Gaming and Video on LCDs

[Sisyphus]

OK, now I'm beginning to feel foolish for purchasing my ViewSonic VX900 last May and making plans to use it as the monitor for my new build, with the intention of using the system for gaming and viewing videos. I've been using it with an older system, and never for anything more demanding than photo editing.

I have a strong preference for the advantages of LCDs (physical aesthetics, space saving), but it seems as though their disadvantages really become quite evident in running games and video apps (and I was considering using SLI!). I recently read in Tom's Hardware Guide that the VX900's 25 ms response time is not quick enough for enjoyable gaming and video viewing.

Has anyone had any experience to validate or contradict this?

BTW, what's a "dead pixel" and how can one tell if one has them?

[ak_honda]

dead pixels are pretty much a spot where the color doesn't come in like it's supposed to. i have a LCD monitor and i have a couple - i really notice them on dark backgrounds like black - it's just a blue spot in the screen that isn't supposed to be there. it's really small don't notice it with daily use *unless watching a movie and there's a dark scene* but i've gotten over it. i don't find having only a few little dead pixels work replacing the monitor yet.

[RJ]

I recently read in Tom's Hardware Guide that the VX900's 25 ms response time is not quick enough for enjoyable gaming and video viewing.

That's correct. The VX900 has a MVA panel, which is a slow one. It's the only weakness of MVA, otherwise it's the superior panel technology. But well, it is slow and therefore the response time must be extraordinary low in order to render a MVA panel good for gaming.
25ms on an MVA is worse than 50ms on a TN. If you want a gaming MVA panel, then get one with 12ms. 16 ms should be ok, too, but it's already the limit, so you'd be better off with 12ms.

RJ

[fedz]

How about you try before you buy? I also have a slow LCD, but I decided to try it for gaming and the ghosting really isn't that bad. I've decided to keep it. I suggest you try that before buying another monitor. Chances are you won't find much at fault

fedz

[Sisyphus]

Originally Posted by fedz How about you try before you buy? I also have a slow LCD, but I decided to try it for gaming and the ghosting really isn't that bad. I've decided to keep it. I suggest you try that before buying another monitor. Chances are you won't find much at fault fedz

Yeah, I believe that's going to have to be my approach. Does it still make sense for me to purchase an nVIDIA GeForce 6800 GT 256MB video card?

[Alaron]

Originally Posted by Sisyphus Does it still make sense for me to purchase an nVIDIA GeForce 6800 GT 256MB video card?

If you want to play games, yes by all means buy that card, its a great addition to any system. However, the card won't help the LCD with its possible ghosting. At 25ms, its likely you'll see some ghosting, but its up to you to try it out and see if it bothers you too much. If it does, look for an LCD with a 12ms response time. Samsung 710N-2 LCD

HTH

[fedz]

Well, if a X800XT-PE works I don't see why a 6800GT shouldn't...

fedz