Monitor advice (Dell U2713HM)

[knobshine]

I've decided it's time to upgrade my monitor. My current monitor (Sony SDM-HS95 - 19" 4:3) has lasted me a good 5 years now but it's time to go IPS and widescreen me thinks.

I've been looking at the Dell U2713HM. It's quite pricey (for me anyway) at around R6000 but I don't mind dropping that kind of cash on something that will hopefully last me another 5yrs or so.

Just wanting some feedback from anyone that's used one of these before. How does it perform for gaming? I see the response time is a bit high but that's par for the course for IPS panels compared to TN ones apparently. Just want to know how noticeable it is. I'm not a pro gamer taking part in clan tourneys or anything but still want good performance.

So yeah, any feedback or advice on alternatives would be much appreciated.

Didn't think trying to decide on a new monitor would be this daunting. Way more difficult than picking a new gfx card.

[The Joker]

I deal with these questions on a daily basis.
You should know, that no ips monitor displays perfect out of the box, they all take some tinkering and messing with settings so be warned.

Monitors I would recommend for gaming:

Zalman TM270VA

LG E2770V-BF

Samsung S27A550H

Samsung S27A950D

[knobshine]

I deal with these questions on a daily basis.
You should know, that no ips monitor displays perfect out of the box, they all take some tinkering and messing with settings so be warned.

Monitors I would recommend for gaming:

Zalman TM270VA

LG E2770V-BF

Samsung S27A550H

Samsung S27A950D

Shot for response!

I don't mind messing with settings, I actually enjoy it. So that isn't an issue for me.

I've never used a Zalman product before and can't really find any reviews for their monitors so I'm not too sure about it.

I looked at the S27A550H but was put off by the fact it didn't have DVI. Small gripe but still it bothers me. The S27A950D specs look good and it has some good reviews but I just don't like it's shape. (damn I'm picky)

The LG also looks good, but if I'm going 27" I'd really like to get something with a 2560x1440 res. so that I'm covered in the future when I upgrade my gfx card.

Also all these monitors are TN panels. Keen to get an IPS for the improved colours. As I said I'm not a pro gamer so response time and ghosting don't have to be perfect.

And here I thought choosing a monitor would be piss. So many factors to consider :P

[The Joker]

Shot for response!

I don't mind messing with settings, I actually enjoy it. So that isn't an issue for me.

I've never used a Zalman product before and can't really find any reviews for their monitors so I'm not too sure about it.

I looked at the S27A550H but was put off by the fact it didn't have DVI. Small gripe but still it bothers me. The S27A950D specs look good and it has some good reviews but I just don't like it's shape. (damn I'm picky)

The LG also looks good, but if I'm going 27" I'd really like to get something with a 2560x1440 res. so that I'm covered in the future when I upgrade my gfx card.

Also all these monitors are TN panels. Keen to get an IPS for the improved colours. As I said I'm not a pro gamer so response time and ghosting don't have to be perfect.

And here I thought choosing a monitor would be piss. So many factors to consider :P

Well yeah dropping 4-6k on a monitor requires some thought lol
If you are going 2560x1440 res, you'll need some gpu power for gaming. Be sure you have a 7950 3GB or a GTX670 as the minimum.
Zalman monitors are fantastic and the one in question is absolutely superb.

I ran 3x S27A950D in the beginning of the year and it was a truly something spectacular but I got tired of the huge setup and ended up selling all 3. I am now running a Yamakasi Catleap Q270 SE Led 2560X1440 and its utterly brilliant. Unfortunately they aren't available locally, but you can buy them off Ebay, in total it cost me around R4500 which is damn good for a monitor with that res.

[knobshine]

Well yeah dropping 4-6k on a monitor requires some thought lol
If you are going 2560x1440 res, you'll need some gpu power for gaming. Be sure you have a 7950 3GB or a GTX670 as the minimum.
Zalman monitors are fantastic and the one in question is absolutely superb.

I ran 3x S27A950D in the beginning of the year and it was a truly something spectacular but I got tired of the huge setup and ended up selling all 3. I am now running a Yamakasi Catleap Q270 SE Led 2560X1440 and its utterly brilliant. Unfortunately they aren't available locally, but you can buy them off Ebay, in total it cost me around R4500 which is damn good for a monitor with that res.

Yeah I've been looking at those catleaps too. They look really awesome, checked that MASSIVE thread (890+ pages) about them on OCN. But yeah as you say, only option here is eBay sellers. Did you go for one of the 'pixel perfect' ones or did you take a chance with a normal one? Just a bit worried about what I'd do if it dies on me.

As for gfx card, still trying to decide weather to stay ATI or go Nvidia. Those 7950's do look tempting and I've always been an ATI fan (root for the underdog and all that) but that's a topic for another thread.

[JP'S]

Yeah I've been looking at those catleaps too. They look really awesome, checked that MASSIVE thread (890+ pages) about them on OCN. But yeah as you say, only option here is eBay sellers. Did you go for one of the 'pixel perfect' ones or did you take a chance with a normal one? Just a bit worried about what I'd do if it dies on me.

As for gfx card, still trying to decide weather to stay ATI or go Nvidia. Those 7950's do look tempting and I've always been an ATI fan (root for the underdog and all that) but that's a topic for another thread.

And let's just clear that out of the way without all the hassles of a new thread... I myself am a proud owner of an hd 7950 superb card to say the least...

[knobshine]

And let's just clear that out of the way without all the hassles of a new thread... I myself am a proud owner of an hd 7950 superb card to say the least...

Yeah, I'm definitely leaning towards it. My last 2 cards have been ATI and have treated me well. Lasted a lot longer than I expected.
Think I'm going to have to treat myself to a late birthday/early christmas present and get the monitor and card at the same time. Gave notice to close my 32 day acc. the other day. Was going to spend it on a new drum kit but my tech lust is strong at the moment. :P

[The Joker]

Yeah I've been looking at those catleaps too. They look really awesome, checked that MASSIVE thread (890+ pages) about them on OCN. But yeah as you say, only option here is eBay sellers. Did you go for one of the 'pixel perfect' ones or did you take a chance with a normal one? Just a bit worried about what I'd do if it dies on me.

As for gfx card, still trying to decide weather to stay ATI or go Nvidia. Those 7950's do look tempting and I've always been an ATI fan (root for the underdog and all that) but that's a topic for another thread.

Um actually not sure lmao xD but it works perfectly fine so I am happy.
You can't go wrong with the 7950. Monster card for a damn good price.

Oh and get 1...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PERFECT-PIXE...item3f1be5ba6e

[knobshine]

Um actually not sure lmao xD but it works perfectly fine so I am happy.
You can't go wrong with the 7950. Monster card for a damn good price.

Oh and get 1...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PERFECT-PIXE...item3f1be5ba6e

Thanks for link.
So: $388.89 + $100 (shipping) = R4335.94

Damn, not bad. Not bad at all. Save about R2000.

How much did you have to pay for customs charges? Just want to get a better idea of what my final cost would be.

[The Joker]

Thanks for link.
So: $388.89 + $100 (shipping) = R4335.94

Damn, not bad. Not bad at all. Save about R2000.

How much did you have to pay for customs charges? Just want to get a better idea of what my final cost would be.

Pm incoming.