Need a good monitor for gaming

[thethinkerbox]

I'm looking for a good, high quality gaming monitor. It needs:
-A Good Price
-23" is the best but 21.5" would work too
-Good Warranty
-A response time suitable for some heavy online play
-1920px1080p resolution
So far I've come up with these:
-ASUS VG236H (Although I do not want 3D, given I use ATI)
-Alienware OptX AW2310
-Alienware OptX AW2210
-Acer T230Hbmidh
Thanks for your time!

 

[rofl_my_waffle]

It seems you are looking specifically for 120hz displays. In that case your options are pretty limited as only TN panels have 120hz.

You won't get anywhere near the best picture out of a TN based monitor but at 120hz, you would get the smoothest picture.

Among all the 120hz monitors. THe Asus VG236H you have up there is one of the best. However you do not want the 3D vision kit. In that case the Asus retailing for $500 has very poor value.

I recommend the Acer GD235HZ. Its practically the same thing as the Asus. Glossy screen, faster response time, and 120hz. Doesn't come with a 3D vision kit so its considerably cheaper. It isn't as bright as the Asus, usually monitors are too bright but 3D glasses really hammer brightness but you aren't going for 3D anyway.

I can't recommend the Alienware because of high price without much added quality. Not to mention slower response time. 3ms is usually considered blazing fast but 120hz needs a little bit more.

The only thing bad about these panels is that none of them come pre-calibrated like professional displays. So you won't be getting the best colors these monitors have to offer. Even with that said the Acer GD235HZ is still pretty good out of the box. Could always be better but theres no point spending the money of the monitor itself on a calibration tool.

 

[thethinkerbox]

So let's say I want a very good monitor suited well for gaming, but under $400, is 120mhz worth the extra bucks? Should I go for pre-calibrated? What recommendations do you have?

 

[rofl_my_waffle]

Personally I think 120hz is definitely worth the extra $120 or so.

Pre-calibrated IPS based monitors are indeed very good for color but in the end, a better image quality probably won't increase your score. While a smoother 120hz display might.

If you play competitive shooters often, I suggest something with 120hz. While RPGs and RTSs probably doesn't need it.

I still recommend the Acer GD235HZ as a 120hz monitor.

 

[thethinkerbox]

Best answer selected by TheThinkerBox.

 

[thethinkerbox]

Thank you very much for your input, I've looked at that model before and I do like it, the only downside that I can find is that apparently the stand is terrible. But that's very minor.