Help deciding on an LCD for FPS gaming

[Guest]

I've read most of the posts here, and while they help a lot, they are also making my decision much harder!

I want an LCD primarily for playing FPS games on. I am very limited in space and need to use an LCD. I can spend up to $800 but would rather get a real quality 15" than a decent quality 17". Additionally, dead pixels are a pet-pieve of mine and I need to be able to replace it if the pixel is driving me nuts. I would pay extra to get a flawless LCD.

I was sold on the EIZO from toms article, but I can't find anyone that guarantees no dead pixels (i.e. return policy). I called EIZO, and they said they only replace an LCD if it has more than SIX DEAD PIXELS! OMG. But you guys seem to be saying there are monitors that rival the specs and performance of the EIZO.

Can anyone recommend an LCD for FPS gaming, and a place to buy it from that will allow me to return it if there are dead pixels? Interestingly, Best Buy does allow you to return ANYTHING within 14 days and I confirmed that includes LCDs with ANY dead pixels. But they have a crap selection of LCDs and really high prices from what I can tell.

All help is appreciated!

Ron

 

[Guest]

I've read most of the posts here now, and it really looks like the Compaq is the right monitor for me. HOWEVER, nobody carries them around here (Chicago area) that will allow me to return it if it has dead pixels.

Also, I can't find the refresh rate of the TFT5030. Is it the same 25ms as the TFT7020?

Ron

 

[frankjp]

I'm also from the Chicago area. Have you tried CDW at all? I'm not sure of their policy...

The 5030 does have a 25ms response time. The 8030(pricey) has a 20ms response time.

 

[Guest]

Yes, they are always my first choice always for returnable items, although Krex computers is where I do most of my CPU/motherboard shopping.

CDW has a restriction on Compaq monitor returns unfortunately, but they don't on the very similar Planar and Princeton versions (apparently uses the same screens as they have almost identical specs). They will replace for any reason in the first 30 days. I'm simply going to test it in the showroom, which they said they will allow. The Planar and Princeton also have USB hubs and swivel portrait to landscape, but the Princeton has better resolution options. Stealing from the Princeton site, I found:

Princeton SENergy 750
- 17.4" Active Matrix TFT Display
- Digital and Analog Interfaces
- 160º Super Wide Viewing Angle
- Multi-Domain Pixel Technology
- 400:1 Super High Contrast Ratio
- Ultra Fast 25ms Video Response Time
- High Brightness and Contrast
- 1600 x 1200 Maximum Resolution
- Sleek One Touch Control Dial
- Positional High Resolution On-Screen Display
- Four-Way Ergonomic Adjustment: Tilt, Swivel, Height and Pivot
- Pivot® Enabled (Portrait Display Pivot® software included)
- VESA® Wall/Arm Mount Ready
- Built-in USB Hub
- Advanced Digital Zooming and Panning
- Plug and Play Ready
- TCO'99 Compliant
- Full 3-Year Limited Warranty

I'm going to wait to see if anyone has any reason that I shouldn't get the Princeton, and if it's all thumbs up, I'm getting it tomorrow as they have them in stock.

Ron

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by computerboy on 01/24/02 02:27 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[frankjp]

I was under the assumption that going higher than the Native resolution wouldn't produce a good picture. I have a GF3 card with a DVI connection so I am using that and had planned on using the 1280x1024. Is the 1600x1200 going to even be useful?

Thanks!

 

[Guest]

Realistically, probably not. I wouldn't use it. It's just that if they feel comfortable rating the highest resolution at 1600x1200, they must feel pretty comfortable at 1280x1024 which is the higest I would ever use it at. To me, it's just more reason to feel comfortable that I'm getting a quality product is all.

Ron

 

[Guest]

Why not just order the TFT7020 direct from Compaq? Shipping is free, and they have excellent customer support + return policies on their high end business products like the TFT5030, 7020, and 8030.

I just purchased a TFT7020 and if not satisified I will return it for a 5030, and if not satisfied with that I will return it for my money back.

Plus, the Compaq business department is one of the few companies in the world that you can call and get a straight answer from every single rep you talk to. It may not be an answer you like (ie - currently out of stock on a replacement panel and they won't be in until next week), but you'll get the same response from every single rep.

I just don't see how that is a bad deal? Well, other than the fact that I only WISH I could afford an 8030.. but hey, we can't have it all, can we?

-eep

 

[Guest]

Compaq has a no-questions-asked return policy? That changes things. I'll call them up.

Ron

 

[Guest]

I just spoke with them, and while they had never heard of a dead-pixel return policy, they stated that you can return a product for ANY reason within 30 days and they felt that was including pixel defects. Additionally, their monitor appears to be less expensive than the Princeton and Planar that I see at CDW, although I'm sure I could dicker until it was the same price. In any case, the direct Compaq purchase is sounding real good to me right now.

Ron

 

[frankjp]

Yeah, the free shipping is enticing. That's why I'm still researching it. There are a lot of raves about the 7020, and the 5030 and 8030 as well. I may hold out for the 8030, but that is pricey. Thanks for the info...

 

[flamethrower205]

I have a TFt7020, which costs $800, and is a top of the line crazy ass LCD, and the pic is amazing. Unreal is like woah! Plus the silver looks nice😉 I would go for that, and if you are a student, go for an educational discount- free 2nd day air+ I got my TFT7020 for $645!! Uh, btw, TFT5030 has 20ms response time. I'm not too sure if the TFT8030 will be very nice, cause 300:1 contrast ain't good (otherwise I woulda gotten that if it had 400:1!). Also, the DVI on the TFT7020 is sweet- now the only limit to how sharp it is is your vision! And about the customer service- yeah, it is great. Also, dead pixels aren't that bad, consider how many pixels u do have on a display, and then 3 out of that- I mean for a TFT7020, that's 1310720 pixels in total- 3 won't matter.

Only if you let me see the Umpa Lumpa- Homer Simpson.

 

[flamethrower205]

going higher than the max res will do weird shiit man, don't consider that. It'll just pull weird interpolation crap on u.

Only if you let me see the Umpa Lumpa- Homer Simpson.

 

[SDLeMire]

Dead pixels toward the edge of the screen are kinda like horizontal damp wires, only noticeable if you look for them. But right smack in the middle? Very noticeable. Make sure you CAN return within 30days at least, for any reason.

 

[frankjp]

Sorry about the mistake on the 5030, 20ms is great. I may still consider the 5030 as well, it sounds like a nice monitor. I'll have to see how much I can get the 7020 for, it sounds like that has more positive reviews by users....

Thanks

 

[SoBizarre]

<i><b>"Uh, btw, TFT5030 has 20ms response time"</i></b>

Yeah, I saw it on Compaq's site and I have only one thing to say: <b>BULLSH*T!</b>

How come no other manufacturer who is using 15'' Sharp panels in their monitors, claims it has 20ms response time?

20ms my as*...

 

[Guest]

Ok, I placed the order today with Compaq (over the web) for a TFT7020. They say there's a 14 day return-with-no-questions-asked and that's good enough for me. Everything that I've seen says this is a great monitor for playing games and customer support will help me out if there's problems. So plunging into the water. 😉

I requested 2nd day shipping so I'll have it Tuesday or Wednesday. I'll post my impressions an stuff then.

Ron

 

[flamethrower205]

Aw, is someone jealous?

Only if you let me see the Umpa Lumpa- Homer Simpson.

 

[Guest]

I agree with the SoBizarre.

I doubt the Compaq has 20ms responce times. I never seen any monitor that has less than 25ms. What did COMPAQ find a new way to lessen the response times?

Compaq is just trying to take advantage of people that are obsessed with specs. Or it's a misprint. This just gives them a reason to charge some of the highest prices on the LCD's on the market for no apparent reason.

 

[flamethrower205]

First off, $645 is not expensive for a top of the line LCD. What is wrong w/ having a 20ms response time? That is highly posible- considering that MVA can be pushed to 20ms response time. I belive that somehow Sharp's technology maybe a spinoff of MVA- ie it made it better, but it could be a totally different technology. In that case, ask how they pushed TN film on the L365 to 25ms!

Only if you let me see the Umpa Lumpa- Homer Simpson.

 

[Guest]

It made it better? Ok, I have to jump in here, because it does seem odd that this is the only LCD with a 20ms Respond time. Have any sites reviewed and tested the LCD to see if the response time was correct?

Jack Burton is a great man...

 

[flamethrower205]

There have been reviews, and in high motion, there hasn't been ghosting. You draw conclusions.....

Only if you let me see the Umpa Lumpa- Homer Simpson.

 

[Guest]

Well there wouldn't be ghosting at 25ms either. I want to know if they are falsely advertising their product.

Jack Burton is a great man...

 

[flamethrower205]

And how do u plan to do this?

Only if you let me see the Umpa Lumpa- Homer Simpson.

 

[Guest]

Well personaly I would not know how to test it, but I am sure there has been a reviewer or will be that will do so.

Jack Burton is a great man...

 

[SoBizarre]

Well, I've send E-mail to the guy who did TFT comparison on THG and I hope he can help us to clear this matter. If Compaq's flat panels have in fact response times as advertised, it would make them <b>by far</b> the fastest in the market. If that's the case, we have the perfect solution for gaming and DVD watching; If not, we have yet another company trying to trick people to buy their products. We shall see if THG is going to give us some answers...

Cheers,
SB