What works decently for me

  • Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3610ME CPU @ 2.70GHz (4 CPUs), 2.7GHz
    Operating System: Windows Embedded Standard 32-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_rtm.101119-1850)
    Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000
    Driver File Version: 9.17.0010.2932
    Monitor Model: S1703
    Native Mode: 1024 x 768(p) (60Hz)
    Current Mode: 1280 x 1024(p) (60Hz)
    Output Type: DVI

  • Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3770K CPU @ 3.50GHz (8 CPUs), 3.5GHz
    Operating System: Windows 10 Home 32-bit (10.0, Build 17763) (17763.rs5_release.180914-1434)
    Card name: Intel(R) HD Graphics 4000
    Driver File Version: 10.18.10.4358
    Monitor Model: DELL P2312H
    Native Mode: 1920 x 1080(p) (60Hz)
    Current Mode: 1920 x 1080 (60Hz)
    Output Type: DVI-D
    REMARK: I can clearly notice pixel glowing / fuzziness but for some reason I can handle this setup (at least it does not add on eystrain to the one already caused by the overhead lamps)

  • Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU W3530 @ 2.80GHz (4 CPUs), 2.8GHz
    Operating System: Windows 7 Professional 32-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_ldr.180810-0600)
    Card name: NVIDIA Quadro NVS 295
    Driver File Version: 8.16.0011.9175
    Monitor Model: Dell P190S(Digital)
    Native Mode: 1280 x 1024(p) (60.020Hz)
    Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
    Output Type: DVI

  • Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 CPU 750 @ 2.67GHz (4 CPUs), 2.7GHz
    Operating System: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_ldr.170209-0600)
    Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GT 710
    Monitor Model: DELL UP3017
    Native Mode: 2560 x 1600(p) (59.972Hz)
    Current Mode: 2560 x 1600 (32 bit) (60Hz)
    Driver File Version: 10.18.0013.5921
    Output Type: HDMI
    REMARK: Needed to adjust to the huge monitor!

  • Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4770 CPU @ 3.40GHz (8 CPUs), 3.4GHz
    Operating System: Windows 10 Enterprise 64-bit (10.0, Build 17134)
    Card name: Intel(R) HD Graphics 4600
    Driver File Version: 20.19.0015.4454
    Monitor Model: DELL E1916H
    Native Mode: 1366 x 768(p) (59.790Hz)
    Current Mode: 1366 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
    Output Type: HD15 (VGA)
    REMARKS: Not particularly pleasant, but display settings (which I cannot adjust) may worsen the experience.

  • Processor: Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU W3550 @ 3.07GHz (4 CPUs), 3.1GHz
    Operating System: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.110622-1506)
    Card name: AMD FirePro V3900 (ATI FireGL)
    Driver File Version: 8.17.0010.1103
    Monitor Model: DELL PA241W
    Native Mode: 1920 x 1200(p) (59.950Hz)
    Current Mode: 1920 x 1200 (32 bit) (60Hz)
    Output Type: DVI

  • Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-4160 CPU @ 3.60GHz (4 CPUs), 3.6GHz
    Operating System: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.151230-0600)
    Card name: Intel(R) HD Graphics 4400
    Driver File Version: 10.18.14.4280
    Monitor Model: DELL E2416H
    Native Mode: 1920 x 1080(p) (60.000Hz)
    Current Mode: 1920 x 1080 (32 bit) (60Hz)
    Output Type: HD15 (VGA)


Usable devices for me at the moment without problems:

Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 i5/8GB/256
HP Chromebook HP-14DB0006AU
External Monitors 27" 2k BenQ BL2710, 32" 2k, Philips Brilliance 328B

Devices with workarounds
Smartphone LG v50 (although needs to have OLED Saver app running for indoor use i.e. brightness less than 62%)
Smartphone LG v30 ( brightness above 42%)
Notebook Thinkpad Yoga 460 FHD IPS screen (brightness above 50%)

Sometimes problematic
I'm alternating between the two, as one becomes worse than the other over time

  • HP Envy 15 x360 (older AMD version - oldest usable drivers, never updated from 1803)
  • MSI Apache GE62 (hd530, gtx960m, also 1803)

Smartphones

  • iPod Touch 4gen (quite comfortable, although my iPhone 4 is not)
  • Nokia Lumia 650 (1703, tires my eyes fast, but no pain and strong discomfort)

Tried HTC M7, One X - worse than these two above
Moto G 1st gen, Samsung A6, A5 2017, J3 2016 - absolutely disastrous

    K-Moss Yeah, suprisingly Lumia 550 with IPS was worse than this (allegedly PWM-free) AMOLED screen.
    Same OS on both.

      So should I get a Lumia 650? Is it much more comfortable for your eyes and brain versus most other phones?

      EDIT: You were saying the Lumia you have tires your eyes fast. I thought 1703 was referring to a different model rather than the software you're using on it.

      OK, so it's not a very good option, just barely adequate.

      • zlhr replied to this.

        K-Moss Yes, it's not something that I would like to end with, still looking for something better.
        1703 is just the windows build number

          Ryzen 7 2700X
          Windows 7 64bit Service Pack 1
          Nvidia Quadro K6000(Kepler)
          Nvidia Quadro Driver 347.52(Last version before Maxwell)
          DVI Connection with standard DVI cable.
          Eizo FlexScan L997(ripped off Anti-Glare film by myself)
          100% Brightness(No PWM) with OSD Color gain control to 50 ~ 60cd/m2, 6500k or 5500k temperature
          (Day: 60cd at 6500k, Night 50cd at 5500k) via Color Calibration(using i1 display pro with DisplayCAL software).

          To me
          major culprit is Anti-Glare film of the monitor.
          No other video card but Kepler.
          Latest Nvidia driver slightly affect my eye strain.
          No Windows 10
          No Intel CPU(I don't know why)

          <Problem - Solution>

          PWM - 100% Brightness setting
          High Brightness - Gain control
          Dithering(OS) - Windows 7
          Dithering(Videocard) - Nvidia Kepler Architecture Card
          Light Diffusion(Heavy AG coating) - Peel off AG film

          I'd like to know what hector is using these days. He was previously trying all kinds of things and finding very good relief with a previous generation BenQ VA.

            a month later

            SeniorTaquito My S8 does not bother me either. idk why. It could have something to do with my screen protector. Or possibly because it's an OLED. I'm not sure.

              6 days later

              Thats amazing you can use the new iphone! Maybe things are changing for the good!

              hector But you tried a newer version of that BenQ and it wasn't as good, correct?

                I've suffered like so many of you with this "invisible" issue and this has effected so many bits of tech that i have bought in the past since i was about 20 and now i'm the ripe old age of 46. I've had issues with TVs, laptops and smart phones. I've tried to narrow it down to what the cause is and come to some conclusions that have worked for me. I don't think its just one thing but i do believe that one aspect is the main factor and that is CONTRAST RATIO of the screen. I find that any screen that has a contrast ratio of over 1000:1 gives me eye strain within minutes. I've tried to "push" through it to the extent that my eyes physically watering but it doesn't get any better the more i persevere. I'm still not sure if PWM is the cause as i've had TVs with zero PWM and my eyes still feel like they are being pinched at each side.

                This is my list:-
                Tech that doesn't work for me
                Tvs
                LG UH8500
                Sony KDL7073
                Sony XG9505BU
                Samsung RU7400
                Samsung J6240
                Panasonic GX820

                Phones
                Samsung s7, s8,
                HTC 10
                Huawei P9, P20, P20 pro, P10 lite
                Google Pixel 2XL

                Laptops
                Median Erazer x6000 series

                Tech that does work
                TVs
                Sony KDL4000v
                Samsung EH5300
                Hisense 7120 Roku TV

                Phones
                Samsung s2, s4, s6
                HTC one m7
                Huawei P9 lite, Mate 20 lite
                Nokia 6.1
                Honor 20

                Laptops
                Acer Nitro black edition v15

                I also find HTC vive ok and i currently have an Oculus quest which is fine but both do cause a little strain after a few hours but no eye pinching.

                Other factors are reflective glass screens don't help and i don't know why but TVs with 120hz panels give me pain so cheaper TVs are more comfortable for me. It also isn't a case of just turning down the contrast on TVs as some manufacturers don't implement this successfully.Also turning artificial sharpness down helps.

                Please use the Notebookcheck website for detailed reviews as they measure the Contrast ratio for phones and laptops. Also rtings is great for TV reviews with contrast ratio measurements.

                I currently use an HONOR 20 mobile phone with a contrast ratio of 875:1 and i can stare at it all day long if needed.

                I don't know why the samsung s2 and s6 were great to use as they are amoled and should have infinite contrast ratio.

                Hope this helps others and send me any questions you have.

                  DiscoDave Im using XE9005 which gave me still some problems but its best TV from what I had except old SONY 43WD750 which wored 100% for everythinsg.. My problem started after I sold that TV and bought NEW 4K TVs...
                  You are right about reflections it suirely dont help my screen is semi glossy which isnt that bad for TV but not compared to any monitor with 3H anti glare matte surface.
                  Thanks for the input with the contrast ratio I will try a screen with that...

                  How about OLED have u tried any?

                  For screens that work for me is my old EIZO FS2434 close to 9000 hours and not a single headache there but I need to find a bigger screen to replace my TV which would be OK.

                      Terraque laptop With i7-6700hq gforce 940m. No strain, but there are coil whine unfortunately.

                      Luki99 I've never used an oled TV as I'm scared to buy one as they are over 1k and then for it not to agree with me would be heart breaking. Your old Sony TV has a contract ratio of 1000:1 and it's comfortable and your x9005 has ratio of 5500:1 so maybe contrast is a big factor for you too. I'm tempted to buy one of the new song TV's xh8000 series as they have ratio of 799:1 and good input lag for games. What mobile phone do you use and are you happy with that screen?

                          Apologies it's actually the Sony x850g that looks promising but the x800h also has low contrast of 1150:1 and extremely low input lag. Would be good if anyone has these TV's to share their experience.

                          I wouldn't risk the X800 or 850 after having xe9005. OLED isnt that much more expensive then this TV I have just checked. If you buy any display imo you need to buy it at a place where you can return it.
                          I think you would be better of trying a 43 monitor with IPS, 1000:1, flicker free and W-LED anti glare matte 3h - those are the stuff my monitor 24 has and its night and day vs TV when im on the monitor my eyes fell normal/relaxed I dont think about it.
                          You cant get 3h surface on any TV, u cant get truly flicker free (even sonys has some flicker/woble at low level backlight leves and I always use low brightness) also I always turn off all the shitty stuff TVs has like contrast enchancer, cine motion bla bla but I feel theres still some image processing being done there... Good monitors are usually very well calibrated while TVs colors calibration are quite shitty 🙂 Moniotors were always better/no problem for me and problem started on 4k Tvs so I think trying out a monitor 43 is a good idea I know its smaller but if it works it wont be a huge issue.
                          As for TVs I would only try OLED. If you try anything update🙂

                          DiscoDave I dont use smartphone but old Nokia phone so screen doesnt matter 🙂 Im just using it to call.

                          As for the X850g on rtings it says 799:1 but on other revievs they sometimes hit 1152:1 value so I don't know... also ONLY that could cause all that pain hm... I compared this to my XE9005 and besides it they are almost the same althrought xe9005 has much better picture quality, im using it at 9/50 brightness and then it's flicker free. But maybe u right and that contrast ratio kills it for me.
                          What could you worry about X850G is the precalibration settings rated only at 6.4 which is quite bad... for example my xe9005 (aka x900e US ver) has rating of 8.3 and rtings says:
                          "Out of the box in the 'Custom' picture mode the calibration of the TV is excellent and could be used without any further adjustments."
                          And in fact I can tell I always liked the colours of this TV, movies are awesome and when I rotate camera in for example MGS V it looks super smooth. This can be important same as contrast ratio because with poor precalibration you can have similar problems🙁

                          Hm atm im starting to think that maybe the coulpe PC games which gave me problems on this TV but didnt on monitor 24 will give me the same on other TV/larger screen because it can be couple of factors triggering it for example those games were Sniper ghost warrior and sim racers like assetto corsa all much FOV-related games so maybe on bigger screen my brain can't handle it...
                          The only thing that gives me some deep thinking is why on 43wd750 I could play all games on PS4 no problems but at 4k tvs I couldnt use PS4 no more with any games but I can with most of PC games... thats a killer. Maybe like some people said in this forum one PS4 update killed their PS4 usage so maybe its my case too... It all started for me in the era of HDR support.
                          Again probably without trying a 43 monitor I won't know for sure it would be most similar to my 24 monitor in terms of spec.

                            dev