Things to look for in shopping for a monitor?

Xarune · 10-04-2009, 11:53 AM

Hi, working on my first build, I have all the parts good to go, except for a monitor. I really don't have a clue about monitors other than higher resolutions tend to be better. So I have a few questions I was hoping to get answered.

1. Any brands to look for/avoid? I know with many other parts there are brands that are much better than others.

2. Can a computer run two different resolutions on two different monitors at the same time?

3. What type of connections/cables should I be looking for?

4. Any other general specs to look for on a monitor?

I was hoping to run two monitors, one larger, nicer one, 22in +, and then a cheaper smaller on 20in or so for the second one. That way I can run games and stuff on the larger one, and use the smaller one for internet browsing and applications that do not rely on graphics.

The video I will be using is:
an EVGA GeForce GTX 275 896MB 448-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130475

I wouldn't mind speakers but I don't require them. Any help is great, thanks!

**Tyree** · 10-04-2009, 01:12 PM

Do you have a budget in mind?
Samsung is always a good choice for quality assurance.
I've been using Acer lately and I'm very pleased with them.
Look for a minimums of 1000:1 Contrast Ratio (Not the DC or DCR ratio) and 5ms Response.
This is the Acer I've been using and recommending.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009145

Xarune · 10-04-2009, 01:27 PM

I was hoping that the two monitors combined would cost somewhere around $250-350

Xarune · 10-04-2009, 02:04 PM

If I have two monitors with of 2 different resolutions, can I run them both of one card, one at a higher resolution than the other?

**Tyree** · 10-04-2009, 02:50 PM

The 22" Acer I linked to is $160. Two of those keeps you in your budget.

10-04-2009, 11:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
Xarune Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 21 OS: Windows Vista Business 32 Bit	Things to look for in shopping for a monitor? Hi, working on my first build, I have all the parts good to go, except for a monitor. I really don't have a clue about monitors other than higher resolutions tend to be better. So I have a few questions I was hoping to get answered. 1. Any brands to look for/avoid? I know with many other parts there are brands that are much better than others. 2. Can a computer run two different resolutions on two different monitors at the same time? 3. What type of connections/cables should I be looking for? 4. Any other general specs to look for on a monitor? I was hoping to run two monitors, one larger, nicer one, 22in +, and then a cheaper smaller on 20in or so for the second one. That way I can run games and stuff on the larger one, and use the smaller one for internet browsing and applications that do not rely on graphics. The video I will be using is: an EVGA GeForce GTX 275 896MB 448-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130475 I wouldn't mind speakers but I don't require them. Any help is great, thanks!

10-04-2009, 01:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,600 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: Things to look for in shopping for a monitor? Do you have a budget in mind? Samsung is always a good choice for quality assurance. I've been using Acer lately and I'm very pleased with them. Look for a minimums of 1000:1 Contrast Ratio (Not the DC or DCR ratio) and 5ms Response. This is the Acer I've been using and recommending. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824009145 __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.

10-04-2009, 01:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
Xarune Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 21 OS: Windows Vista Business 32 Bit	Re: Things to look for in shopping for a monitor? I was hoping that the two monitors combined would cost somewhere around $250-350

10-04-2009, 02:04 PM	#4 (permalink)
Xarune Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Colorado Posts: 21 OS: Windows Vista Business 32 Bit	Re: Things to look for in shopping for a monitor? If I have two monitors with of 2 different resolutions, can I run them both of one card, one at a higher resolution than the other?

10-04-2009, 02:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tyree Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: May 2009 Location: Illinois Posts: 5,600 OS: XP Pro-7RC-Mandriva My System	Re: Things to look for in shopping for a monitor? The 22" Acer I linked to is $160. Two of those keeps you in your budget. __________________ Posting your PC specs will help us to help you quicker and more efficiently.