New multiboxing/gaming rig - monitors

Ok, so here's the deal:

I'm building a new rig to replace my completely inadequate laptop. I'll be using one of the new i7's, currently looking at the 2600k. The bit I've been waiting for is the Z68 chipset which will enable better overclocking and use of the Lucidlogix Virtu. So hopefully that all comes out in May as rumored. The problem I've run in to is this: for graphics I've settled on the 6950 since with the right manufacturer this can be updated to unlock the extra shaders. A 6970 for the price of the lesser. I'll be using 2 of the 2GB versions giving me plenty of VRAM for multiboxing and anything else. The real problem comes in here. Eyefinity requires at least 1 monitor to be hooked up using the Display Port. I've been looking for good 23" Display Port monitors and the pickings are slim. They are either low-quality ones not really suited for gaming (~$200), or very expensive ones that may or may not be good for gaming (~$400 and up). I'd like to have three monitors, so I also have to consider bezel size.

Where can I find quality gaming monitors that have these features:
23"
Thin bezel
Display Port hookup
Wide color gamut
Fast response time
Good contrast
Around $300

So far no luck. No Fry's in town either.

You may want to look into getting a MiniDisplay to DVI Adapter like this one
http://www.amazon.com/Accell-B087B-0.../ref=pd_cp_e_2

I have an ATI 5870 that I use to power 5 monitors. I picked 3 of the adapters, and one of the dual link adapter (which you dont need unless you get a larger monitor like 30').

I had no luck at finding a decent monitor that supported mdp.

IPS is the best but I am satisfied with this company which is dirt cheap:

http://reviews.cnet.com/lcd-monitors...-33664930.html


With the cheap cost you can easy afford some adaptors.

hanns-g (hanns-spree) are good monitors IF you do not plan on keeping it for awhile. They usually have a low working life span and the warranty is 1-year limited.I have seen many people complaining about the monitors stop working after the one year mark on various tech forums (could be user error or cheap parts, this is very subjective). Also they have terrible viewing angles with a lot of blacklight bleed when compared to many other TN paneled monitors.

also keep in mind that small bezel monitors are more expensive then the other monitors. TN panels have low response time (good for gaming) but suffer from backlight bleed. IPS panels are a little more expensive but have great viewing angles and colors but have gaming response time problems. This was when I bought my hanns-g HG281D around 1-half years ago so maybe the technology got better.

here is a decent site for widescreen gaming, they also compare different monitors pro's/cons and see how they work with eyefinity. http://www.widescreengamingforum.com/

Quote:

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Originally Posted by eternaldrk

Ok, so here's the deal:

I'm building a new rig to replace my completely inadequate laptop. I'll be using one of the new i7's, currently looking at the 2600k. The bit I've been waiting for is the Z68 chipset which will enable better overclocking and use of the Lucidlogix Virtu. So hopefully that all comes out in May as rumored. The problem I've run in to is this: for graphics I've settled on the 6950 since with the right manufacturer this can be updated to unlock the extra shaders. A 6970 for the price of the lesser. I'll be using 2 of the 2GB versions giving me plenty of VRAM for multiboxing and anything else. The real problem comes in here. Eyefinity requires at least 1 monitor to be hooked up using the Display Port. I've been looking for good 23" Display Port monitors and the pickings are slim. They are either low-quality ones not really suited for gaming (~$200), or very expensive ones that may or may not be good for gaming (~$400 and up). I'd like to have three monitors, so I also have to consider bezel size.

Where can I find quality gaming monitors that have these features:
23"
Thin bezel
Display Port hookup
Wide color gamut
Fast response time
Good contrast
Around $300

So far no luck. No Fry's in town either.

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first question I have is on why you are worried about unlocking all of your shaders. wow typically isn't too graphically intensive unless you have all of the bells and whistles turned on. in all reality, you don't want your slaves video quality settings set to a high standard since you should be using screen swapping when you go between characters. view distance and particle density are really the only two things that you need to have turned up if to do things ingame.

second thing I am wondering about is your requirement of "fast response time" on your monitor search. Is this going to be your main monitor that you are staring at all of the time or is it going to house all of the slaves. if for slaves, who cares about response time, as your brain usually plugs in what data it thinks it is seeing in periphal vision. something missed by a few extra ms shouldn't matter if the monitor is not in your primary field of vision.

good luck though :P

I guess I should have been more specific as to the purpose of this rig. I won't just be boxing with it. I will also be playing other games, including FPS's, across all three monitors. That's why I want the unlockable 6950's and monitors with fast response time.

Thanks for the info about the DVI adapters. Not sure if I'll need just 1 or 2. The 6950 I'm looking at getting has 2 DVI ports, but one is single and the other is dual link. Regardless, that will expand the choice of monitors a great deal.

Everything burningforce says is correct. I use IPS and perfer IPS over all others, ya there might be a bit delay but compared to all the other delays in your system and internet connection its minimal.

I have 5 of these: HP2335, its the same IPS panel Apple uses. You might find a deal on those on ebay but they are discontinued.

My 28 inch Hannspree is holding out well but I don't have any off axis reason to watch it.

It's funny that you brought up IPS monitors since last weekend I happened in to a Best Buy to see some monitors IRL. The selection definitely wasn't great, and 23" was the largest, they did have an awesome sale on the LG IPS236V monitor. I read the reviews and it turns out that aside from the stand not adjusting height, it's an amazing value for the price. It was on sale for $229 each. So anyone looking for a good deal on 23" monitors might want to check these out.