Author Topic: Advice/Help Thread  (Read 14263 times)

BDash

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 4
    • View Profile
Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #30 on: October 02, 2018, 09:21:19 am »
Yeah, G-Sync is a no.1 priority in addition to HDMI input. Also my screen has had a scratch around the center for like a year and i'm not sure if I can even replace the panel for a new one. Looks like the Acer XB241H will be my best bet so far...

NCX

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 761
    • View Profile
Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #31 on: October 02, 2018, 07:19:17 pm »
Yeah, G-Sync is a no.1 priority in addition to HDMI input. Also my screen has had a scratch around the center for like a year and i'm not sure if I can even replace the panel for a new one. Looks like the Acer XB241H will be my best bet so far...

Might as well try out the AOC warranty before spending another 350-400$ on what is basically the same monitor in a different case.  It's also possible to order panels (M240HW01 V8 according to PC Monitors) from Ali Express, eBay,  or from China via Tao Bao.  There are a few sites like Alibaba which one can use to order from Tao Bao instead of relying on a translator to use the site.  I've ordered 6+ items from Tao Bao both directly and with third party sites.

My cat put a scratch in the center (only visible when viewing white and light colors) of one of my monitors which I used for more than year until I found a panel replacement for 120$.  If the scratch is not super noticeable and you don't want to open the monitor and replace the panel I suggest dealing with it until you can afford a new graphics card and monitor.   If you have to buy a new monitor get the Acer XB241 you suggested since it's better and usually 50$+ cheaper than the PG248Q.
« Last Edit: October 02, 2018, 07:21:32 pm by NCX »

mauser

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 2
    • View Profile
Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #32 on: October 03, 2018, 06:37:13 pm »
First , thanks for all your time and effort.

  Looking for advice on these options...

  Get this ( Philips 257E7QDSB - from your list ) for general web use, and a 32" 1080p led tv for movies.

   or, a 32" flicker free monitor in 1080 or 1440 for web use and movies. ( don't have the Scooby snacks to upgrade my puter and card for 4k )

  Not a gamer, except flight sim X, but open to a gaming monitor .  Just like to have your thoughts on the best options for web, movies, flight sim , thanks.     

mr.b

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 3
    • View Profile
Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #33 on: October 03, 2018, 09:50:07 pm »
Hello NCX,

I have a Dell U2417H. I use the blue light reduction feature and have the monitor set to "Color Temp" at 5000k[1]. I am looking to use bias lighting with no overhead lighting. With blue light reduction enabled can I use a single 5000k 2500 lumen Lohas LED bulb that you mentioned in your display brightness and room lighting video? Or is there some type of blue light reduction compensating bulb that I need to use?

Also, I found this bulb[2]. I know that you said that you haven't used the Lohas bulb but I wanted to get your thoughts on it, if any, compared to the Lohas.


[1] https://pcmonitors.info/reviews/dell-u2417h-u2417ha/#Calibration
[2] https://www.amazon.com/SANSI-250-200Watt-Equivalent-Omni-Directional-Bulbs-3000/dp/B0728K64SK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538537398&sr=8-3&keywords=3000+lumens+5000k

NCX

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 761
    • View Profile
Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #34 on: October 05, 2018, 12:35:39 am »
Looking for advice on these options...

Most TV's, and almost all non-Sony TV's under 500$ are junk compared to affordable monitors.  The cheapest decent TV's I can recommend which are PWM/flicker free are the Sony 43X720E (2017 model) and Sony 43X750F (2018 model; 55" version tested by Rtings).

https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/sony/x720e

Playwares reviewed the 1440p Viewsonic VX3209 which is great, and I suspect the VX3211-2K which is more widely available also is.  A few other companies also sell equivalents like the Asus VA32AQ which is hasn't been reviewed, but is likely very similar.  These displays are a good value, but it's still important to ensure that the top of the panel lines up with the top of the viewers head or is a bit higher to ensure minimal AHVA/IPS/PLS glow is minimal.

As for the Philips versus a 32" 1440p monitor, well it's kind of an odd comparison since the 32" panels are nearly double the price.  32" is better for movies and 1440p is better for desktop use, but the same amount could be spent on two 25" 1080p IPS panels (glossy HP 25F and Philips combo?).

I wanted to get your thoughts on it, if any, compared to the Lohas.

It looks fine since it has the right specifications, but the color temperature is 5000k which you might mot like versus a less blue or warmer 2500-3500k standard bulb:

Spoiler (hover to show)

I'm using a similar light by Anmein now (my Philips CFL burned out), but I couldn't find it on the Amazon US site.
« Last Edit: October 05, 2018, 12:40:25 am by NCX »

mauser

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 2
    • View Profile
Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #35 on: October 12, 2018, 09:44:17 pm »
"Most TV's, and almost all non-Sony TV's under 500$ are junk compared to affordable monitors. "

  looking deeper into your reviews, I found the Samsung s32f351fun. Would this be a better option instead of a 32" 1080 tv.

   Are there any better 32" 1080p flicker free monitors for a tv replacement.   

NCX

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 761
    • View Profile
Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #36 on: October 13, 2018, 11:03:16 pm »
Are there any better 32" 1080p flicker free monitors for a tv replacement.

There's a bunch of 1080p PWM/Flicker Free monitors like the Acer EB321HQ (white bezel),  ASUS VA325H, LG 32MP58 (2016 model) LG 32A68 (2017), LG 32MA70 (2018), Philips 323E7QDAB and Samsung S32F351 (VA with slower pixel response times/more smearing and less even and vibrant color, but higher contrast and less glow).   The Acer and Asus only have HDMI and VGA while the other IPS panels have three inputs.  I tested the 32MP58 in 2016 (featured in my Red Titan comparison album) but did not post a review, and Playwares tested the very similar Philips 323E7QDAB (set gamma to 2.6 and Smart Response to Faster) which has better preset color accuracy once the gamma setting is changed.  Acer will provide the best perceived black depth of the IPS panels since the bezel is white, but it only has 1x HDMI and VGA, and has not been reviewed. 

The fully glossy coating the LG 32MP58 I tested uses washes out the image quality a bit while the Acer, Asus and Samsung uses the same excellent almost-glossy/low haze coating as the Qnix UHD32R and 25-27" 1080p HP CW/er/es/XW monitors.  I'm not sure what type of glossy variant the other LG monitors and Philips use, though the photos of the Philips in the Playwares review indicate that it also has an almost-glossy/low haze coating which is my favorite type of gloss.

If you only need 1 HDMI try the Acer since the white bezel increases the perceived black depth enough to negate most of the contrast benefits the slower and less vibrant Samsung VA panel has.  If you want to use the display in the dark or with very dim lighting then the Samsung is the clear choice since the white bezel and 3,000:1 contrast vastly improve dark room viewing if the brightness isn't cranked.

viisual

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 4
    • View Profile
Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #37 on: October 30, 2018, 12:27:22 pm »
Hi NCX,

Glad to see you're still around and heavily involved with monitors.  You've always provided great reviews, best of lists, and support to the community!

My computer is about 9 years old with one or two upgrades since it's inception.  I'm starting to suffer from <120 FPS in games and it's invalidating my monitor's usefulness. 

Here's what I have:
i7 2600k // GTX 970 // 16 GB 1333 mhz // LG 24GM77 (1080p 144hz)

New Build:
i7 9700k // 1080 ti or 2080 ti // 16 GB 3200ish? // ???

I have about a 2' - 3' viewing distance to work with for the monitor.

Are gamers still trending towards the higher frequency/hz feature, or have we started to trend towards visual fidelity/quality?

What I think I want:
  • 98/120/144/165 hz for competitive games.
  • G-Sync to reduce tearing. (This is still considered good tech, right?)
  • Good Visuals (HDR might be pushing it, but what are my options for image quality?)

Indecision:
  • 24" or 27"
  • 1080p or 1440p - Will I reach 120/144/165 fps at 1440p even?

Can you suggest a few monitors, I should definitely be considering, with the information I have provided?

p.s. what's your quick thoughts on ultra-wides and/or concave screens?

edit:  I noticed on reddit a thread about the future of G-Sync with HDMI 2.1.  Thoughts? (source:
from r/nvidia
)
« Last Edit: October 31, 2018, 12:02:05 pm by viisual »

NCX

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 761
    • View Profile
Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #38 on: November 01, 2018, 02:20:24 am »
Quote from: viisual
I'm starting to suffer from <120 FPS in games and it's invalidating my monitor's usefulness.

It's possible to save a few FPS by using a custom resolution of 1440x900 (more FPS; small black bars on all sides) or 1680x1050 (small black bars on the top and bottom) with Nvidia Aspect ratio scaling or a displays 1:1 pixel mapping.

New Build:
i7 9700k // 1080 ti or 2080 ti // 16 GB 3200ish? // ???

2080 ti of course.  The 2080 ti is perfect for 144-165fps @1440p and good for 4K-60.

Quote from: viisual
I have about a 2' - 3' viewing distance to work with for the monitor.

2.5ft for an ultra-wide 34" IPS, and more if it's an UW VA panel.

Quote from: viisual
Are gamers still trending towards the higher frequency/hz feature, or have we started to trend towards visual fidelity/quality?

I prioritize image quality, but not to the point where I'd recommend a 60hz AHVA/IPS/PLS panel to someone asking about budget (<300$) 144hz monitors.   

Quote from: viisual
Can you suggest a few monitors, I should definitely be considering, with the information I have provided?

Budget?  The only affordable monitor for PC gaming with Nvidia cards I like are the matte AOC AG271QG (review links) and the discontinued Viewsonic XG2703-GS with 144-165hz 1440p AHVA panels (marketed as IPS) with G-Sync.  Both are better than the Acer XB271HU (worst of the 4), cheaper (100$+) than the Asus PG279Q (most common back-light bleed, though the unit I tested was bleed-less)  The Asus is theoretically more accurate (the unit Rtings tested a few months ago was significantly more accurate than the unit I tested in 2016) than the AOC, but it lacks gamma settings to combat the low preset gamma these monitors can come with while the AOC and Viewsonic have gamma settings.  All four of the monitors I tested came with low preset gamma (Viewsonic was the best but still needed a gamma increase), but the AOC and Viewsonic have the most accurate color presets.

G-Sync is amazing if one hates screen tearing and ustable frame-rates, though some games feel unstable even with it enabled.  I hate screen tearing, but not enough to deal with a matte screen which is why I still use an overclock-able (96hz) 2560x1440 X-Star DP2710 glossy PLS from 2013, plus most of my gaming time has been dedicated to Destiny and D2 (Pro) on PS4 since 2015.  None of the PC games I've played this year (30 hours of Fallout New Vegas until it crashed infinitely, 40 hours of S.TA.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky and 30 hours of Vermintide 1 & 2) suffered from lots of tearing which makes not having G-Sync a worthy trade off for the glossy coating, plus Nvidia Fast Sync (enable in NVCP) works well with some games.  Last fall I played a bunch of Assassin's Creed 3 on the Acer XB321HK (4K AHVA with G-Sync); AC3 is unplayable without G-Sync at 4K with my 980 ti due to tearing and frame-rate instability.  My point is that G-Sync appreciation may vary greatly depending on ones display preferences, and the games being played.
 
Quote from: viisual
what's your quick thoughts on ultra-wides and/or concave screens?

I've been using at least two monitors side-by-side since 2010, dislike matte monitors and both curved and fake bezel/frame-less panels (all UW IPS), plus I already owned 3 monitors I really liked when UW's first showed up.

Quote from: viisual
I noticed on reddit a thread about the future of G-Sync with HDMI 2.1.  Thoughts?

There's nothing concrete in there to think about.
« Last Edit: November 08, 2018, 12:35:58 am by NCX »

viisual

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 4
    • View Profile
Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #39 on: November 04, 2018, 12:57:02 am »
I prioritize image quality, but not to the point where I'd recommend a 60hz AHVA/IPS/PLS panel to someone asking about budget (<300$) 144hz monitors.   

...

Budget?

Yea I'm coming to the same conclusion.  I think anything over $750 might be pushing it; unless it offers something really good for the extra money.  It's hard to pay more for a monitor than a television... although I guess I sit in front of my monitor more; perhaps I should reconsider that sentiment.

I saw some calculations that driving a 3456x1440 would be almost as hard as driving a 4K display.  If that's the case, I'd prefer to have higher FPS on a traditional 27" 1440p.  If I could achieve 120/144 FPS and have a UW 1440p with HDR/G-sync that would be perfect, but I think I'll have to settle at 27" 1440p 120/144hz G-Sync HDR.

What can you suggest now that I've narrowed down my selection.

Thanks again NCX, I know I saw you post a paypal earlier, do you have a bitcoin address perhaps?
« Last Edit: November 07, 2018, 03:59:39 pm by viisual »

viisual

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 4
    • View Profile
Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #40 on: November 07, 2018, 05:41:14 pm »
Mmm maybe 1440p UW 120hz gsync should be my target?  (No HDR though is lame, I don't believe any current UW models support all those features)

UW 1440p results on 2080 ti:
https://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/8738/nvidia-geforce-rtx-2080-ti-review-seriously-buy/index16.html

NCX

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 761
    • View Profile
Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #41 on: November 08, 2018, 01:38:36 am »
What can you suggest now that I've narrowed down my selection.

AOC AG271QG (review links) unless the Acer XB271HU is 100$+ cheaper since that 100$ can be put towards an X-Rite colormunki colorimeter (150$) which will vastly improve the monitor via calibration.  All four 144-165hz 1440p AUO AHVA panels (marketed as IPS) suffer from an obvious preset green/yellow tint to varying degrees.

Quote from: viisual
Thanks again NCX, I know I saw you post a paypal earlier, do you have a bitcoin address perhaps?

I do but I haven't researched how to get the fiat-shekels out of crypto and back into my bank account in Canada.  I guess I can buy some TRX and hope it sky rockets from 2 cents to 30 cents again in December or January before the crash.

BTC address:
Spoiler (hover to show)

Mmm maybe 1440p UW 120hz gsync should be my target?  (No HDR though is lame, I don't believe any current UW models support all those features)

UW 1440p results on 2080 ti:
https://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/8738/nvidia-geforce-rtx-2080-ti-review-seriously-buy/index16.html

The newest UW LG with G-Sync has 1/3 HDR support (8 bit +FRC panel with >90% DCI-P3 coverage but very low brightness and lack of local dimming) at 1200$ and lacks an sRGB mode to prevent vast over-saturation when not viewing non DCI-P3/HDR media.  The Acer and Asus UW IPS are very inconsistent and inaccurate preset color accuracy wise in their 2-3 year market life (launch Asus PG348Q's  from 2015-2016 were very accurate while the store bought unit Rtings tested this year was awful) and the Alienware, which while consistent, has non linear and very high gamma which causes black crush and makes colors and shades too dark.  The Acer (updated version with 120hz OC has even worse preset black crush and non-linear gamma than the Alienware), Alienware and Asus are all embarrassments preset color accuracy wise to the point that I can't recommend any of them, especially since they're all 2-3 years old.

viisual

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 4
    • View Profile
Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #42 on: November 09, 2018, 06:43:40 pm »
I do but I haven't researched how to get the fiat-shekels out of crypto and back into my bank account in Canada.  I guess I can buy some TRX and hope it sky rockets from 2 cents to 30 cents again in December or January before the crash.
Just use them at newegg :P

The newest UW LG with G-Sync has 1/3 HDR support (8 bit +FRC panel with >90% DCI-P3 coverage but very low brightness and lack of local dimming) at 1200$ and lacks an sRGB mode to prevent vast over-saturation when not viewing non DCI-P3/HDR media. 
...
the Alienware, which while consistent, has non linear and very high gamma which causes black crush and makes colors and shades too dark. 
...
Alienware and Asus are all embarrassments preset color accuracy wise to the point that I can't recommend any of them, especially since they're all 2-3 years old.

Sounds like you're not to happy with the newest LG model.

Just to be clear, is the Alienware any good post calibration, or is it so scuffed it's incapable of achieving good results even with calibration.

Dang that AW model is 2 years old and still $850, doesn't look like  any 1440p UW 120hz is in a consumer's bracket, eh?

NCX

  • Administrator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 761
    • View Profile
Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #43 on: November 13, 2018, 01:46:14 am »
Just use them at newegg :P

NewEgg is one of the worst places to buy electronics from in Canada due to their price matching ease, return policies, and shipping prices, especially since their are better Canadian retailers to buy from.

Quote from: viisual
Sounds like you're not to happy with the newest LG model.

Vast color over-saturation (LG 34GK950G=98 %DCI=P3 coverage and 133% HDTV/REC 709 & sRGB=33% over-saturation) disrespects the effort and time content creators put into making their content look the way it does, as well as evoke the atmosphere or mood intended.  Fallout and Gears Of War would not be the same if they had the same art style as Candy Land.

In 2006, a year after decent affordable (<1000) IPS and VA monitors became common both LG (IPS) and Samsung (S-PVA) switched to wide gamut panels without proper color-space emulation or sRGB modes for years; I'm afraid companies are going to do this again since I've seen a few other DCI-P3/HDR monitors which lack sRGB modes like the LG.  We might be entering the last days of decent "high end" consumer monitors without over-saturation for a while.

Quote from: viisual
Just to be clear, is the Alienware any good post calibration, or is it so scuffed it's incapable of achieving good results even with calibration.

Calibration by a colorimeter (250$ X-Rite i1 display pro is appropriate for the AW) and an ICC profile is required since the Acer, Asus and Alienware lack gamma settings which can improve them and provide normal gamma.  The AW is good once calibrated (see below), and could be worth buying a colorimeter for since the new LG 950G costs £200 (£178 for i1 display pro) more than the others in the UK, and because the next batch of UW G-Sync monitors might also lack HDTV/REC 709 or sRGB modes, or have poor ones which under-saturate the colors, lock the brightness and color controls which is typical for sub 1000$ wide gamut panels.  Usually only 24" 1200p 60hz Eizo and NEC wide gamut monitors under 1000$ offer decent and/or fully customize-able color space emulation modes.

https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/dell/alienware-aw3418dw#comparison_1467 (linked in text in previous reply)
http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/reviews/dell_alienware_aw3418dw.htm#calibration

Quote from: viisual
any 1440p UW 120hz is in a consumer's bracket, eh

I don't keep track of UW prices.

rroonnbb

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 1
    • View Profile
Re: Advice/Help Thread
« Reply #44 on: November 15, 2018, 04:00:50 pm »
Any chance you've got a review of the HP Z27 coming up? Wirecutter just named it their top pick (https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-4k-monitors/) and generally I'm aligned with the criteria they consider important.

Having said that, they make no mention of the LG 27UK850 which would be another option I'm strongly considering. 

(I'm actually looking for a dual-monitor setup coming off a new MacMini... so if I go LG I'd likely do one 27UK850 paired with a 27UK650... that'll give me a USB-C port from the more expensive monitor but presumably otherwise they'll look pretty close to identical.)

(and this is primarily for productivity and photo-editing... no gaming)

Thanks for all the great knowledge you're sharing!