Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggestions?
 

Long story short (Link to rig here) , I'm getting the brand new 30" Gateway to go with that hoss of a computer that I'm building.

But I also want dual 20" monitors, in portrait, flanking both sides of the 30" Gateway. The ONLY prerequisite is that they MUST have a native resolution of 1600x1200 (so that, while in portrait, it matches the 2560x1600 resolution of the 30" monitor, therefore, making it 4960x1600 of desktop space).

The 4 that I know about are the:

Dell 2001FP
HP LP2065
Samsung 204T and 204B

I'm looking either for feedback/suggestions or personal experience with anyone who has a similar setup. I am concerned about the TN panels in portrait, though, as it makes them hard to see/read due to their poor viewing angles.

But again, any and all help would be appreciated!

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggestions?
 

My friend just got a pretty sweet looking Westinghouse 19" widescreen from Best Buy for like a buck seventy nine. Think the 20" non wide was only two hundred.

I don't have much input on it yet, as I've only used it a few times. Sure makes HL2 look crispy though.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggestions?
 

I am getting the same setup this month and here is my conlcusion. 20" 1600x1200 monitors are like $350. you really wont need the 1600x1200 res becasue its mainly gonna be winamp, webbrowser, PT, Pahud in the 20' monitors. you will not have poker tables in those 20' monitors, they will all be sitting in your 30. You can get a 20' 1680x1050 for like $180 on newegg. so imo, forget about the dell 2007wfp or w/e. just buy 2 cheap 20s, if your concerned about the TL panels then dont get one, there is a pretty wide panel selection in the under $200 range.

The real question is how are you gonna mount the 20s in portratit mode when 99% of all stands only let you mount them horizontally? how is everyone else doing it?

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggestions?
 

do u need 2 video cards to run 3 monitors? I thought with a dual DVI card that you can run 1 port to your 30 and run a Y-cable to your 2 20s? correct me if I am wrong but i am sure i read this somewhere.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

What you doing then SirFelixCat, 18 tabling it? Saw you playing 200NL on Tilt this morning, way to go.

I've got the Dell 20", the stand does let you have it set portrait.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

1) obviously the previous responses to the OP in this thread don't know what they're talking about.

2) in the various discussions about this topic in the past, i haven't ever read anyone complaining of difficulty with the TN panels and limited viewing angles.

apart from anything else, because of the huge physical size of such a setup, you'll need to physically turn the side monitors in towards the centre. thus, you can align them to wherever you'll be sitting.

in addition to the monitors you list above, there is also a Dell 2007, BenQ has a 1600x1200 monitor (i forget the model number off the top of my head, but i've got one at home), and i'm fairly sure i have a HP LP2035 1600x1200 monitor at home.

at one time, i had various monitors set up in a 3x2 array (three across, two above) and never had any issues with viewing angles.

my greatest problem was having the monitors close enough to my eyes to clearly see the details. because i had a Dell 2405 in the middle, the particular monitor stand I had didn't have long enough arms to tilt the side panels in towards the middle.

hopefully this is helpful.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

[ QUOTE ]
I am getting the same setup this month and here is my conlcusion. 20" 1600x1200 monitors are like $350. you really wont need the 1600x1200 res becasue its mainly gonna be winamp, webbrowser, PT, Pahud in the 20' monitors. you will not have poker tables in those 20' monitors, they will all be sitting in your 30. You can get a 20' 1680x1050 for like $180 on newegg. so imo, forget about the dell 2007wfp or w/e. just buy 2 cheap 20s, if your concerned about the TL panels then dont get one, there is a pretty wide panel selection in the under $200 range.

The real question is how are you gonna mount the 20s in portratit mode when 99% of all stands only let you mount them horizontally? how is everyone else doing it?

[/ QUOTE ]


This is terrible advice. You should absolutely only consider getting 1600x1200 monitors so the resolutions will match your main monitor. As far as portrait mode, the 204b's stand will rotate 90 degrees out of the box.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

[ QUOTE ]
do u need 2 video cards to run 3 monitors? I thought with a dual DVI card that you can run 1 port to your 30 and run a Y-cable to your 2 20s? correct me if I am wrong but i am sure i read this somewhere.

[/ QUOTE ]

You thought wrong. Some video cards will run more than two monitors but they are pretty rare, do not have great specs, and do not work by simply splitting a DVI port.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I am getting the same setup this month and here is my conlcusion. 20" 1600x1200 monitors are like $350. you really wont need the 1600x1200 res becasue its mainly gonna be winamp, webbrowser, PT, Pahud in the 20' monitors. you will not have poker tables in those 20' monitors, they will all be sitting in your 30. You can get a 20' 1680x1050 for like $180 on newegg. so imo, forget about the dell 2007wfp or w/e. just buy 2 cheap 20s, if your concerned about the TL panels then dont get one, there is a pretty wide panel selection in the under $200 range.

The real question is how are you gonna mount the 20s in portratit mode when 99% of all stands only let you mount them horizontally? how is everyone else doing it?

[/ QUOTE ]


This is terrible advice. You should absolutely only consider getting 1600x1200 monitors so the resolutions will match your main monitor.

[/ QUOTE ]
QFT (though I think OP already understands this).

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

Thanks for the feedback fellas. And yes, I'm set on the 1600x1200 res. That's whats making this so damn hard.


Looking on ebay, I can possibly grab 2 Dell 2001FP's for total of @ $500. Thoughts on this? Granted they'll be used and are older, but for the price, I mean, really....



Thoughts?

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

Felix,

I can only comment on the Samsung 204b - of which I have two courtesy of Stars. Currently in landscape, flanking a 24" Dell - which I intend to replace with a 30" once I get me another 10K FPPS, so this topic interested me enough to rotate my 204b's for a test. I presume these are TN panels.

Viewing angle is certainly a concern.

From my limited experiments, it seems there is much less of an issue on the left panel than there is on the right.

That is, when viewed from the "bottom" (the right panel) it went very dark - I had to turn this one ~25 degrees towards me to regain correct colour.

Viewed from the "top" (the left panel) - no such issue - it maintained correct colour when parallel with the middle screen, no adjustment required. It could also be turned inward to match the right panel with no issue.

Only when viewing from "underneath" was the vertical viewing able a problem on the Samsung 204B.

If you are investing in a Fixed stand to mount the 3 screens, this will of course not be an issue. It may also not matter if one can remove / refit the panel "upside down" on it's stand for the right screen.

Either way, I have no hesitation running these two 204b panels in portrait mode once I get me a 30" - I will turn it towards the center or re-mount it on the stand as need be [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Hope that helps,

dave.

EDIT: Fixed many typos [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

Also Felix,

I'd consider dropping the 7900GT for something less power-hungry, like an 8500 or something. You obv. will not be needing it for gameplay, and it may make your machine quieter / cooler / less strain on the PSU.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

i'm a big fan of used monitors. i have a bundle and they are all great.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

Thanks dave...I appreciate the test on the monitors [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

TN panels are notorious for being VERY bad for portrait mode, but never saw it first hand. Thanks for that.

And as for the 7900GT...I'm cannibalizing it out of this rig, so it's free (or a sunk cost, if you prefer), so I'll stick with it, but good point. Had I not already had it, I'd take your advice.


And Josem, thanks...the >$500 price for both seems pretty good to me, so I think I will pull the trigger on those. Can't wait to get the rest of the rig and take pice for you guys [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

[ QUOTE ]

TN panels are notorious for being VERY bad for portrait mode, but never saw it first hand. Thanks for that.


[/ QUOTE ]

This is the thing I was trying to explain - but probably didn't very well [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

While the 204b went from perfect to horrific in only a few degrees of movement - it only did so in one of the four planes. So unless you are stuck using the retail stands (and they cannot be re-mounted upside down) it is a non-issue on this particular TN panel.

What technology is a Dell 2001FP?

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

[ QUOTE ]
'd consider dropping the 7900GT for something less power-hungry, like an 8500 or something. You obv. will not be needing it for gameplay, and it may make your machine quieter / cooler / less strain on the PSU.

[/ QUOTE ]

I Once was blind but now i See. I have been following Felix's thread on AT and I am in the same boat. I am getting a 30 this month + 2 20s, and building a whole new system. i was unclear what kind of videocard setup I should be going with to run these 3 monitors. I guess I will need 2 video cards, what do you recommend? obv I will be playing some games, but will only be playing fps's on the 30.

TIA

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

[ QUOTE ]

I guess I will need 2 video cards, what do you recommend? obv I will be playing some games, but will only be playing fps's on the 30.


[/ QUOTE ]

One of the best cards you can get for driving the games on the 30", and the cheapest you can find (with DVI) for running the third monitor [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Unless playing the FPS games is very important - in which case two of the best in SLI to drive the 30" - then switching the BIOS / physical mobo switch when you want to run all three.

Something like an NVidia 8800GTX + 8500 (8400 even, I'm not sure these are available without turbocache), or a pair of 8800GTX

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

honestly, if you're spending a large fortune on a 30" monitor and two 20" monitors, I doubt that money is likely to be very tight.

so, get yourself a decent, high end video card that can take full advantage of your awesome displays.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

[ QUOTE ]

Unless playing the FPS games is very important - in which case two of the best in SLI to drive the 30" - then switching the BIOS / physical mobo switch when you want to run all three.


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Switching in and out of SLI is very easy. I do it pretty much every day. You can do it through software now without touching the bios.

And I believe you need two identical video cards to take advantage of SLI. Also, you will need top of the line cards to run an FPS at 2560x1600.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

dave, I understand now. I'm debating going with an aftermarket stand (one that I can mount all 3 displays on), but either way, I am really considering those 2001FP's. If nothing else, I know they are solid S-IPS panels and again, they are just for everyday use, NOT gaming, so as long as they're readable etc. I'll be fine w/ them.

Thanks again.

HonestRyan, I'd seriously consider getting an 8800GTX to drive your 30" monitor and then, seriously, any ole thing for a 2nd video card that has DUAL-DVI. Since you'll be doing the same as me, the 2nd card doesn't need to be much of anything...something cheap that has dual-dvi is all you need to run both the smaller monitors. You can't run SLI using 3 monitors, so don't bother "wasting" the money on the 2nd video card.

Keep in mind that most mobo's (including the new P35 chipset) don't support true SLI...the 2nd PCI Express slot is usually x4, not x16 and again, since it's not going to be used for gaming, it doesn't need to be. hence why I chose the IBIT IP35 pro. Hope that helps.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

[ QUOTE ]

Switching in and out of SLI is very easy. I do it pretty much every day. You can do it through software now without touching the bios.


[/ QUOTE ]
Usually yes, but it does depend on the board. 90% at a guess are switched in BIOS now, there still exist those with a physical switch.

[ QUOTE ]

And I believe you need two identical video cards to take advantage of SLI. Also, you will need top of the line cards to run an FPS at 2560x1600.


[/ QUOTE ]

Yes and yes.

A single 8800GTX doesn't fare too bad at that res. - but obv. a pair is much better. Thus my comments on "if it is serious" or whatever I said [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

EDIT: I said BIOS - I know they switch in software, but need reboot - to me, that is a BIOS switch.

If some can switch SLI On/Off without reboot - please let me know model names - will be stocking up on these beauties [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

[ QUOTE ]
HonestRyan, I'd seriously consider getting an 8800GTX to drive your 30" monitor and then, seriously, any ole thing for a 2nd video card that has DUAL-DVI. Since you'll be doing the same as me, the 2nd card doesn't need to be much of anything...something cheap that has dual-dvi is all you need to run both the smaller monitors. You can't run SLI using 3 monitors, so don't bother "wasting" the money on the 2nd video card.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is a trmemdous help for me, thank you. and this will be exactly what i do. a 8800GTX for the 30 and a cheap dual DVI for the 20s. I think i will also be doing some ebay shopping for some of the old dell 20s as well. As you know there isnt much info for a setting up a system like this.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
HonestRyan, I'd seriously consider getting an 8800GTX to drive your 30" monitor and then, seriously, any ole thing for a 2nd video card that has DUAL-DVI. Since you'll be doing the same as me, the 2nd card doesn't need to be much of anything...something cheap that has dual-dvi is all you need to run both the smaller monitors. You can't run SLI using 3 monitors, so don't bother "wasting" the money on the 2nd video card.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is a trmemdous help for me, thank you. and this will be exactly what i do. a 8800GTX for the 30 and a cheap dual DVI for the 20s. I think i will also be doing some ebay shopping for some of the old dell 20s as well. As you know there isnt much info for a setting up a system like this.

[/ QUOTE ]

No problem bro. Anandtech has always been a big help for me since I started building my own rigs 2, almost 3 years ago.

Also, fwiw, I'm STUPID anal about researching before I buy ANYTHING of value(took 2 weeks to buy my vacuum cleaner...had to do my homework on them first), so if you want/need input on your parts/monitors etc, lemme know.


FWIW, the 30" Gateway is just sick good. Just came out this month. I was going the HP (HDCP complient vs the Dell which is not, plus more inputs), until that bad boy came out. XHD3000.

Here is a link for some stuff on it at anandtech:

Linky

Good luck and lemme know!

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

what an awesome monitor but $1700!!! I am gonna go with the 30' HP monitor, it got the best reviews of the current 30' monitor line. (excluding the new HP). and it only cost 1172 after rebate, 1272 before rebate here I just bought my 2 Dell 2001FP refurbs from Recoup It they were only $189 a piece! beats shopping on ebay and dealing w/ sellers etc.. Now its time to order the computer system from newegg.

Thanks!

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

Nice. Glad to have helped bro and I'm waiting to read more reviews about the Gateway...that thing is just sick good.

Keep me in the loop and lemme know what all you get in/for your rig. We'll have to post pics as well and turn most the forum green w/ envy [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

Bump w/ it complete.

I am in the process of testing the XHD3000 Gateway 30" monitor now. Installing F.E.A.R and also bringing over my 360 to hook it up to test out the scaling features on it.

I'll also post some shots of pokering!

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...t/IMG_0099.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...t/IMG_0100.jpg

If you guys have any ???'s, feel free fellas. That's my $4,000 rig (rig and monitors) that I built myself, so I can try to help answer any questions you guys might have on building a new rig and/or monitor ???'s.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

Awesome rig Felix [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Please be posting *detailed* trip report once you have tried all manner of SD / HD hardware on all the inputs on that Gateway. Very interested to find out how that scaler chip performs IRL.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

$4000 rig. $20 desk. Wallpaper from 1980s.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

[ QUOTE ]
$4000 rig. $20 desk. Wallpaper from 1980s.

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And zero rent/utilities. And moving to Vegas in a couple of months and the desk is not making the trip.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

Sorry. I was just busting your balls a bit. I have nothing but love for SFC.

Re: Killer new rig w/ 30\" Gateway...need 2 more 20\" monitors. Suggesti
 

[ QUOTE ]
Sorry. I was just busting your balls a bit. I have nothing but love for SFC.

[/ QUOTE ]

Nah, it's all goood, I know.

TBH, that desk was quite expensive like 10 years ago lol.