1280x1024 vs Higher Resolutions

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MelonSplitter

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Is there a BIG difference in image quaility when using a higher resolution than 1280x1024? The reason I am asking is because my monitor only displays at this highest setting and I was thinking of buying a newer monitor with a higer resolution setting only if I will see a BIG difference.
 
There is a lot more space on the desktop due to the higher resolution/increased screen size, it would really depend on what you do. I've found that widescreen is such a tremendous benefit I wouldnt personally want to go back. I moved from 1280x1024 to 1680x1050, and it was very worthwhile for me. What are your needs/uses?
 
Desktop space and larger screen size FTW. As far as image quality, that depends on the monitor panel itself.

12x10 -> 16x10 -> 19x12 myself.
 
Tutelary said:
There is a lot more space on the desktop due to the higher resolution/increased screen size, it would really depend on what you do. I've found that widescreen is such a tremendous benefit I wouldnt personally want to go back. I moved from 1280x1024 to 1680x1050, and it was very worthwhile for me. What are your needs/uses?
Click to expand...
I am a dedicated Gamer. I guess what I am asking is in games only will I notice the difference?
 
MelonSplitter said:
I am a dedicated Gamer. I guess what I am asking is in games only
Click to expand...

then realize that you wouldnt need just a new monitor, you would want to keep in mind that you'll need more video card muscle with each upgrade to run things in higher resolutions. I stopped gaming some time ago, so I'm not currently up to speed on how many new games are going to support something useful like widescreen. That is where the key to your decision will likely be.

Maybe someone else will chime in with some info.
 
MelonSplitter said:
Is there a BIG difference in image quaility when using a higher resolution than 1280x1024? The reason I am asking is because my monitor only displays at this highest setting and I was thinking of buying a newer monitor with a higer resolution setting only if I will see a BIG difference.
Click to expand...

I cant say for sure on what the image quality will be with a larger monitor on a larger resolution, but if your getting a large monitor with not as many pixels, you are going to definatley notice a big difference, large pixels. Depends on how far you sit away, and what your doing. I can use a 9" monitor at 640x480 and it looks fine to me, but a 17 or 19" monitor playing a game at 640x480 is going to look horrible. This is one thing that made me decide against getting a new LCD. Also, it would largely depend on what your used to. Im used to 1280x1024 (Whenever possible) On a 17 inch.
 
Playing a 24" 1920x1200 monitor at native resolution in games is simply fantastic. It's MUCH more detailed and so much more immersive. You won't regret getting a monitor with a higher resolution. It might take a few hours/days/weeks to get used to, but once you do, you won't EVER want to go back.

I started playing on a 17" CRT at 1024x768. That was fine, I didn't know any better. Then I moved to a 21" CRT at 1280x1024. Again, fine, because I didn't see the difference (and hardware wasn't as powerful back then either!) Next was a 15" LCD at 1024x768. I actually moved that over to a second PC and kept using the 21" CRT for gaming. Up next was a 17" LCD at 1024x768, again I maintained using the CRT for gaming. 19" LCD at 1280x1024 finally replaced the 21" beast, and then 6 months ago I finally decided I'd jump on to the widescreen bandwagon. I can say, after playing at this resolution, I don't consider 1280x1024 a valid resolution for gaming. We should all be able to play at 1920x1200 or better. It's just that beautiful!
 
You won't see a big image quality difference at all.

Widescreen, larger viewable area, and more desktop space are your main advantages of upgrading to a larger screen.
 
RaynQuist said:
You won't see a big image quality difference at all.

Widescreen, larger viewable area, and more desktop space are your main advantages of upgrading to a larger screen.
Click to expand...

He can get the same size/resolution monitor and see a big image quality improvement if the newer one is a better panel/screen.
 
for games, 1280x1024 is the best setting. i have a 1600x1200 lcd and having games playing at this setting require a fast card. for the internet the higher resolution you go the better.
i just wish those 30 inches were less expensive.
 
MelonSplitter said:
I am a dedicated Gamer. I guess what I am asking is in games only will I notice the difference?
Click to expand...

I notice the differance when im trying to Kim mid w/ an AK on D2. (CS and CSS jargon, if you dont know what im talking about, ignore it).
 
i have been running 1600x1200 since my 6800GT a few years back befor that i would run 1280x1024 if i could
now with my new LCD i run every thing at 1680x1050
 
I agree that the bigger screen, not necessarily the higher resolution, makes a huge difference in gameplay, from an immersion standpoint. One of the guys I LAN party with has a 24" widescreen and the difference between his monitor and mine in games is staggering. If I had the money, I'd go for it in a heartbeat, but you need a good card to back it up. When I can afford to, I'd gonna get me a 24" LCD and at least a 8800GTS... ;)
 
I am facing this same problem right now.

My solution is to buy a 37" Westinghouse and a cheaper video card rather than a 30" and spend over $1000 for a sli 8800 gtx setup to power that huge res in games.

Now I'll have 1920x1080 at 37" with only one 8800
 
I'm still gaming on a 17" crt... usually I keep my desktop at 1024x768. and I game at usually 3 resolutions 800x600, 1024x768, and I max out at 1280x1024... I'd like to go bigger, but with my system i cant much anyway. I'm looking at getting a 21" for some 1600x1200 gaming; I'll be happy with that for a while.
 
JVC said:
for games, 1280x1024 is the best setting. i have a 1600x1200 lcd and having games playing at this setting require a fast card. for the internet the higher resolution you go the better.
i just wish those 30 inches were less expensive.
Click to expand...

1280x1024 is actually some kind of bastard resolution. Standard resolution is 4:3 ratio, and widescreen is 16:9. Yet this is 5:4. Sometimes I come across games that support only 1280x960 (the proper 4:3 resolution). But I guess putting up with a couple of small black bars (just 64 pixels) on the top and bottom isn't too bad.
 
anonuser said:
I am facing this same problem right now.

My solution is to buy a 37" Westinghouse and a cheaper video card rather than a 30" and spend over $1000 for a sli 8800 gtx setup to power that huge res in games.

Now I'll have 1920x1080 at 37" with only one 8800
Click to expand...


A single 8800GTX can drive 1920x1200 with ease.
 
sniperchicken said:
A single 8800GTX can drive 1920x1200 with ease.
Click to expand...

I know... this way you can buy a video card now that is future proof for a long time. You'll be able to run games for the next two years with all the details up at 1920x1080 on this card.
 
anonuser said:
I know... this way you can buy a video card now that is future proof for a long time. You'll be able to run games for the next two years with all the details up at 1920x1080 on this card.
Click to expand...
1920x1080?? :p Anyway...that is probably not a true statement because software capabilities are finally catching up to hardware. Buying a top of the line card today doesn't guarantee that you'll be able to run next years big system killer with full eye candy and still get acceptable fps.

edit- is 1920x1080 what a 37" screen uses?
 
"edit- is 1920x1080 what a 37" screen uses?"

Yes, which is better than 1920x1200 for multiple uses.

1920x1080 = 1080p HD = 16:9

1920x1200 = 16:10 and you get black bars on the top and bottom to compensate.

If you are looking for a display to do it all: computer monitor, hdtv w/blueray/hd-dvd etc, and xbox/ps3 looking a smaller high end 1080p LCD TV is a great option.

There are numerous threads about the Westinghouse 37" 1080p HD Monitor

Check out:
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1138167&page=3


And about the future-proof opinion... I still think you will be able to run all games in a couple years with at 1920x1080 w/a 8800gtx. I can still play almost anything with my crappy athlon 2100 w/6600gt
 
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