Questions about 22 - 24" monitors

[dporter]

Ok, so last year I bought a 22" monitor for around $199. At that time I had just sold our outdated pc and only used the monitor for the xbox 360 and as a dual monitor for my laptop at work. I never played any pc games on it. Then I sold it because I needed a mountain to try and get into shape. So now I have a mountain bike rusting out back and I'm using a very old CRT to game on.

I believe that this year the 24" monitors will be the hot deal on black friday so that is what I'm saving for. The only thing is that a friend has discouraged me from getting a monitor that big because the strain it puts on the video card. Currently I'm using a 7600gt but have plans on upgrading to a 8800gts (640mb) around christmas. If I run a game like Graw 2 at my current resolution (1024x768 I believe) on a 24 or 22 inch monitor is it going to look extremely distorted or put a huge strain on my system? I'm sure the new video card will help things a lot but I'd still like to be able to play on a monitor that large with my 7600 as well if possible.

I haven't decided yet whether to go for the 22" or 24" yet but prices are looking really good lately on both. Newegg had a few 22" monitors for around $199 and a 24" westinghouse for $399 (HD 1080p). Incredible deals. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

24" Westinghouse L2410NM $399.99

I bought the 22" westinghouse last year and it was an amazing monitor. I've seen this one in stores and it looks really sleek and sexy. I think retail thought had it closer to $600 in store.

[Rocky]

The only thing is that a friend has discouraged me from getting a monitor that big because the strain it puts on the video card. Currently I'm using a 7600gt but have plans on upgrading to a 8800gts (640mb) around christmas. If I run a game like Graw 2 at my current resolution (1024x768 I believe) on a 24 or 22 inch monitor is it going to look extremely distorted or put a huge strain on my system? I'm sure the new video card will help things a lot but I'd still like to be able to play on a monitor that large with my 7600 as well if possible.

With a new LCD you'll really want to play the game at the monitor's native resolution, for example mine is a 20" at 1680x900. If you play at another resolution you will notice the display is not as sharp, especially with text. Buying a big LCD and then using it at anything other than native would be a backwards step.

I have a 7800 GS 512Mb, and it runs games fine at my native res, so if you upgrade to a 8800 you can be sure you won't have any problems, but the 7600 might struggle.

If it did, I would be doing all sorts of graphics option tuning before thinking about changing the screen res away from native though.

[Pave Low]

With a new LCD you'll really want to play the game at the monitor's native resolution,

Buying a big LCD and then using it at anything other than native would be a backwards step.

I would be doing all sorts of graphics option tuning before thinking about changing the screen res away from native though.

Oh yes, you should most definitely use the monitors native resolution

It's true that a higher resolution will naturally increase the demand on the card....

But if you do find lower frames or "non-smooth" gameplay, then you should be looking to gradually lower the eye candy and effects little by little until it runs smooth instead of ever considering running a non-native res, as that is a cheap short cut that defeats the point in having a larger monitor

but as you indicated getting a more powerful card, will be the perfect compliment to a bigger monitor and allow you to have your cake and eat it

[dporter]

Great guys, thanks for the answers.

I should have clarified that I would definately be using the native resolution for everything but games such as browsing, work, and other things on the 7600 card. My crappy laptop was able to run it at its native resolution (1680x1050) with no problems for basic stuff, text was extremely clear on those settings. I just don't know if I'd be able to run graw 2 or other new games at that type of resolution on a 7600 card but I think I might just go for the bigger monitor and if the games don't look that great then it will be more motivation to get the higher video card.

Thanks for the feedback.

[dporter]

Ok,

So I think maybe I'll just go with the 20". http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16824112007

It has the same resolution so I'm going to have to struggle with it for awhile on my card but it will save me close to $240 ($399 24", $159 20") which I can use towards a new card. I'll be giving up 4" but I think it will be worth it. Plus I'm finally going to be investing in a HD TV this Christmas so I don't really need an extremely large monitor.

Side note: For those of you looking to get into the HD TV market Circuity City has an amazing deal on a sweet samsung set - Samsung LNT4042H 40" 720P LCD HDTV

Its $899 ($999 sale price, plus 10% off using this link)

I was looking at a very nice 37" Olevia but this 40" Samsung is a much nicer set for only $200 more. Also if you are going to get a HD set this Holiday season make sure it has HD tuner built in. Almost every new tv set has this now and I have not really seen any price difference for models with it and without it. The HD tuner built in lets you pick up over the air HD channels in your area with a simple antenna for free. I can't remember the website but if you put in your zip code it will tell you which channels are available in your area and how well you'll be able to pick them. I'm 30 minutes from Richmond (capital of VA) but I was able to pick up several HD channels and about 30 or so digital channels using our neighbors sony bravia and a $50 antenna from radio shack. Looked really nice.