Top 4K Gaming Monitors
This article was written by one of our amazing contributors! Content may include promotional links.
When people talk about 4K, they’re usually talking about the resolution of a television or in some cases a higher end projector. Many are surprised to learn that there are a number of quality 4K HDR monitors for gaming. Some 4K gaming monitors represent a step up in color and resolution. It means that gamers are able to enjoy the games that they play to the fullest.
Of course, with the higher resolution comes an increased price tag. That being said, most monitors outlast the computers that they are connected to. If you purchase a good monitor from the beginning, you will likely be using that same monitor when the time comes to build or purchase your next computer.
One of the best ways to approach purchasing a 4K monitor is to first think about the type of gaming that you do. Then determine what your priority is. Do you need a high refresh rate? Or are you happier with crisper graphics? Whatever balance you come to, it is nice to know that 4K monitors and 4K gaming are a reality. Although they are a touch more expensive than your traditional 1080P monitor, the price of 4K monitors have gotten to the point where they are something that most gamers can realistically consider.
With that in mind, let’s take a few minutes and look at two of the more popular 4K monitors for gaming on the market today.
Acer Predator X27
As mentioned at the outset, resolution is one of the more sought after features in a gaming monitor. Second to that is refresh rate. The Acer Predator X27 makes it possible for you to have the best of both worlds.
This is a 27 In Plane Switching screen that has:
• 1,000 nits peak brightness
• 380 zone backlight
• HDR and Adobe RGB color
• Ultra HD resolution 3840 2160
• 144 Hz refresh rate
• Overclock
• G-Sync
Whether you are using this gaming monitor in HDR mode or SDR mode, you’re going to appreciate the smoothness and the high-speed response it has while you are gaming. We feel that to the Acer Predator X27 is the standard bearer for gaming monitors of this type.
Depending on where you purchase it, the price for this monitor could range between $1,700 and $2,400. At first, this might give you a little bit of sticker shock owing to the fact that a person could easily purchase a 65 inch television for this price. However, this monitor represents technology that you will not see elsewhere.
The simple fact that it offers 384 zone backlighting puts it in the same league as premium displays. This feature is important because it is a must if you’re going to enjoy the full HDR potential. This is because in order to thoroughly understand the contrast offered by HDR, you need 1,000 nits minimum. This backlighting makes this possible.
A few of the specs that impressed us include:
• Contrast: 1000:1
• Response Time: 5 ms
• Max Resolution: 3840 x 2160 at 120 Hz. (With overclock 144 Hz)
• Brightness: HDR= 1000 nits, SDR 600 nits
Its dimensions are:
• Thickness: 3.4 inches
• Overall Dimensions: 24.8 x 17.5 – 22.5 x 14.8”
• Weight: 20.5 pounds
The X27 has a solid base that’s made from rigid plastic. The inside is lined with a fabric that is designed to absorb the light. It sits on top of a thin piece of cast aluminum. It has a medium gray finish. You’re able to make up to a five inch adjustment to the height, swivel the monitor 20 degrees in either direction, and tilt the monitor five degrees back or 25 degrees forward.
In SDR mode you are able to calibrate colors. In HDR mode the only calibration is for color temperature. We feel that this 4K monitor offers everything a gamer could want or need. It includes two 7W speakers and inputs for HDMI, display port, and USB.
Pros:
• Creates phenomenal 4K HDR graphics
• An excellent refresh rate that can be overclocked when needed
Cons:
• Slower than average response time
• Expensive price
Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ
Continuing with the idea that there is no such thing as too much resolution or too high of a refresh rate, our number two pick is the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ.
This 4K 27 inch IPS gaming monitor has:
• 3840 x 2160 resolution
• Benefits from 144 Hz refresh rate with overclock capabilities
• HDR 10
• DCI P3 color
• 1000 nit brightness
Just like our number one pick, this gaming monitor will set you back around $2,000. However, when you look at the specs, it’s clear to see why. This is one of the few gaming monitors on the market that has a full array backlight. As a result, it’s able to hit the 1,000 nit brightness level. Its quantum film allows it to reach in excess of 90 percent of the DCI–P3 color space. If you run the overclock, you can get this monitor to run at 144 Hz. That being said, its native refresh rate is 120 Hz.
In order to get the most out of this monitor, you will need to have your GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card up-to-date, as well as the newest updates on Windows 10.
Check out the Specs
• Screen Size: 27 inches
• Max Resolution: 3840 x 2160
• 120 Hz/144Hz with overclock
• Brightness: SDR- 600nits/ HDR 1000 nits
• Thickness: 3.7 inches
• Weight: 20.2 pound
• Overall Dimensions: 25 x 17.2 – 21.9 x 9.5”
The picture is exceptionally clear and stunning thanks to the 163 ppi pixel density. Thanks to the variable backlight feature, you are able to achieve the truest contrast. This monitor benefits from a modern design and flexibility. You’re able to adjust the height by 4.7 inches. It offers a 45 degree swivel in each direction. You can tilt it forward by 5 degrees or tilt it back by 25 degrees.
Although it is a little bit on the expensive side, we feel that this machine is worth every penny you pay for it. In addition to being a gaming monitor, it can serve as a color critical display.
Pros:
• Inventive design
• Superb image quality
• Uses Nvidia G-sync technology
Con:
• Very expensive
• You’ll need a powerful computer to get the best results
Honorable Mention
We felt that there are a few other 4K gaming monitors that, although not reaching the same level as the first two we reviewed, are worth a second look.
Acer Predator XB321HK
This is a 32 inch IPS 4K monitor. It has a four ms response time, a 60 Hz refresh rate, and weighs 24.91 pounds. It does a great job with 4K resolution, offering vibrant colors and contrast. However, it does not have the HDR component, and its refresh rate is lower than the other models we reviewed.
BenQ PD3200U
For around $1,000, you can get this 32 inch IPS gaming monitor. It has a four ms response time, it weighs 19 pounds, and has a 60 Hz refresh rate. This is a great value for a 4K monitor as far as the price is concerned, especially one that’s 32 inches. However, as you can clearly see by its 60 Hz refresh rate, it’s not directed solely toward gamers. However, for just $1,000, it does do an adequate job.
ViewSonic XG2700-4K
This is the only model on our review that comes in at under $1,000. It has a 24 inch screen with a TN panel type. It has a one ms response time, weighs 24 pounds, and a 60 Hz refresh rate. It has stellar picture quality and colors, and it has a neat multi-display feature. This is a monitor for individuals who care more about resolution than frame rates per second. It requires a higher end PC to get the most out of it. Thanks to its competitive pricing, many people opt for this as their first 4K quality gaming monitor.
So here’s our review of some of the best 4K gaming monitors out there. As always, we would love to hear from you. What do you think about the review? Where there are some monitors you felt we left off that we should have added or some that we added that you think are not up to snuff? Let us know in the comments section below.