Author: Chris Hunter

Manufacturer: HannsG

Model: HW173D

Price: $149.99 

When looking for a monitor, the common budget enthusiast has already spent most of the money allotted for their system. That leaves around 150 to 200 dollars to spend on a monitor. Combined with a space limitation, this can be a serious problem. LCD's used to be a major cost and a performance weak point. Unfortunately, that was the solution for space limitations. A user would to have to settle for an LCD in the 200 dollars range, and would be plagued with slow response times and "streaking" when watching high motion images. In recent years however, major LCD price cuts have created some serious competition amongst LCD manufactures. This competition has created a positive balance of features, performance, and price. When looking at the Hanns-G HW-173D, the effects of the LCD wars can be seen. Today we'll be looking at that monitor and what gives it its appeal to the common budget enthusiast gamer.

On paper, the HW-173D has some respectable stats. On the packaging, it looks like a standard mass produced monitor. Only when you look inside and power this monitor on does the real value become apparent. With a price tag of around 150 dollars, is it worth it? Sit back and find out.

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