Looking for New Monitor - What to Look for?

L3a7ck14 on 25/05/2015 - 00:39

Whee, first post on OzBargain.
I've been wanting to get a second monitor for quite some time now, but was restricted by my old desk (had shelves, and was closed off). I recently built a new desk, which has enough space for more than one monitor.
I've currently got a 19" ViewSonic VX1945wm-3
I plan on getting another monitor as a primary, and use my existing one as a secondary.

I plan to use the monitor mostly for gaming (Battlefield, Skyrim, etc.). I've asked some friends about this, and while they, like me, know about things inside a desktop case, none of them are particularly knowledgeable when it comes to monitors.
One of them has suggested the 24" 1ms BenQ RL2455HM, which goes for $229 on MSY the last time I checked, which seems pretty decent, but I want to explore my options first.

Anyway, my questions are:

What's a reasonable price range for a monitor? I'm looking for a 24" one, since apparently that's the go-to monitor nowadays, but others should be fine.
I've had a look on MSY, and in the gaming section, they go for $200-500. I have no need for a 144Hz monitor, 60Hz is quite fine for me, and I'm going for a budget of hopefully no more than $250.

ms response time: What's considered 'decent' - also, what kind of panel should I look for? TN or IPS?

Are there any brands that you particularly (dis)like?

I'm running an AMD HD7870 graphics card - will it be able to hold up with a 1440x900 and a 1920x1080 monitor simultaneously? Oh, and when I meant for gaming, I meant only on one screen at a time.

Anything else to look out for?

Oh, also, a monitor with adjustable height preferable, but not necessary.

Thanks in advance,
Namdrib

Computing

Comments

  • Charity on 25/05/2015 - 03:18
    -2

    the monitor is one of the most key parts to a computer system. Don't be tempted to skimp. You will not do your GPU justice.

    As a rough guide, spend the same amount as you have on your case (+ internals).

    As a business user + ex-gamer , three 27" 1440p 120Hz IPS panels are the absolute sweet spot, IMO. Esp if you're into simulators. If not, just one will do. Even moving the windows mouse pointer is eye-candy.

    If you are on a budget perhaps just 1 x 24" will be still OK, but make it a 1200 or 1440p IPS panel as a minimum. Seriously anything less is just landfill next year + hurt your eyes + you will be spending more $ again.

    Having said all that, not sure how you are still using a Viewsonic 19" in the year 2015! lol That's fine though, anything will be a big step up. Good luck in your search ☺

    • [Deactivated] on 31/05/2015 - 09:57

      I almost completely agree, I think you should spend the same amount on your desktop as your peripherals. Good screen and headphones with decent keyboard and mouse makes the whole experience much better/$.

  • Audisez on 25/05/2015 - 11:31

    "24" 1ms BenQ RL2455HM" I definitely do not recommend this monitor, a 60hz TN panel for $229 seems really bad to me.

    Have a look at this guide:

    http://www.144hzmonitors.com/gaming-monitors-buyers-guide-ma…

    Although it is aimed at an American audience, I think a lot of the information can be applied to Australia anyway. My top 3 recommendations from that list would be:
    1. QNIX 2710(or other korean monitor, more info here: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2404455)
    2. BenQ XL2411Z
    3. Acer Predator XG270HU

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