.

 

[suzyb]

I'll be upgrading the card at some point. I just have half an eye on gaming atm, I mainly game on console but know some people who play on PC. And it would be nice to play with people I know occasionally instead of randoms all the time.

Anyway, think I'm going to go for the Dell U2711. With a wide resolution like that has and windows ability to dock windows to the side of the screen I should be able to replicate my dual monitor setup for working.