Monitor problem

[Emultra]

My monitor has started to behave weirdly. It occasionally "spams" the "changing resolution" sound and the picture shrinks and compresses horizontally, with about 3/4 inches of black on the left and right sides. Now it did it again and it won't go back to normal like it used to the past 1 or 2 weeks.

It's from 2001 so it might just be giving in? Or is there some way to alleviate the problem? Is slamming on top of it recommended?

Model is an AOC 19'' CRT.

 

[mpilchfamily]

Its an old CRT. Time to replace it.

 

[Emultra]

I don't have a clue as to the best gaming LCD bang for the buck. Are equal quality CRT's a lot cheaper today?

 

[mpilchfamily]

Problem is you almost can't find CRTs anymore. But the fact is a CRT is far superior in performance and image quality then any LCD or Plasma screen ever made. Typically an LCD with a 5ms response time or lower is best suited for gaming. But if you can find a CRT and don't mind the weight and bulk then i say go for the CRT.

 

[Emultra]

I do prefer CRT. I've never found the same crispness, clarity and instant performance in LCD's. They're old, bulky cinderblocks but when put into place they do their job. I only move mine when changing residence, otherwise it stays on the desk.

I live in Sweden so I use www.pricerunner.se to find different models and prices. There are a number of CRT's available. My AOC 9G (or something) has served me pretty well since 2001 except for 2 things: occasionally it lets out a high pitched whine, it's done it ever since I got it, doesn't seem directly related to any image problems.

The other is that at resolutions above 1024x768, it displays what I believe is referred to as the "Moiré pattern" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moire. The picture on the right there is kind of what it looks like: vertical lines making the image look a bit bad. My other hardware has capped my gaming resoliton at 1024x768 anyway, but it's something to keep in mind if I decide to invest more in my rig in the future. Don't know if it's a manufacturer or model thing, or if I simply got a lemon.

I don't know much about the other manufacturers. Is there any particular brand of CRT's recommended for gaming?

 

[mpilchfamily]

Well if you have a local TV repair shop they should be able to fix the old monitor but generally its not worth the trouble.

 

[Emultra]

Since it's 7 years old I might as well get a new one. The same or a slightly updated model is available for about 1400 SEK, which should be around $210. Note that prices here suck in general.

 

[HBTech]

Originally posted by: Emultra
My monitor has started to behave weirdly. It occasionally "spams" the "changing resolution" sound and the picture shrinks and compresses horizontally, with about 3/4 inches of black on the left and right sides. Now it did it again and it won't go back to normal like it used to the past 1 or 2 weeks.

It's from 2001 so it might just be giving in? Or is there some way to alleviate the problem? Is slamming on top of it recommended?

Model is an AOC 19'' CRT.

Hi
Change your CRT and more information my signature.

 

[Emultra]

I live in sucky Sweden.

 

[kh4130]

You might want to make sure its the CRT before buying a new one. Have you tried using a different one or a different video card? I had a similar problem yesterday and it turned out being the video card (the capacitors were leaking).

 

[Dillybob]

Depending on budget and amount of space you have, LCDs can deliver much higher resolutions, better color-gamit, and better response times than old CRT's.

If you can, go for a decent 24". 1920x1200 res. should make everything on it look nice and smooth, and a 5ms response time (or less) is fairly respectable, as well.

A good gaming LCD in this range can be found between $300-$400, and one of the best rated on newegg is this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001275

It's about $400 after rebate, but not including shipping, and mind you, this is the price in the US, but
it's one of the best according to those who bought it.

 

[Emultra]

I'm looking at double that in Sweden. Prices are a lot higher and we also have a 25% sales tax. Also I don't have the hardware to run games in 1920x1200, maybe 1280x960 tops.

Those ratings might be useful, though, do you find the NewEgg ratings to be accurate when it comes to the real deal about stuff that's good or not?