IPS or TN for a gamer?

[E_Cartman]

My old monitor (BenQ, 19", 4:3) is dying and i'm in a need to get a new one.

it's been a while now since it started causing problem (2 weeks or so) and I have made tens of hours of extensive research and have yet to come up with an answer for the best monitor for my needs.

I know my way around hardware but as it turns out that when it comes to monitors specifically I have no clue as to what to do.

I use my computer mainly for gaming purposes so gaming performance is the only thing that matters to me.

I don't know if i'm better off with an IPS monitor (more quality, longer response time) or a TN one (less quality, shorter response time, but NOT cheaper). To my understanding, response time is very important when it comes to gaming.

Considering the fact that i'm on a budget of up to 300$ I have come up with 3 options (1 IPS and 2 TN), they are:
1. Dell U2311H (IPS)
2. LG W2486L (TN)
3. Samsung BX2450 (TN)

A side note: I come from Israel, and here, for some reason, we don't get a lot of the monitors that came out during the last 2-3 years (plus we pay tons for the pre-shipped item) so the choices above is as good as it gets here, unfortunately, we don't have those efficient budget vs performance monitors like the XL2370 or PX2370.

Back on topic, I have read in many places that, although considered slower, modern IPS monitors can give a relatively decent response time (or in the U2311H vs TN case it's 8ms vs 2ms). And the "ghosting" effect is barely noticeable if at all, and don't compare to the image quality i'll be earning from a IPS.

Anyway, I came across multiple topics on the subject (IPS vs TN) but the smallest monitor that was even discussed as a worthy TN replacement is the U2410 (newer monitor with noticeably better performance, image quality and faster response time – 6ms than the U2311H) and my budget does not cover that.

The bottom line is: Which type of monitor will be best for me as a gamer? the U2311H or a TN one? (and besides which TN one is the better of the two?).

I really did not think it will take me so long to get to the dead end i'm at and my monitor can decide to take it's last breath any minute now I'll very much appreciate a fast response.
Thank you.

 

[darkewaffle]

What games do you play? While IPS panels are technically slower, the ghosting effect is really only noticeable (if at all) in very fast paced or twitchy games, namely FPSes.

Honestly I've got a fairly old IPS (NEC 20WMGX2) and playing BFBC2, CSS, TF2 and some Unreal I never really picked up on the ghosting. Even if it's there, it's easy for the effect to be lost in the environment of the game and muted by game effects like motion blur and AA.

 

[birthdaymonkey]

I just bought the smaller 21.5" Dell IPS (U2211H) monitor and have been really pleased with it for the price I paid ($200). Its colour quality, viewing angles, and contrast are much better than the LG TN panel that it replaced. I haven't noticed any issues related to response time while watching videos or playing SC2 (the only game I play).

 

[dma0991]

I am using the Dell U2311H and I can tell you that I'm very pleased with it . Of course according to the review they will claim that the IPS has a slower response time compared to a TN panel which would lead to ghosting but I've played games on it so far and my mind is too busy playing the game to actually bother about ghosting.

Like the others have already stated, the color reproduction and viewing angles on an IPS is very good and CRT like color reproduction. The stand on the U2311H is also very nice in terms of range of adjustability and it is sturdy. :thumbsup:

 

[Bryf50]

I just got a NEC ea231wmi a few weeks ago. I mostly play WoW these day but played a little bad company 2 also. So far I'm greatly enjoying it. The only thing that's a bit bothersome is the AG coating(I've heard similar complaints from the dell) that looks a little odd depending on what your looking at.

 

[gevorg]

TN is worth it only if you go with 120Hz display, otherwise get IPS. Make sure to check the reviews on sites like TFT Central.

 

[Wolves]

I dont know. I like 120 Hz for heavy gaming but I dont game much.

 

[E_Cartman]

Well, I don't tend to play much FPS games now, but I don't know how it will be in the future and would like to keep that option open.

There is no argue that the Dell U2311H is better, question is if this specific IPS monitor's quality is worth over one of those TNs for my main use, which is gaming.

If my main use wasn't gaming I wouldn't even be having these doubts. But as i've read in many places, response time is one of the most important thing for games.

Question is, will there be something that'll bother me while gaming because of the 8ms response time (like ghosting etc.)? And if the U2311H is so superior to the TNs ones that there should be no doubt in choosing, even (and especially) for a gamer.

The viewing angle and adjustments is not so much of an issue for me as I sit at the same position (and pretty close) to the monitor at all time and almost never watch movies from the computer.

Regarding 120Hz monitor, the only monitor that we do have here (and that fit my budget) is the Samsung 2233RZ (which I have completely forgotten about).

So adding this monitor into the list, which of the 4 is the best one for games?

 

[dma0991]

If you really intend to use a monitor for games only a 120Hz monitor would make a better choice than a 60Hz monitor. Doesn't matter if your GPU could push 200 FPS, with a 60Hz monitor you are limited to only 60 FPS.

I have already stated my reasons why I felt that IPS is good and I'll add another reason as it does not cost that much over an Acer S231HL over at my place. If you are really into the 2ms vs 8 ms debate then invest on a 120Hz TN panel monitor instead.

 

[E_Cartman]

So to the best of my understanding it comes down to:
Dell U2311H vs Samsung 2233RZ 120Hz
And I also understand from your replies that no other TN monitor (at least in the 300$ price range) can compete with the U2311H ability, even when it comes to games.

I don't feel the need to push games above 60FPS, so I really think it boils down to which of the two can give smoother image (which is the major advantage the 120Hz offers, I could be wrong though).
I'm not so much into the 2ms vs 8ms as i've gathered that with the U2311 it is insignificant even for hardcore gamers (again, could be wrong).

Also, I don't know how much that's crucial but the 2233RZ has a resolution of 1680 x 1050 while the U2311 has 1920 x 1080.

The price for the monitors here are:
Dell U2311H - 320$
Samsung 2233RZ - 365$
LG W2486L - 385$
Samsung BX2450 - 390$

That's just for general information, I care less about the price and more about game performance (and look of course).

 

[killster1]

well imo if you playing games you are looking at the monitor right on.. So TN will be fine.. just get a cheap 28" lcd compared to a more expensive 22" ips.. im sure the extra 6" will well make up for it.. I use 24" mva panels on most my computers since i like to game and need to view the screen from anywhere (tn will give you bad color at most angles except dead on)

 

[E_Cartman]

Ok, I am going to the store today and I am pretty much set up my mind about the Dell U2311H, and i'm really hoping to get some response by the time i'll go out. But consider the fact that here I can't replace anything if there isn't something technically wrong with it, so whatever i'll buy is whatever i'll stick with for the next 5 years.

Since my initial post and according to comments around, I would say that my conclusion is that response time between the U2311H (8ms) and 2ms TN screen is very insignificant (if at all). So that is no longer an issue.

The ONLY thing now that doesn't put me in 100% certainty about the U2311H is the 120Hz monitors (considering i'm a gamer). And we, here, have only 1 choice (Samsung 2233RZ). I'm also considering the U2311H vs the LG IPS236V.

While prices are less important for me between those 3, as I intent to stick with my monitor for 5+ years, it is really important for me to know if for gaming the overall quality of the U2311H is more important for games than the picture smoothness the 120Hz gives.

Take into consideration the fact that I do not plan on 3D or pushing games above 60 FPS. I also usually don't play that much FPS, but because of i'm planning on the monitor for at least 5 years I would like to keep that option open (on the other hand I do not play the other extremity which is RTS, more of an RPG gamer usually).
So, now, it's only a matter of the better image smoothness that the 120Hz gives vs. all the other qualities and advantages the U2311H have for games.

killster1, I can't go over 24" (hard to find one larger, same quality and in my budget and also I sit very close to the monitor at about 22") and don't really feel the need to.

EDIT: Another comparison that I have recently discovered that is to be made if choosing an IPS panel is:
Dell U2311H or Dell 2209WA? The U2311H has better color and is 1080p while the 2209WA has a higher refresh rate (72Hz I believe) and is more reliable than the U2311H. What do you say is better for games out of the two? (note: there is no price difference between the two here)

 

[Throckmorton]

Go bigger! 23" 1920x1080 is too small. 5 years is a long time so do it right

IPS is the right choice though. Just make sure it's a real 8 bit IPS. Apparently there are now 6 bit IPS screens

 

[E_Cartman]

A decent IPS with a larger screen (and resolution for that matter) is way over my budget so that's a no go for me unfortunately.

Ok, thanks all for the comments, since now the only decision is between IPS, and I have changed my mind about the monitor like 200 times over the last month, and many different monitors were discussed here, I would like to open a new topic with the proper title comparing the two IPS.

I know both IPS are a great choice but since it's going to serve me for a very long time and here the price is almost identical I would like to be confident that i'm buying the best one for my needs.

 

[Throckmorton]

If there are any IPS screens with an LED backlight I'd get one of those. The LED will last longer before getting dim.

 

[Bryf50]

If there are any IPS screens with an LED backlight I'd get one of those. The LED will last longer before getting dim.

There are LED backlit ips. But any of the reasonably priced ones are only w led. W led isn't really superior to CCFL in anything but power consumption.

 

[Throckmorton]

There are LED backlit ips. But any of the reasonably priced ones are only w led. W led isn't really superior to CCFL in anything but power consumption.

Don't they still last longer?

 

[Homer Simpson]

i recently upgraded from a samsung 23" TN panel. i cant recall the model, 2370XL i think. it was one of sammy's first LED monitors from about a year ago. i have an LG IPS236v now. same 23", but IPS. i really like it. i was tired of the colorshift with the slightest move of my head and poor blacks on the sammy. the LG may very well be "slower" but i cant see any ghosting in my gaming sessions. color is much better and viewing angles are great. there is a slight purple shift in blacks at the corners but really isnt noticable unless its a very black image onscreen. it think this is a great compromise between TN and the more expensive IPS.

 

[Karstein]

I'm really pleased with the 2233rz (so much so that when I moved country, I bought another one to replace the one I left behind), but then I play some pretty twitch-heavy games such as Quake Live so it was a bit of a no-brainer for me.

 

[Griffinhart]

If you're not doing 3D gaming, IPS all the way.

I have two panels sitting on my desk right now.

A Dell 2407 (IPS) and the Acer GD235hz (120hz 3D).

I have never had any ghosting or bad gaming experience with either, nor have I noticed any image quality difference while gaming.

That said, the IPS panel has higher resolution (1920x1200 vs 1920x1080) better color reproduction (though the Acer is pretty good for a TN panel) and most importantly, VASTLY superior viewing angles. Not that important for active gaming when you are directly infront of the display, but for other activites like watching movies where you may be moving around the room there is a huge difference.

IMHO, the only reason to touch a 120hz TN panel is for 3D games. If you're not going to do that, you sacrifice too much in other areas. Having worked with both, side by side for about a year, It's clear that the IPS panel is simply better.