Buildapc @lemmy.world AngryCommieKender @lemmy.world 1 mo. ago

I need some help choosing a monitor.

Simply put I have built a gaming tower that I have no monitor that will connect with the machine only having a BIOS and no OS. As I understand it, I need something that will connect with an HDMI cable, but that seems to be either a traditional monitor or a tablet. I'm completely unsure which would be more stable, and therefore "better." I lean towards the normal static monitor over HDMI enabled tablets, but I am uncertain if that is just me being out of touch with the latest hardware.

This is the build list I used, except I doubled the RAM to 64 GB of the same type.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/mykt4M

Thank you very much, in advance.

32 comments

What?
- He said he built a gaming PC that will only run BIOS with no OS.
- My thoughts exactly. He has the skill to built a PC from scratch, and then this? I'm so curious now.
  
  To the OP: With the graphics card it should be a 1080p or maybe 2k monitor, preferably with high refresh rates.
  
  Edit: Wait. Is the 6700 included or not?
  
  Yes, the 6700 was included, I got the parts a couple months ago, and am just now getting around to installing the OS, but that requires a display that will actually correctly interpret the signals coming from the GPU
- Turn your hearing-aid up, grandpa.
I have no idea why tablet was considered an option. I've never heard of anyone using a tablet, and you are the first person I've heard who is considering a tablet.

Just go with a monitor. Get a high refresh rate 1080p. You might be able to drive a 1440p if that's what you'd prefer.

Also you won't be able to use the computer without an OS. I would recommend deciding on what OS to use while waiting for the monitor to arrive
- I have heard that it is an option as a portable display so I could use the tower in multiple rooms. It makes the non-portable tower a bit more portable.
  
  Also I already have Mint ready to install on a thumb drive. Hopefully I can get MechWarrior Online working in Mint.
The i3-12100F doesn't have integrated graphics so plugging an HDMI cable into the motherboard won't give you any output. You need to plug the monitor into the GPU, the ports are lower down. I don't know what you mean about monitor vs tablet
- I have heard that it is possible to use a tablet as a portable display, so that I can use the tower in multiple rooms
  
  I use a tablet as a second monitor on my Windows laptop occasionally. It's white laggy and only really good for displaying mostly static stuff. I used it for the browser to reference assignment details and other resources while I used my laptop display for my IDE. I wouldn't recommend it for gaming or videos.
What is the purpose of this system to have no OS then?

Just get a cheap HDMI monitor then if it’s not being used for gaming/media.
- Maybe OP just really likes to tweak his BIOS.
  
  I need a display so I can install Mint.
- It will have Mint installed as soon as I have something I can plug in and see the command prompt. None of the displays I have available will show anything, but the LEDs are showing that I connected everything correctly.
  
  The reason I was/am considering a tablet as a monitor is so that I can use the computer in multiple rooms.
  
  If your displays are connect, think they're getting a sginal, but won't display anything then there's something wrong with your computer. Most likely the video card since the monitors think they're getting a signal but aren't.
  
  Also you don't want to use a tablet as a monitor. You can use a tablet to remotely control a PC when you're not at it, but don't consider it "using" the PC because it's a garbage experience. It's slow, you can't read shit, everything is massive on the screen, etc. It's an awful experience outside of "I just need to copy this file really quickly"
Why the fuck would you use a tablet as a monitor?

Just get a nice 1440p screen sporting variable refresh rates.

Something like this https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-27-gaming-monitor-g2724d/apd/210-bhxc/monitors-monitor-accessories
- So I can use the tower in multiple rooms
  
  Use Sunshine/Moonlight and play it remotely if you're in another room.
I'm going to go against the grain here. unless your a super fps player, go for a 4k monitor. 1080/1440 seems like absolute dog shit after you are using 4k for a few years. I like multiple 4ks. if there are any games your system cant push at 4k, you can play at non-native resolutions or upgrade you card. you'll want 4k eventually.
- There is a game I play where I have an advantage playing at 4k about 80% of the time. I've actually adjusted my gameplay towards this, and I actually massively prefer being the "useful" player as opposed to the PvP god.
  Like, to the point that people ask me in local coms how I am seeing things.
  I just have 4 times as many pixels, and as long as I'm holding above 50fps I'm probably still going to win a PvP fight
Get a dedicated monitor. For your eyes get the best DPI you can, the pixel density is life changing. ~220 dpi is the gold standard
Don't use a tablet or a compact screen if you are wanting to actually play games.
Monitors have been used for decades.
Small compact portable tablets or tablet-likes as a monitor are a compromise: quality for portability.
A tablet/tablet-like as a monitor is an accessory, as opposed to an actual peripheral.
You will regret not getting an actual monitor.
Any regrets you have with an actual monitor can be placated by slaying in vidya

Edit:

If you are unsure, buy a cheapish monitor on Amazon or wherever. You can get a 1080p60 monitor for like $100.
Whilst it is somewhat an investment, it will last you a few years, and you will find out what you want from a monitor while still being able to play games etc.
- Thanks!
Answering based on a comment op made in the thread:

I think there are wireless hdmi adaptors that would enable you to move a normal monitor around but seems like l lot of jank—monitor would still need power, you’d need a wireless mouse and keyboard, a table, etc. I’d say a simpler solution would be to get a normal display for your computer and then a cheap laptop to run steam link on to stream games from your main computer to the laptop in whatever room you’re in. Performance would depend on your home wifi network.

I know ( or rather assume because I’ve never actually used steam link in any meaningful way) this limits you to your steam library, but like, we all know most games are just in our steam libraries.
- Thanks for the recommendation!
What games are your goal?

I hope it isn't one that you need to see because you have no graphics card, like at all. The CPU is an F in the part number which means the CPU doesn't have an inbuilt graphics card. Either get a non F variant or add a graphics card to your list.

With that sorted, what size screen are you looking for? How many?
- There's a 6700 XT on there (now at least), although it's got no picture or price listed.
- There is a 6700 xt graphics card. To start I just want something that will actually interpret the signals coming from the GPU. I am considering a tablet as, from what I understand, I could use that as a portable display to use the tower in multiple rooms.
  
  The game I'm most worried about working in Linux Mint, which I have ready to install on a thumb drive, is MechWarrior Online

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