the BEST <$400 gaming LCD?

[TomaHawk47x]

what is the best 17" gaming LCD, preferably on newegg, that is less than ~$400?

so far, im looking at:

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=24-002-078

and

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=24-014-022

judging by the listed specs alone, the BenQ seems to be slightly better, but oddly MUCH less popular. i like the idea of integrated speakers too, if the sound is bareable, since i plan on doing all of my gaming, musics listening, and dvd watching with high quality headphones- like h280s.

[TomaHawk47x]

anyone?

[Captain Slug]

Preferrable Brands: Gateway, Dell, Sony, and KDS.
From what I've heard the other brands are iffy. All the newer LCD monitors will be great for gaming. Ghosting is only a problem with generic laptop LCDs or the oldest LCD monitors.

[Speed_Mechanic2]

Basically there is no best. All the 16ms 17" use the exact same Panel. If you want a "best" then it would be best to wait to see what comes out next. If you don't care to wait, then either a BenQ 767 or NEC 1760V (or 1760NX for DVI) would be fine choices.

Before you buy, you should look into the slight-issues people are having with these 17" 16ms panels.

[nealric]

From what I've heard the other brands are iffy

Ive heard (and seen) good things about samsung lcds. Apparently they have an excellent rma policy too.

[krag]

Originally posted by Speed_Mechanic2
Basically there is no best. All the 16ms 17" use the exact same Panel. If you want a "best" then it would be best to wait to see what comes out next. If you don't care to wait, then either a BenQ 767 or NEC 1760V (or 1760NX for DVI) would be fine choices.

Before you buy, you should look into the slight-issues people are having with these 17" 16ms panels.

What do you mean by "slight-issues?"

I just bought a behQ 767 16ms 17" lcd.........:eek:

[TomaHawk47x]

is DVI worth it?

[UnLoadeD]

Sony SDM-S73 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=property&DEPA=0) this looks like it might be a good choice. Its a Sony, 16ms response time, rest of the specs seem decent. I haven't heard anything about them tho. Also they are $410 w/$40 Instant Rebate + Free Shipping= $370. Also they are nice looking, too bad the black ones are outta stock at the moment. If I were gonna buy one now, I think this would be my choice.

peace.
unloaded

Edit: Link above doesnt work, here's the sony LCD Page, scroll to the model:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&catalog=20&manufactory=1112&DEPA=0&sortby=14&order=1

Edit2: Black model has ETA 10/24 and only $30 rebate.

[Hookem]

NEC MultiSync 1760NXBK-1 17" LCD Black Monitor - Retail

That is the one at newegg that has 16ms response times

the one you linked to has 25ms response times

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=manufactory&manufactory=1591&catalog=20&DEPA=0&sortby=14&order=1

It is the one that is 469.00

Another option is the Hitachi CML 174...It has the same screen as the Benq's with 16ms respone times....:)

[Speed_Mechanic2]

According to Sony, the SDM-X73 (Not the SDM-H73) is a true 16ms 17" LCD. Although I was not aware that Sony used AU Optronics 16ms panel, so I'm not sure what panel this is. If it is a "second-generation" 16ms panel, it would be a great buy, albeit somwhat untested. If it is the AU Optronics 16ms 17" panel, then it still comes out to be the best deal on a DVI-D 16ms 17" LCD (with the 1760NX costing more)


SDM-X73/B (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=24-006-052) SDM-X73 (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=24-006-051)

[Pixel]

personally i would get the nec because they have the benqs at skool so i wouldnt want to seem like a theif! haha anyways the necs are really nice go for it!

[TomaHawk47x]

is DVI worth the extra $$? how much of difference does it make?

[UnLoadeD]

Originally posted by Speed_Mechanic2
According to Sony, the SDM-X73 (Not the SDM-H73) is a true 16ms 17" LCD. Although I was not aware that Sony used AU Optronics 16ms panel, so I'm not sure what panel this is. If it is a "second-generation" 16ms panel, it would be a great buy, albeit somwhat untested. If it is the AU Optronics 16ms 17" panel, then it still comes out to be the best deal on a DVI-D 16ms 17" LCD (with the 1760NX costing more)


SDM-X73/B (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=24-006-052) SDM-X73 (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=24-006-051)

I cant find any specs on the X73's response time. Not listed on newegg, and I couldn't even find the monitor on Sony's site, if somebody can point me to the specs, I'd appreciate it.

peace.
unloaded

[deathman20]

I got a NEC MultiSync LCD1760V. Thing works great no problems at all and no Dead Pixels (got it back in August). You got 60 and 75Mhz refresh rate at 1280x1024 but 60 is the recommended. Picture quality is great and also has a wide viewing angle too. I'd highly recommend it.

[TomaHawk47x]

but does DVI make a noticeable improvement? should i spend the extra $50 or so for an lcd with dvi or go with analogue? whats the difference?

[deathman20]

I don't have DVI on my monitor because I wanted the 16ms refresh rate on it. From what I've heard DVI is crisper. Don't qoute me on that but if not mistaken thats what I heard.

[GeneStarwind]

I got my DELL 1800FP, and I must say... it r0x0rs your face for gaming. It came as a bundle with the LCD (18.1inch), palm pilot, and 2.2GHz celery computer (basic model) for 589 bux, about 8 months ago... what a steal!

Could've sold the comp for $300, the palm for $50, which would have brought the monitor to 240 bux.

[JoT]

Benq: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?description=24-014-022
Sony: http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?DEPA=0&submit=Go&description=SDM%2DS73%2FB

I'm wondering about the same thing as TomaHawk; from reading this thread it seems that the Benq and the Sony S73 are both good monitors (I've always heard really good things about Benq). Right now, on Newegg, the Benq is $379, and the Sony is $410 (I'm looking at the black ones, if anyone wants to say anything about it). They have the same contrast ratio (500:1), the same refresh (16ms), same max resolution (1280x1024), same viewable area (17"), same connector (VGA), and the Benq is brighter by 10cd/m2 (a near-insignificant amount, it seems). The Benq also has built-in speakers, whereas the Sony does not.

Both get lots of stars for reviews (almost all 5's for both).

The Benq is $379, but $15 shipping = $394
The Sony is $410, free shipping.

So in the end, the Benq is a slightly better deal, it appears. Unless someone can point out something better than that Benq, that's where my money is going soon :D

[Aktunka]

I personally bought the NEC 1760 and I love it! Works awesome. Actually, from what I remember seeing, there are two different 16ms panels that have been being used up to this point, the AU Optronics and some other one. Supposedly the BenQ is also a great monitor. One thing to keep in mind before you buy though. Some manufacturers or retailers will kind of try to trick you on the response times. Whereas the NEC has a full 16ms response time, some will claim a 16ms response time but that will only mean 16ms rise time, and then to get the true picture you have to add the fall time to that. As I understand it, the actual response time is the combination of the rise and fall, or time to come on and time to turn off. So basically be wary. Good luck.

[Ad Rock]

Originally posted by Speed_Mechanic2
Basically there is no best. All the 16ms 17" use the exact same Panel.

Really? I was under the impresion that there were several different panel manufactures. Toms has 4 listed in their latest reveiw. They may be close but exact I dont think they are.

[Speed_Mechanic2]

There are more out now. But many listed in this thread (NEC and BenQ) use the same AU Optronics 17" 16ms panel.

The other rated 16ms panel is the LG/Samsung version.

The Hyundai (under a new name) panel is a 20ms, although much more consistant in a variety of response times.

[Bleed]

check out Planar PX171-SI (http://www.gamepc.com/labs/view_content.asp?id=planar17&page=1&cookie%5Ftest=1&MSCSProfile=95385A1F52DEA1A229D5B37542054464DDA9F7 9A424AAD039A4DF3F1FA6222B01E6991486A5015084B9345AD 9A322C8F2B98B466815B13E5D59ADC5D3ECF9F8404DC5AFCD5 E1CB9896CE4B2FBE27441D2A318DE279916809F19F6A27F52A 843AF65AB2FD3D57340DD5D1DB9755752854EB5495C76E4213 0E7BF833C6C29137B700E7D65A25BA6F98)

Linky (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productlisting.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&category_id=210) just scroll down a bit and you'll see it. 310 shipped, and if you have dell coupon, take 25 dollars off :eek:

[TomaHawk47x]

so does dvi lag response time?

[Matthias99]

No. Where did you hear that?

And up until just a few months ago there *were* only two 16ms panel manufacturers, AU Optronics and Hyundai (now called HyDis). Now LG and Phillips have them as well. The recent THG review compares all of them, so take a look there before you buy anything.

[Radical]

I have the BenQ, and I really like it. No ghosting at all, and it has a really sharp picture.

[JoT]

Originally posted by Bleed
check out Planar PX171-SI (http://www.gamepc.com/labs/view_content.asp?id=planar17&page=1&cookie%5Ftest=1&MSCSProfile=95385A1F52DEA1A229D5B37542054464DDA9F7 9A424AAD039A4DF3F1FA6222B01E6991486A5015084B9345AD 9A322C8F2B98B466815B13E5D59ADC5D3ECF9F8404DC5AFCD5 E1CB9896CE4B2FBE27441D2A318DE279916809F19F6A27F52A 843AF65AB2FD3D57340DD5D1DB9755752854EB5495C76E4213 0E7BF833C6C29137B700E7D65A25BA6F98)

Linky (http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productlisting.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&category_id=210) just scroll down a bit and you'll see it. 310 shipped, and if you have dell coupon, take 25 dollars off :eek:

I did not see the monitor you mentioned on that page, and the cheapest monitor on it is a Benq, but it's not the 767. Newegg still has a great deal on this LCD, in fact, the price on the Benq dropped $10 and shipping by $5 since my last post. The Benq is now a $379 17" 16ms LCD, shipped.

[TomaHawk47x]

is DVI worth the extra $$ u pay? is it that noticeable?

[Matthias99]

DVI has several advantages.

The first (and biggest) is that the signal doesn't need to be switched from digital (in your computer) to analog (in the cable) back to digital (in the LCD screen itself). This gives a cleaner signal and theoretically improves picture quality.

Digital signals are also nearly immune to line noise, which is helpful in electrically noisy environments like computer labs (or your desk, depending on the setup).

You also never have to adjust the size or geometry of a DVI connection, since it directly drives each pixel rather than providing an approximate analog signal.

Most monitors will also set brightness, colors, and contrast automatically with a DVI connection (although these may still need to be adjusted to get optimal settings).

In the future, more and more electronics and AV equipment is going to go to DVI as standard. Some HDTVs can already take a native DVI input from a computer or other digital source, and you're just going to see more of it as digital TV becomes standard.

In short, yes, it's better. It might not be worth the extra cash on a small, cheap 15" LCD, but I wouldn't spend $400-500 on a screen that doesn't have a DVI input.

[deathman20]

I'd like to know on the DVI part too, was thinking of getting another monitor and could use a DVI link to hook that up. If I don't get a DVI guess I'd just use my DVI converter.

Edit: Ahh as typing the question is answered :)

[JoT]

Originally posted by Matthias99
DVI has several advantages.

The first (and biggest) is that the signal doesn't need to be switched from digital (in your computer) to analog (in the cable) back to digital (in the LCD screen itself). This gives a cleaner signal and theoretically improves picture quality.

Digital signals are also nearly immune to line noise, which is helpful in electrically noisy environments like computer labs (or your desk, depending on the setup).

You also never have to adjust the size or geometry of a DVI connection, since it directly drives each pixel rather than providing an approximate analog signal.

Most monitors will also set brightness, colors, and contrast automatically with a DVI connection (although these may still need to be adjusted to get optimal settings).

In the future, more and more electronics and AV equipment is going to go to DVI as standard. Some HDTVs can already take a native DVI input from a computer or other digital source, and you're just going to see more of it as digital TV becomes standard.

In short, yes, it's better. It might not be worth the extra cash on a small, cheap 15" LCD, but I wouldn't spend $400-500 on a screen that doesn't have a DVI input.

So you're saying spend the extra $11 to get DVI (on the NEC over the Benq), lose speakers, and lose 50:1 in your contrast ratio? Any idea on how that 50:1 actually affects the monitor? (speakers don't matter to me, though they'd be nice, but if DVI is actually better, I want to justify it)

[Matthias99]

The consensus from most LCD reviews that I've read is that contrast ratios are a) highly inaccurate and b) highly inflated. You'll often see monitors with the *exact same panel*, and which subjectively look the same, rated at vastly different contrast ratios. I would not sweat a 50:1 difference (like 450:1 vs. 400:1). And speakers are irrelevant as far as I'm concerned, as I have real 5.1 speakers for my computer. :)

I would definitely spend the extra $11 (you're griping over $11?!) for DVI.

[fuzzba11]

I love my DVI goodness...especially since my 9700 pro supports dual output, I just have to run both an analog and a DVI cable out the back to get dual monitors, without having to troubleshoot an extra graphics card.

[TomaHawk47x]

Originally posted by Matthias99
The consensus from most LCD reviews that I've read is that contrast ratios are a) highly inaccurate and b) highly inflated. You'll often see monitors with the *exact same panel*, and which subjectively look the same, rated at vastly different contrast ratios. I would not sweat a 50:1 difference (like 450:1 vs. 400:1). And speakers are irrelevant as far as I'm concerned, as I have real 5.1 speakers for my computer. :)

I would definitely spend the extra $11 (you're griping over $11?!) for DVI.

the NEC with DVI is $470, the one without DVI is $400 on newegg.

[JoT]

Originally posted by Matthias99
(you're griping over $11?!)

Actually I'm just being picky because I had previously decided on the Benq :D

And I believe Tomahawk is correct, the NEC = lots more than the Benq to include DVI.

[Rashio_UK]

JoT, which benq are u thinking about getting now?
i was looking at the fp767 is that what u are thinking about?

[JoT]

Yeah, that's the one, the 791 is way too much, might as well get the Planar...which it looks like I may be getting one of the two lol.

[TomaHawk47x]

i dont think u guys understand:

benq fp767 = $380 analogue
nec 1760v = $400 analogue
nec 1760nx = $470 DVI

the difference between dvi and analogue here is $70, not $11.

[Speed_Mechanic2]

SDM-X73 - $426 - Analog and Digital

[JoT]

Originally posted by TomaHawk47x
i dont think u guys understand:

benq fp767 = $380 analogue
nec 1760v = $400 analogue
nec 1760nx = $470 DVI

the difference between dvi and analogue here is $70, not $11.

Yeah, I figured it out when you pointed it out :p

[TomaHawk47x]

so has anyone noticed any type of difference going from analogue to DVI?

[TomaHawk47x]

woah, this one caught my eye:

Sony 17" Black Flat Panel LCD Monitor, Model SDM-X73/B

Specifications:
Panel Type: a-SI TFT Active Matrix
Contrast Ratio: 500:1
Brightness: 300cd/m2
Viewing Angle (H/V) 160°/140°
Pixel Pitch: 0.264 mm
1280 x 1024 @ 75 Hz Max Resolution
Connects Via HD15 (Analog) and DVI-D (Digital)

its $506-$60 instant rebate ($446) on newegg. what do u think?

[Heatsinkguy]

i got lv lcd for 225 15'

[Speed_Mechanic2]

Originally posted by TomaHawk47x
woah, this one caught my eye:

Sony 17" Black Flat Panel LCD Monitor, Model SDM-X73/B

Specifications:
Panel Type: a-SI TFT Active Matrix
Contrast Ratio: 500:1
Brightness: 300cd/m2
Viewing Angle (H/V) 160°/140°
Pixel Pitch: 0.264 mm
1280 x 1024 @ 75 Hz Max Resolution
Connects Via HD15 (Analog) and DVI-D (Digital)

its $506-$60 instant rebate ($446) on newegg. what do u think?

You can save $20 by going with the Bezel model, (SDM-X73). Same model, just differant color
http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage.asp?image=24-006-051-01.JPG/24-006-051-03.JPG/24-006-051-05.JPG/24-006-051-04.JPG/24-006-051-02.JPG

[TomaHawk47x]

Originally posted by Speed_Mechanic2


You can save $20 by going with the Bezel model, (SDM-X73). Same model, just differant color
http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage.asp?image=24-006-051-01.JPG/24-006-051-03.JPG/24-006-051-05.JPG/24-006-051-04.JPG/24-006-051-02.JPG

odd, i cant seem to find the x73 monitor anywhere on the sony website. it only lists the HX73, and it looks completely different. is the x73 discontinued? btw, im gonna go black, since my case, kb, and mouse are all that color.

[acesea]

I just glanced over most posts so I apologize If I am repeating anything, but here it goes...
First off, definately go dvi, whether that be deciding on getting a monitor with this input, or as simply as just getting the cable. Ive tested analog vs dvi on a couple of monitors, and some showed the difference more than others. In most cases you have to really be trying to pick it out, but what I did notice was that in the analog case the image itself when examined was not as sharp as that of dvi due to the simple fact that as mentioned theres interference and the conversion is not perfect etc. Another thing I noticed is that in one case on the analog screen, if i payed close attention I was able to see slowly that refresh line travel across my monitor, it was very subtle, yet noticeable, this in itself goes to show how different the signal is, cuz as we all should know, the dvi signal does not need to refresh itself as its actually a constant signal to each lcd pixel.

Next is regarding specs, dont take contrast ratios and luminance all to heart. For the most part these are (hopefully) educated guesses on the manufacturers behalf, yet in some other cases the figures are definatelty upped to look better.
Lastly, dont expect much from, if anything, from the speakers.