Best PC Gaming Monitors 2012

One of the best new TN panel gaming monitors in 2012 is the Viewsonic VX2753MH-LED which is the successor to the VX2739WM, another favorite of mine. The VX2739WM was known for its sub 1 frame input lag and 1 ms response time, a first for 27 inch LCD monitors. Like the previous generation model the VX2753MH-LED carries a 1ms response time. Having used it in action-packed games like BF3 I can say that it performed admirably and there was low input lag when placed next to a CRT monitor.

Connectivity for the VX2753MH-LED is good not great. It includes 2 HDMI and a VGA connector but lacks a DVI port. While Viewsonic does include an HDMI to DVI adapter it's still ideal in my mind to connect directly.

Resolution and Picture

After using the VX2753MH-LED extensively for several days and having gamed on it I can say that the picture is good. It's not brilliant like you may see on an IPS display, but for the money it's right up there with other great 27 inch TN panel monitors like the Asus VE276Q. If you've never used a monitor this large before, then the difference is substantial, and like me, you may have to sit back about 2 and a half feet from your display rather than the 20-26 inches you sit back with from a conventional display. Viewsonic also has a 24 inch version of this monitor, the VX2453MH-LED which is more affordable and practical for an office setting or those who simply don't want this large of a monitor.

The LED back light technology for this model is better than I expected. Viewsonic has advertised that their LED technology can be completely dimmed, and as a result I do see darker blacks than I'm used to with LED LCD monitors.

Although I try to judge the look of the screen rather than just look at specifications the VX2753MH-LED does carry a 1ms response time, 30M:1 DCR, and a 1920 x 1080p full high definition resolution.

Integrated Speakers

Let's face it, you're not buying a monitor for the speakers and since I've used this monitor I can confirm that they are somewhat lackluster. That being said they're convenient and I'd rather them be there then not when I take my headphones off.

Cons: For those who'd prefer to mount their monitor it's important to note that this monitor is not VESA compliant. I recommend the ASUS VE276Q listed below as VESA compatible alternative.

Bookstand

Although I haven't used it much another interesting feature for the VX2753MH-LED is the book stand option. You can completely remove the base of this monitor and kick the stand out from the back. At around 10 pounds this makes it nearly portable and good for LAN parties or travel.

Warranty

Viewsonic's VX2753MH-LED has a competitive 3 year warranty that backs up what appears to be a solid new product.

Samsung 27-Inch Class LED Monitor S27A350H
I'm fond of the look, design, and sturdiness of the A360H. Although a warranty longer than 1 year would be nice this is still one of my favorite monitors with a 2ms or lower response time.
Amazon Price: Too Low to Display

Viewsonic VX2753MH-LED 27-Inch LED Monitor - Black
1920 x 1080/ DC 30,000,000:1/ 1ms, D-Sub, HDMI x 2/ 300 cd/m2 brightness/ 170°(H) / 160°(V) viewing angle/ tilt adjustable, and built-in speakers. Includes a 3 year warranty with Viewsonic's Pixel Performance Guarantee
Amazon Price: $299.00 

ASUS VE276Q 27-Inch Wide (16:9) 2ms Response Time Display Port LCD Monitor - Black
1920 x 1080/ 100,000 :1/ 2ms/ DisplayPort, DVI-D, D-Sub, HDMI/ 0.311mm pixel pitch/ 300 cd/m2 brightness/ Tilt adjustment / 2 x 3W built in speakers/ 3 year warranty
Amazon Price: $299.99  

ViewSonic VA2702W 27-Inch Full HD 1080p Widescreen LCD Monitor with DVI and VGA Inputs - Black
Amazon Price: Too Low to Display 

Asus monitors are used in professional game fighting tournaments as one of the must trusted around. This is due to their low input lag as well as response times. Probably the best or at least most well-known 24 inch computer monitors is the ASUS VH236H EVO monitor which now a couple of years old. One of my favorite new monitors is the ML248H. This inexpensive and ultra-thin LED gaming monitor has a 2ms response time, is full 1080p in 1920x1080 resolution and and includes a HDMI connector input for easy connectivity.

The ML248H also comes with a ring stand that allows the monitor to easily tilt and swivel in any direction that you see fit. While this monitor has been on the bestselling list for the first part of the year, recently the Viewsonic VX2453MH-LED, the 24 inch version of the monitor reviewed above, has taken it's place.

Product Details: 2ms response time, full hd 1920x1080 resolution. Ring stand that allows full tilt and swivel. Save money with low power consumption with LED backlighting (less than 30 watts). Includes a 3 year parts and labor warranty.

ASUS ML248H 24-Inch 1920x1080 LED Monitor
Amazon Price: $198.99

Samsung P2450H 24-Inch Widescreen Touch of Color LCD Monitor Samsung's touch of color series not only looks the best it's one of the best performing as well. Details include a 2ms response time, D-sub, DVI, and HDMI connector inputs, 1920x1080 resolution, and a DCR of 70,000:1.
Amazon Price: Too Low to Display 

Viewsonic VX2453MH-LED 24-Inch Ultra-thin Widescreen LED Monitor - Black
This is the 24 inch version of the monitor featured in our top section. It's a solid deal for Under $200.
Amazon Price: $199.99  

Response Time and Input Lag

Manufacturers measure response time from gray to gray, but technically it should be the time it takes for a pixel to go from black to white and then back to black. On any computer monitor this is measured in ms or milliseconds. The faster the response time the less blurring and ghosting users will experience during action packed sequences. A good gaming, entertainment, or video editing monitor usually will have a response time under 5ms. Recently many people have challenged whether having a response time between 1-6ms is really all that noticeable and instead have measured for input lag which on certain LCD monitors has measured as high as 68ms! Input lag is simply difference between the time a signal is given to the display and when it is displayed.

Refresh Rate

While various gamers experience different levels of eye strain while using their computer for long periods of time, one thing known to relieve some of the problem is by having a monitor with a high refresh rate. The refresh rate on a monitor is basically the amount of times that the hardware draws information from a source. Even low end computer monitors have a higher refresh rate, then many of the better monitors in years past. PC monitors go as high as 120hz while some newer HDTVs go up to 240hz. A good 3D-ready monitor will have a 120hz refresh rate.

HD 1920 x 1080p and TN Vs. IPS Panels

While it's important to purchase a monitor that is high definition. Most new release monitors today 22 inches and above are full 1920x1080p resolution. While the resolution can certainly go above this for some IPS monitors you are still better off with a TN or twisted nematic panel as they do much better with video and generally have lower response times. That being said IPS monitor response times have come down in recent years and their color reproduction is much more accurate.

Contrast Ratio

Contrast ratio measures the darkest color that a monitor can produce (blackest black) vs. the lightest color (whitest white). In general the higher the contrast ratio, the better the color. Because various manufacturer's define how they label their contrast ratio differently (static vs. dynamic etc...), we recommend you read consumer reviews in order to get a better understanding of your monitors color output.

LED Vs. LCD

There are some pretty complicated descriptions and definitions of the difference between an LED and LCD monitor. The only real difference is in the type of back lighting and energy they use. LED monitors use LED (light emitting diode) technology for back lighting which consumes up to 40% less energy. Gaming and entertainment viewing tend to be less strenuous on the eyes with an LED monitor. In addition, LED monitors do not emit mercury like CCFL lit displays. Since LED monitors are newer, thinner, have more options, use less power, and are less strenuous on your eyes than LCD monitors I recommend you go with an LED monitor if you can afford it.

Signal Input

Consider what type of signal input you want to use with your computer before purchasing your monitor. The most common inputs are DVI-D, HDMI, and VGA. DisplayPort connectors are also seen on more expensive monitors.

3D Capability

Wikipedia defines 3D Capability as "any display device capable of conveying a stereoscopic perception of 3-D depth to the viewer". While technically many monitors could produce a 3D image, various monitors have been built specifically for 3-D viewing and gaming. Any monitor built for 3D viewing can also be viewed in normal 2D format. See below for top 5 3d monitors for 2011.

Other Things to Consider:

Consider the horizontal and vertical viewing angle as well as the power consumption of your monitor when making your purchase. Similarly sized computer monitors can use as little as 28 watts all the way up to 70+ watts. In the long-term you'll be better off sticking with a monitor that consumes less power. Horizontal/vertical viewing angles will always be better on IPS panel monitors and up to 180 degrees; however, if you purchase a TN panel monitor look for one that has an extended viewing angle so that your picture doesn't distort easily when tilting or swiveling it.

Probably the best monitor under $1000 for photo editing, the Dell U2711 is still a great deal when compared to other monitors with similar specifications and is available in 24 and 30 inch sizes as well.

What about Response Time and Input Lag?

Specifications state that the U2711 has a 6 ms response time which is low for an IPS panel monitor. The input lag is around 15ms as shown in AnandTech's Review of it but this isn't a deal breaker as it's pretty similar to other LCD monitors.

An IPS Level of Picture and Color

The overall picture and detail of this monitor is what really sets it apart from TN panel monitors. Dell's specifications show that this monitor can display up to 1.07 billion colors and it has a solid color gamut at around 96% of the standard Adobe RGB. Resolution is 2560 x 1440 pixels which makes the picture really feel stunning while gaming and the picture is nearly perfect from all angles at up to 178° vertical / and 178° horizontal of the possible 180° .

Overall the Dell UltraSharp U2711 is a really incredible monitor. The input lag and response time isn't overwhelming and the incredible picture really enhances your gaming experience. You'll have to decide whether spending about double of what you normally would on a 27" TN panel is worth it, but the price is low compared to other similar IPS panel monitors and in line with the latest 27 inch 3D gaming monitors.

Productivity 501 states that productivity for working can increase up to 52% for workers who use a larger monitor peaking at up to 24 inches. That benefit then continues to decline as monitors increase in size beyond 24 inches.

With gaming it works a little bit different. If you have a monitor that is too large from where you are sitting, then seeing everything becomes much more difficult, however, an expanded line of site with an Eyefinity or dual screen setup can certainly give you an advantage in seeing your opponent. That being said these setups can get too large and I prefer to use 24-27 inch monitors for Eyefinity.

Our choice for best 22 inch monitor is the Samsung PX2370 23-Inch Widescreen LCD Monitor with LED Backlight. The PX2370 boasts an ultra fast response time of 2ms and a dynamic contrast ratio of 5,000,000:1 leaving you with bright blur and ghost free picture while gaming or watching movies. The PX2370 also uses LED backlighting and typical power consumption is only 25 watts! We also love that it has both a DVI and HDMI connectors. Last but not least, with a 3 year parts and labor warranty from the manufacturer you know you are getting a quality product from Samsung.

There are few 19 inch monitors made specifically for "gaming" and most likely if you are purchasing a 19-20 inch monitor, then you'll end up with one that has a 5ms response time. The 19 inch monitor that really stands out this year is the Viewsonic VX924. We like that ASUS has made this energy inefficient LED monitor affordable for anyone. Nearly 70% of consumers polled on the various sites we have checked have given the Viewsonic VX924 5 stars. Includes a DVI connector. While this monitor doesn't have "everything" it's definitely the best bang for your buck in this price range. If you are looking for a better response time, then consider the Samsung p2050.

Cons - No HDMI Connection.

Many gamers still believe that 3d gaming is somewhat of a novelty. Luckily, it's a novelty you can turn off whenever you want. Although it may not be practical to game all day long in 3d, computers monitors built specifically for 3d viewing also function well in 2d mode. Most new monitors that are made for 3d viewing have a super fast refresh rate of 120hz.

This new 27 inch monitor from Asus (Acer HN274H BMIIID) is every gamer's dream and one I've been waiting on for a long time. It offers blur-free motion with a 2ms response time and 120 hertz refresh rate and the picture is incredible with 1920 x 1080 full high definition resolution and Acer's new adaptive contrast management of 100 million to 1.

Overall: This large display is the only 27 inch 3D LED monitor available at this point and it does not disappoint! While it may seem expensive it's in the right range for a monitor of this specifications that includes the nVidia 3D Vision Kit. I also like the various connectivity options with D-Sub, DVI, and HDMI x 3 and that it's VESA compliant so you can easily mount it on your wall.

Acer HN274H BMIIID 3D 27-Inch LED Monitor - Black
Amazon Price: Too Low to Display 

*Don't forget to vote for the best 3d game for 2011 below.