What is the best 1920x1080 monitor?

ArcticWonder

Distinguished
Dec 16, 2011
269
1
18,790
Hello everyone. I'm wondering what the best 1080p monitor is. I'm talking in terms of color depth, clarity, speed (as in 5ms or 2ms etc), sharpness, how dark the blacks are and how bright the whites are, just the ultimate best picture for a 1080p monitor. I'm looking to upgrade from an AOC e2343f (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824160054). Thanks guys, I hope to have tons of submissions and wind up with a winner.
 

mbreslin1954

Distinguished
I think my Dell U2412M is the best, but it's 16x10 instead of 16.9 (1920x1200). It's an IPS panel and has a USB hub in it. I use it for some gaming (Crysis 2) and have no problems with it. I find I value the extra vertical height of 1200 pixels over the standard 1080. 1920x1080 is great for movie watching but not for viewing web pages, Word documents, or working with spreadsheets. Although it lists well over $300, it frequently goes on sale for under $300.

I know this isn't exactly what you were looking for, but I had to plug my monitor. I really like it.
 
If you're looking for the best 3D monitor that will also play great in 2D, then you should choose between the BenQ XL2420T and the ASUS VG278H. Both incorporate nVidia's 3D Vision 2 with 3D LightBoost which greatly improves the overall 3D experience.

While the BenQ doesn't disappoint as far as specifications with a 2ms response time, 120Hz refresh rate, low input lag, and a great picture, The XL2420T comes with a lot of other features built-in to this monitor specifically for gamers including FPS Mode, RTS Mode, Intuitive OSD, S. Switch;Height Adjustment, and Game Mode Loader.

If you just want this monitor for the 2D technology, then you might want to consider its predecessor, XL2410T, which is significantly cheaper and has many of the same features as the XL2420T, but has nVidia 3D Vision rather than 3D Vision 2.Here's a couple of budget LCD gaming monitors that you should consider. While these monitors may not have the latest LED technology and all the fluff that comes with it, they still have some of the lowest response times and input lag in the market.There might be some of you who think that an IPS panel monitor doesn't belong on this list. Other's might think that the only thing worth putting on this list is an IPS panel monitor. While there are advantages to each, the Dell UltraSharp U2412M sticks out as a great value e-IPS display with decent color reproduction, wide viewing angles, and a low 9.4ms input lag.

Ultimately with the Dell U2412M you get one of the better pictures available in the $300 range and a IPS monitor that won't bog you down while gaming.

ASUS VH236H

The Asus VH236H A.K.A. EVO has been around for many years. While many models and styles get updated this monitor continues to be used in professional gaming tournaments due to it's low price, 2ms response time, and 8.3ms input lag.

While it's no IPS display the picture is still good bolstered by its full HD 1920×1080 resolution and 20,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio. If you're willing to go a little bit smaller and are willing to stay in the same price range, then you could also go with the Asus VE228H 21.5" monitor, which is LED, has a 7ms input lag, and 2ms response time. For $30-50 more you could also go with the ASUS VE248H, the 24" version of this model. Budget Gaming Monitors

http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-VH236H-23-Inch-Full-HD-Monitor/dp/B002453K5G%3FSubscriptionId%3D19BAZMZQFZJ6G2QYGCG2%26tag%3Dsquid1056067-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB002453K5G
http://www.amazon.com/VE248H-24-Inch-Full-HD-Integrated-Speakers/dp/B0043T7FHK%3FSubscriptionId%3D19BAZMZQFZJ6G2QYGCG2%26tag%3Dsquid1056067-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0043T7FHK
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-PX2370-23-Inch-Widescreen-Backlight/dp/B003HFG6S0%3FSubscriptionId%3D19BAZMZQFZJ6G2QYGCG2%26tag%3Dsquid1313771-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB003HFG6S0
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00413PHDM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=hhmsquiddiscount-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00413PHDM

Great Gaming Monitors In No Certain Order

http://pcpartpicker.com/mr/amazon/acer-monitor-etug5hp001
http://www.amazon.com/Asus-VG278H-27-Inch-Integrated-Speakers/dp/B0063BM5NK%3FSubscriptionId%3D19BAZMZQFZJ6G2QYGCG2%26tag%3Dsquid1313771-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0063BM5NK
http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-XL2420T-Professional-Gaming-Monitor/dp/B006HIKIG0%3FSubscriptionId%3D19BAZMZQFZJ6G2QYGCG2%26tag%3Dsquid1140819-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB006HIKIG0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236201&cm_mmc=BAC-MaximumPC-_-BOTB-_-NA-_-NA&nm_mc=ExtBanner
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005JN9310/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=hhmsquiddiscount-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005JN9310
 
As far as which monitor is for you all depends on a lot of factors Response Rate


The response rate of an LCD monitor refers to how quickly each pixel on the screen can change color. The lower the response rate, the faster the screen updates. If you are playing fast-paced action game for example, where the images change quickly, if you're playing on a monitor with a slower response rate, you may experience what is known as "ghosting". Ghosting happens when the previous image displayed on the screen can still be seen as a blur for moments after the image has changed.


When choosing the best gaming monitor, the response rate is perhaps the single most important factor to consider. Ghosting and motion blur can ruin your overall gaming experience. The faster the response rate of your monitor, the less ghosting you will see.


I would say that an LCD with a response rate of 5ms is the minimum for gaming. Lower than 5ms is better of course (remember that the lower, the faster), and the very best gaming monitors on the market have extremely fast response rates such as 2ms and lower to avoid any ghosting/blur issues completely.



LED vs LCD Monitors


LED monitors are the exact same as LCD monitors, except they use LED backlighting which provides some advantages such as a brighter and sharper display, thinner screen, and lower power usage.


LED monitors currently cost a little more than a standard LCD, but if you want the best gaming monitor then I would definitely suggest you buy one. If not, a standard LCD monitor with a good response rate will do just fine.



What Size Monitor?


Ultimately, the size you go for is totally up to you and how much you're willing to spend. Obviously the larger the screen, the more expensive it will be, but for the best gaming monitor experience I would suggest at least 19", and go for a widescreen LCD if you can. Nothing beats gaming on a nice, decent-sized widescreen monitor.


If you want the most immersive gaming experience possible and you have the money to spend, go for a quality 23" or 24" screen, or even 25" and above. After gaming on such a massive screen you won't ever want to go back to a smaller screen!



Contrast Ratio


The contrast ratio of a monitor can be a helpful spec to generally compare picture quality between different monitors. In general, the higher the contrast ratio, the better the picture quality.


With high contrast ratios your screen can produce deeper black levels, which creates a more immersive and visually sharp experience. Keep in mind that the contrast ratio isn't always an accurate measure of image quality, so don't use it solely to compare two monitors as there's more to it than that.



Viewing Angle


If you look at an LCD monitor from an angle, you will notice that the image appears dimmer and the colors can look weird. At extreme angles the entire image can even disappear. The viewing angle of an LCD monitor is the angle at which you can still view the screen clearly, and is usually listed in the monitor's specifications list.


The greater the viewing angle, the better, but for gamers the viewing angle doesn't really matter because you are looking directly at the screen the whole time. But there are some people who will consider the viewing angle important, for example if you need to show presentations with your LCD monitor.



Matte vs Glossy Screens There are two kinds of modern LCD screens: matte (anti-glare) and glossy. Both have their pros and cons and are a subject of many discussions.


Matte screens don't get glare or reflections on them; however, the same rough surface (polarizer) that reduces the intensity of reflected light results in less contrast and brightness since the light from the LCD screen has to pass through it. Matte screens diffuse light instead of reflecting it so they might be easier to read outdoors, if the backlight provides enough brightness. You don't have to worry about reflections unlike with a glossy screen. One of the downsides of a strong anti-glare coating in matte displays is a grainy "crystalline" pattern which is mostly visible when viewing text on a white background.


Glossy screens have vibrant colors and high contrast and brightness because they have a smooth, high-gloss surface. As a result, it is often the choice for movies or gaming. However, strong lighting sources in the environment cause glare on these screens which is not only annoying, but can also cause eye strain and pain. If the lighting isn't adequate, you will also see distracting reflections on the screen. Some graphics designers may find the colors inaccurate, although that mostly depends on the LCD matrix. Glossy will work great for you if the lighting in your room doesn't create any glare on the screen. 120Hz
Why a 120Hz Refresh Rate Computer Monitor?
120Hz Vs. 60Hz
120 Hz vs. 60Hz Refresh Rate - Source: BenQBoth response time, the time it takes for a pixel to go from black to white and back again, and input lag, the difference in time that it takes for you to input a command into your computer and see it displayed, are very well-known terms in the gaming community. Few gamers think about the impact that a higher refresh rate will have on their game.


What is Refresh Rate?


Refresh rate is basically the amount of times in a second that a monitor will draw the data which it receives. Most TN and IPS panel monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate. In order to really see all the advantages that come with a 120Hz display you should be gaming at an FPS well above 60.


Benefits of 120Hz:


1. Details are more crisp, smoothly rendered, and lifelike.
2. More Responsive
 

ArcticWonder

Distinguished
Dec 16, 2011
269
1
18,790
I currently have an AOC e2343f, which is 60hz, LED, 21'. The colors are a little "brighted" out.. Not sure how to describe it. Matte finish. If there's nothing with a better, deeper, more quality image I might just not upgrade. I dunno.