About to Purchase Dell U3011

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PC_User

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I'm upgrading from an HP LP2475w (always wanted a 30") and am about to shell out $1450 for the Dell U3011. Is there any reason I shouldn't? Any thorough reviews out there (aside from TFTCentral)?

A few nagging questions:
- Is 30" away from the monitor a safe viewing distance?
- Will I need to upgrade my video card for good gaming performance?


Thanks.
 
Don't have any hands on info.

Q1: about 3-5 feet
Q2: Yes, the 6870 isn't cutting it on the U2711. GTX 480 or better.
 
WorldExclusive said:
Don't have any hands on info.

Q1: about 3-5 feet
Q2: Yes, the 6870 isn't cutting it on the U2711. GTX 480 or better.
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Thanks for the advice. 3-5 feet seems a bit too far, esp. for my eyes.

Since I need to also upgrade the video card, I guess I'll put off the purchase for a while. I can live with a 24" for a while longer.
 
PC_User said:
Thanks for the advice. 3-5 feet seems a bit too far, esp. for my eyes.

Since I need to also upgrade the video card, I guess I'll put off the purchase for a while. I can live with a 24" for a while longer.
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Could also be 2-5 feet, I couldn't remember exactly. Most people are about 2 feet away. I sat about 2 feet away from my previous 30" monitor with no issues health or performance wise.
@ 2560x1600 you sorta have to keep up with the lastest tech.
 
Don't be put off by the video card requirements. I was using a 7900gtx back in the day on my 30". Some games may need to be run @1280x800 rather than 2650x1600. Mind you, a beefier card will be required for high res gaming.. but even a 260 gives a reasonable experience at native resolution, depending on the game.

I've got my monitors set like any other. 3 to 5' back? Not mine.
 
heelix said:
Don't be put off by the video card requirements. I was using a 7900gtx back in the day on my 30". Some games may need to be run @1280x800 rather than 2650x1600. Mind you, a beefier card will be required for high res gaming.. but even a 260 gives a reasonable experience at native resolution, depending on the game.

I've got my monitors set like any other. 3 to 5' back? Not mine.
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In that case, I may get it after all...

I've had this GTX 285 for almost 2 years now and it still pulls most of the latest games at med/max settings. Maybe it will handle 2560x1600 as well until I upgrade the GPU in the spring.
 
I'm using a single 285 right now. TF2, L4D, SupCom, and COH all play nice at native resolution on that card.
 
heelix said:
I'm using a single 285 right now. TF2, L4D, SupCom, and COH all play nice at native resolution on that card.
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I don't play those games so I guess it depends on a persons gaming habits. I play a lot of recent demanding games with DX11 and high textures/AA so I need more juice.
Since the GTX 480 is officially last gen, you shouldn't have any problem finding one used for less then $325 over the next month.
 
WorldExclusive said:
I don't play those games so I guess it depends on a persons gaming habits. I play a lot of recent demanding games with DX11 and high textures/AA so I need more juice.
Since the GTX 480 is officially last gen, you shouldn't have any problem finding one used for less then $325 over the next month.
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I'm leaning towards an ATI as my next GPU.
 
PC_User said:
I'm upgrading from an HP LP2475w (always wanted a 30") and am about to shell out $1450 for the Dell U3011. Is there any reason I shouldn't? Any thorough reviews out there (aside from TFTCentral)?

A few nagging questions:
- Is 30" away from the monitor a safe viewing distance?
- Will I need to upgrade my video card for good gaming performance?


Thanks.
Click to expand...

Yes, don't buy it!

I got my 3007WFP-HC two whole years ago for 750$, and there is nothing you'd really miss on the 3011.

Q1) This is a myth! There is no "Safe Viewing Distance" with LCD monitors. You can, like me, sit as close as you possibly want and it looks amazing!
Q2) You'll need an HD 5870 or better to truly enjoy that monitor.
 
I am actually thinking of getting this myself. I was going to get a 24, but I figured if I am going to spend the cash I might as well get what I really want. I hope it works ok for games. Anymore all I play are WoW and starcraft2
 
I'm using the U3011 as my first 30". I can't tell you not to buy it, it's an amazing monitor. Mine had zero dead pixels. Amazing colors (use Adobe RGB preset).

I'm using a GTX 480. There was noticeable expected ghosting in some FPS games, nothing in World of Warcraft (which I mainly play).

Try to find a 15% coupon for any Dell purchase. I paid $1274 for my U3011.
 
Can you go into further detail about gaming on the u3011? What games showed the ghosting, on what settings?

I currently run 5770s in CF. I play Black OPs and WoW (cata when its released) on a 24 inch samsung at 1900x1200. Is dual 5770s enough to run these games at native resolution on the u3011?

Also, where do people get these 15% of Dell purchase coupons?

Thanks
 
loki7 said:
Try to find a 15% coupon for any Dell purchase. I paid $1274 for my U3011.
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I too would like to know where I can find this. The best deal I could find is about $1425 including tax (9.25%) and shipping.
 
eined said:
Can you go into further detail about gaming on the u3011? What games showed the ghosting, on what settings?

I currently run 5770s in CF. I play Black OPs and WoW (cata when its released) on a 24 inch samsung at 1900x1200. Is dual 5770s enough to run these games at native resolution on the u3011?
Click to expand...

I don't play many FPS games, I tried a couple after I bought the monitor though. Team Fortress 2 and Just Cause 2 (JC2 isn't really a FPS, but it is the other action game I played). I was playing both at native resolution and 2x AA to get best frame rates. Character motion in each game had a little ghosting. My testing wasn't extensive though.

I recently sold my GTX 295 and made a video of the GTX 295 running JC2 on my U3011, you can maybe get a feel for the gaming? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3PSpxH_hwU

I think my GTX 295 was able to average above 60 FPS at 2560x1600 on JC2 with 2x AA.

PC_User said:
I too would like to know where I can find this. The best deal I could find is about $1425 including tax (9.25%) and shipping.
Click to expand...

I got my coupon from a user on this forum, who posted it in the Free Deals subforum. I really lucked out, because when I saw the post it was already 2-3 days old but coupon unused.

I think most people get their 15% Dell coupons from email or snail mail catalogs? You might try having Dell send you one. (not sure how, check website)
 
Anyone that has this could you tell me how it handles lower resolutions? Like 1920x1200? My main worry is ill get something like this and some game Ill want to play won't go up too 2560x1600.
 
The idea of ghosting is the only thing keeping me from ordering. That and I cannot decide betweem this and the 27 inch dell.
 
Fahrenheit said:
Anyone that has this could you tell me how it handles lower resolutions? Like 1920x1200? My main worry is ill get something like this and some game Ill want to play won't go up too 2560x1600.
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I haven't seen a game that doesn't support 2560x1600. You can set the rez to 1920x1200p but the picture will be blurry.

verbel said:
The idea of ghosting is the only thing keeping me from ordering. That and I cannot decide betweem this and the 27 inch dell.
Click to expand...

If you can afford it, I'll go with the U3011. I'm lovin' the U2711 and I don't miss the 3007 not one bit.
 
verbel said:
I am actually thinking of getting this myself. I was going to get a 24, but I figured if I am going to spend the cash I might as well get what I really want. I hope it works ok for games. Anymore all I play are WoW and starcraft2
Click to expand...

I have a 3007 and play SC2 on ultra with a 5870...no issues at all
 
Well I bit the bullet and bought it. I am super excited about it, but it has a expected arrival date of 9 Dec..... sooooo long. I got it for 1250 shipped to me, I am ok with that. Now the wait begins.
 
verbel said:
Well I bit the bullet and bought it. I am super excited about it, but it has a expected arrival date of 9 Dec..... sooooo long. I got it for 1250 shipped to me, I am ok with that. Now the wait begins.
Click to expand...

I said the same thing when I bought mine, it was delivered a week later. :D Dell just gives a far estimate.
 
verbel said:
Well I bit the bullet and bought it. I am super excited about it, but it has a expected arrival date of 9 Dec..... sooooo long. I got it for 1250 shipped to me, I am ok with that. Now the wait begins.
Click to expand...

May I ask how you got it at that price? I see it for $1399 and applying the 10% coupon just replaces the current offer of $100 LCD monitors.
 
Go for it, I came from a 3007wfp and the upgrade is amazing. Beware, once you go 30", you don't go back to dinky 27"s :D
 
loki7 said:
I said the same thing when I bought mine, it was delivered a week later. :D Dell just gives a far estimate.
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Im about to to order a U3011 as well, but the guy at Dell said it would not arrive until Dec 6 :(. Man I hope you are right. I too have the same ghosting concerns with this monitor. Not to mention that black friday is just around the corner. Im gonna be upset (not for long) if I pay full price and then pow! Huge savings during Black Friday lol.
 
slowfreight said:
Im about to to order a U3011 as well, but the guy at Dell said it would not arrive until Dec 6 :(. Man I hope you are right. I too have the same ghosting concerns with this monitor. Not to mention that black friday is just around the corner. Im gonna be upset (not for long) if I pay full price and then pow! Huge savings during Black Friday lol.
Click to expand...

I thought about that to, but If I waited until after the 25th to order I would have to wait even longer to get it and I don't want to. I kinda figured this is a new model so while there may be discounts they probably won't be to insane. Either way I am ok with my choice.


PC_User said:
May I ask how you got it at that price? I see it for $1399 and applying the 10% coupon just replaces the current offer of $100 LCD monitors.
Click to expand...

Sure, I am in the military so I got a discount for that.
 
verbel said:
Well the order shipped already! I cannot wait for it to get here.
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Outstanding! I would love to hear your impressions after you receive it, if you do not mind of course. I think I'm gonna pull the trigger on this one soon!
 
I'm debating on one of these vs an HP ZR30W, what made you decide to go with this one? I look forward to hearing your impressions as well.
 
OK dell has a somewhat better offer of $200 off on the U3011 right now. May be a good time to buy one.
 
slowfreight said:
OK dell has a somewhat better offer of $200 off on the U3011 right now. May be a good time to buy one.
Click to expand...

Argg!!! Why did you have to tell me this? I was holding off when it was $100 off but for $200 off, I may have to bite! Thanks a lot. :)

I just wish I could stack the 10% off coupon on top of this discount.

...To hold off in anticipation of bigger black friday/Christmas discounts and $300 off or to buy now? Decisions, decisions...

Edit: Actually, with tax, it comes out to be as much as other deals I've seen at $1430.
 
Heads up:

25% off coupon code P?XSB2$8XSH3M3

Brings my total shipped with $68 TAX (boo) to under $1200.

Now if I only has some $$$ to burn :(
 
RavnosCC said:
Heads up:

25% off coupon code P?XSB2$8XSH3M3

Brings my total shipped with $68 TAX (boo) to under $1200.

Now if I only has some $$$ to burn :(
Click to expand...

Almost believed it...sounded too good to be true.

* We're sorry, the coupon code you have entered is not valid in the segment in which you are currently shopping. Please review the offer details associated with the coupon to determine the segment in which it is valid.
 
Is there anywhere I can see one of these monitors in person? I've never actually considered spending so much on a monitor, but I would be interested in seeing what i'm missing out on. Maybe it would change my mind
 
artnsx said:
Is there anywhere I can see one of these monitors in person? I've never actually considered spending so much on a monitor, but I would be interested in seeing what i'm missing out on. Maybe it would change my mind
Click to expand...

I doubt that any brick & mortar store actually carries these. You'll most likely just have to trust all of the positive feedback and reviews online.
 
I'm using a 8800gtx on my 3007wfp-hc and I run most game I can on 2500x1600. Some won't have the max setting such as AA ect but most of the graphical setting are set to max. I can play Sc2 on ultra setting no problem.

Now I'm wondering if I should jump on the monitor has well since there seem to be a very good deal on ti recently. Only problem is I don't know if a 2 U3011 and a 3007wfp-hc would work on eyefinity setting. It suck I can't just get 2 20" for PLP eyefinity setup >.<...
 
I honestly would not even be able to tell difference with 1600p and 8xaa or 1600p without the aa.
 
RavnosCC said:
Heads up:

25% off coupon code P?XSB2$8XSH3M3

Brings my total shipped with $68 TAX (boo) to under $1200.

Now if I only has some $$$ to burn :(
Click to expand...

My mistake. Need to go through Dell SB. Just got one. Thanks!
 
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