Best 3D LED/LCD PC Gaming Computer Monitors 2012

Ranked #286 in Computers & Electronics, #3,880 overall

Review the Latest 120Hz Monitors for Gaming

If you spend as much time gaming as I do, then you know that any advantage you can get is crucial to your team's overall success. While a good 3D gaming monitor certainly won't improve your kill to death ratio because of the fact that it is 3D, there are many reasons why a quality 3D monitor can improve your play. The main reason is that most high-end 3D computer monitors have a 120hz refresh rate - which essentially doubles the data draw rate that you see in standard 2D monitors. Gaming in 2D with this higher refresh rate gives you smoother image rendering and a more realistic feel for the games that you play.

Nvidia or Radeon 3D Gaming Monitor?

Best 3D Gaming MonitorIf 3D gaming is still a novelty for you and you plan on using your monitor mainly for 2D, then it might be advisable to skip this section altogether. Both nVidia and Radeon have good products, that can produce good 3D results, but judging your monitor's 2D gameplay is probably more worthwhile in this situation.

AMD HD3D: It's true that AMD's product hasn't been around quite as long as nVidia's. On AMD monitors DisplayPort technology is used while nVidia 3D Vision 2 requires Dual-Link DVI. AMD's product is open for those looking to develop their own software with TriDef or iZ3D being some of the most popular examples. This could be a good thing for the long-term prospects of AMD's technology; however, in the short-term many feel that nVidias 3D Vision 2 produces better 3D rendering results.

nVidia 3D Vision 2:

If we were still comparing the first version of nVidia 3D vision to AMD's HD3D technology it would definitely be more of a fight. As it currently stands, nVidia 3D Vision 2 has a key advantage with 3D LightBoost - which improves shutter times and screen brightness.

Best Rated 3D Computer Monitors for Gaming 2012 - Top Ten

#1 ASUS VG278H

Best Monitor for 3D GamingThe main reason that I put the Asus VG278H as my number one pick is because the 3D images on it are so fantastic. As one of the first monitors to take advantage of nVidia 3D Vision 2 with Lightboost technology it really pops and the images don't fade into darkness like you sometimes see with older 3D models.

In addition to being what I feel is the best nVidia 3D Vision 2 monitor on the market this monitor also has low input lag, a 2 ms response time, and a dynamic contrast ratio of 50,000,000:1. If there is a negative to the VG278H it's that the color is not quite as vibrant as the number 2 monitor on this list the Samsung S27A950D, but for 3D I feel it's much better.

ASUS VG278H - 27-Inch 16:9 3D Full HD LED Monitor

Amazon Price: Too Low to Display Buy Now

Best 120Hz 3D Monitor for 2D Gaming

#2 Samsung S27A950D

Samsung S27A950D 3D Computer MonitorIf you asked me which one of these monitors I felt performed the best in 2D gaming, then it would probably be the Samsung S27A950D. The colors are just about as vibrant and detailed as I've seen on any TN panel monitor. Samsung's Ultra Clear Panel Technology obviously contributes to this and gaming is smooth with the 1ms response time, 120Hz refresh rate, and sub 1 frame input lag. For 3D tt comes with TriDef software that is average for 3D effects and Real-Time 3D Conversion.

Overall if you're looking for a monitor for 2D gaming more than anything else, then this is one of the best you'll find. 3D is fun and pretty good, but certainly not without it's imperfections.

Samsung S27A950D 27-Inch Class 3D LED Monitor

Amazon Price: $599.99 Buy Now

#3 BenQ XL2420T

BenQ 2420T 3D MonitorThe BenQ XL24240T is another great monitor with nVidia 3D Vision 2. These BenQ monitors were made for gaming and have several options that are made exclusively for gamers. It has similar stats to those listed above with a 2ms response time, low input lag, and 120Hz refresh rate.

What sets this monitor apart is the controlled options like the Black eQualizer which helps with visability and the Designed S Switch for Swift Control and Navigation. There's also a FPS mode designed with optimal brightness and contrast for FPS-style games.

Overall the BenQ XL2420T is very similar to the Asus VG278H model to me as far as appearance and game play is concerned. If you're just planning on using it for 2D it's also very tempting to go with the previous version of this model the, XL2410T, and save a few bucks. *The XL2410T does not have nVidia 3D vision 2.

BenQ XL2420T 3D LED Monitor

Amazon Price: As Low As $407.99  Buy Now

An Affordable / Budget 3D Gaming Monitor

Viewsonic V3D231

Viewsonic V3D231 23-Inch Monitor

Amazon Price: Too low to display Buy Now 

The V3D231 3D LED monitor includes one pair of polarized 3D glasses and one pair of clip on polarized lenses, has full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution, VGA, DVI-D, and HDMI 1.4a inputs, a 2ms response time, and a 20,000,000:1 Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio.

5.) ASUS VG236H 23-Inch 120 Hz 3D Ready Monitor

Another Great Budget Option

ASUS VG236H - Top Rated Monitor 2011Our choice for best 3D PC monitor of 2011 was the Asus VG236H which brings the ultimate 3D gaming and movie watching experience right into your home.

The VG236H comes with dual side LCD technology which essentially dedicates 60hz to each of your eyes during 3D use and gives you incredibly smooth and blur free action scenes while watching movies or gaming.  In 2D this gives you twice the refresh rate (120hz) of standard monitors and with a response time of 2ms you'll never have problems with ghosting.

NVIDIA 3D Glasses and Emitter Included
While the price of this monitor may seem higher than some of the other 3D monitors, it's important to take into consideration that this monitor actually includes a 3D kit that would cost you around $150 to purchase separately. If you're looking to purchase a 3D monitor simply for the high 120hz refresh rate, then consider the Asus VG236HE below.

Color Shine Non-Reflective Surface
The VG236H comes with a non-reflective surface which takes away the distraction that can come from reflections on glossy screens.

Additional Specifications:
DVI-D/HDMI Connectors, 1920x1080 FULL HD resolution, energy star compliant, Height/Swivel/Tilt Adjustable, VESA Mounting 100mm x 100mm compliant, 100,000:1 contrast ratio, 400 cd/m2 brightness, and 3 year limited parts and labor warranty included.


ASUS VG236H 23-Inch 120 Hz 3D Ready Panel Monitor with nVidia 3D Vision Kit - Black
Amazon Price: As low as $368.05 Buy Now

What's the Best 3D PC Monitor of 2012?

Vote for your Favorite!

This poll was recently reset in April 2012 in order to add a few monitors to the list. Your vote determines the order of the monitors above. Casting it allows us to give readers the most accurate information available.

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Top Gaming Monitors for 2012

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hsb250

I love gaming and PC building. I write about them extensively for many different sites. As a gamer I'm most into FPS-type (BF3) games as I simply don't... more »

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