Powerful graphics with an LCD

[Giantwasp]

This is related to questions I have posted in the dual DVI Thread:
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.cfm?catid=31&threadid=995763&STARTPAGE=10

But as it was getting a bit off topic I thought I would post a new thread.

What I would like to know is it worth paying extra for a better graphics card when using LCD monitors (mine being Dell 1900FP, with a 25ms response time I think).

I know that these aren't designed for gaming but I am hoping to play Doom 3 and Half Life 2 when they come out (assuming I can get them working in Linux!) and reading reviews I am getting the feeling that it might be worth paying almost double for a Geforce 6800 (GT/Ultra) instead of a 5700 both with 256MB ram.

Assuming those reviews were done with CRTs, what i want to know although it may not be as good as a CRT will I still get the same perfomance benefits on my LCDs, or would I be better spending my money on another part if my system.

Thanks,
Clive

 

[Dman877]

The only reason to spend more on a gpu for an lcd is how the native res thing works with lcd's. Most 17/19 inch lcd's run at 1280x1024 and above that is usually 16x12 so you'll need a gou with the horsepower to run those resolutions.

For example, I'm running a 172N (12x10 native) on a 4200 and it's a stretch.

 

[Degrador]

If you're wanting to play doom 3 / HL2, then it's certainly worth getting at least the 6800 GT. The 5700 is hardly going to be able to play either of these at a decent resolution. Even the 5950 Ultra will strugle to play these at 1024 or greater.

 

[howdyduty]

Consider getting a fast LCD. One with a 16ms or lower refresh rate would be good for gaming. Some are now at 12ms which should support very fast gaming. Most are 25ms which is not that good for fast gaming.

 

[Giantwasp]

I would love to buy a fast LCD. But I will be running a dual display system and the cost of getting two new displays would be too much right now. Besides I only bought my second Dell 1900FP a few weeks ago when I realiased Dell weren't making them anymore (now 1901FP), they didn't seem to be available and I wanted to get one that matched my current one.

In retrospect it was bit of a rush purchase and I ended up with 2 dead pixels. But I think they are still great monitors, as Anandtechs review says (basically the're the same as a samsung 191T).

I have come to the conclusion that I will get a Geforce 6800 Ultra (or GT if I find a dual DVI model) and am looking forward to some good gaming when my new machine is built. Hopefully the response time won't bother me too much!