BF2S Forums Dual 20" vs 24" Monitors

dual monitors have huge advantages. even though i only run dual 19' non-widescreen ones it is way better than my old 21' widescreen (yay, i get new stuff free when i give my old stuff to the family). and now i can finally run 1 app maximised and still have lots of programs open that i can monitor withouit alt-tabbing out

daffytag wrote:

one 20' and save the rest of your money

BORING, where's the fun

Kinda depends on your needs, are you primarily a hardcore gamer or are you a professional who simultaneously uses multiple PC apps? (The answer to this question should point you in the right direction). 

If you are trying to achieve two different video inputs (such as having a game on one screen and a separate application on the other) then 2-20"s would make sense.  If you are planning to span an FPS game across both screens though, you will be disappointed, as the center of the screen (which is where you aim) will be split by the monitor borders.  Obviously, this could be acceptable in a game like MS Flight Simulator where you do not have a crosshair at dead center of the screen, but it does not work well at all for an FPS game like BF2.  To compound this problem,  since you will likely only be playing FPS games on one of the 2 monitors, you will be constantly looking to which ever side the game is on.  The only time I tried this I found it EXTREMELY annoying, I prefer to look straight ahead.  Until they start making a borderless TFT, spanning 2 monitors generally sucks for FPS gaming. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that both screens require a separate video output.  Many high end cards have 2 DVI outputs, (SLI is also an option to get 2 outputs).  What video card are you using and does it have dual DVI output?  Keep in mind also that pushing a res of 1920x1200 with many games can drop even the best GPU's to their knees.  If you have an older GPU, you may need to upgrade to see the higher resolutions from your new monitor at acceptable framerates.

I'm using a Dell 2405 FPW (I LOVE this monitor by the way...).  Personally, I think it is a better option for my needs than two 20's as I rarely need more space (2 spreadsheets and a browser is very usable at 1920x1200) and when I game I'm getting a full 24" of gaming goodness on one screen.

The only people (in my opinion) who really benefit from the dual screens is someone who is more desktop oriented like artists/programmers/CAD/stock market analysts etc.  When it comes to games alone, a single larger monitor truly IS better....

Last edited by ShotYourSix (2006-09-17 06:29:22)

Mmmmmm.... As has been pointed out: look at your needs, and then go for what suits them best. Figuring out your needs is tough, but you just have to be honest about what's the better solution for YOU. Remember the only one you "cheat" by not being honest to your self... is YOURSELF.

Ie: if you find that you NEED two monitors, then get two monitors, but dont get them for the fun of it... I have two, I doubt I have them both on at the same time more than.... Maybe once pr month... Waste of money really.

Same consideration goes for the 20 vs. 24 inch Question. 24 inch is bigger, but remember than bigger doesn't mean better. Most games can't handle the large res, and for those than can, your GPU will be sadly lagging behind in many cases. Also, bigger screen means you generally have to use larger icons or you will get problems using windows. Same thing goes for simple document processing. And too big a screen means you have to strech or crane your neck needlessly. This is especially true of larger monitors (21' +)

Then as you say.. there's the desktop space usage issue. While 2x20' SOUNDS like much, each monitor isn't that big. And if like me you'll end up using mainly one, then you have the OUTSTANDING fortune that LCDs are FLAT... So you can stack one behind the other untill you need it (I have mine on "arms", so it's easy to pull it out anyway). While one monitor sounds more preferable, you may also want to consider that the 24' is not only longer, it's also HIGHER, and in many cases the foot of the monitor is larger because the monitor is heavier. And dimensions should play a factor.. Would a 24' look too big as compared to where you want to place it. For instance, in a large window a big monitor will look small, but on a small dsk it would look big. Consider the "interior decoration angle"... Your wife/GF/parents/significant other will appreciate this.

I have the dell Ultrasharp 24 " wide screen. It's probably the one youa re looking at. It is awesome. Now my friends are getting it .

[b][color=teal]from what i have read sli does not play nice with dual monitor setups. so if your going to or are planning on sli i would go with the 24. i have a 20.1 viewsonic for my gaming rig. it's all i really need and it does a great job. i have played with both the 20 and 24in dells and they are awesome. it all depends on what your going to do with them. personally i would man up and get the thirty in.