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Key specs – Screen size: 32in; Resolution: 3,840 x 2,160; Screen technology: IPS; Refresh rate: 144Hz; Response time: 1ms; Video inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4; Other ports: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB-B 3.0 On test, the PG32UQ performed very well indeed, producing a very wide gamut of colours with good accuracy. It’s a great monitor for gaming, with strong motion handling and good viewing angles. Vibrant to the point of excess and obnoxiously large, the PG32UQ is one of the best monitors we’ve tested for sheer immersion. In terms of sheer bandwidth, HDMI 2.1 48Gbps easily handles 4K 120Hz with full HDR and no compromises on color. It is also capable of 4K 144Hz with tweaked settings if you prefer a higher framerate.
This is another sensationally vibrant monitor that produces 94% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut with great accuracy. It’s responsive and bright, with the hallmarks of an IPS panel visible in its good viewing angles (made even better by the curvature) and great motion handling. Sure, the contrast could be better, but when there’s so much else going for this monitor it’s hard to complain too much – especially as there’s no HDR certification here.Key specs – Screen size: 38in; Resolution: 3,840 x 1,600; Screen technology: IPS; Refresh rate: 144Hz; Response time: 1ms G2G; Curvature: 2300R; Video inputs: 1 x DP, 2 x HDMI, 1 x Thunderbolt USB-C; Other ports: 2 x USB-A, 1 x 3.5mm At 27in, the Philips Momentum 279M1RV is a nice compromise for gamers who are cash rich but space poor. It’s another gorgeous 4K monitor built for Xbox Series X/S and PS5, with HDMI 2.1 support alongside the usual DP 1.4 port for PC. It’s ridiculously well-connected, with four USB-A ports and even a USB-C port for power delivery and video transmission, and it sits on a stand with height adjustment and swivel. It’s even got Philips Ambiglow lighting on the rear, so the wall behind the monitor is illuminated while you play. This is the first time HDMI has been able to work in such a high refresh. You can also opt for 1440p on HDMI 2.1.
Nowadays, the best 144Hz monitors aren’t what you might expect. It used to be the case that 1440p at 144Hz was widely recognised as the so-called “sweet spot” for PC gaming, the optimum output for the average gaming rig. As a result, 144Hz and 1440p walked hand-in-hand incredibly often.Key specs – Screen size: 27in; Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440; Screen technology: VA; Refresh rate: 165Hz; Response time: 1ms; Video inputs: 2 x HDMI 2, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4; Other ports: 2 x USB-A 3.0, 1 x USB-B 3.0, 1 x 3.5mm The average PC gamer might want to consider a 165Hz monitor over a 144Hz one, at least at 1440p. The difference isn’t particularly noticeable but you’ll have much more choice, because many manufacturers are opting for 165Hz these days.
You caught us: this isn’t a 144Hz monitor. The Gigabyte G27QC is instead a 1440p gaming monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate, which to us is the current sweet spot for PC gaming and the best choice for most people.It also covers the more mundane stuff, with a versatile stand and two USB-A ports for peripherals. But we all know that’s not why you’re eyeing up this beast of a display.
The panel is excellent. It’s remarkably colour-accurate and produces a wide gamut for vivid colours both in and out of HDR. Speaking of which: this monitor has an HDR 600 certification with 16-zone edge-lit local dimming, which means you can expect a slightly higher standard of HDR performance from the 279M1RV than most gaming monitors. This is a vibrant monitor capable of detailed shadows and responsive, fluid gameplay – and believe it or not, it’s usually pretty decent value, too (although the price has shot up recently for reasons unknown). x 2,160) is the high-end option. Only buy a 4K monitor if you have a top-of-the-line gaming PC or next-gen console, or you’ll be wasting the 144Hz refresh rate. We’ve tried to include monitors that fit into all of the above categories on our list. How much should I spend?There’s an entry-level HDR 400 certification here, but it doesn’t mean much: this is a great-value monitor, but it’s not a miracle worker, and as such HDR is largely just for show. But you’re getting a decent stand with tilt, swivel and height adjustment (130mm of it), and a panel that delivers the goods in most ways, and that’s more than enough at this price. If within your budget, then definitely. In mid-2022, 4K 144Hz may not yet be entirely mainstream, but that’s where things are heading for games. Going with such a monitor buys you a lot of headroom and future proofing, so unless you tend to replace monitors every couple of years, this is a good investment. This depends on the resolution you choose. Assuming you’re after a 1440p monitor to enjoy the “sweet spot”, anything from 24in-27in is ideal, although this is applicable to 1080p monitors too. 4K monitors usually sit in the 27in-32in range. Think about how close you sit and how much screen real estate you need (if for example, you’re going to work on the same monitor). What other specifications should I look out for? HDR: High dynamic range isn’t a huge consideration unless you have a big budget – most gaming monitors struggle to deliver anything resembling true HDR. If you want that, however, start by looking for monitors with a DisplayHDR 600 certification and some kind of local dimming. The BenQ Mobiuz EX2710 is a well-equipped 1080p monitor that will suit anyone with a low-to-mid-range gaming PC, a fairly tight budget and a desire to hit 144Hz. At 27in, this is as big as you’d want a 1080p monitor to be. It’s bold, bright and colourful, with low response times and good motion handling and viewing angles courtesy of its IPS panel. It nailed our in-house colour accuracy tests and proved enjoyable to use both in work and on the virtual battlefield.
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