New Monitor Setup - HELP

[Sidekicknichola]

After my last PC build I realized I didn't have any extra monitors and since have been using a 40" Samsung LCD (1080p 120hz) as my main/only display for gaming (HDMI is split running to my receiver/projector for viewing movies).... figured its about time to get some real monitors.

Here is what I am thinking - any advice on which way to go would be appreciated


Option 1: 3 - 23" monitors done using eyefinity
I would most likely use them like picture below but stand the monitors to display vertically
This would give me 3240x1920 for screen real estate (using them in 1080p) and ~678 in^2 of viewing space
This will cost me about $360 (3x$120) to setup

Option 2: 2 - 27" Monitors
I would run this without eyefinity in just a standard dual display format.... doing this would give me a standard 1920x1080 screen for gaming and cost ~$450....


To me option one seems like the no-brainer, am I missing something?


Moved from PC Gaming

Anandtech Moderator
KeithTalent

 

[MajorMullet]

Of the two options I'd definitely go Eyefinity/Surround. With two displays you'll always have the monitor bezels right in front of your face.

 

[jackstar7]

Can you post the build that's going to feed your setup?

I use 3x120hz monitors and enjoy the experience, but you might prefer jumping on a Catleap (or similar) 27" monitor (higher res) for your main display with just a secondary unmatched monitor. This would remove the bezels from your gaming, but still give you a signficant display.

What kind of experience are you looking for?



Also, you might want to solicit some opinions in the VC&G area as well... if you don't mind having to overlook some pointless posts from various fanboys.

 

[Sidekicknichola]

My current PC is:
CPU - AMD FX-8120 3.1 GHz
MoBo - Gigabyte GA-970A D3
RAM - 16GB Kingston HyperX
GPU - Radeon HD 6850


.... the PC is 50/50 split between home theater use (currently going through receiver to Optoma HD20 projector) and gaming... most of my gaming consists of :
BF3
Dayz
Sims3 (the fiance')
Skyrim
.... some older stuff for LAN parties here and there


the 40" LCD I'm running now is just too bright, too hard to web browse sitting that close, and too a PITA to haul around for LAN parties

 

[tydas]

I guess it comes down to preference and also if you have specific games/ apps that will use a multi monitor set up...I prefer single monitor that is as big and high resolution as i can afford...that multi monitor set up would annoy me after a while...

 

[jackstar7]

Just my opinion, but I'd say if you go the triple setup, then you'll want at least another 6850 to get decent playable framerates in those more taxing games. If you go with the 2x27s at 1080p, then the one will probably be okay, since you'll be gaming on a single monitor with the same rez you're likely on now. At worst you might need to adjust some settings down.

The two-monitor solution is also easier as you won't need to pick up an adapter to use the DP out on the card.

I'd say hold off on the triple setup until you can put a little more $ into video cards and just enjoy a decent double setup.

If the option is available to you, head to a store and check out monitors in both sizes to see how they "feel" to you. You might not need the 27" size for 1080p rez which keeps your costs lower.

 

[Sidekicknichola]

If the option is available to you, head to a store and check out monitors in both sizes to see how they "feel" to you. You might not need the 27" size for 1080p rez which keeps your costs lower.

I thought about picking a 3 -23" at best buy on my card, try it for two weeks or so then just return them... if I like it, buy some from newegg, if not.... try the 27s


I plan on adding another 6850 as soon as I see them on sale again.

 

[jackstar7]

Then I'd say check around for some benches of x-fired 6850s and watch out for bad drivers. x-fire+eyefinity makes for delicate systems apparently...

 

[Sidekicknichola]

x-fire+eyefinity makes for delicate systems apparently...

I like to live on the edge .... and if something overheats, then I have the motivation I need to upgrade.

 

[Via]

You know that tri-monitor stand will set you back some $ too, right?

 

[Sidekicknichola]

You know that tri-monitor stand will set you back some $ too, right?

The photo above was just a reference, I would plan to use their existing stands (making sure they rotate 90*)

 

[Via]

Yeah, make sure they're adjustable.