HELP! Need A New Monitor for Gaming!

[Harorld]

I've got a new rig on it's way from CyberPower PC and was hoping if someone who knows a lot about monitors can direct me to a couple of options in the $300 range.

I'm confused, is larger better? I don't need the holy grail of monitors, obviously, but I'd like something that's expansive and works superbly with FPS gaming and 3D applications like 3DS Max and Maya.

Here are the specs on my new system:

CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-950 3.06 GHz 8M Intel Smart Cache LGA1366
Hard Disk 1: 300GB Western Digital VelociRaptor 10,000RPM SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache WD3000GLFS
Hard Disk 2: 500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD
RAM: 6GB (1600 mhz)
MOTHERBOARD: ASUS LGA 1366 - Intel X58 - True USB 3.0 & SATA 6Gb/s - ATX Motherboard P6X58D-E
VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce GT 240 1GB 16X PCI Express

 

[Harorld]

It's so confusing, in the $300 range I'm seeing 27" Asus monitors and 23" Samsungs.. I thought that I read somewhere to avoid Samsungs.. am I wrong?

Ah! Someone help!

 

[Harorld]

Additionally, I'm not too keen on the speakers-built-into-monitor situation as I'll probably be using a proper sound system and headphones.

 

[Emperus]

Samsung manufactures some of the best professional level monitors.. Their monitors have great styling and design.. However, i prefer LG over Samsung when choosing a TN panel (entry level) monitor.. For your budget and your needs though, the Dell UltraSharp 2209WA and 2211H are good options..

 

[jaguarskx]

Since you are working on graphics I recommend the Dell U2311h which as an e-IPS panel for better colors and viewing angles. Currently selling for $290 before tax & shipping.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Displays/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&sku=320-9270

See the following review for the U2311h:

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/dell_u2311h.htm


See the following review of the U2211h that was recommend above by Emperus. For gaming the U2311h is actually a bit better because of lower input lag.

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/dell_u2211h.htm