Dual Monitors or Single Dell 24"

[virtualrain]

I'm torn with either getting a pair of reasonably high-quality 17" LCD panels (1280x1024 each) or a single DELL 24" monster with 1920x1200 resolution. Here are the pros/cons as I see them? Am I missing anything? What would you guys do?

Pros of Dual 17" screens:
- Cheaper
- Only need a single 7800 GTX for gaming at 1280x1024
- Have a secondary display for system monitoring and/or walk-through guides while gaming
- Largest effective resolution of 2560x1024
- Good dot pitch

Cons of Dual 17" screens:
- Not as elegant as a single display
- Skinning doesn't work on Ultramon taskbar so it looks like crap
- Not as high a resolution for gaming
- Keeping monitors looking identical (color/contrast/brightness) over time may be an issue

Pros of Single 24" DELL:
- Impressive to any and all that lay eyes upon it
- Awesome resolution for gaming (perhaps too much eye movement?)

Cons of a Single 24" DELL:
- Probably requires SLI setup for effective frame rates in new games
- Dot pitch is bordering on too big for me (that's why I prefer 17" over 19" panels)

FYI, I'm currently running a 7800GTX with a pair of old 17" LCD panels and it's time to replace them.

Any and all input welcome.

EDIT: Added Poll! Chime in!

 

[imported_Kensai]

Single Dell 2405FPW.

 

[w00t]

Originally posted by: Kensai
Single Dell 2405FPW.

with a 7800GTX you got the power.

 

[IeraseU]

I'd take the single 2405 personally. Also better for movies, or HD trailers.

 

[w00t]

I want a 2405fpw lol only have a x800xl though i would have to say bye to gaming.

 

[imported_michaelpatrick33]

I have a 2405fpw and a 7800gtx (523core 1420mem) and let me tell you. Holy God is it awesome. I haven't noticed ghosting but I have only played Unreal Tournament 2004 so far. It is a beauty. Of course I am saving up for another, LOL in about 6 months.

 

[Cheesetogo]

For the price of the 2405, you could get two 20" 2001fps. Why would you consider 17"s?

 

[virtualrain]

Originally posted by: Cheesetogo
For the price of the 2405, you could get two 20" 2001fps. Why would you consider 17"s?

As I mentioned, the dot-pitch on a 17" is ideal for me. 19" or 20" at 1280x1024 is just too big... It looks bad in my opinion. Bigger is not better in this case. I know I'm probably unique here, but having worked with video all my career, I have low tolerance for this kind of stuff.

EDIT: I didn't realize the 2001 is 1600x1200... That's also a nice choice! (You guys are not making this easier!)

 

[Vin0134]

Yea, I'm considering this option also. Although my choice is one 2405fpw or two 2005fpws. I like to use guides while gaming also.

 

[virtualrain]

Originally posted by: michaelpatrick33
I have a 2405fpw and a 7800gtx (523core 1420mem) and let me tell you. Holy God is it awesome. I haven't noticed ghosting but I have only played Unreal Tournament 2004 so far. It is a beauty. Of course I am saving up for another, LOL in about 6 months.

With my single 7800GTX (510/1350) at 1280x1024, my FPS in FarCry is about 70-90 with max quality settings. If I crank up the resolution to 1920x1200 I suspect it might be borderlin unplayable. Anyone with first-hand knowledge?

 

[imported_michaelpatrick33]

Originally posted by: virtualrain

Originally posted by: michaelpatrick33
I have a 2405fpw and a 7800gtx (523core 1420mem) and let me tell you. Holy God is it awesome. I haven't noticed ghosting but I have only played Unreal Tournament 2004 so far. It is a beauty. Of course I am saving up for another, LOL in about 6 months.

With my single 7800GTX (510/1350) at 1280x1024, my FPS in FarCry is about 70-90 with max quality settings. If I crank up the resolution to 1920x1200 I suspect it might be borderlin unplayable. Anyone with first-hand knowledge?

Sorry I don't have Farcry. If you would get me a copy I would test it for you, LOL.

 

[n0cmonkey]

I can't imagine trying to work with only 1 monitor now. Using just one at home is almost painful.

 

[virtualrain]

Originally posted by: Vin0134
Yea, I'm considering this option also. Although my choice is one 2405fpw or two 2005fpws. I like to use guides while gaming also.

Mr. Vin0134, I think you may be onto something here... The dot-pitch of the 2005 is actually on par with a 17" monitor and you really get the best of both worlds by going with dual 2005's vs a single 2405... I'm going to look at that. I suspect it is about the same cost as well! Good call!

 

[Shagga]

Originally posted by: Kensai
Single Dell 2405FPW.

Another one for single.

 

[erwos]

Originally posted by: virtualrain
- Have a secondary display for system monitoring and/or walk-through guides while gaming
- Largest effective resolution of 2560x1024

Every dual display setup I'm aware of (with the possible exception of running two X servers in Linux) will blank out that second screen if you're not using it in the game. Don't count on using that second display while gaming unless it is actually being used in a spanning mode.

The resolution is a good point - just remember that it's not _really_ 2560x1024 in actual usage, it's really 1280x1024 x2. I know this is a fine distinction, but for full screen apps, it's an important one.

Dual monitors are better for coding, but I would pick a single monitor for gaming.

-Erwos

 

[Czar]

the 24"

I have one, and one 1901fp and frankly.. I would rather have one 2401fp than two 19"... and definetly no questions asks one 24" over two 17"

 

[Bona Fide]

2x 2001FP

 

[piasabird]

I have seen some plasma screens that take 2 monitor cables in split screen mode. That would be awesome.

 

[Leros]

Skinning doesn't work on Ultramon taskbar so it looks like crap

Actually thats not true. I run Style XP and Ultramon. The ultramon taskbar matches everything else.

 

[imported_Kensai]

Also, you should make a poll.

 

[w00t]

Originally posted by: Kensai
Also, you should make a poll.

 

[ElFenix]

apparently the dell 24" panel isn't so great.

 

[virtualrain]

Originally posted by: Kensai
Also, you should make a poll.

Good idea! Done!

 

[Vin0134]

Well, I made my decision. I'm getting a 2005FPW and keeping my 1905FP. 2005 will be for gaming, internet, etc. 1905 will be for internet and other non-gaming applications.

 

[rchiu]

Not to go off topic, but I am considering the same thing, keeping my dual 17" or go with single Dell 24".

The only question I have now is that what does games that DOSE NOT support wide screen resolution looks like on Dell 24". Will the screen be stretched or will there be like two black bars on the side when displaying for example 1600x1200 on a 1920x1200 screen?