Planar 26" and GTX 260 216 ordered and on their way

[semisonic9]

My $2k-ish rig is finally ordered and on the way! Most of the internals are sitting in my room right now. The case is coming in tommorrow, with the Planar following it the day after, and the GPU hitting town Saturday. They were the last parts ordered, and the decisions that were most "up in the air" until the last moment.

I went with the Planar because I wanted a newer IPS panel under $800. That narrowed it down to the Planar, the Doublesight, or the newer HP LP2475w. IMO, Doublesight really screwed the pooch on the DS-265W. That leaves the HP, which is a very sexy little monitor. And I'd have gone with it, but after shipping and taxes the HP came within $60 of the Planar in my state. So I said "F*** it" and ordered the Planar.

The Planar is supposed to be pretty good. Better quality control than the DS monitors, with better support and warranties/dead pixel policies. I'd like 1-2 more inputs, though, and I keep hearing bitching about the "white glow" and some color banding. Others hate the wide-gamut thing. I haven't seen a monitor that's "perfect" yet for under $1k, so we'll see how I feel about this one once it's set up and in my house. I'm hoping to use an existing profile from someone who's calibrated to get "in the ballpark" on some values, since I really don't want to have to buy a colorimeter. If it comes to that, I'll probably send it back instead and go with a BenQ TN or something, and pocket the change.

Another toughy was the decision about going with the 4870, 4870 1gb, the 260, or the newer 216 variants. Anandtech's review leaned heavily towards the 4870 1gb, but I didn't find the disparity in performance at 1900x1200 that persuasive. My vanilla 216 should run cooler, quieter, and overclock like a champ. I intend to take it up to 620mhz core or better on air, which should net me similar FPS to the EVGA "Superclocked" 216. Add to that the lack of lifetime warranty on the 1gb cards (no Leadtek yet) and the step-up program on the EVGA, and I went with the NV boys on this one.

Tough calls. Hope I don't regret 'em!

-S

 

[faxon]

just curious, whats wrong with the quality of the DS 26 inch? i remember the prior model was one of the highest recommended monitors in its class for a while and they supposedly only improved on it with the 265W. i was going to get one once i had the cash for it, but if they are shipping a lot of shitty ones i might get the planar instead if its really under $800 now


ed:newegg doesnt have the best deal on it of the sites i checked, but compare

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...016084&Tpk=planar%2026

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824185010

does the planar support HDCP? what about HDMI over DVI? if the quality is that much better i might consider it. i was planning on getting a PS3 eventually and i would hook it up to my computer monitor since buying a seperate TV is more expensive than just using the monitor for both.

 

[JaBro999]

semisonic9,

Thanks for the forum post on this topic. I'd love to hear how you like the Planar PX2611W after a week or so of use.

I'm planning a similar build for early next year, and I've been considering the same LCD's you mention (it's a shame the NEC LCD2490WUXi is just too expensive). It's enough to drive you crazy.

As for the DS-265W, while it' still relatively new, I've heard that it has a number of shortcomings in relation to the discontinued DS-265N.

DS-265W pro/con:

+ Relatively low price - especially compared to NEC LCD2490WUXi.
+ Height adjustable stand.
+ Seems to have A-TW polarizer. No official word on this from DoubleSight, but reviews indicate there is a decent chance of getting pannel with polarizer (the Planar PX2611W & HP LP2475W have no A-TW polarizer).

- Potentially lower build/parts quality.
- No backlight control, just black level control (reducing brightness can impact contrast and color).
- No 1:1 pixel mapping.
- Only one DVI input (no HDMI input, despite what box says).
- Some reports of "flickering" in some parts of the screen (may or may not be common).
- Oh, and the useless speakers.

-jb

 

[Zebo]

I am partial to mid-range Sli because it has served me so well these last couple years. For example you could have a video solution for $210 (2x9800GT's) which will destroy the Core 216 and it's bigger brother the 280 too. With your budget, I would have purchased the LCD2490WUXi even if I could only buy one card for now.

So $210 (2x9800GT's) + $1020 for 2490wuxi = $1230

You - Core 216 $300 + $820 Planar = 1120$

What's $110, or less than 10% more, for a far better monitor and better performance?

Just my opinion.

 

[faxon]

one thing to keep in mind zebo is that monitors usually last longer than most of the other hardware you are using in your system, save maybe the hard drives and cases. a higher resolution monitor brings the added cost of getting a video card which can drive it for several years. this is why most people get 22 inch panels for their gaming systems, since they can get good performance gaming panels for $300 and good video cards for half the price that the people using the 24-27 inch panels are using.

and thanks JaBro for the info on the DS-265W. i still dont know if the planar is HDCP compliant though, which is something i would like to know before purchasing it

 

[JaBro999]

Hey faxon,

While the value of a 22" inch panel is tempting, after using a 24" 1920x1200 display at work there's no way I could get a 22" display and be satisfied.

As for the Planar LCD and HDCP, a quick google returns a number of links that indicate the PX2611W support HDCP through its DVI-D link.
This is a quote from a Hardforum thread comparing the three monitors mentioned above:

"The LP2475w supports HDCP over HDMI and I'm pretty sure the DVI-I ports too, the PX2611W lacks an HDMI port but supports HDCP over DVI-D, and the DS-265W also lacks an HDMI port but supports HDCP over DVI-D."
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?p=1033096632

Hardforum has some pretty big threads dedicated to each of the most popular LCDs, including the PX2611W, DS-265W, and LP2475w.

And don't forget Anandtech forums own "The LCD Thread", which is freakin' huge but very informative:
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...id=31&threadid=2049206

-jb

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: Zebo
I am partial to mid-range Sli because it has served me so well these last couple years. For example you could have a video solution for $210 (2x9800GT's) which will destroy the Core 216 and it's bigger brother the 280 too.

Where's Azn with his diatribe on microstutter, multi-GPU support and other issues... come on, where is it? I know it's got to be there somewhere. :roll:

 

[AzN]

Originally posted by: SunnyD

Originally posted by: Zebo
I am partial to mid-range Sli because it has served me so well these last couple years. For example you could have a video solution for $210 (2x9800GT's) which will destroy the Core 216 and it's bigger brother the 280 too.

Where's Azn with his diatribe on microstutter, multi-GPU support and other issues... come on, where is it? I know it's got to be there somewhere. :roll:

Did you miss me?

Anyway a single GPU is far better than a dual gpu with equal performance. Not to mention power consumption and micro stutter issues some users are having. Sometimes a dual gpu outweigh a single gpu in price performance but I would avoid dual gpu to a last resort and or the price difference is huge.

 

[semisonic9]

Thanks guys.

Yeah, I'm a big believer in single card, or even the ATI "x2" cards > SLI/Crossfire when possible. And ATI only gets away with "x2" solutions due to the increased efficiency over crossfire, and respectable performance when running on a single GPU + 1gb or vram.

Imo, dual-card solutions belong either at the uber-high end (2x gtx 280s). Even a year or two from now, if I keep the 260 and am deciding to SLI it or sell and upgrade, I think it's pretty much always going to make more sense to do the latter. But hell, I may end up upgrading before December!

JaBro, I haven't forgotten ya man. UPS + Fedex are dropping off both these parts tomorrow (Monday). Between school, overclocking and stability testing, I'll be a busy boy, but I should have a mini-review and some first thoughts up by next monday. I've recieved a few requests for this kind of thing.

I'll come back and link it here when it's done.

-S

 

[JaBro999]

Good to know - thanks!

 

[Engraver]

I've had my 26" Planar for several months now and have been pleased with it, other than minor problems RMAing and how they do credit card holds for cross shipping.

My first unit had 2 dead pixels right in the center. I RMA'd that one, only to receive an even worse unit (this one didn't even come in a retail box, it was in a large box with some heavy foam pieces). The second unit had a 2" diameter patch of red grid like pixels showing in the center. I then RMA'd that monitor, and I was sure to tell them to send me a new unit (which they did this time). Number three was the charm, with no dead pixels and fairly uniform backlighting.

 

[semisonic9]

I've got everything in stock. Only plugged up the 26" to an old P4 rig atm (I'm having post problems on the new rig), but it looked ****ing awesome! The screen definately has sex appeal on it's side, imo.

Much testing to go, but I'll get some pics up soon. I need a little time to let that "zomg I love my new purchase" feeling dissipate, too.

-S

 

[Dadofamunky]

Originally posted by: Zebo
I am partial to mid-range Sli because it has served me so well these last couple years. For example you could have a video solution for $210 (2x9800GT's) which will destroy the Core 216 and it's bigger brother the 280 too. With your budget, I would have purchased the LCD2490WUXi even if I could only buy one card for now.

So $210 (2x9800GT's) + $1020 for 2490wuxi = $1230

You - Core 216 $300 + $820 Planar = 1120$

What's $110, or less than 10% more, for a far better monitor and better performance?

Just my opinion.

Zebo! Long time no see bro! How are things in Costa Mesa?

On topic, I thought hard about getting one of the IPS panels, but I got a strong deal on a 24" Dell PVA panel and haven't regretted it. I see nothing 'controversial' about getting a 26" IPS panel. I wish more high-end panels were common here instead of the junk TN panels that are all you see in every comptuer store across the country...

 

[Engraver]

Originally posted by: Zebo
I am partial to mid-range Sli because it has served me so well these last couple years. For example you could have a video solution for $210 (2x9800GT's) which will destroy the Core 216 and it's bigger brother the 280 too. With your budget, I would have purchased the LCD2490WUXi even if I could only buy one card for now.

So $210 (2x9800GT's) + $1020 for 2490wuxi = $1230

You - Core 216 $300 + $820 Planar = 1120$

What's $110, or less than 10% more, for a far better monitor and better performance?

Just my opinion.

The Planar uses the same panel as the 26" version of the 2490WUXi. There isn't much difference in picture quality. It isn't a far better monitor, and actually worse for gaming. The NEC models have more frame buffering junk in them, so they have higher input lag compared to the more bare bones Planar. The Planar's input lag (or lack there of) feels the same as the 20WMGX2 I had previously.

 

[Phew]

I recently bought a PX2611W for $650 shipped after Ebay/Live cashback (I was holding out for a deal..didn't want to spend $800+). As far as I can tell, there really isn't another option if you want a 24"-26" non-TN panel for gaming. I use a TN at work, and the color gradients (dark->light going from top to bottom) drive me crazy.

I have one subpixel that is stuck green (only noticeable when the screen is totally black), but other than that I am very happy with the monitor. Colors are outstanding, even backlight, no noticeable input lag or ghosting, and friggin huge.

I wish there were more IPS panel options with low input lag. Dell has gotten ridiculous with their 60+ms input lag Ultrasharp monitors. Five years ago you could buy a Dell 2001FP S-IPS panel with almost zero input lag. What happened?

 

[konakona]

Originally posted by: Phew
I recently bought a PX2611W for $650 shipped after Ebay/Live cashback (I was holding out for a deal..didn't want to spend $800+). As far as I can tell, there really isn't another option if you want a 24"-26" non-TN panel for gaming. I use a TN at work, and the color gradients (dark->light going from top to bottom) drive me crazy.

I have one subpixel that is stuck green (only noticeable when the screen is totally black), but other than that I am very happy with the monitor. Colors are outstanding, even backlight, no noticeable input lag or ghosting, and friggin huge.

I wish there were more IPS panel options with low input lag. Dell has gotten ridiculous with their 60+ms input lag Ultrasharp monitors. Five years ago you could buy a Dell 2001FP S-IPS panel with almost zero input lag. What happened?

damn, I wish that deal is still available! would have made a nice upgrade from my soyo topaz

anyway, glad I stumbled upon this thread. based upon this, I am starting to think planar is actually a better choice than the DS.

 

[JaBro999]

Konakona,

The HP LP2475w is an IPS alternative to the PX2611W & DS-265W, though it is only 24" (still, same resolution).

The LP2475w can be had for around the $650 that Phew paid for the PX2611W (awesome deal for the Planar, btw. I'll have to look into how that Ebay/Live cashback works).

The upcoming Apple LED Cinema Display (due some time in Nov.) may also be an option, but it looks like it will be a bit more expensive than the Planar PX2611W is now without a rebate.

 

[konakona]

JaBro999,

Thanks for heads up! I guess I will have to wait and see how the apple one turns out, price-wise and everything

 

[Phew]

Originally posted by: konakona

damn, I wish that deal is still available! would have made a nice upgrade from my soyo topaz

At this moment you can get an Open Box PX2611W for $435 shipped after eBay/Live cashback. Monitors are the one item I am always leary of buying open box/refurb though.

Cashback is down to 25% now, but that doesn't make a difference because the max cashback on a single purchase is $200 anyway. New ones seem to pop up on eBay for ~$850 pretty frequently. Buy.com has a bunch, but unfortunately they require a 3rd-party checkout, so cashback doesn't work.

 

[konakona]

I might be asking the obvious, but http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Planar...:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318 <-- that would be buy.com right? That is about the only PX2611W I see on ebay atm, unfortunately.

 

[Phew]

AT mods don't like ebay links, FYI. But yeah, that is Buy.com. They typically have the best Buy It Now price for just about every item, it's a shame their checkout system doesn't qualify for Live Cashback.

Search for "px2611w", that open-box unit is still available. Again, proceed at your own risk with open-box monitors though.

Our only active concern with eBay links are people trying to promote their auctions there or otherwise use our forums to drive traffic to their eBay stores. In this case, nothing wrong has been done.

-ViRGE

 

[gorobei]

Originally posted by: JaBro999
Konakona,

The HP LP2475w is an IPS alternative to the PX2611W & DS-265W, though it is only 24" (still, same resolution).

The LP2475w can be had for around the $650 that Phew paid for the PX2611W (awesome deal for the Planar, btw. I'll have to look into how that Ebay/Live cashback works).

The upcoming Apple LED Cinema Display (due some time in Nov.) may also be an option, but it looks like it will be a bit more expensive than the Planar PX2611W is now without a rebate.

there are supposed to be some industry wide price drops on large screens after oct.

I'm eyeing the Dell 2408wfp, HP 2475w, or Samsung 245T. Think we'll see any black friday deals?

 

[JaBro999]

I'm sure there will be some awesome deals on lower end (TN) monitors, video cards, and other system components on black friday, but I'm skeptical that there will be any steals in the premium segment of the LCD monitor market. Then again, maybe I'm just saying that because I'm getting a house in Nov. and I'll be too strapped for cash to jump on a monitor deal until next year.

 

[Blacklash]

I have a DS 1920x monitor. Someone commented on single GPU vs multi-GPU.

One odd thing I've discovered is that my overclocked GTX 260 renders large scale real time combat in AoC and Oblivion more smoothly than my HD 4870 X2. By more smoothly I mean 10FPS faster and without chop. I've been testing scenarios with at least eight characters on the screen swinging weapons, moving about and casting spells. I was moving about a lot too. I was running max settings in both games @ 1920x with 4xAA|16xAF. So if you RAID a lot in AoC a GTX 260 or 280 might be a better option.

On the other hand, the X2 renders some static scenes in both the mentioned games twice as fast as my GTX 260.