Monitor Upgrade for Old PC

fomorian

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Hello:
How are you? My Dell Dimension 5100 (XP) monitor died, and I read older video cards may not work properly with new monitors. PC has original video card but monitor is currently black w flashing power button so cannot access. I've used this machine 10 years w just some extra memory and was surprised to discover no one repairs monitors, maybe they never did. Wasn't expecting to be monitor shopping but would like to upgrade from original 19" Dell to 27-32" if no repair option :)
Thank you,
Mike
 
Solution
So if I got the system correct, you should have a ATI Radeon X300 SE video card. The maximum resolution for digital (HDMI, DVI, Display port are most common digital) is 1920x1080 and the max resolution for analog (VGA most common) is 2048x1536.
Do you happen to know if this is your video card? If it is you can run the bigger monitors at 1080p.

Jonesie995

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So if I got the system correct, you should have a ATI Radeon X300 SE video card. The maximum resolution for digital (HDMI, DVI, Display port are most common digital) is 1920x1080 and the max resolution for analog (VGA most common) is 2048x1536.
Do you happen to know if this is your video card? If it is you can run the bigger monitors at 1080p.
 
Solution

fomorian

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Hi, Jonesie -- Happy New Year and thanks for your answer . . . that sounds like it; it's def ATI Radeon. I'll take to shop to confirm . . . assuming that's it, any monitors in 30" range you'd recommend? Dell has worked for me since 2005 but open to suggestions :)
 

Jonesie995

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What country are you from? I can use a specific website if you would like. Also, what will you be doing on this computer? I just need this information so I can get the right response time, frequency and such.
Dell makes nice looking monitors, so since you seem to be a fan heres an example of what you could get: http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=210-ADJE

The main thing to make sure you get, is optimal resolution is 1920x1080 (since we live in an age where digital is necessary), theres no point in getting a 4k monitor when you can only display 1080.
Also just make sure you have to correct video cable so you can display it (the one I posted has 1 VGA and 1 HDMI)
If you want anymore help in deciding Ill be more than happy to help, and Happy New Year to you too! :)
 

Jonesie995

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Alright then, any price limit? Obviously it wont be anything to massive since its "low quality" resolution for the size. I've found some monitors though, I firgured Newegg is well known, so I went onto Newegg and found these monitors (not all are Dell, also they are scaling in what I believe is best to worst for you, top being the best, bottom is the worst)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824022039
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236393&leaderboard=1
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009626
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824005609

 

Jonesie995

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The main reason why the one at the top is going to suite you better is because the contrast ratio is nice and high (3000:1) and the response time is good (4ms) I guess speakers just sorta came as a bonus. But just because the ones at the bottom arent at the top, doesnt mean they are good, theyre all good, and are quite cheap. The Samsung at the very top has a "Gaming mode" which enhances colours, it sounds like a load of rubbish, but I personally have Samsung monitors and I love gaming mode, it actually does a terrific job!
Dont feel like you have to go with the monitors I showed you though, you can always findsomething similar to what I found you.
Have fun searching :)
 

fomorian

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Great insights, thank you Jonesie. I'll try to stick to the nicer contrast ratio and response time specs.
Would these monitors be compatible with a new machine in the future by adjusting resolution settings?
 

fomorian

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Thanks, good to know . . . and these monitors will display as well on the Dell 5100's card as my old 19", look sharp and use the full screen area? I just want to ensure it's the same visual quality and not a step down. Thanks!
 

fomorian

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Thanks again, Jonesie -- will order pending any additional guidance re: best retailers for customer service/warranty for broken pixels, defective screens, etc. Thanks!
Mike
 

fomorian

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Hi, Jonesie: How are you?
All set to purchase the Asus VS278Q-P 27" but just discovered the Asus VG248QE 24" with faster 144Hz refresh rate and same 1ms pixel response time.
I'd like a 27" screen -- would it be worth the sacrifice in size for a 144hz vs 60hz refresh rate -- and would this advantage be visible on my Dell Dimension 5100?
Thanks again for your time,
Mike
 

Jonesie995

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A 27" monitor compared to a 24" monitor is quite a bit different, and the size is very noticable, but if your not bothered by size, go for the 24".
And you should be able to get the best out of the monitor on your Dell Dimension :)
I personally think a 60hz refresh rate is enough, but its just my personally preference.
 

fomorian

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Agreed . . . the 144 Hz model looks better overall.
Monitor size vs. refresh speed now final question before order.
Posted that question last night for pros & cons. Thanks again, Jonesie!
Mike