Widescreen versus 4:3 LCD monitor

[TQ]

Sounds like a plan!

[PGIV]

Whatever size you get, you should always run an LCD at its native resolution or it probably will look like crap. A 19" 4:3 LCD usually has a native resolution of 1280x1024. My 27" dell widescreen and my 28" Viewsonic widescreen have a native resolution of 1920x1200. All my favorite games (HL2, COD2, MOHA, etc.), when set for 16:10 widescreen in the game, run at 1920x1200 and look fantastic. Of course you'll need a pretty decent video card to run well at that resolution.

[Ford Freak]

I like 4:3 personally. I have been looking for a new laptop. Most of the ones I like CPU/video card wise have a stupid widescreen LCD with that shiny finish that I really hate also. I'm going have a hard time finding one I like.

I'd go for the 4:3 if you aren't going to watch movies on it. I'd rather not take the chance on stuff getting stretched in games.

[spookyload]

Don't usually link to other forums but this is the be all end all to gaming in widescreen. It will show which games are compatible native and how to work around other games.

Main Page - WSGFWiki

[GWillakers]

I think you are getting off track...

Why buy an interim system that you really don't want?

You said earlier that it is not the video card that is holding you back...
so why not just buy the best wide screen that you want?

I think you will enjoy the added realestate even if you don't get record breaking FPS.

You can spend your hard earned bucks on the MB and graphics card that you really want when they come available. And you will be in a position to more appreciate just what your new hardware actually does for you.

All those additional hassles for an interim system,
ya got all the cables,,,
heat sink flat ,,,
processor flat...
how well does it cool?
does it post?...
load the software... drivers... chipsets...

You know what you want...go for it...
Life has too many diversions...

[zapionics<alt>]

Originally Posted by GWillakers

I think you are getting off track...

Why buy an interim system that you really don't want?

You said earlier that it is not the video card that is holding you back...
so why not just buy the best wide screen that you want?

I think you will enjoy the added realestate even if you don't get record breaking FPS...

Well, the 20" LCD's run at 1680x1050, and I was concerned about my FPS at that res. Originally I was thinking about a widescreen 19" which run at 1440x900 but FearFactory pointed out that this is causing many people grief because many vid cards dont support that res, so then I was thinking about building the "interim" system and just getting a 22"... so many decisions.
Anyone got any experience with a X1950 Pro (AGP) at that res?, its not documented anywhere I can see.

Actually, I think a 22" is too big for a desk and computer gaming! (Unless you are sitting several feet away.) A 20" would be ok.

I'll try running some games at that res on my CRT now and see how it goes.

[zapionics<alt>]

Originally Posted by spookyload

Don't usually link to other forums but this is the be all end all to gaming in widescreen. It will show which games are compatible native and how to work around other games.

Main Page - WSGFWiki

Awesome site!

[Descent]

I found this post -

8600GT or 512mb x1950pro - Video - PC Hardware

and a quote from it -

FYI I run Oblivion and Bioshock at 1680 x 1050 with max settings on my 512mb x1950pro and get good framrates (i.e no lag). I can under certain circumstances get some lag in Oblivion when outdoors with lots of actors in combat but its not a common occurance.

So yea, at least one person seems to be doing alright with that card.


And if your worried about compatibility issues with games and widescreen, well, I don't think you should be. I was too, but I took the plunge and got myself a 24" widescreen. I would never go back.

I've had zero compatibility issues, I don't think there's any games coming out nowadays that don't support widescreen. And the ones that don't, you can force the drivers to use the res you want.

And if you're thinking a 22" is too big for gaming, well, let's just say I wouldn't mind having a 27" or 30" if they didn't have some resolution issues that bothered me.

Edit: Also, I wouldn't go with a widescreen unless it was 20"+. Just my opinion.

[Aggemam]

Originally Posted by Descent

[SNIP]...And if you're thinking a 22" is too big for gaming, well, let's just say I wouldn't mind having a 27" or 30" if they didn't have some resolution issues that bothered me.

Edit: Also, I wouldn't go with a widescreen unless it was 20"+. Just my opinion.

I agree. 22" really isn't that big. I just bought a Samsung 226BW. Like it alot. Also for gaming.

[zapionics<alt>]

Originally Posted by Aggemam

I agree. 22" really isn't that big. I just bought a Samsung 226BW. Like it alot. Also for gaming.

Yeah, I've been eyeing that one off, seems very nice. What is its native res? How are the black levels, especially dark scenes in games?

[Aggemam]

Originally Posted by zapionics<alt>

Yeah, I've been eyeing that one off, seems very nice. What is its native res? How are the black levels, especially dark scenes in games?

I haven't had it long, but read at lot of positive reviews before I bought it. Black is really black, not that dark greyish some displays show. Native res and other specs:

22" (wide) viewable area;
2ms response time (grey-to-grey);
300cd/m²
Contrast ratio: 1000:1 (but with 3000:1 'dynamic' preset);
DVI-D, VGA;

From bit-tech.net:

"Some displays tend to struggle with shadow areas but the contrast ratio and the adjustable gamma curve option on this monitor means that you won’t have a problem, whatever the ambient light conditions."

Full review: Samsung SyncMaster 226BW

Also, if you're married this display has a great WAF.

[Descent]

I'd just like to say, even though it's probably irrelevant, I love my LG 24"

But it was a toss-up between the LG and a Samsung. They make some really nice panels.

Mods Rigs - My Setup

[zapionics<alt>]

Originally Posted by Aggemam

I haven't had it long, but read at lot of positive reviews before I bought it. Black is really black, not that dark greyish some displays show. ...

some good info there, that debate about A versus S model is interesting.
How is the monitor for 4:3 gaming? Does it s t r e t c h it or does it box it?
(I mean games that dont have widescreen option. I have some older games I like to play sometimes)

[ATINUT]

Originally Posted by zapionics<alt>

some good info there, that debate about A versus S model is interesting.
How is the monitor for 4:3 gaming? Does it s t r e t c h it or does it box it?
(I mean games that dont have widescreen option. I have some older games I like to play sometimes)

Viewsonic's Widescreens, like my VG2030wm, will stretch a 4:3 game like Dungeon Siege 2 using this as an example to widescreen. Don't know about other brands, such as LG and Samsung.

[jrefronc]

My Sceptre naga 20.1" refreshes as fast as my GeForce8600 card can pump out. Quake 4 is so imersive I lose many hours. Haven't had a single frame rate issue even in the largest environments with any game. Personally I wouldn't make or break the decision on native resolution as long as response time is up there. Windowing 2 apps side by side is priceless, and most videos resize no problem. Good luck!