New Monitor Purchase

DSkip

Industry Expert
Aug 26, 2013
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A few weeks ago I purchased a new desk and set it up in front of my bay window in the front. After looking at it and realizing how stressful it was to work in my office, I decided to dig into solutions to make the new desk my permanent workspace. I've been wanting a new monitor for years - one that could downsize me from the dual screen setup I have now into a single screen capable of handling 2-3 monitors worth of content. After browsing around I had decided on a 34" LG, until I saw a 38" Dell, the U3818dw. After playing with this display I felt the 34" screens were a bit too small and would only be big enough to really replace 2 monitors. The 38" is perfect for three screens as I'm using it now and I have already become more productive because of it.

https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/del...8dw/apd/210-amrc/monitors-monitor-accessories

MicroCenter is currently selling it for $850, which was only $100 more than the 34" versions I was considering. Highly recommended if you are in the market for one.


I tried to upload a photo from my phone but it was deemed too large.
 

DSkip

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Aug 26, 2013
442
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Arlington, TX
www.audiothesis.com
So after owning and loving this monitor for a year, I decided to go ahead and build a PC to run it effectively as my Yoga 910 Laptop had some minor issues. It's been on my mind since I got the monitor and the time was finally right. The build is as follows:

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X CPU
ASUS X570 TUF Gaming Plus Motherboard
G.Skill Ripjaws 64 GB DDR4-3600 Memory
ASUS Radeon RX5600 XT TUF Graphics Card
Inland Premium 2TB M.2 SSD
Corsair HX850i Power Supply
Lian Li Lancool II Computer Case

This isn't a cheap build but I wanted to make sure I had something I could use for 8-10 years. The Ryzen 7 3700x was a consideration as well, but the performance boost once I started building the PC just made sense. I also have a Corsair
H100 water cooler for the CPU from my last build, but the stock cooler is so quiet I don't think I need it. My last build was several years ago around the FX8120 and that stock cooler was extremely loud, requiring the upgrade. I don't intend to overclock so I shouldn't need the extra cooling abilities the H100 brings.

I'm not sure how many here are into these things, but I am now running all my games at max on the Dell monitor and getting superb results.
 

Folsom

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I built a computer recently. I went with a dual monitor setup though and like it that way. I currently use it for work so a decent amount of screen space is needed. However one of my monitors is only a 22" which works perfect for me as I don't want my desk to be overfull. An Ultrawide would be my other choice but it would crowd my desk a lot. My desk is only 46" wide. Have to say though, 144hz monitor with games seems nice to me.

The computer build is meant to be quiet. I went with a Nvidia Founders 2070 Super, and regret it some now because I want to switch to an MSI but it feels wasteful to do so now. Why? Purely because of noise, the founders makes a little bit more noise than some other GPUs (but it does look damn nice). I put all BeQuiet fans in the front of the enclosure and the CPU cooler is very quiet too - all 4 pin so they spool down when it's not hot. I went from mini ITX case to micro ATX not because I needed the room but wanted more airflow to reduce some noise without having to force as much around the video card. The enclosure is a Fractal Design Silent version, so it has damping material on the panels on the inside. I'd love to go with a fanless design but my stuff would fry because they weren't mean for high end video cards or CPU's of any kind of actual power.

I went with a HDD (enterprise) for important files and M.2 1TB for games etc. But since I finished Witcher 3 (+ expansions) I don't really know what to play now. I have a bunch of FPS games but don't care too much. I haven't played games in years so getting back in isn't as thrilling as maybe I'd hope or hoped they wouldn't be, not sure. The games look nice for sure, cranked up settings on a 2k monitor.

The hardest thing to find was a keyboard that is very slim but has decent key action, doesn't lock up from pressing too many keys at the same time, and doesn't have ctrl a mile from the Z (gamers understand that). Turns out Lenovo makes this keyboard and it's the keyboard EVER. Everything else makes my hands achy, has limited button pressing, makes super loud noises, etc etc. I do admit I have a number pad though with mechanical buttons so I can hammer on it though (weighs like a 1lb, very cool). I'm really particular for this stuff. I use a Roccat Kone Pure mouse and it's the best gaming mouse ever. Funny enough though for non-games I have been using a different mouse. Original I thought I'd just pick one but I like a different mouse for different functions... I might just get rid of the other one, don't know yet. The worst part about nice mice today is their stupid RGB crap.

Do you use monitor arms? I'll never go without them ever again, so much more deskspace/open feel. The last thing I had to figure out was a desk lamp that wasn't worthless. I ended up getting this and the tall height makes it worthy unlike everything else designed for hipsters that write shit poems in notebooks that they later apologize in advance for reading at coffee houses... and will never own anything taller than a 15" Mac laptop. Seriously, most desk lamps are stupid low.
 

Bobvin

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Jun 7, 2014
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So after owning and loving this monitor for a year, I decided to go ahead and build a PC to run it effectively as my Yoga 910 Laptop had some minor issues. It's been on my mind since I got the monitor and the time was finally right. The build is as follows:

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X CPU
ASUS X570 TUF Gaming Plus Motherboard
G.Skill Ripjaws 64 GB DDR4-3600 Memory
ASUS Radeon RX5600 XT TUF Graphics Card
Inland Premium 2TB M.2 SSD
Corsair HX850i Power Supply
Lian Li Lancool II Computer Case

This isn't a cheap build but I wanted to make sure I had something I could use for 8-10 years. The Ryzen 7 3700x was a consideration as well, but the performance boost once I started building the PC just made sense. I also have a Corsair
H100 water cooler for the CPU from my last build, but the stock cooler is so quiet I don't think I need it. My last build was several years ago around the FX8120 and that stock cooler was extremely loud, requiring the upgrade. I don't intend to overclock so I shouldn't need the extra cooling abilities the H100 brings.

I'm not sure how many here are into these things, but I am now running all my games at max on the Dell monitor and getting superb results.

I’ve just built a very similar machine, same processor and similar x570 mobo. First time for me with AMD. I put it in a Fractal DesignR6 case. Sabrent PCie 4 m2 1tb drive, and ASUS Geforce RTX 2070 super graphics. Wow, cases have improved. The gamers have driven the market, and cases are roomy and much more modular. I’ve been building my own rigs now for 25 years, but its been almost ten since my last build. I always go as silent as possible, so a Noctua passive cpu cooler. About to order some custom cabling to keep the insides ultra-tidy.

Graphics card chosen not so much for gaming performance (I’m not a gamer) but 3 Display Port outputs to drive my three 24” monitors. I run my business on on my rig, and became used to the real estate of 3 monitors.

But, with Windows10 the graphic sub-system of the OS changed radically to account for high pixel density displays like laptops. Much graphic processing has been pushed to individual apps, so if you are using a “typical” pixel density display you can get some crappy font rendering. My eyes are bad enough, so I knew moving to Win10 I would need a higher density monitor.

Today I placed my order for an LG 34” widescreen with 5k resolution, and the pixel density I believe is in the 160ppi range. I will have to see if this will be enough real estate for me. The LG monitor is the Thunderbolt version they make for Mac folks, and interestingly there are 2 identical skus one for business one for consumer. The business one has 3 yr warranty ve consumer at 1 year, and is a few hundred less.

I will say, with a USB 3.2 flash drive loading the OS onto the Sabrent Pcie 4 m2 drive—installing the OS took about 10 minutes total. Just freaky fast. My last build was just before EUFI (?) bios, so its a joy to boot the whole thing from cold in less than a minute vs several for my old rig. That’ll change as I load programs with lots of startup calls.
 

Folsom

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You know what's even faster Bob? Linux. I hear the new AMDs run ok on it, but I went Intel because they always do. I'm on just win10 (pro) at the moment but plan to load up Linux again as it's the safest, easiest, and fastest OS type.

RTX2070 Super for just running 3x monitors? Wow that's extreme overkill. Most young gamers would love to have our cards because they're outright beastly (for games) and not exactly cheap costing more than a Playstation.

The way a monitor resolves is maybe just as important as the pixels. My main monitor is a "tiny" 27 inch (perfect size for me), and once I turned the red down a hair everything looks very good at 2k. 3x of this monitor would be lovely. Where as my secondary monitor I went through 4 before I decided on one that is OK but not amazing. However the first second 27" I got that didn't have VESA mounts (and can't return) looks really nice like my 144hz monitor. One of the reasons I went with the monitor I did was because we were in the middle of the hysteria and frankly almost everything was sold out; so I ended up with this one (I would ignore the reviews, they're clearly not all for the exact model). It's a pleasant surprise that I have only the desire to upgrade my secondary one to be as good as it is. And believe I went in CIRCLES about whether I wanted Nvidia Gsync for a week or so, and cringed over all the reviews on gaming monitors. Now I'm not sure I could downgrade from 144hz. If my desk changed locations (and grew bigger) I'd be a bit interested in an ultrawide but I'm not so sure I could stare at it nearly as long at only 75hz, maybe 100hz for one Dell I've seen.
 

Bobvin

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Even though I'm trying to be semi-retired, for my business I need to produce some youtube videos, which is a lot of what is driving my new desktop/monitor build. Having a wide panel display should make that easier. Whether or not I add another monitor is undecided until my 34" unit is installed. And, I don't know how the graphics card might deal with different resolutions on multiple monitors. My current 3 monitor setup uses the same basic 24" monitors, though one has color calibration at the hardware level, the other two it is done by software. I usually run at a paper white color balance of ~5000 Kelvin. I recently swapped to standard display and the amount of blue really was stunning after living with paper white for multiple years. When I switched to standard (I think its around 8300° K) I only lasted a couple days then went back to the warmer setting.

My current displays are only about 98ppi. The new LG is @ 163ppi, which should render fonts very clearly. My Microsoft Surface has a ppi in the 227 range. Damn high density for such a small screen, and even at 200% scaling things are small-ish, but extremely clear.
 

DSkip

Industry Expert
Aug 26, 2013
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Arlington, TX
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I struggled with a 34” 144 vs the 38” 60 I got. I still think I made the right decision but sometimes I do wonder What a 144 would bring to the table. Usually when I build a computer I have some buyers remorse over this component or that one. The only thing I can point at is the 5600xt, but I got it for $240 and can’t justify the additional cost for a 2080 even on the used market.

I actually am quite shocked at the quality of the cases now too. After building this one I looked at my old one and it feels like a piece of junk. They were in the same price bracket when new but nowhere near the same league.

The sad part is now I’m considering a gaming monitor for a secondary. I don’t think I’m that extreme - I only play civilization 5 and warzone - and get framerates I’m ok with (45-60) so I’m not sure it would benefit me.
 

Folsom

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Width is what's useful, height to a limit. IMO height beyond a 27" if your desk isn't very deep (24") is good, 24" monitors are a bit on the small size (worked on two of them, found it not optimal). It's hard to scan more than 27" at one time when you're close to it, what it's really about is being able to have other things open on the sides IMO.

My 27" monitor text is crystal clear, vastly better than any of the other monitors I tried. Even different smaller sized monitors have different quality in text. I tried settings for sharpening etc with a couple and was totally dissatisfied with 3, and the last one is decent.

The white color on the screen isn't necessarily meant to look like paper, but if you took a camera shot of a piece of paper and then held it up to the monitor displaying the paper that'd be a way to try to calibrate... I guess technically you'd want to basically have the piece of paper hanging down over the monitor to start with so you could try to color match right at the edges.

Multiple monitors isn't graphic intense. An RX570 would have been plenty. I think for video editing it's primarily 3D stuff that sometimes can use the videocards power.
 

DaveC

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Nov 16, 2014
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Everything's a compromise unless you have big $ and space, just like audio, lol...

I have a top end LG ultrawide 34" 120 Hz Freesync 2K monitor that I use for everything, I went this direction for sim racing over a 3-monitor setup, as eventually I also want a 4K monitor for making YT vids. Unless you have tons of processing power, I feel a high refresh rate 2K monitor is the best compromise. Sim racing can get expensive too, don't want/need a dedicated monitor setup at this point.

I bought my computer from Costco as I get 4x the factory warranty and tech support, it's a mid-range ASUS ROG desktop w/ AMD Ryzen 7 and a RTX 2070 Super. It's awesome, love the speed and high refresh rate monitor. :)
 

Folsom

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I struggled with a 34” 144 vs the 38” 60 I got. I still think I made the right decision but sometimes I do wonder What a 144 would bring to the table. Usually when I build a computer I have some buyers remorse over this component or that one. The only thing I can point at is the 5600xt, but I got it for $240 and can’t justify the additional cost for a 2080 even on the used market.

I actually am quite shocked at the quality of the cases now too. After building this one I looked at my old one and it feels like a piece of junk. They were in the same price bracket when new but nowhere near the same league.

The sad part is now I’m considering a gaming monitor for a secondary. I don’t think I’m that extreme - I only play civilization 5 and warzone - and get framerates I’m ok with (45-60) so I’m not sure it would benefit me.

I think 144hz is way easier on the eyes and brain. You don't have to fill in the gaps of movement. I can flick my mouse like mad and it looks fine. Ultrawide is appealing for the view in a game though (not all games take advantage). Maybe 100hz would be ok, 75hz better have fast response and low ghosting or it's going to bug me.

A 2080 is almost unnoticeably faster than a 2070 super, but even the 2070 super is twice the price you paid. I wouldn't stress it if you're having fun.

Cases are MUCH MORE thought out then ever before, even sub $100 they can be really good. Modular PSU's help too.
 

Folsom

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I’ll pretend it’s like a stereo and describe.

Phive desk lamp that has adjustable color and brightness with a super adjustable goose neck that clamps onto the back edge.

Acer monitors, 27” 144hz and 22” 75hz (probably try the 144hz 22” as replacement in future see if it’s better like main monitor) btw no idea why main looks more red, in person it is not. Both on a single pole monitor monitor arm setup.

Best looking desk organizers I could find anywhere. (Some that I found like Herman Miller sucked and were plastic).

Thinkpad Compact wired Keyboard
Roccat Kone Pure mouse
Zallman something mouse I use for work stuff
Super awesome number pad.

Paper Porcelain Mug from DWR.

Desk from Home Depot, 46x24” work bench that raises and lowers. The bottom piece between legs is mounted at the back, top is pure wood, has adjustable feet, and no stupid keyboard tray. I looked at every desk online I could find. A lot were kinda wimpy (this one is rated at 300lbs while still being able to go up/down, suspect double that without moving easily), way too big, ugly, or made out of cheap materials no matter the price. And then I could go pick this one up in person because it was in stock in the middle of the hysteria. IMO it’s a hidden treasure.

What you can’t see underneath is the Cable Taco that really helps organize cables and stop them from trying to pull stuff down.

Behind the tower is a SurgeX so I don’t have to worry about the computer.

Under it is a piece of plywood I need to trim, in place to make sure the bottom ventilation isnt choked from carpet.

3CA397E2-47AC-4498-9CA9-02CB991B463A.jpeg
 
Last edited:

Bobvin

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I hate you and your tidy desk. How the hell can you get any work done without papers everywhere showing evidence! :p
 

Folsom

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I hate you and your tidy desk. How the hell can you get any work done without papers everywhere showing evidence! :p

I doubt you're referring to me, but I'll say I bought the desk organizers and a bunch of file folders for a reason!
 
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DSkip

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Folsom

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Honestly don't like how fast they come out... whatever, I'm not much of a gamer. I've been playing Starcraft 2 expansions lately.
 

DSkip

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Aug 26, 2013
442
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Honestly don't like how fast they come out... whatever, I'm not much of a gamer. I've been playing Starcraft 2 expansions lately.

The GeForce cards only get an update every two years. I find that to be rather long in the computing world. The RTX 2xxx series was released around this time in 2018.
 

Folsom

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The GeForce cards only get an update every two years. I find that to be rather long in the computing world. The RTX 2xxx series was released around this time in 2018.

It all blends together for me. I was just yesterday.
 

Mikem53

Well-Known Member
Oct 1, 2020
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I built a computer recently. I went with a dual monitor setup though and like it that way. I currently use it for work so a decent amount of screen space is needed. However one of my monitors is only a 22" which works perfect for me as I don't want my desk to be overfull. An Ultrawide would be my other choice but it would crowd my desk a lot. My desk is only 46" wide. Have to say though, 144hz monitor with games seems nice to me.

The computer build is meant to be quiet. I went with a Nvidia Founders 2070 Super, and regret it some now because I want to switch to an MSI but it feels wasteful to do so now. Why? Purely because of noise, the founders makes a little bit more noise than some other GPUs (but it does look damn nice). I put all BeQuiet fans in the front of the enclosure and the CPU cooler is very quiet too - all 4 pin so they spool down when it's not hot. I went from mini ITX case to micro ATX not because I needed the room but wanted more airflow to reduce some noise without having to force as much around the video card. The enclosure is a Fractal Design Silent version, so it has damping material on the panels on the inside. I'd love to go with a fanless design but my stuff would fry because they weren't mean for high end video cards or CPU's of any kind of actual power.

I went with a HDD (enterprise) for important files and M.2 1TB for games etc. But since I finished Witcher 3 (+ expansions) I don't really know what to play now. I have a bunch of FPS games but don't care too much. I haven't played games in years so getting back in isn't as thrilling as maybe I'd hope or hoped they wouldn't be, not sure. The games look nice for sure, cranked up settings on a 2k monitor.

The hardest thing to find was a keyboard that is very slim but has decent key action, doesn't lock up from pressing too many keys at the same time, and doesn't have ctrl a mile from the Z (gamers understand that). Turns out Lenovo makes this keyboard and it's the keyboard EVER. Everything else makes my hands achy, has limited button pressing, makes super loud noises, etc etc. I do admit I have a number pad though with mechanical buttons so I can hammer on it though (weighs like a 1lb, very cool). I'm really particular for this stuff. I use a Roccat Kone Pure mouse and it's the best gaming mouse ever. Funny enough though for non-games I have been using a different mouse. Original I thought I'd just pick one but I like a different mouse for different functions... I might just get rid of the other one, don't know yet. The worst part about nice mice today is their stupid RGB crap.

Do you use monitor arms? I'll never go without them ever again, so much more deskspace/open feel. The last thing I had to figure out was a desk lamp that wasn't worthless. I ended up getting this and the tall height makes it worthy unlike everything else designed for hipsters that write shit poems in notebooks that they later apologize in advance for reading at coffee houses... and will never own anything taller than a 15" Mac laptop. Seriously, most desk lamps are stupid low.

Interesting, Didn’t know they had “quiet cases” with dampening materials. I been building my own PCs for decades.. My current system, I went pre built specifically for noise issues. My last system was too loud As well. I ended up with an Alienware R6, i7 7700K unlocked CPU, ATI 1080, liquid cooled cpu, 64GB 2666MHz PC4, M2 1 TB, etc.. It’s very quiet and compact ! Even during gameplay. Well designed case. I added a mechanical switch keyboard, A dell 144 Gsync Monitor, which is awesome for FPS games. I was into Battlefield 4, and 5, great graphics on 5, but game not as good online but good solo play.
I recently downloaded GTA5 and it has amazing graphics and the driving part of the game is quite impressive as well as the ”world” they created which you can explore every bit.. Being a former assembler programmer back in the day, I can appreciate the techniques and code created for this game.. If they put that much effort into the space program, we would be on Mars today.. Looking to try Forza, a driving racing type game thru Europe. the graphics are amazing as well as the applied physics.. I used to run SETi , they use the CPU and GPU which can really heat up the system after several hours.. will just have to let ET find us.. they seemed to have commercialized that project somehow.. Nice to see another gamer around.. I’m well into my 60’s and I suck at many of these games.. but it’s good for the hand,eye coordination and it’s fun as hell.
enjoy!
 

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