Adding Second Monitor (new main) - Suggestions

[Van G]

Want to add another monitor as my new main. Current monitor is Dell U2410 and card is GeForce GT 1030 (HDMI and DVI-D ports).

Since my Dell has many miles on it, I'm assuming the new monitor will be my main.

Would like it to be same size or bigger. No gaming or critical colour accuracy needs.

What should I consider? Cheaper is better but quality needs to be there.

 

[Van G]

Also wanted to ask, when configuring side by side, do you centre the main and then have secondary to side? Would assume this is best for ergonomics.

Secondary on top would be neck strain?

 

[PajamaParty]

See if this one is right for you. It's also from Dell: https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-24-monitor-s2419hn/apd/210-aoxw/monitors-monitor-accessories

I personally like to have both monitors the same size and the same model if it's possible, but that's just me.

When it comes to having it on the side or on top, it depends on what you're going to use it for. I'd recommend using it on the side nonetheless. Which side really depends on the space you're going to put it on and your personal preference. In my experience that's always the left side.

 

[Rayman30]

If you have a Microcenter local, I would stop in there, they have a massive selection on display and a knowledgeable staff.

 

[lifeblood]

I've used monitors side by side and stacked one over the other. Side by side takes more desk space but is much easier to use. Stacked looks cool but is hard on the neck and eyes and best to avoid unless you have a specific reason or don't have enough desk space.

I think any monitor from a known company will work fine. Go for what's on sale. Just make sure it has good pixel pitch and such so it doesn't give you headaches.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I'm going to offer a contrary opinion. Why not get a huge 4K display?

I've never been a huge fan of multi-monitor (though I did mess with it back in the Windows 95/98 days, with an AGP ATI card as a primary, and a pair of Matrox Millenium cards as secondary, driving some fixed-sync CRTs that I got off of a reseller for basically free. (Sync-on-Green, BNC cables, fun stuff!)

But fast-forward to today.

Now I'm rocking a 40" 4K UHD display, and I'm using an AMD RX 570 8GB card as my primary (have two of them in this machine, for mining), and I'm using the VSR (virtual super resolution) feature, to display Windows 10 64-bit @ 5120 x 2880, on a 3840 x 2160 display. And it's still mostly readable. (Well, my eyesight could be better.)

Considering a nice big 40" 4K UHD display like this one, is basically equivalent to FOUR stacked 2x2 1080P displays, with NO bezel in-between (well, effectively), I think that it is the superior solution. You can always game at 1080P still, and rely on up-scaling.

 

[lifeblood]

I have a 42" 4k that I use at work in addition to my normal desktop. I don't like it as much as a dual screen setup. It has much more screen real estate, that's undeniable, I just find that things at the top of the screen are more difficult to look at as I still have to lift my head/eyes. However, I have coworkers that use the 42" as their main screen and they have no complaints so I guess it's a matter of personal preference.

 

[VirtualLarry]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BenQ-EL2870U-28-4K-UHD-HDR-1ms-FreeSync-Monitor-Refurbished/163170860488

Here's a 4K UHD monitor, affordable, and not so physically huge that you would have to move your head around to see it. (*I ordered one myself.)

Edit: April 1, 2019 - they seem to have raised the price to $287. I paid $207.

 

[Van G]

Curse of being in Canada and a large spread between our dollars!

Are people using Samsung TV’s or are the specs not high enough vs. monitor.

I could probably go with 32-40” 4K but wouldn’t be able to see text at the overdriven rez quoted above.

Assuming ideal 4K size would be 36” at normal monitor on a desk distance.

 

[PajamaParty]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/BenQ-EL2870U-28-4K-UHD-HDR-1ms-FreeSync-Monitor-Refurbished/163170860488

Here's a 4K UHD monitor, affordable, and not so physically huge that you would have to move your head around to see it. (*I ordered one myself.)

Looked a bit on the web about that monitor. Seems pretty good bang for the buck. Might get one myself.