Good budget monitor

[brew182]

Hey there,

Looking to pick up a monitor for a build that I just ordered. The graphics card I'm getting is Radeon HD 6850 and I'm looking to play at 1600x900. Newegg has this deal going on for a few more days
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009317&cm_sp=Cat_Monitors-_-Sale-_-24-009-317
I'd like to keep it around that price range if I can, but obviously if I can't, I can't. I don't want anything cheap, but I don't need anything top of the line either. I'm thinking $120 is my absolute budget but I'd only go that high if it was worth it.

I've been looking at ones with the LED backlight. I'm assuming they're better but how much better are they?

Thanks!

 

[MagicPants]

LED back lighting just uses less power and turns on faster. They don't look any better at all.

Unless of course, you are buying one that uses a grid array of LEDs in three colors to extend the gamut, but those are a couple grand ($2000) at least.

 

[brew182]

LED back lighting just uses less power and turns on faster. They don't look any better at all.

Unless of course, you are buying one that uses a grid array of LEDs in three colors to extend the gamut, but those are a couple grand ($2000) at least.

Oh wow, didn't know that at all, thanks! Do you know if the radeon hd6850 can do 1920x1080 resolution for games on high without any lag? Also, what are good brands to stick with?

 

[MagicPants]

The 6850 should be fine. Just keep in mind that you can get a 6870 for $159 (or $139 with rebate). So if you're paying close to that, you might as well upgrade.

Looking down the list of 6850's on newegg, I don't see any manufacturers I'd particularly avoid. If I was going to buy one myself, I'd go with Asus or Xfx.

Just try to buy one with the standard or "reference" design (one fan in the middle of a box with a vent out the back of the card.)

 

[brew182]

The 6850 should be fine. Just keep in mind that you can get a 6870 for $159 (or $139 with rebate). So if you're paying close to that, you might as well upgrade.

Looking down the list of 6850's on newegg, I don't see any manufacturers I'd particularly avoid. If I was going to buy one myself, I'd go with Asus or Xfx.

Just try to buy one with the standard or "reference" design (one fan in the middle of a box with a vent out the back of the card.)

I was actually talking about the monitor for brands , thank you for the input though! I did end up getting a 6850 because it was just on the edge of my budget and couldn't go any higher.

I ended up picking up a monitor today. Dell 21.5" LED 1920x1080 from Best Buy
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+21.5%26%2334%3B+Flat-Panel+LED+Monitor/3176069.p?id=1218382979807&skuId=3176069&st=s2230mx&cp=1&lp=1

I've been playing around with it and it looks good 😀

 

[brew182]

Best answer selected by brew182.