Is DOS a factor? If you expect to play DOS 320x200 VGA games with smooth 2D scrolling, keep in mind those run at 72Hz and will stutter on IPS or VA based LCD monitors from the 4:3 era. It happens because those panels require 60Hz and will convert 72->60Hz internally (they advertised 75Hz support but it's only accomplished via conversion). It's only noticeable with 2D scrolling though (to me at least).
TN panels don't have that problem - they can go to 75Hz natively, but they don't look as good otherwise.
CRT solves that issue without compromise, if you can find a good one. There's been forum posts about some modern LCDs that also solve this (faster refresh rates for LCDs came into fashion only a few years ago).
Windows games can run at 60Hz so it's not a problem there.
pixelatedscraps wrote on 2021-09-05, 11:48:
I’m in the same situation with my Windows 95/98 build and don’t have the space for a big CRT. I looked for good 4:3 LCDs and general advice is to pick up a non-period correct Dell 2001FP.
At the moment I'm using a Dell 2001FP on a Win95 Pentium.
The annoyance I've run into is that for some reason it refuses to let me adjust the "sharpness" setting. This is with an analog VGA connection. I'd like to be able to soften the picture but the option is grayed out.
I tried swapping an HP LP2065 and it lets me change the sharpness on analog VGA, but the Dell won't. I have no idea why not - maybe it's only for the Composite/SVideo signals?
I have an even older Dell 2000FP that I might try, hoping it has a working sharpness setting.
Aesthetically I prefer the Dells, and I like that they have Composite/SVideo in case I decide to use those for something.
The LP2065 has dual DVI-I inputs (you have to use an adapter cable to hook analog VGA to it, but you can do that with *both* so you can get dual VGA if desired).
If that doesn't work out, I might switch to the LP2065 just because of the softness setting.