32" General/Office Use Advice

[BostonEJ]

Greetings all. A little advice/guidance would be appreciated.

Most of my TV watching is while I'm on the computer via a u2412m. I built my current PC a number of years ago with an i5-3570k, ASRock Z77 Pro4-M in a SG11B (micro) case. I'd like to get a 32" monitor for the times I sit away from the desk on the couch. I gave away my 42" plasma so not looking to buy a 40" TV again. I don't game nor really intend to. Ideally, I'd like to be able to use two monitors but I don't think I can without buying a video card. I'd like mounting flexibility and to stay between $200-$400.

I'd like your recommendations on two options:
1. Straight up replace the current 24in with another monitor for general use that will work with my current setup. I think I am limited to 2560 x 1600 in my current build. Any thoughts on options here?
2. Assuming I'd have to buy a video card to maintain the two monitors, what basic video card should I look at to support my requirements and again what 32in monitor options without the same resolution restriction?

I'd love to be able to do all this research myself but I'm finding myself with no time to do it! Thanks for your time.

EJ

 

[defaultluser]

You will be limited to 1200p unless you get a video card.

- Three graphics output options: D-Sub, DVI-D and HDMI
- Supports HDMI Technology with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz
- Supports DVI with max. resolution up to 1920x1200 @ 60Hz
- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 2048x1536 @ 75Hz

Last time I looked, 1200p is only good up to 24. i.e, you current monitor.

A passive GT 1030 is the cheapest option to if you want modern display outputs (HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort1.4).

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6ZP7BR4290&cm_re=gt_1030-_-14-137-319-_-Product

If you want cheaper, there's always the GT 710, but it's HDMI-only (version 1.4). Supports half the bandwidth of HDMI 2.0.

https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GT-710-2GD3H-LP/dp/B01AZHOX5K

Just be warned that some PC monitors don't bother supporting full resolution over HDMI,. so do your research before you buy.

 

[BostonEJ]

You will be limited to 1200p unless you get a video card.



Last time I looked, 1200p is only good up to 24. i.e, you current monitor.

A passive GT 1030 is the cheapest option to if you want modern display outputs (HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort1.4).

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6ZP7BR4290&cm_re=gt_1030-_-14-137-319-_-Product

If you want cheaper, there's always the GT 710, but it's HDMI-only (version 1.4). Supports half the bandwidth of HDMI 2.0.

https://www.amazon.com/MSI-GT-710-2GD3H-LP/dp/B01AZHOX5K

Just be warned that some PC monitors don't bother supporting full resolution over HDMI,. so do your research before you buy.

~$100 for a video card is reasonable. I'll look into the first one you mentioned. If that's the video card, am I able to support both monitors and what do you/anyone suggest for the 32"?

Thanks for your reply!

 

[defaultluser]

I'm confused by your post: are you planning on replacing your 24" monitor in addition to, or just adding a 32" monitor to go along with your existing 24"?

For 32" video watching with VESA mount, look no further than this baby:

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-WQHD-LED-Monitor-S32D850T/dp/B00L3KNOF4

sRGB is more than enough color fidelity for anything short of HDR 4k, and VA means you'll get good contrast. Also has picture-in-picture support.

 

[BostonEJ]

I'm confused by your post: are you planning on replacing your 24" monitor in addition to, or just adding a 32" monitor to go along with your existing 24"?

For 32" video watching with VESA mount, look no further than this baby:

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-WQHD-LED-Monitor-S32D850T/dp/B00L3KNOF4

sRGB is more than enough color fidelity for anything short of HDR 4k, and VA means you'll get good contrast. Also has picture-in-picture support.

I gave myself two options above. Either replace the 24 or keep and add a 32. Seems like I can't replace without buying a video card so I'll look to support the use of both.

Thank you for the screen option. I'll look into it.