Eyefinity question

[cjones10522]

Hey guys, I've been lurking for a few months as I've built my computer and selected my displays, thanks for the help so far.

I'm kind of strapped for cash and want to do an Eyefinity setup. I just got a XFX 5850 and since Eyefinity requires either a monitor with displayport in or an active adapter (which is about $100 it seems) I decided to splurge and picked up a Dell U2311H when they had a sale in early June.

Now that I bought that monitor I can't really afford 2 more 23 inch IPS monitors just yet, and I was wondering if 2 23 inch TN monitors would work as long as they were mounted to be the same height and had similar response time.

Furthermore, since the 23 inch TN monitors are still about $150 and seem like I wouldn't be able to recoup the cost of the monitors I ended up buying 2 20 inch Acer monitors (Acer P205H http://++++++++++++/29uwdu6)with 3 year warranties for $75 each figuring that they'd buy me some until Black Friday.

So in Conclusion, although I already have these 2 20 inch monitors should I;

A. Keep the monitors and flip them in a few months or recycle them for other projects (thinking of having a computer in the kitchen for recipes/cooking instruction)

B. Return the monitors and save up a bit more until I can buy 2 23 inch TN panels

C. Return the montiors and wait even longer until I can buy 2 23 inch IPS panels

Thanks a lot for your help guys

 

[Dan_D]

Well the bottom line is that your monitors all have to have the same native resolution. Response times and refresh rates do not need to be identical. The response times are not anything the video card, drivers, or games will be aware of so that's really a non-issue. Refresh rate is another matter, but since most panels are still 60Hz, or 72Hz, getting panels to match is pretty easy. As for TN vs. IPS, TN's viewing angles aren't likely to provide the best experience but the angle you set your panels at and to some degree, the technical implementation of the panels technology itself will have an impact on your experience. Your perception of them may also come into play.

My advice is skip the guess work and use identical monitors whenever possible. Get rid of the 20's and save for two more 23" panels like the one you already have.