New Build - What case and monitor should I get?

[lhwj0619]

Hey,

This is the second time I've built whole new PC, but the first time round i didn't choose the parts and that was 4 years ago, I'm planning to build a new gaming PC that can play games maxed out (ie crysis, cod, gta4). I've been scavenging around for the past month looking for the lowest prices for the internal components I want, but I'm missing a monitor and a case. I haven't had much experience with moniters so i don't know how to choose one and same goes for the case.

here's the parts I have so far:

- Intel i7 920
- Gigabyte EX58 - UD5
- OCZ Gold PC3-12800 6GB
- 2x XFX GTX 285
- WD VelociRaptor 150GB
- Enermax Revolution 85+ 1050W
- TRUE Black 120
- Windows Vista 64bit SP1

The total amount I paid for all the parts was $1122, considering that one of the GTX285s, the PSU, the Hard drive and the OS are not new.

My budget is around $500 for both the case and monitor.

please give me some suggestions, comments about the parts I have are also welcomed!

lhwj0619

 

[kevin1212]

There are a lot of monitors to choose from on Newegg. But as a minimum, given your video card setup and budget, make sure you get a 1920x1080 or 1920x1200 at least, so you could start by narrowing down your options to those.

My preference is acer monitors, they usually have great value. I'm not going to recommend any specific ones, since so many of them are alike.

Something like $350 tops for a monitor plus $150 for a case seems like a reasonable split, but you could get both for much less if you're willing to save.

You could post a couple of your choices and get some opinions.

Edit: You should definitely get a full tower case. This one seems to have great value:

COOLER MASTER HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160

 

[tecmo34]

I would recommend one of the three cases.

Antec 1200 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129043 ) Retails at $169.99
Antec 902 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129058 ) Retails at $139.99
CM 690 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137 ) Retails at $79.99
CM HAF 932 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160 ) Retails at $ 139.99

All four cases are outstanding for cooling and have been part of many threads of which is better. I lean towards the Antec 1200 but I'm bias 😀 !!

As for monitors... with 2x GTX 285's I would recommend 24" + monitors. Anything less would be overkill for your two graphics cards. I've listed a few that are rated as top sellers on Newegg.

ASUS VK266H Black 25.5" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236046 ) Retails at $369.99
Hanns·G HG-281DPB Black 27.5" 3ms Widescreen HDMI LCD Monitor ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254026 ) Retails at $349.99
SAMSUNG T240HD Rose-Black 24" 5ms HDMI Widescreen HDTV Monitor ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001280 ) Retails at $329.99


I would say the best bang for your buck would be to get the CM 690 case and the Hanns-G monitor which will cost $429.98, since both currently have free shipping!

 

[lhwj0619]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the suggestions, for the case I think I'm going for the Cooler Master HAF 932, it seems to have good cooling features and most reviews are quite positive.

I'm still looking for a monitor, the ones you given me are quite nice, I looked at a guide to buying LCDs last night and there was something about panels like TN, S-PVA and IPS do you know what the differences are and what's best for gaming? If not I'm probably going for the Asus not since it's a big brand.

Also do you think there will be any compatibility issues with the parts I've chosen?

Thanks

lhwj0619

 

[kevin1212]

All your parts are fine, that is a beast man.

 

[nerrawg]

Hard to say - monitors can be a bit of a personal choice matter - you will probably find some good ones here in you're budget if someone doesn't have any specific advice:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010190020%204019&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&Order=RATING

 

[Helloworld_98]

If you want to make the most of those cards then you'll want a 1920x1200 resolution at least, Try and get the smallest monitor for that resolution so for 2.3mp it's a 22" and for 2.55mp (2048x1152) it's 23".

 

[baddad]

This would be a good buy http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009173 I've been using a 24"Acer for gaming and it looks great.

 

[lhwj0619]

Hey,

Again thanks for all the suggestions.

Before I put my money on to either the Acer or the Asus from previous suggestions I'd like to ask whether the aspect radio affects the quality of the screen during gaming, like 16:9 and 16:10 which would be better? Also is input lag a major problem? I heard it effects online FPS like COD4 with issues like ghosting although I've never had those problems before on the monitor I'm using now (viewsonic VA1912w). I play COD a lot so i was just wondering.

Many thanks

lhwj0619

 

[Helloworld_98]

1) It's best to get a 16:10 monitor, more screen space when you go on the Internet etc.

2) For gaming you probably want a monitor with a max of 5ms input lag however some people can use 8ms monitors fine, it's all a matter of how good your eyes are.

 

[ehanger]

I highly recommend the Antec 1200 I have the 900 (the 1200's little brother) and it is a beast of a case. For the monitor just get any good 1920 x 1200 res with 5ms or less latency that is at least 23" wide.

 

[lhwj0619]

So just to clarify one last time:

1) 16:10 is good and the resolution for it is 1920 x 1200

2) a good monitor should have or less input lag/latency

3) something above 23" would fulfill those requirements

Also i think i'm gonna stick thing the CM HAF 932, reviews have said that the Antec is quite noisy when it's on full load (ie fans at max and so on) plus the HAF looks like it can handle more upgrades.

lhwj0619