Best all-around + gaming 24'; LCD monitor?

I just built a new rig and have not even received any of the parts yet. Still waiting, and I have not made a final decision on the monitor I want to get yet. I've decided I'd like to go with a 24'' monster of a screen, simply because bigger is better :) and also because that way, I get full HD support and I can hook my Xbox360 up to it as well via the component input.

I've done a ton of research and what I found is that it's incredibly hard to research LCD monitors. Many reviews are old
and do not take into consideration firmware revisions. The list of contendersis short. Here they are:

• UltraSharp 2407WFP 24''

• SAMSUNG 244t-BK Black 24''

• BenQ FP241W

Since the Samsung and Dell use the exact same panel, the Samsung probably is a no-choice at this point. But the Benq monitor received fantastic reviews here, here, here and here. The newer version, BenQ FP241W Z, has also been released in the meantime, but the price premium is hardly worth the inclusion of BenQ's BFI (black frame insertion technology to reduce ghosting around the edges of the screen).

I found the Dell 2407WFP for $500 flat, brand-new, on Craigslist and could go pick it up as early as Tuesday. At$500, it's a freakin' STEAL, considering it would cost me about $630 to get it shipped to me from Newegg, and probably even more with faster shipping.

Do you guys know more on this topic? I don't know where to take my research any more.. I've spent the past three days doing focused monitor research while building my rig and I'm still not done.

By the way, Gamespot really needs a more serious TECH section. Right now I can't take it terribly seriously :). I wish Gamespot had hardware roundups and reviews that extend beyond looking at the latest GPU's--reviews of hardware specifically tailored to gaming. It would make sense for such a huge and cool game related network as Gamespot.

Anyway, help me make a decision! Any comments, suggestions are welcome. Before I forget, here's the setup of my new rig: [URL=http://img299.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6142007110946rectanglexe4.png]
[IMG]http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/4409/6142007110946rectanglexe4.th.png[/IMG][/URL]Best all-around + gaming 24'; LCD monitor?
[QUOTE=''MoeRL'']I just built a new rig and have not even received any of the parts yet. Still waiting, and I have not made a final decision on the monitor I want to get yet. I've decided I'd like to go with a 24'' monster of a screen, simply because bigger is better :) and also because that way, I get full HD support and I can hook my Xbox360 up to it as well via the component input.

I've done a ton of research and what I found is that it's incredibly hard to research LCD monitors. Many reviews are old
and do not take into consideration firmware revisions. The list of contendersis short. Here they are:

• UltraSharp 2407WFP 24''

• SAMSUNG 244t-BK Black 24''

• BenQ FP241W

Since the Samsung and Dell use the exact same panel, the Samsung probably is a no-choice at this point. But the Benq monitor received fantastic reviews here, here, here and here. The newer version, BenQ FP241W Z, has also been released in the meantime, but the price premium is hardly worth the inclusion of BenQ's BFI (black frame insertion technology to reduce ghosting around the edges of the screen).

I found the Dell 2407WFP for $500 flat, brand-new, on Craigslist and could go pick it up as early as Tuesday. At$500, it's a freakin' STEAL, considering it would cost me about $630 to get it shipped to me from Newegg, and probably even more with faster shipping.

Do you guys know more on this topic? I don't know where to take my research any more.. I've spent the past three days doing focused monitor research while building my rig and I'm still not done.

By the way, Gamespot really needs a more serious TECH section. Right now I can't take it terribly seriously :). I wish Gamespot had hardware roundups and reviews that extend beyond looking at the latest GPU's--reviews of hardware specifically tailored to gaming. It would make sense for such a huge and cool game related network as Gamespot.

Anyway, help me make a decision! Any comments, suggestions are welcome. Before I forget, here's the setup of my new rig: [URL=http://img299.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6142007110946rectanglexe4.png]
[IMG]http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/4409/6142007110946rectanglexe4.th.png[/IMG][/URL][/QUOTE]Change your CPU,CPU Cooler, and Sound Card.To Q6600 for $266 after July 22ndTo Thermalright Ultra 120: Extreme for $55To a Auzentech PreludeEdit really though, If you get alittle cheaper parts (your prices are alittle high) you could fit in a 8800gtx in their for no added cost.Best all-around + gaming 24'; LCD monitor?
Definitely the Dell.
[QUOTE=''projectpat2007'']Change your CPU,CPU Cooler, and Sound Card.To Q6600 for $266 after July 22ndTo Thermalright Ultra 120: Extreme for $55To a Auzentech PreludeEdit really though, If you get alittle cheaper parts (your prices are alittle high) you could fit in a 8800gtx in their for no added cost.[/QUOTE]You do know what date it is, right? It's June 16th. You're suggesting I change my CPU to one that will have a price of $266 on JULY 22nd? I built my rig a day or two ago and I want it up and running by Tuesday or so. Your suggestion would have me waiting for a full month. No thanks. I can always upgrade to the Q6600 later and might even do that, selling the 6600 I am now getting either locally or on eBay or what-have-you. No biggie.Why the Thermalright Ultra? Zalman's make excellent coolers. The're just nothing wrong with it.The soundcard is coming.. I definitely want to get an Auzentech, but I held off for the moment. I'll add it later.Thanks for the suggestions, but they were all completely unrelated to the thread. How about you give me a monitor suggestion? :)
[This message was deleted at the request of the original poster]
Dell's monitors are amazing, and I believe the 2404WFP has a better quality panel than the Samsung. S-IPS vs PVA. :)I consider Dell to be the 2nd best LCD monitor manufacturer, after NEC.
[QUOTE=''MoeRL''][QUOTE=''projectpat2007'']Change your CPU,CPU Cooler, and Sound Card.To Q6600 for $266 after July 22ndTo Thermalright Ultra 120: Extreme for $55To a Auzentech PreludeEdit really though, If you get alittle cheaper parts (your prices are alittle high) you could fit in a 8800gtx in their for no added cost.[/QUOTE]You do know what date it is, right? It's June 16th. You're suggesting I change my CPU to one that will have a price of $266 on JULY 22nd? I built my rig a day or two ago and I want it up and running by Tuesday or so. Your suggestion would have me waiting for a full month. No thanks. I can always upgrade to the Q6600 later and might even do that, selling the 6600 I am now getting either locally or on eBay or what-have-you. No biggie.Why the Thermalright Ultra? Zalman's make excellent coolers. The're just nothing wrong with it.The soundcard is coming.. I definitely want to get an Auzentech, but I held off for the moment. I'll add it later.Thanks for the suggestions, but they were all completely unrelated to the thread. How about you give me a monitor suggestion? :) [/QUOTE]Sorry.Was alittle uptopic, I was assuming you didnt already have the rig. (Even though first sentence say opposite) :)Also, The Thermalright Ultra kills the Zalman, it cools much better and you can use any 120mm fan you want..so it can be as quiet as you would like.(Still no Moniter Suggestion) :)
Dell..I would kill for that monitor lol
Adding to the OT (and sorry!), but if you've got a Fry's Electronics close by they're selling the P180B (often it's the P182) for $120 - $40 mail-in rebate.



They're also selling the same price on Frys.com, but shipping is a killer - something like $30.
[QUOTE=''Hiryuu_'']Definitely the Dell.[/QUOTE]Any reason for this?

[QUOTE=''Hiryuu_'']Dell's monitors are amazing, and I believe the 2404WFP has a better quality panel than the Samsung. S-IPS vs PVA. :)I consider Dell to be the 2nd best LCD monitor manufacturer, after NEC.[/QUOTE]The 24'' Dell is also S-PVA, exact same panel as the Samsung...
[QUOTE=''Hiryuu_'']Dell's monitors are amazing, and I believe the 2404WFP has a better quality panel than the Samsung. S-IPS vs PVA. :)I consider Dell to be the 2nd best LCD monitor manufacturer, after NEC. [/QUOTE]
It's the 2407WFP, not 2404WFP, just making sure. In reviews I've read, the Samsung always beat the Dell in color accuracy and image quality, so I don't know.

The BenQ is supposed to beat them both. I could have the Dell 2407WFP for $500 if I pick it up myself, as early as Tuesday, or if I order the BenQ from Newegg, I will pay close to $700 when considering shipping, and that's also something I'm willing to do considering the quality of the BenQ should be noticeably better than the Dell, plus the BenQ has an HDMI port. If I decide to get a PS3 down the road, that sure would come in handy, or even an Xbox360 Elite :)I don't know.. I'm torn. That's why I made this thread.I've heard about NEC making great monitors, but wouldn't EIZO be at the top?
Yeah, just found out that the 2407WFP uses S-PVA panels as well.Oh well, either is fine I suppose.Yeah, that was a typo.. meant to put 2407WFP.
Dell's monitors are awesome. Their ultrasharps have additional inputs like composite and s-video as well as a USB hub and (at least the 24'') a media card reader. The ultrasharps also have built in scaling so the picture isn't distorted (you can choose stretched to fit, stretched to source aspect, or mapped direct 1:1 in the center of the screen. A lot of manufacturers skimp on the stand, but dell does not. Dell's monitor stands (particularly on the last refresh) are great. I got an LCD arm to attach my 20'' to and felt bad that I wouldn't be using the stand it came with once I saw it. The build quality on the Dell's are also top notch.



Don't get me wrong tho, I also love Sammy's stuff. Dell's monitor are just more full featured, IMO.
I don't know about you guys but I would go with a Veiwsonic or a Apple HD moniter. Thats my choice. I've Always used a Viewsonic on my PC and never had a problem and they run great!
[QUOTE=''treytakahashi'']I don't know about you guys but I would go with a Veiwsonic or a Apple HD moniter. Thats my choice. I've Always used a Viewsonic on my PC and never had a problem and they run great![/QUOTE]Viewsonics usually aren't too bad, some models are very nice but Apple is just way overpriced.
I'm getting that BenQ model.
[QUOTE=''TrueReligion_'']I'm getting that BenQ model. [/QUOTE]Which one? The Z model or the regular one? I'm still debating.. I could have the Dell 2407WFP for $500 brand-new, as I said.. or the BenQ I mentioned in my first post for about $700, shipping included. It's a touch choice :/
[QUOTE=''projectpat2007'']Sorry.Was alittle uptopic, I was assuming you didnt already have the rig. (Even though first sentence say opposite) :)Also, The Thermalright Ultra kills the Zalman, it cools much better and you can use any 120mm fan you want..so it can be as quiet as you would like.(Still no Moniter Suggestion) :)[/QUOTE]The Zalman will do just fine. I think you're heavily exaggerating by saying ''the Thermaltake KILLS the Zalman''. Got any benches of that? Proof?

Thanks.
[QUOTE=''MoeRL'']The Zalman will do just fine. I think you're heavily exaggerating by saying ''the Thermaltake KILLS the Zalman''. Got any benches of that? Proof?

Thanks.[/QUOTE]The Thermalright Ultra 120 and Ultra 120 extreme does KILL the Zalman 9700.