So, 144 Hz, curved *VA matrix, 27 inches, WQHD, price about 22 thousand rubles. It is clear that in order to provide such parameters at such a price, something had to be sacrificed. Our task is to find out how significant were the concessions in the field of ergonomics and functionality that had to be made for the sake of low cost. If they turn out to be not too critical for the user, then the Samsung C27JG50QQI will have every chance of making a revolution in the gaming monitor market, the prices of which have so far been inadequately inflated relative to the cost of their non-gaming counterparts.
Specifications
| Samsung C27JG50QQI | |
| Screen | |
| Diagonal, inches | 26,9 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Matrix coating | Semi-matte |
| Standard resolution, pix. | 2560 × 1440 |
| PPI | 109 |
| Image Options | |
| Matrix type | Curved SVA (*VA-Type) 1800R |
| Backlight type | W-LED |
| Max. brightness, cd/m2 | 300 (typ.) / 250 (min.) |
| Contrast static | 3000:1 |
| Number of colors displayed | 16.7 million |
| Vertical frequency, Hz | 144 |
| Response time BtW, ms | ND |
| GtG response time, ms | 4 |
| Maximum viewing angles horizontal/vertical, ° | 178/178 |
| Connectors | |
| Video inputs | 1 × HDMI 1.4; |
| 1 × HDMI 2.0; | |
| 1 × Display Port 1.2; | |
| Video outputs | No |
| Additional ports | 1 × 3.5 mm audio output; 1 × power input (19 V); |
| Built-in speakers | No |
| Physical parameters | |
| Adjusting the screen position | Tilt angle (-1.5 to +15 degrees) |
| VESA mount: dimensions (mm) | Yes (75 × 75) |
| Kensington lock mount | Yes |
| power unit | External |
| Max. power consumption in operation/standby mode (W) | 48 / 0,3 |
| Overall dimensions (with stand), mm | 614,2 × 462,9 × 242,8 |
| Overall dimensions (without stand), mm | 614,2 × 362 × 138,9 |
| Net weight (with stand), kg | 4,3 |
| Net weight (without stand), kg | 3,7 |
| Approximate price, rubles | 22,000 (modification C27JG50QQI) |
The first glance at the main technical parameters of the model allows you to see a number of positions on which the manufacturer saved when developing an inexpensive gaming model: this is a lightweight stand with tilt adjustment only, ordinary W-LED backlighting instead of “quantum dots”, lack of support for adaptive frame synchronization technologies . But the Samsung C27HG70QQI model without these simplifications costs one and a half times more - and such a significant difference in price makes us turn a blind eye to such shortcomings.
Although we were not able to get to the service menu, we can assume that the monitor uses one of the modifications of the Samsung LSM270DP01 matrix - this is evidenced by the declared main parameters, which are close to those of the already familiar MSI Optix MAG27CQ monitor, equipped with just such a panel. And in general, the choice of 27-inch curved SVA panels with WQHD resolution cannot be called wide, and it is unlikely that Samsung, having such matrices of its own, will choose a product from a third-party manufacturer.
The declared values for the matrix are quite ordinary for a VA type: typical brightness 300 cd/m2 (with a minimum tolerance of 250 cd/m2) and contrast 3000:1 (without specifying the minimum acceptable level). The matrix is 8-bit, displays 16.7 million colors. For the color gamut, full compliance with basic color rendering standards is not declared, but for a gaming monitor this can hardly be considered a serious drawback.
The monitor is devoid of any additional functionality in the form of built-in speakers (although there is clearly space for them in the case), USB ports or a card reader - there is only a 3.5 mm output for connecting headphones.
The C27JG50QQI model is just beginning to hit the shelves of domestic stores, but the price tag immediately looks more than attractive. In the first large retail chain where this model went on sale, they asked for 22,990 rubles, but there are already offers for 1,000 rubles cheaper - and this is probably not the limit of the price reduction.
⇡#Packaging, delivery set, appearance
The monitor comes in a fairly compact cardboard box with a design already familiar to us, which weighs only 6.3 kg with all the contents.
The delivery package of the tested monitor contained only elements of a stand and an external power supply, although, judging by the information from the manufacturer’s website, an HDMI cable, a software disk and brief installation instructions should have been present. In the case of devices officially supplied to Russia, there will definitely be a cable and everything else.
Externally, the monitor is distinguished by its rather significant (especially taking into account the external power supply) thickness, frameless screen design and exposed frame fasteners on the bottom edge of the device. The radius of curvature of the screen is 1800 mm.
You can also note the presence of two cutouts at the bottom, covered with a protective grille, which are clearly intended for installing stereo speakers. But the monitor model in question does not have speakers installed.
In the center of the lower part there is an LED indicator and the only control element available to the monitor - the mini-joystick that is well known to us.
At the back, on the latch for attaching the monitor to the stand, there is a lock. There is also a mechanism for adjusting the tilt of the screen.
To install the monitor on a VESA-compatible mount, you will need to remove this unit by unscrewing a couple of mounting screws.
There are few ventilation holes at the back: they are only in the recess located in the upper part of the case. However, heating of the monitor case during operation is minimal.
The connector panel has two HDMI inputs (one input each for versions 1.4 and 2.0), a DP port, a 3.5 mm headphone output and a connector for connecting an external power supply.
Just below the connector panel there is a sticker with information about the monitor. The tested copy is made in China, the device has version FB02.
The monitor stand is assembled from two parts: a base standing on the table and a small column connecting the base to the monitor body.
The base has four anti-slip supports at the bottom, and the column is secured with two screws that will have to be tightened with a screwdriver: they do not have a grip for screwing without tools.
The entire stand assembly weighs about 600 grams. Due to the low weight of the display itself and the small number of supports, the monitor does not stand very confidently on the table: even a relatively small force is enough to move it from its place.
The connector panel can be covered with the included cover, which has a cutout for wire exit. Also for cable management there is a plastic loop through which you can pass the wires.
The monitor is powered from an external unit with a soft and flexible cable of sufficient length.
The power supply has one nice feature - the rotating plug design. It can be locked in three different positions (0°, 45° or 90°), which should make it easier to connect to a surge protector or power strip that already powers many other devices.
The power adapter parameters are marked on one of its sides. The output power corresponds to the stated maximum consumption of the monitor and is 48 W.
The matrix has a semi-matte coating, traditional for modern models, which effectively combats glare, but is not prone to developing a crystalline effect.
The range of screen position settings is minimal: only the tilt can be changed within not very wide limits.
The quality of materials and assembly of the monitor body does not raise any questions: the gaps are uniform, the quality of the plastic coloring is decent. The rigidity of the design is also excellent: even when trying to twist the monitor does not make a sound.
Externally, the Samsung C27JG50QQI also looks quite solid and modern thanks to its minimal outer screen bezels and curved shape. However, it is worth noting that the glossy plastic of the stand easily collects dust and fingerprints, and in general the base of the monitor looks rather flimsy.
It may also not suit you to place the screen panel high enough above the table level. For an optimal position in front of the screen (looking slightly above, as recommended by Samsung’s instructions), many will have to lift the chair quite a bit, which not everyone will like.
Best QHD Gaming Monitors
HP Omen 27 (Z4D33AA)
1440p resolution is the domain of monitors with a diagonal of at least 27 inches. This also applies to the HP Omen 27, in which we will find a TN matrix refreshed at 165 Hz. The big advantage of this model is its support for G-Sync. For obvious reasons, it is addressed to GeForce owners.
HP Omen 27 features a frameless design and high ergonomics. We are talking in particular about additional USB connectors, an audio jack, as well as a stand on which you can hang your headphones after playing. There is also an adjustment for height, screen angle and ambient backlight, the color of which matches the displayed images.
LG 32GK850G-B
An offer for people looking for an even larger screen. The LG 32GK850G-B is a 31.5-inch VA display that features, among other things, good black color reproduction.
However, if we decide to spend a lot of money, in return we will get not only a 144 Hz screen refresh, but also support for G-Sync technology. In addition, there is a function to change the color of the monitor backlight or the ability to display an additional crosshair in games. On the back panel there is a place for a USB hub with the function of fast charging of mobile devices thanks to Quick Charge technology.
Asus ROG Swift PG279Q
Asus ROG Swift PG279Q is also waiting for us at a similar price. In this case, however, we get a 27-inch IPS matrix with excellent color reproduction. It is interesting that, despite this technology, the manufacturer managed to obtain an excellent response time of 4 ms.
The monitor also convinces us with its 165 Hz refresh rate and Nvidia G-Sync technology. Therefore, this is not the best offer for owners of AMD graphics chips. To do this, of course, it is possible to adjust the position of the screen and a rotation function that allows you to rotate it in portrait mode.
Dell Alienware AW3418DW
Expensive, but extremely valuable representative of UltraWide monitors with an aspect ratio of 21: 9. Based on a curved 32-inch IPS matrix, providing excellent color reproduction and a decent response time of 4 ms. In addition, the screen refresh rate is 120 Hz and supports G-Sync technology. This is one of the best gaming monitors in its class.
Alienware AW3418DW has four independent backlight zones, the color of which can be freely changed. The manufacturer also took care of a number of useful ports (including USB 3.0 and audio) and the ability to conveniently adjust the screen position (height, tilt angle, rotation angle). Remember, however, that due to its size, it takes up quite a lot of desk space.
⇡#Menu and controls
The monitor is controlled using a five-way mini-joystick - perhaps the most convenient option of all those currently existing.
Rocking the mini-joystick allows you to adjust the values of brightness, contrast and clarity without entering the main menu (up/down - select a setting, right/left - change the value).
A short press on the power button brings up a quick menu from which you can go to the main menu (up), turn on the eye rest mode - an analogue of the blue light filter from other manufacturers (right), select the signal source (left) or turn off the monitor (down).
A short press again removes the selection menu, and a long press can turn off the power.
The main menu is made in the “gaming” style of Super Arena Gaming UX: the main parameters that affect the display of images in games are displayed at the top - the current level of the black equalizer, the set response time mode, scan frequency, the state of the mode for reducing response lag (Input lag) and eye rest mode.
Below you can choose between five menu sections that contain monitor settings.
The first section of the main menu, “Game,” contains settings related to the monitor’s operation in gaming applications. Here you can select a picture mode from six available: custom, four genre game presets and the traditional “Cinema” mode for Samsung monitors. For all but the last one, a full range of image settings is available.
In the “Refresh rate” item, you can choose to optimize the monitor’s operation for the required mode (the actual refresh rate, of course, is selected using the OS and video card driver).
The description of the black equalizer option displayed in the menu speaks for itself - using this setting, you can increase the brightness of the display of dark areas of the image without “overexposure” of the lighter parts of the picture.
The default value of 13 seemed to us quite adequate in terms of natural color rendering, but in games no one bothers to adjust this parameter for maximum efficiency.
You can choose between three response time modes.
Low latency mode can only be turned on or off.
Although the description suggests that the reduction in latency is achieved by reducing the image processing time, we did not notice any noticeable negative impact on image quality when activating this setting.
The last item in the “Game” section allows you to adjust the aspect ratio and image display area on the screen.
The next section of the menu is devoted to image settings, which are not so critical for games. The first item, “Picture Mode,” repeats that in the “Game” section.
The brightness and contrast settings are self-explanatory. The sharpness value, as with many recent Samsung models, is slightly too high, which leads to sloppy display of the edges of objects. In our opinion, the optimal values are 52-56 (default 60), although higher values may be justified in games.
The “Color” subsection contains RGB Gain settings, selection of color temperature presets (5 options) and gamma curve shapes (3 options).
Magic Upscale modes are useful when working in non-native screen resolutions - they significantly increase image clarity.
Also in the section you can adjust the black level when connecting via HDMI and enable eye rest mode.
The third section of the main menu does not offer rich settings: in it you can select the interface language and the display time of the on-screen menu.
The “System” section contains volume and power saving settings, selecting the DisplayPort version and signal source detection method, as well as setting the response speed of the buttons and the power indicator.
The only item on the second page of this section is reset to factory settings.
Finally, in the last section of the menu, “Information,” you can get information about the model, serial number and current operating mode of the monitor.
Testing methodology
The Samsung C27JG50QQI monitor was tested using a slightly modified method using an X-Rite i1 Display Pro colorimeter, the Argyll CMS software package with the DisplayCAL graphical interface and the HCFR Colormeter program. All operations were carried out in Windows 10. During testing, the monitor was connected via the DisplayPort 1.2 interface to a GeForce GTX 1070 video card with the current driver at the time of testing (color management using third-party software was activated, other settings were at default), the screen refresh rate was maximum supported 144 Hz.
In accordance with the methodology, we will measure the following monitor parameters:
- white brightness, black brightness, contrast ratio at backlight power from 0 to 100% in 10% increments;
- color gamut;
- color temperature;
- gamma curves of the three primary RGB colors;
- gray gamma curve;
- DeltaE color deviations (according to CIEDE1994 standard);
- uniformity of illumination with a brightness at the central point of 100 cd/m2.
All measurements described above were carried out before and after calibration. During tests, we measure the main monitor profiles: default, sRGB (if available) and Adobe RGB (if available). Calibration is carried out in the default profile, with the exception of special cases, which will be discussed later. For wide-gamut monitors, we select sRGB hardware emulation mode when available. Before starting all tests, the monitor warms up for 3-4 hours, and all its settings are reset to factory settings.
We will also continue our old practice of publishing calibration profiles for the monitors we tested at the end of the article. At the same time, the 3DNews test laboratory warns that such a profile will not be able to 100% correct the shortcomings of your particular monitor. The fact is that all monitors (even within the same model) will necessarily differ from each other by small color rendering errors. It is physically impossible to make two identical matrices, so any serious monitor calibration requires a colorimeter or spectrophotometer. But a “universal” profile created for a specific instance can generally improve the situation for other devices of the same model, especially in the case of cheap displays with pronounced color rendering defects.
The best 4K monitors of summer 2020. Give me a budget phone at 144 Hz!
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We continue to introduce you to the best components for your computer, according to experts from the tomshardware website. Read our previous materials here. This time we have the five best 4K monitors of summer 2020.
1. Best 4K/144Hz gaming monitor. Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ. Pros: G-Sync. Stunning image. Amazing contrast between SDR and HDR. High build quality. Cons: expensive. As experts say, this is perhaps the best monitor of this summer. The only thing I can complain about is its extremely undemocratic price.
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2. The best budget 4K monitor. Samsung UR59C. As experts write: if the video card on your computer is not a GeForce GTX 1080 Ti, then you can safely buy this monitor, because, without having advanced proprietary technologies, it can give you high image quality without requiring expensive hardware in return. Pros: amazing picture. Accuracy after manual adjustment. High build quality. Cons: No G-Sync or FreeSync. Requires manual setup.
3. The best 4K monitor that supports FreeSync technology. Philips 436M6M Momentum. As experts write: this monitor gives an indescribable gaming experience. As for the huge 43-inch screen, it's absolutely stunning. Pros: FreeSync. High brightness level. Excellent HDR. Wide range of colors. No setup required. High build quality. Comes with a convenient remote control. Cons: Limited calibration options. Inconvenient menu with few settings.
4. The best 4K monitor with G-Sync technology. Acer Predator X27. As experts from the tomshardware website write, if you have a powerful GeForce video card, then this monitor is what you need. Pros: G-Sync technology. Excellent HDR. Great color range. Fantastic gaming experience. High build quality. Cons: No brightness adjustment in HDR mode. Very expensive.
5. The best uncompromising 4K monitor. HP Omen X 65 Emperium. As experts from the tomshardware website write, perhaps this particular monitor should be put in first place in the top, since it is so cool that it is many times superior to its colleagues. But its high cost will scare off almost all potential buyers. That is why we will not point out its advantages, because it is the best in everything. And you also know about his fat minus. More information here.
⇡#Operating parameters
When testing the monitor, we used the DisplayPort interface as the most trouble-free and fully revealing display capabilities. For setup and calibration, we used the “User” profile.
By default, the main parameters settings look like this:
- image mode - “Custom”;
- brightness - 100;
- contrast - 75;
- clarity - 60;
- color temperature - "Normal" (50/50/50);
- gamma - “Mode-1”;
- response time - Faster.
During manual adjustment (100 cd/m2 and 6500 K), the parameters took the following form:
- image mode - “Custom”;
- brightness - 17;
- contrast - 75;
- clarity - 56;
- color temperature - "Custom" (43/52/37);
- gamma - “Mode-2”;
- response time - Fastest.
To achieve the required color temperature, we had to change the gain of the color channels. We did not touch the value of the “contrast” parameter due to the lack of positive changes in the gamma curves. Subsequent adjustments were made solely with the brightness slider.
⇡#White brightness, black brightness, contrast ratio
The initial check was carried out in the default “User” mode. with factory settings of the main parameters.
| Menu brightness (%) | White brightness (cd/m2) | Black brightness (cd/m2) | Static Contrast (x:1) |
| 100% | 316,2 | 0,1151 | 2748 |
| 90% | 296,2 | 0,1078 | 2746 |
| 80% | 277,1 | 0,1011 | 2742 |
| 70% | 257,8 | 0,0941 | 2742 |
| 60% | 238,1 | 0,0869 | 2740 |
| 50% | 218,2 | 0,0797 | 2738 |
| 40% | 196,5 | 0,0719 | 2735 |
| 30% | 174,5 | 0,0638 | 2736 |
| 20% | 119,9 | 0,044 | 2726 |
| 10% | 65,3 | 0,024 | 2715 |
| 0% | 10,9 | 0,0043 | 2543 |
With default settings, the monitor's brightness results slightly exceeded the level declared by the manufacturer - we measured 316.2 cd/m2, but the contrast fell short by about 10% of the promised 3000:1.
The minimum brightness of the white field in the default mode was about 11 cd/m2 - a simply excellent indicator. However, it can be noted that at low brightness levels the step between adjacent values is large, which makes precise adjustment difficult.
The number of preset monitor modes is not too large, and all options could be considered. However, game modes are obviously not designed to work with color, so measuring the quality of color rendering for them is completely meaningless - in the game, only the subjective perception of the picture matters. And I must say that, in the subjective opinion of the author of this material, they were chosen quite well.
The “Cinema” mode also traditionally does not shine with its performance: with the help of S-shaped gamma curves, the contrast is artificially raised, the clarity is turned out to the point of extreme clarity, the brightness and contrast are set to maximum - and all these settings, in principle, cannot be adjusted in any way. The results in this mode, in terms of correct color reproduction, are generally even worse than those of the Samsung C49J890DKI monitor we recently reviewed.
Therefore, we can only limit ourselves to the “Custom” mode. at default settings after bringing the brightness to 100 cd/m2 and adjusting the RGB Gain, as well as with calibration using Argyll CMS.
The best 144 Hz monitors with IPS matrix
TOP 4 best models with IPS matrix in terms of price and quality ratio.
Acer Nitro VG271Pbmiipx 27″
A turning point in the world of modern devices is a monitor based on an IPS matrix.
It works really fast allowing you to get the maximum frame rate.
The eight-bit matrix with FullHD resolution conveys true color at wide viewing angles.
The main interface ports are DisplayPort and HDMI. Built-in speakers 2 x 2 W. A bracket is provided for mounting the monitor on a wall.
Specifications:
- type – widescreen LCD monitor;
- resolution – 1920×1080 (16/9);
- matrix – IPS;
- backlight – LED;
- brightness – 400 cd/m²;
- response time – 1 ms;
- number of colors – 16.7 million;
- connectors – HDMI x2, DisplayPort;
- dimensions – 61.4×47.5×24 cm;
- weight – 5.56 kg.
Advantages
- excellent color rendition;
- perfect contrast;
- great design;
- without frame design;
- convenient menu and flexible settings.
Flaws
- not stable stand;
- no height adjustment;
- lack of DVI connector.
LG 27GL650F 27″
A powerful weapon in the hands of a skilled gamer, charged only for victory.
The UltraGear series monitor has a large reserve of brightness, a wide viewing angle and vivid color reproduction.
The smallest details on this device can be seen in detail.
AMD Radeon FreeSync technology ensures smooth motion without distortion or tearing.
Especially for gamers, there is the ability to display the sight on the display, as well as black stabilization to improve visibility in dark places. The base is adjustable in any plane.
Specifications:
- type – widescreen LCD monitor;
- resolution – 1920×1080 (16/9);
- matrix – IPS;
- backlight – LED;
- brightness – 400 cd/m²;
- response time – 5 ms;
- number of colors – 16.7 million;
- connectors – HDMI 2.0 x2, DisplayPort 1.4;
- dimensions – 61.5×46.5×27.4 cm;
- weight – 6.4 kg.
Advantages
- ideal price-quality ratio;
- bright and rich colors;
- convenient stand;
- fast pixel response;
- convenient menu and flexible settings.
Flaws
- Bios is skipped if you do not install the patch for DP 1.3 and 1.4 from nvidia;
- the stand does not allow you to lower the monitor lower than 7 cm from the table surface;
- lack of USB ports.
BenQ EX2780Q 27″
The model goes beyond conventional monitors thanks to its matrix and built-in sound system with subwoofer.
Incredibly rich color reproduction, brightness and contrast.
A wide viewing angle allows you to comfortably view the image in any position.
Reduced blue tint and screen flicker to prevent user eye fatigue.
The Black eQualizer system increases image quality in dark areas of the video sequence.
Specifications:
- type – widescreen LCD monitor;
- resolution – 2560×1440 (16/9);
- matrix – IPS;
- backlight – LED;
- brightness – 350 cd/m²;
- response time – 5 ms;
- number of colors – 1 billion;
- connectors – HDMI 2.0 x2, DisplayPort, USB;
- dimensions – 61.4×45.9×19.6 cm;
- weight – 5.93 kg.
Advantages
- good range of colors;
- speakers with pleasant sound and bass;
- convenient control panel, eliminating the need to use the rear panel of the monitor;
- complete absence of flicker;
- good resolution for office programs.
Flaws
- the height of the stand is not adjustable;
- the cable channel cover has a weak latch;
- small highlights.
LG 27GL850 27″
An interesting new product from , which attracted attention even at the development stage.
Black color with red elements adds rigor to the frameless design of the device. Built-in speakers are not provided.
There is the possibility of wall mounting, but it is worth considering that all connectors are located horizontally on the rear panel. When installing on a wall, leave a small gap.
Thanks to Nano IPS technology, colors are purer and deeper, bringing the picture to life.
Specifications:
- type – widescreen LCD monitor;
- resolution – 2560×1440 (16/9);
- matrix – IPS;
- backlight – WLED;
- brightness – 350 cd/m²;
- response time – 1 ms;
- number of colors – more than 1 billion;
- connectors – HDMI 2.0 x2, DisplayPort;
- dimensions – 61.4×57.5×27.4 cm;
- weight – 6.1 kg.
Advantages
- high level of color rendering;
- instant response;
- no dead pixels;
- availability of G-Sync compatible;
- convenient control.
Flaws
- insufficient contrast;
- bulky stand;
- one joystick for settings.
⇡#Results with standard settings
To begin with, we tested the monitor in default mode, only after setting the brightness to 100 cd/m2, selecting the gamma setting “Gamma2” and activating the sRGB system profile.
The color gamut triangle falls somewhat short of all three vertices of the sRGB working area, covering about 94% of this color space - in general, very close to the results of the previously tested Samsung C49J890DKI monitor. However, the manufacturer did not initially promise full sRGB coverage, so there is no reason to complain.
The white point adjustment is not very accurate, but the arrangement of the group of gray shades of points is quite dense.
The default color temperature is significantly higher than the standard level of 6500 K and exceeds the value of 7000 K. Lighter shades appear warmer.
The gamma setting in the second mode is very close to the reference curve. The gamma curves of the color channels differ slightly from each other, but the gamma curve of gray is almost ideal.
The Argyll test results are quite predictable. One can note a serious deviation of the white point from the target value and a fairly high level of DeltaE94 deviations. But it is worth saying that deviations that obviously exceed the test tolerances were noted only on two color stimuli corresponding to the green and red vertices of the sRGB triangle, the points of which do not fall within the color gamut of the monitor. So in general, with the exception of the high color temperature, the color rendering of the monitor is set up quite well (and for a gaming model, it’s generally good).
with a curved VA panel supporting AMD FreeSync technology and a 144 Hz refresh rate
Samsung's monitor with the long full name C24FG70FQI is aimed at computer game players. The monitor is equipped with a 24-inch VA matrix, has a resolution of 1920x1080, supports high refresh rates (up to 144 Hz), supports AMD FreeSync technology and features a curved screen with a curvature radius of 1800 mm. We recommend reading the review of AMD FreeSync technology on iXBT.com.
Content:
- Specifications, delivery set and price
- Appearance
- Switching
- Menu, control, localization, additional functions and included software
- Image
- Microphotographs of the matrix
- Color rendering quality assessment
- Measuring black and white uniformity, brightness and power consumption
- Determining response time and output latency
- Measuring viewing angles
- conclusions
Specifications, delivery set and price
| Matrix type | VA LCD Panel with Quantum Dot LED Edge Backlight |
| Diagonal | 59.8 cm (23.5 in) |
| Relationship between the parties | 16:9 (521×293 mm) |
| Permission | 1920x1080 pixels (Full HD) |
| Pixel pitch | 0.27156 mm |
| Brightness | 350 cd/m² |
| Contrast | Static 3000:1 |
| Viewing Angles | 178° (horizontal) and 178° (vertical) |
| Response time | 1 ms (MPRT) |
| Number of colors displayed | 16.7 million |
| Interfaces |
|
| Compatible Video Signals | HDMI - up to 1920x1080/120 Hz (MonInfo Report) DisplayPort - up to 1920x1080/144 Hz (MonInfo Report) |
| Acoustic system | Absent |
| Peculiarities |
|
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 545×530×386 mm with stand 545×325×70 mm without stand |
| Weight | 5.2 kg with stand 3.1 kg without stand |
| Power consumption | Maximum 59 W 0.3 W off |
| Supply voltage (external adapter) | 100—240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Delivery set (needs to be checked before purchasing) |
|
| Link to manufacturer's website | www.samsung.com/en |
| Price for Samsung C24FG70FQI in the Samsung store as of the date of writing the review | 21 990 |
| average price | find out the price |
| Retail offers | find out the price |
Appearance
The design is very unusual, this applies to both the screen block with a matrix curved along a relatively small radius, and the original design of the stand. The external panels of the monitor are mainly made of black plastic with a matte finish. The outer edging around the perimeter of the screen unit has a dark gray-silver finish. The outer surface of the matrix is black, semi-matte (but specularity appears in the case of reflection of point light sources), and the outer layer of the matrix feels relatively hard. Geometric distortions of the reflection in the matrix, as well as the attached ruler, make it possible to determine that the bending of the surface of the matrix is more or less uniform over the entire area of the screen and only the vertical sections along the edges, about 3 cm wide, are practically flat, and at the very edge the surface is slightly convex.
At the bottom center of the front frame, the logo of the manufacturing company is applied in silver paint. To the right are non-contrast icons of the game mode selection buttons. The buttons themselves are located on the bottom end approximately opposite the labels.
To the right of the marks is a small status indicator light diffuser. An elongated light diffuser for decorative illumination with a blue glow is installed in the center at the lower end. On the back panel there is a 5-way joystick under the right hand.
All interface connectors and the power connector are located in a shallow and narrow niche on the rear panel and are oriented towards the rear. Connecting cables to your monitor is relatively easy, but some DisplayPort connectors with release tabs may have difficulty pressing the release buttons. However, there are no such problems with the supplied cable. Also on the back panel you can find a connector for a Kensington lock.
There are ventilation grilles at the bottom end and at the top of the rear panel (a narrow horizontal slot). The narrow ring and logo on the back have a metallic, shiny finish with a slight bluish tint. Several articulated joints on the standard stand allow you to slightly tilt the screen unit forward, tilt it back, lift it, flip it to portrait orientation clockwise, and rotate it to the right and left at a small angle.
Note that lowering and raising the screen block does not change the vertical angle of the screen. Apparently, the rod system in the stand post corrects this angle. The base of the stand is relatively large in area, but on top it is flat and almost horizontal, which increases the efficiency of using the working area of the table. It is worth noting that a stand of this design will require additional space behind the monitor, compared to a traditional stand with a vertical stand. The monitor stands very stable on the stand, partly due to the fact that the base of the stand is quite heavy. The base of the stand is reinforced with a thick stamped steel plate, and all supporting elements of the stand are also metal (steel and aluminum alloy). The design of the stand is not very rigid, so the screen block sways noticeably when the user, for example, presses buttons, and a quiet creak of plastic parts rubbing against each other can be heard. Rubber pads are glued to the bottom of the base; they prevent the monitor from sliding on smooth surfaces and protects the table surface from scratches.
The cables coming from the monitor connectors can be pressed to the knee of the stand using special plastic grips. If necessary, the stand can be detached and the screen unit can be mounted on a VESA-compatible bracket (75 x 75 mm platform). In this case, you will need to use a special adapter, since the standard stand is attached to holes in the corners of a 50 by 50 mm square. The monitor is sold in a not very large, strictly designed box made of durable corrugated cardboard with slotted handles on the sides, which is convenient when transporting two people, but one person can grab it even with a not very large arm span. The box has a somewhat unusual aspect ratio, due to the design of the stand and the fact that the stand is initially attached to the monitor block. The user only needs to screw the base to it.
Switching
The monitor is equipped with three digital inputs - a pair of HDMI and one DisplayPort in the full-size version. Of these, only the DisplayPort input supports input at the monitor's maximum resolution and frame rate, and only it supports AMD FreeSync. The HDMI and DisplayPort inputs are capable of accepting digital audio signals (PCM stereo only), which are output after conversion to analog via a 3.5mm mini-jack. You can connect an external active speaker system or headphones to this analog audio output. The power of the headphone output was enough to provide a huge volume headroom in 32-ohm headphones with a sensitivity of 112 dB. The sound quality in the headphones is good - a wide range of frequencies is reproduced, there is a stereo effect, noise is not audible during pauses, the sound is relatively clean, without obvious distortion. An external power adapter is used. Depending on the connector and voltage, a universal power supply for a laptop may be suitable.
A special feature of this adapter is the ability to rotate the plug relative to the body by 45 or 90 degrees. The cable length from the adapter is 174 cm.
Menu, control, localization, additional functions and included software
The status indicator is dim. It glows blue when the monitor is operating, or when the monitor is turned off (the mode is selected in the menu), and flashes blue in standby mode. Navigation through the menu is convenient, which is greatly facilitated by the joystick. If the monitor is working and there is no menu on the screen, then moving the joystick to the right or left displays a short menu for adjusting the volume and muting the sound, and up or down a menu with three main image settings.
And pressing the joystick displays a short menu from which you can quickly select an input, turn off the monitor, turn on the mode with low blue component intensity and go to the main menu.
The main menu is large. The text in the menu is relatively small, but its absolute size ensures acceptable readability. When setting a number of parameters, the menu is removed from the screen, leaving a small window with a list or sliders, which makes it easier to evaluate the adjustments being made. At the top of the menu, circles display the values of a number of settings that are important for gaming use of the monitor. Three buttons on the bottom allow you to quickly switch between three game modes; when switching these modes, game settings are also displayed at the bottom of the screen.
In the menu, you can select the operating mode of the bluish backlight, which illuminates the space under the screen. This backlight can be turned off, turned on in blinking mode (smoothly fades in and out with a cycle of approximately 3 seconds) or blinking in time with the audio signal supplied to the current input (Interactive option)
The delay for automatically exiting the menu is configured. There is a Russian version of the on-screen menu.
The Cyrillic font is smooth and readable. The quality of the translation into Russian is good. The monitor comes with a quick guide, a warranty card, and a CD-ROM with full versions of the manual in the form of PDF files, including a Russian version (it can be downloaded from the Samsung website). This CD-ROM also contains the Easy Setting Box
, which, judging by the description, helps distribute windows on the desktop.
Image
There are relatively many settings that affect image output. They are distributed on two pages; on the Game page there are settings that are important for players.
The last item on this page will allow you to save the current combination of settings in three game profiles, available for direct selection with three buttons.
There are several preset modes that are listed in the Picture Mode
:
This list is available from both the Game page and the Image page. There are a number of typical settings such as Brightness, Contrast and Clarity, and color balance is set by selecting one of five profiles or adjusting the intensity of the three primary colors.
There are two main modes of geometric transformation: Wide (the image is stretched to fill the entire screen) and Auto (output while maintaining the original proportions and enlarging to the nearest borders of the screen). In the second mode, the original proportions are calculated pixel by pixel, so in the case of standard PAL and NTSC signals, the proportions will be slightly distorted. Additionally, there are modes for simulating screens with diagonals from 17 to 23 inches, in some cases with aspect ratio options. This is if the input operates in PC mode; if you select AV mode for the input, then it becomes possible to display an image with proportions of 4:3 and 16:9 or one to one pixels in the center of the screen. In AV mode, the image is also slightly enlarged, so in the case of the first two transformation options, the edges of the image are cropped. Modes for simulating screens with different diagonals are also available.
Cinema operating modes were tested when connected to a Sony BDP-S300 Blu-ray player. The work via HDMI was checked. The monitor accepts 576p, 480p, 720p, 1080p signals at 50 and 60 fps. 1080p@24fps is not supported. Subtle gradations of shades vary in both highlights and shadows. Brightness clarity is always very high, color clarity in the case of a 1080p signal is slightly lower than possible.
Interpolation of lower resolutions to the matrix resolution is performed without significant artifacts. There is no “crystalline” effect (microscopic variation in brightness) as such. The matte surface of the matrix allows you to work comfortably in the case of a typical arrangement of the monitor, user and lamps in the room.
LCD matrix testing
Microphotographs of the matrix
The image of the pixel structure is slightly blurred due to the matte surface of the matrix. This monitor has a *VA type matrix. This is what subpixels look like when outputting different shades of gray:
Dark gray:
Gray: White:
It can be seen that the subpixels of the three colors (red, green and blue) are divided into two differently sized and independently controlled areas, each of which is divided into four areas with domains in different orientations. Such a complex device, in principle, is capable of providing a wide dynamic range in terms of the number of shades, since with increasing brightness the areas are switched on sequentially, and good viewing angles, which is facilitated by variations in the orientation of the LCD in the domains.
Focusing on the screen surface revealed randomly located microdefects responsible for the matte properties:
The grain of these defects is several times smaller than the size of subpixels, so focusing on microdefects and the “jumping” of focus across subpixels when changing the viewing angle are weakly expressed, because of this there is no “crystalline” effect.
Color rendering quality assessment
To assess the pattern of brightness growth on the gray scale, we measured the brightness of 17 shades of gray when choosing different values in the Gamma list:
The obtained values of the indicators (given in parentheses in the captions, the coefficient of determination is also there) made it possible to determine that the real gamma curve is closest to the standard one in Mode1, so we then measured the brightness of 256 shades of gray (from 0, 0, 0 to 255, 255 , 255) at this value. The graph below shows the increase (not absolute value!) in brightness between adjacent halftones:
The increase in brightness is more or less uniform, and each subsequent shade is significantly brighter than the previous one. In the shadows, all shades can be distinguished without problems, which is especially good in the case of a gaming monitor:
The resulting gamma curve was fitted with a value of 2.27, which is slightly higher than the standard value of 2.2. In this case, the approximating power function deviates very little from the real gamma curve:
Players may find the setting called Black Equalizer useful. If it is more than 13, then the brightness in the shadows is underestimated, and if it is less than 13, then, on the contrary, it is overestimated. The second option will allow you to better recognize objects in dark scenes. The gamma curves below demonstrate what's happening:
To assess the quality of color rendering, an i1Pro 2 spectrophotometer and the Argyll CMS software package (1.5.0) were used.
The color gamut changes depending on the selected profile. In the case of the sRGB profile, the coverage is very close to the boundaries of the sRGB color space:
At the same time, the colors on the screen have a natural saturation, since almost all images currently require viewing on devices with sRGB coverage. In other profiles, in particular in the case of the User profile. coverage increases:
Below is the spectrum for the white field (white line), superimposed on the spectra of the red, green and blue fields (lines of the corresponding colors) for the User profile:
It can be seen that the spectra of the components are well separated, which allows one to obtain a wide color gamut. When you select the sRGB profile, primary colors are cross-mixed with each other, which allows you to compress the color gamut to the sRGB boundaries.
Note that the spectra are atypical, but we do not know the details of how the backlight in this monitor is arranged and what filters are used. As the manufacturer points out, in this case quantum dot technology is used.
Color balance depends on the selected profile for color temperature, which is the default in the sRGB and Custom profiles. is set to Normal, which achieves maximum image brightness. However, the color balance is slightly different from the standard, so we tried to manually correct the colors by adjusting the gain of the three primary colors. The graphs below show the color temperature at different parts of the gray scale and the deviation from the blackbody spectrum (ΔE parameter) in the case of the sRGB and Custom profiles. by default and after manual correction:
The range closest to black can be ignored, since color rendering in it is not so important, and the error in measuring color characteristics is high. The correction performed brought the color temperature closer to the standard 6500 K and only in the bright area it significantly reduced the ΔE value, while in the shadows this parameter increased noticeably. It turns out that the adjustments of the monitor itself are not enough to obtain high quality color reproduction. However, this is hardly a critical drawback for a gaming monitor. Please note that the manufacturer includes a factory calibration report for each monitor.
Measuring black and white uniformity, brightness and power consumption
Brightness measurements were taken at 25 screen points located in increments of 1/6 of the screen width and height (screen borders not included, monitor settings set to values that provide maximum brightness and contrast). Contrast was calculated as the ratio of the brightness of the fields at the measured points.
| Parameter | Average | Deviation from the average | |
| min., % | max., % | ||
| Black field brightness | 0.12 cd/m² | −11 | 11 |
| White field brightness | 340 cd/m² | −6,3 | 5,4 |
| Contrast | 2780:1 | −13 | 8,2 |
White uniformity is excellent, but black uniformity, and as a result, contrast, is a little worse, but still good. The contrast is typical for this type of matrix. Visually, the black field is more or less uniform over the entire screen area; there are areas with increased brightness, but they are blurry and the brightness in them is slightly increased. The photo below demonstrates this:
Brightness of the white field in the center of the screen and power consumption from the network (other settings are set to values that provide maximum image brightness):
| Setting value Brightness | Brightness, cd/m² | Electricity consumption, W |
| 100 | 345 | 31,9 |
| 50 | 194 | 23,1 |
| 0 | 40 | 14,9 |
In standby mode, the monitor consumes 0.2-0.3 W, in the conditionally off state - 0.2 W, only the adapter connected to the network - 0.1 W, and the blue backlight down at the peak of brightness adds about 1, 4 W to total consumption.
The brightness of the monitor is changed precisely by the brightness of the backlight, that is, without compromising image quality (contrast and the number of distinguishable gradations are preserved), the brightness of the monitor can be changed within a wide range, which allows you to comfortably work, play or watch movies in both a lit and dark room. At any brightness level, there is no more or less significant backlight modulation, which eliminates visible flickering of the screen. As proof, here are graphs of brightness (vertical axis) versus time (horizontal axis) for different brightness settings (Standard 100/50/0 lines on the left side of the graph):
The heating of the monitor can be assessed from the following images from the IR camera, obtained after long-term operation of the monitor at maximum brightness in a room with a temperature of approximately 24 °C (closer to white - higher temperature):
Front heating:
Back panel heating:
In pictures from a closer distance, you can see that the right edge of the screen has heated up to 42 °C (apparently, there is an LED line for the screen backlight along the right edge). The rear panel heats up to a maximum of 38 °C, similar to where the backlight line is installed. The surface of the power adapter body reaches 38°C (38°C) maximum.
Determining response time and output latency
The on and off response time for the black-white-black transition is 15.2 ms in total (9.5 ms on and 5.7 ms off). The graphs of some transitions contain characteristic bursts of brightness, for example, this is what the graphs look like for the transition between pairs of shades 60%-80% and 10%-30%:
That is, the matrix is slightly overclocked, but the overclocking is moderate, and no characteristic artifacts are visible. From our point of view, the speed of the matrix is sufficient for playing dynamic games. By adjusting the Response Time setting, you can increase motion clarity, achieving, as the manufacturer claims, the equivalent value for a response time of 1 ms when measuring MPRT (Motion Picture Response Time). Increased clarity in motion is achieved by separating the phases of movement of objects (essentially the phases of switching LCD cells from one state to another) with a dark interval. Typically, the backlight is completely dimmed over the entire screen area - the so-called black frame insertion. However, in the case of this monitor, the backlight is divided into 4 zones in the vertical direction and the zones are dimmed sequentially, synchronously with the screen update. This method is said to avoid motion blur across the entire screen, while simply inserting a black frame may not completely eliminate motion blur at the top and bottom of the screen. The right side of the graph at the end of the previous section shows the dependence of brightness on time for two Response Time values, when selected, the described zone-scanning blanking works. The photo sensor was located approximately in the center of the screen, and the output frequency was 120 Hz. It can be seen that the backlight is actually turned on and off by zones, and to compensate for the decrease in brightness due to the non-simultaneous operation of all LEDs, the peak brightness increases. However, the maximum brightness is still reduced to 280 cd/m² in the case of Faster and to 231 cd/m² in Fastest.
We determined the total output delay from switching video buffer pages to the start of displaying the image on the screen. At the same time, the final value did not include an unknown fixed value of the delay from the request to switch video buffer pages to the launch of the ADC with an external photosensor installed in the center of the monitor screen, as well as some constant/variable delay due to the fact that Windows OS is not a real-time system with normalized delays and operating features of the video card, its driver and Microsoft DirectX. That is, the resulting delay value is tied to a specific hardware and software configuration. As a result, the delay in image output with vertical frequency synchronization disabled when connected via DisplayPort and in 1920x1080 mode at 144 Hz frame rate was only 4 ms, and when connected via HDMI and 1920x1080 at 120 Hz, the delay increased to 6 ms. Turning off the Low input lag mode in the second case increased the delay to 16 ms. In any case, such delays are not felt either during work or in dynamic games.
Review testing of AMD FreeSync technology was carried out when connected to a video card with an AMD Radeon RX 580 GPU. For a visual assessment, we used the test utility described in this article. In fact, in the case of monitors operating at a frequency of 120-144 Hz, the difference between the FreeSync modes and simply when vertical frequency synchronization is turned on is minimal, and only when synchronization is turned off does frame tearing slightly spoil the impression.
Measuring viewing angles
To find out how screen brightness changes when deviated from perpendicular to the screen, we took a series of measurements of black, white and grayscale brightness at the center of the screen over a wide range of angles, deflecting the sensor axis in the vertical, horizontal and diagonal (corner to corner) directions.
| Vertical | In the horizontal plane |
| Diagonally | Brightness of the black field as a percentage of the maximum brightness of the white field |
| Contrast | |
Reducing brightness by 50% of maximum value:
| Direction | Angle, degrees |
| Vertical | −29/29 |
| Horizontal | −34/32 |
| Diagonal | −32/31 |
Note that the brightness decreases approximately the same when deviating from the perpendicular to the screen in all three directions, while the graphs do not intersect over the entire range of measured angles. When deflected in the diagonal direction, the brightness of the black field increases slightly faster than in the other two cases. However, the maximum brightness of the black field is still less than in the case of a typical IPS monitor. The contrast in the angle range of ±82° approaches 10:1 only when tilted diagonally, but still does not cross this border.
To quantify the change in color rendering, we performed colorimetric measurements for white, gray (127, 127, 127), red, green and blue, as well as light red, light green and light blue fields in the full screen using a setup similar to that , which was used in the previous test. Measurements were carried out in the angle range from 0° (the sensor is directed perpendicular to the screen) to 80° in steps of 5°. The obtained intensity values were recalculated into ΔE relative to the measurement of each field at a perpendicular position of the sensor relative to the screen. The results are presented below:
You can select a deviation of 45° as a reference point, which may be relevant if, for example, the image on the screen is viewed by two people at the same time. The criterion for maintaining the correctness of colors can be considered a value of ΔE less than 3.
It follows from the graphs that when viewed from an angle, at least the primary colors do not change much, but the midtones (especially light green and light blue) change significantly, which is expected for a *VA type matrix and is its main disadvantage. Note that the curved surface of the screen, if the user is positioned correctly, can partially compensate for the effects of color shifts and black lightening at angles.
conclusions
Externally, the Samsung C24FG70FQI gaming monitor attracts attention with its unusual stand design and concave screen with a relatively small radius of curvature. In addition to the appearance, players may be interested in support for a high refresh rate, AMD FreeSync technology, which provides smooth, dynamic images without tearing and variable frame rates, as well as a special scanning backlight mode that can increase the clarity of moving objects. The expanded color gamut provided by quantum dot technology will add vibrant colors to games, and for working with natural images, the gamut can be reduced to the sRGB standard.
Advantages:
- AMD FreeSync technology support
- Strict and practical design
- Comfortable and adjustable stand
- Low output latency
- Dynamic Clarity Enhancer
- Quick selection of game profiles
- High Contrast
- No backlight flickering
- Low blue mode
- Good quality headphone output
- Convenient 5-way joystick on the control panel
- Three digital video inputs
- Decorative lighting with sound synchronization mode
- Russified menu
Flaws:
- No significant
In conclusion, we suggest watching our video review of the Samsung C24FG70FQI curved monitor:
You can also watch our video review of the Samsung C24FG70FQI curved monitor on iXBT.Video
We thank Grafitek for providing the X-Rite i1Publish Pro 2 kit
⇡#Results when adjusting RGB Gain
As you can see in the previous section, the final score was significantly affected by the increased color temperature, but adjusting the RGB Gain in the “Custom” mode. even without calibration it can significantly improve the color rendition of the monitor.
The color gamut has remained virtually unchanged.
The white point and grayscale (still fairly tightly spaced) have moved much closer to the target values.
Color temperature is significantly closer to the target level of 6500 K.
The gamma curves, as expected, remained virtually unchanged.
The Argyll test shows that hitting the white point is quite accurate, but the DeltaE94 deviation level, both average and maximum, has remained almost unchanged. The maximum deviations are still located at the green and red vertices of the sRGB triangle.
⇡#Results after calibrating Argyll
Maximum results in color rendition adjustments, of course, are only achievable by calibrating the display.
After calibration using the DisplayCAL utility, a color gamut of 93.2% of the sRGB space was obtained.
The color gamut is completely similar to that obtained after adjusting the RGB Gain.
The white point location is close to ideal, and the gray shades are grouped noticeably denser and closer to the target values.
Color temperature is close to the target level of 6500 K, and now it is almost independent of the lightness of the shades.
The gamma curves after calibration were closer to the standard.
Ultimately, the calibration eliminated significant deviations in DeltaE94 (maximum level less than 1.5 units). Now the monitor meets the recommended requirements of the Argyll test in all respects with an impressive margin, which can be called an excellent result.
⇡#Backlight uniformity
The uniformity of the display backlight was checked after reducing the brightness at the central point of the monitor to 100 cd/m2 and setting the color temperature to ~6500 kelvin.
The picture above shows a photograph of a white field with a certain exposure compensation during shooting (in the dark) and further software processing for a more visual representation of the uniformity of illumination.
No significant drawbacks were identified purely visually, with the exception of the traditional drop in illumination along the edges of the screen - the monitor does not have a system for compensating for backlight uniformity, and therefore it is difficult to expect anything else.
When measuring brightness at 45 points, the average deviation from the center point at a brightness of 100 cd/m2 was almost 9%, the maximum was slightly more than 22%. The result is average, but other examples of this model may have better results: the sample we examined on the left side of the screen clearly has deviations above the “hospital average,” while on the right, on the contrary, it is very good.
The color temperature deviation in DeltaE units averages 2.7, and the maximum reaches 5.92 units. The result is average, but, as in terms of backlighting, the most problematic is the left side of the screen - another monitor may be more successful.
Against a dark background, when looking at the center of the screen, no serious problems with uniformity are noticeable. There are only slight flares along the top and bottom edges and in the lower left corner, but they are not noticeable.
“Graphon” and its secrets: which monitor to choose?
In pursuit of “graphics”, everyone usually compares themselves with video cards and forgets about such an important thing as a monitor. This is a window into the world of games, movies and other digital content. It’s nice when it is wide open and allows you to get acquainted with the interactive in all its glory, that is, with excellent color rendition, brightness, contrast and from different viewing angles. The main component of modern LCD monitors, on which the picture quality depends, is the matrix. Today we will analyze its main parameters (and much more).
We turned to BenQ
- one of the leaders in the gaming display market. What should the monitor be like for you to see the game as the developer intended it? Let's find out now.
► Rise of the Tomb Raider is definitely a technical success. If you have the right hardware and display, then this is a great opportunity to impress your friends with the “graphon”.
It is difficult to get confused in the list of panel types - TN, IPS and VA are currently in use. The oldest of the listed technologies, TN, once entered into an unequal battle with CRT mammoths. The three main advantages of TN matrices are low cost, low power consumption and, accordingly, fast response, averaging 5 ms (Grey-to-Grey, or GtG, that is, the time during which a pixel changes the brightness of gray from 10 to 90%) . At the same time, when looking at such a display at an angle, the picture is distorted: the brightness disappears, the contrast goes off scale. The low quality of the image “on the forehead” (in other words, poor color rendition) also makes itself felt.
Because of the “falsity” in shades, TN panels are not used for professional work with graphics, and they are not suitable for watching movies in free positions. In terms of cell activation speed, they have always remained the undisputed leaders, which led to their demand among players. If we talk about BenQ, then here are a couple of decent options - RL2755
and
XL2430
.
Both are released under the banner of Zowie a brand by BenQ
(we previously wrote that BenQ acquired gaming equipment manufacturer
Zowie Gear
) and are perfect for running FPS, fighting games and racing. The horizontal and vertical viewing angles of these models are 170/160° - and this is the ceiling of TN panels.
► The new Doom part has excellent visual design. It is advisable to run the game on an IPS matrix. Or did you buy Doom for the multiplayer?
IPS has maximum angles of 178/178°. In general, this is the flagship of the segment, with a realistic picture and rich colors. The downsides are the high price, high contrast (dark shades blend hopelessly together) and initially solid response time. Over time, however, IPS panels reached 5-7 ms and a cost comparable to TN: in 2010-2011. The technology began to spread massively, no longer limited to a narrow professional circle.
► All Zowie XL monitors are very easy to adjust in height - literally, with one finger.
Well, the golden mean between TN and IPS is VA. These are universal matrices with good color rendering and contrast, do not distort the picture at an angle and can boast a response of 1 ms (we are talking about gaming models).
► In the Zowie XL series, the S Switch remote control is equipped with the XL2735
,
XL2720
and XL2430. It allows you to instantly switch between game modes.
For the most part, TN panels are perceived as office and “home” gaming panels, and IPS panels as professional, although a strict orientation has not been typical for them for a long time. And let us emphasize once again that both types of monitors have their own Achilles heel.
BenQ
: “If we are talking about FPS, then the gamer generally does not care about the special quality of color rendering - it would be faster to kill the enemy. Therefore, here TN/144Hz is beyond competition - the fast, responsive matrix more than compensates for the shortcomings of viewing angles and smoothness of the gradient. If a person plays calm, casual games, you can choose VA. We are ready to offer different solutions for different players, but for “hardcore” FPS only TN/144Hz are suitable, here they are unrivaled.”
Monitors are one of the slowest developing segments of the computer market, as we have written about more than once in “Gaming”. And yet, anyone can name a couple of recent trends - for example, the aforementioned decline in prices for IPS and the growth of diagonals. The phenomenon of 2K and 4K has awakened people's interest in matrices with huge diagonals, because only panels of 20 inches and larger allow you to “taste” an Ultra HD picture. Last year, orderly rows of 4K monitors smiled broadly at visitors from the booths of major consumer electronics shows like CES
. They couldn’t really take root - firstly, they are expensive, and secondly, to play on them you need a computer with powerful hardware.
Among the most popular matrices we will name 21.5-, 23- and 27-inch. The dominant resolution is 1920x1080, while models with a diagonal of 27 inches and a resolution of 2560x1440 seem ideal.
► 27 inches and 2560×1440 - this is about the XL2735. Ideal? If you don't mind a TN matrix, then definitely.
«gambling addiction
»: What is the reason that Full HD panels are so popular at the expense of
higher
resolutions? Windows, high cost, unpreparedness of the market?
BenQ
: “You’ve correctly noted that Windows OS doesn’t even scale fonts poorly... there is a problem with the compatibility of such scaling with old software: it often then refuses to work correctly. And if you refuse to scale, then not everyone can look at tiny interface elements even on QHD/23.8″. Therefore, Full HD still dominates the Wintel market.
As for 4K panels, in general they are in demand in narrow areas - photo and video editing, computer-aided design systems and design. They are still not suitable for games - to service a 4K panel you will need a very expensive 2- or (more likely) 3-Way SLI, and even consisting of top-end cards. The cost of such a system tends to infinity, and the circle of people who can afford it is very narrow. In addition, TN/144 Hz/4K panels are not yet available in nature.”
Together with 2560×1440/27″, it would be good for our spherical matrix in a vacuum to have a scanning frequency of 144 Hz. The smoothness of the picture depends on the refresh rate of the monitor. To the question “Will we see these 144 Hz?” We answer: of course. And don’t believe those who say that 30 fps is good, but 60 is the ceiling; the human eye will not perceive any further difference. How he will feel it. Going back from 144Hz to 60Hz is as painful as going from a lightning-fast SSD to an HDD.
144 Hz frequency allows access to NVIDIA 3D Vision
.
XL2411Z
model supports NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 - with glasses and
GeForce
in your system, you will see a three-dimensional picture and the benefits of
NVIDIA 3D LightBoost
, which brightens the image.
«gambling addiction
»: Why doesn’t the audience switch to 144 Hz monitors? Is it the high cost of powerful hardware?
BenQ
: “Hardware has a very indirect relationship to the demand for 144 Hz panels.
The audience is not switching en masse because not everyone is an FPS fan, or at least not spending all their time playing shooters. A 144 Hz monitor is significantly more expensive than a similar 60 Hz one, but the difference is noticeable only in shooters, so why pay more if you play RTS games and even from time to time? Besides, not everyone likes TN+Film matrices.” (In order to improve viewing angles, TN panels received an additional film at an early stage of development, and with it an additive in the name - TN+Film. Now all such matrices are sold with a Film layer - editor's note
.]
Brightness and contrast parameters are no less important when selecting a monitor than resolution and refresh rate. The first determines the intensity of colors, the second determines the depth and detail of the picture. Do you want the image to be rich and bright? Keep in mind the values of 300 cd/m² and 1000:1.
► Monitor brightness of 250–350 cd/m² and matte finish are excellent arguments against the sun hitting the window.
BenQ
: “1000:1 is the typical static contrast of TN panels. This is enough for most players. Typical brightness of 250-350 cd/m² also seems sufficient for comfortable gaming.”
NVIDIA and AMD have interesting G-Sync
and FreeSync, respectively. Their purpose is simple and original - synchronizing the display refresh rate with frame rendering in the GPU. As a result, no shaking, flickering or tearing of the picture. One problem is that you will have to pay a significant amount extra for G-Sync and FreeSync. Is it worth it?
► BenQ Zowie XL2735 is immune to picture tearing.
BenQ
: “Whether it’s worth it or not is up to the user to decide. Some people don’t pay attention to “tearing”; it doesn’t irritate them. Then, obviously, it’s not worth overpaying. And a perfectionist will gladly pay just to get rid of the “tiring”.
As for BenQ, G-Sync is not currently supported on our gaming monitors. This is primarily due to the technological impossibility of using proprietary BenQ chips in the monitor settings when G-Sync is enabled (either/or - either BenQ chips or G-Sync). FreeSync is supported by QHD/27″/144 Hz gaming monitors - BenQ XL2730Z
and BenQ Zowie XL2735.”
Of course, when searching for a display capable of producing a conventional “top-end graphic”, you should be guided not only by dry characteristics, but also by the technologies “implanted” by the manufacturers. G-Sync and FreeSync are just the tip of the iceberg.
Let's take a look at the list of BenQ Zowie gaming models and list the common features. Firstly, Gaming Refresh rate Optimization Management
— a scan control system that allows you to optimize the update rate (100/120/144 Hz) for different matrix resolutions.
Secondly, Low Blue Light
- with it you are free to regulate the degree of blue light emission.
Thirdly, Flicker-free -
reduces flickering of the image.
Fourthly, there is such a thing as Black eQualizer
, which makes the dark areas of the frame more saturated and clear (while the light areas are not highlighted).
And fifthly, Motion Blur Reduction
puts an end to blurring a fast-moving picture.
► A visual demonstration of the advantages of Flicker-free and Black eQualizer.
Cybertalents
► At the beginning of the year it became known about the merger of BenQ and Zowie. Now Zowie a brand by BenQ produces monitors, mice and accessories for professional players.
BenQ monitors have convenient functions like Auto Game (the display determines what genre of game is running and changes the settings) and modes tailored for FPS, racing, and the like.
And now the most interesting thing is that the company often works on such features together with famous e-sportsmen. For example, Justin Wong suggested what changes need to be made to Fighting Mode ( RL2755HM
,
RL2460HT
), and the
XL2420Z
and XL2411Z models were created using the “stars”
of Counter-Strike
.
All this, of course, is not without reason - BenQ has long been supplying monitors to the organizers of major eSports tournaments ( IEM
,
Dreamhack
,
Epicenter: Moscow
).
Let's say you've found your dream pair of displays. Which one should I stop at? To understand, you have to sift through a bunch of niche characteristics, including those not related to the “graphon”.
For example, “frameless” models are good because they allow you to build a multi-monitor system. The convenience of a functional stand is the ability to “adjust” the position, height and tilt of the display to suit you. And the number of ports determines whether you can connect only a PC or old or new set-top boxes and other devices to the screen.
► In terms of connectors, the XL2720 is a universal display. And how did they all fit there?
We could go on for a long time, but we will put an end to the fact that for some time now it has become fashionable to cover matrices with gloss. At BenQ
They especially note that they only use a matte finish. Even if you sit behind such a screen opposite a window, no glare will bother you.
We hope that our material will at least to some extent make it easier for you to chase the ideal monitor. You should not limit yourself to one or two characteristics, but compare them in total, in addition keeping in mind the potential hardware upgrade.
For example, in order to switch from Full HD to 2.5K, you can get by with resetting the graphics settings to a lower level, but buying a 4K monitor almost always involves an “upgrade” of the system. Remember also that a lot of advantages of the display and a lot of technologies that the manufacturer has crammed into it do not always mean that we have an ideal solution.
Sometimes one minus can distort the picture - the same type of matrix. TN displays, of course, cannot compete in price, but sometimes it makes more sense to overpay than to put up with constant inconveniences.
⇡#Quality of gradients and response speed
Gradients after calibration
Traditionally, for *VA-type matrices, gradients with standard monitor settings are close to ideal, but edits to the video card LUT during calibration lead to the appearance of several clearly noticeable steps with discernible spurious shades.
The performance of the matrix, alas, noticeably falls short of the performance of the already familiar Samsung C49J890DKI monitor: the cables are much longer. However, in general, by the standards of *VA solutions, the matrix cannot be called slow - the response speed is slightly better than average.
Also note that there is almost no difference in performance between the three response time setting modes. All of them have virtually no artifacts from the response time compensation circuit (which is good). If you look very closely, you can discern a slightly longer length of the trails behind the image in the “Standard” mode - but between the other two the difference is not visible at all.
Ryzen 5 3600 + RTX 2070 Super gaming performance.
In many games, the combination of Nvidia RTX 2070 and AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor shows very good results: average FPS ranges from 80 to 120 at high or ultra settings. In undemanding games, the framerate will be fixed at around 144.
The video below shows the performance difference between AMD Ryzen 5 3600 and Intel Core i7-8700k processors.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600 VS. intel Core i7-9700k.
Ryzen 5 3600x vs Ryzen 7 3700x vs Ryzen 9 3900x - overpaying for multi-core gaming is not justified.
⇡#Viewing angles and Glow effect
With minor changes in the viewing angle in the horizontal and vertical planes, the picture on the screen remains virtually unchanged. If you increase the angle, the image noticeably loses in brightness, becomes somewhat less contrast, and the saturation of some colors decreases slightly.
With a further increase in viewing angle, you can observe the Black Crush effect - a sharp fading of the image with noticeable color shifts. But it is not as pronounced as on older VA matrices.
The glow effect on a dark background (with a spurious color shift in the most distant parts of the screen) is also present, but it only noticeably manifests itself at viewing angles from which the user is unlikely to look at the monitor during normal computer work.
In typical use at moderate viewing angles the user's gaze from the screen is virtually unnoticeable.
High resolution gaming monitor and suitable graphics card.
Any assembly begins with the choice of monitor.
It’s no secret to those knowledgeable about the topic that FullHD gaming has already sunk into oblivion due to unclear images that hurt the eyes. It’s commonplace, when playing shooters, it’s more difficult to see a round object in the distance in order to register “HeadShot”; in 1080p, the circle will consist of fewer pixels than in 1440p, where you can see the object in more detail, not to mention the 4k resolution, which is so popularly tried force consoles (but fps at best will be 60 fps).
But 4k has not yet fully come into use due to the financial side of the issue, and there are still no video cards that can produce a stable 4k image with a high frame rate in a demanding game at ultra settings, not to mention monitors with a high screen refresh rate , their price tag is also unreasonably high. The golden mean for high-definition games in terms of availability on the market and with a good price-to-so-called quality ratio are gaming monitors with a resolution of 2560x1440.
How to think about the screen refresh rate? Is 60 Hz enough or is it better to pay a little extra and buy a 144 Hz monitor? If you have money for a powerful gaming PC, then why save on a monitor? After all, you will spend most of your time in contact with him. Many argue that 144 Hz is just marketing, and the user is not able to feel the difference. Apparently, those who have never sat at least an hour in front of a fast monitor, and have listened enough to incompetent comrades or stupid video bloggers who also did not understand the situation, simply did not compare the monitors with each other.
What is the difference between 60Hz and 144Hz monitors?
Let's start with something simple: the matrix on one screen changes 60 pictures in 1 second, and on the second 144 pictures. Most will exclaim: “Well, how can this be? After all, the eye is not able to notice more than 24 frames per second!” or something like that. They are partly right, but there is such a concept, and many are familiar with it, as “Input Lag”, only here we apply it not to the operation of the signal response from the device to the video card and monitor, but directly to the incoming image into our eyes. The 24-frame dynamic picture itself is choppy; if you went to old cinemas, then you will understand what I’m talking about.
All films are shot at a frequency of 24 frames per second; on a 60Hz monitor they look a little smoother, because in 1/24 of a second the eye already receives 2 frames, which allows the eye to see a smoother transition between two adjacent frames. At 144 frames per second, as many as 6 images are sent to the eye in 1/24 of a second, I won’t bore you and say this: the high refresh rate of the screen matrix works like vertical sync, only between the eye and the monitor, and not the monitor and the video card. This smooth picture effect is obtained due to the increased number of additional frames between two frames, which catches the eye.
So for a modern gaming and powerful computer you should purchase an equally fast and high-quality monitor, otherwise there will be no point in investing in a video card and other hardware. I’ll say something obvious right away: buying an RTX 2080ti for a FullHD monitor is unreasonable and stupid. In the logical framework of the philosophy of our gaming build, the choice of video card fell on the GIGABYTE nVidia GeForce RTX 2070SUPER GV-N207SGAMING OC-8GD, 8GB, GDDR6, OC model.
“The end justifies the means” - 46,500 rubles for a video card that can run games at 2560x1440 resolution at ultra, and with a high frame rate, not to mention ray tracing technology. This video card is comparable in power to an overclocked GTX 1080, but in some cases it can show results comparable to the power of the GTX 1080ti, and even higher. What kind of postscript is “Super”, you ask. It means that this video card runs on the same chip as the other 2070, but has more texture units and a core frequency, which can dramatically improve performance on some game engines.
Which 2560×1440 144Hz monitor should I choose?
The cheapest option would be the SAMSUNG C27JG50QQI 27″ .
Its price is 26 thousand rubles, the VA matrix is similar to TN, but its main disadvantage will be the low response speed - 4 ms. The pixels take longer to turn on and off to change colors. The trail of fast-moving objects will be noticeable despite the screen refresh rate of 144Hz.
An order of magnitude higher is the VIEWSONIC VX3258-2KPC-MHD 32″ at a price of 32 thousand rubles.
The response time is already 1 ms, and what’s unnecessary are the built-in speakers and AMD FreeSync frame synchronization technology, which, like Nvidia’s G-Sync, does not give smoothness, but input lag.
The golden mean is occupied by the ACER Predator XB271HUAbmiprz 27″ for 44 thousand rubles.
Among the features of the monitor, you can cancel the fast TN+film matrix, which is close to IPS, but which can glare a little, but without overpaying, and it’s rare for an ordinary gamer to deal with complex color grading when editing video... this is rare.
Fast matrix - 1 ms, the ability to overclock to 165 Hz using G-Sync from Nvidia, what else is needed for happiness?
The last financially expensive choice for a gaming monitor falls on the ASUS ROG SWIFT PG279Q 27″ for 64 thousand rubles.
The advantages of the monitor include the following:
- IPS matrix, 4 ms (a feature of this type of matrix, 1 ms will be very expensive);
- G-Sync synchronization for nvidia video cards;
- the ability to overclock the screen refresh rate from 144 Hz to 165 thanks to the G-Sync function;
- bright display 350 cd/m2;
- wide viewing angle.
Why Nvidia and not Radeon?
No matter how affordable graphics solutions from AMD may seem, Nvidia is in fact one step ahead in terms of stability. I noticed many times how during the game, under heavy load on the graphics chip, AMD video cards dropped frequencies, which resulted in lags and drops in FPS, and this is not even throttling. Moreover, no matter what settings I set, no matter how I flashed the BIOS of the video card, the result did not change. Of course, AMD has reached a decent competitive level in terms of graphics, but evil is hidden in the details. Overclocking practically does not change anything, and overclocking itself is extremely difficult for these video cards. AMD Radeon are good video cards, but for certain needs, namely: for video editing, hackintosh and mining, but not for games. I can compromise and agree with the fact that when building a budget PC, the mid-range segment of AMD graphics accelerators is best suited when the task is to fit into a certain budget and save a couple of thousand of your hard-earned money. When it comes to a truly powerful gaming system unit, which should have such qualities as comfort and stability, then you need to give preference to Nvidia products. Here you have support for a larger number of games due to the optimization of the engine by developers with support for proprietary technologies, here you have a quick release of drivers for new products, and most importantly, no reduction in frequencies during peak load, stable operation and often lower temperatures. The overclocking potential of the “green” ones is much higher, and if you suddenly don’t have enough extra FPS, then you can always use the same MSI Afterburner to increase the power of your video card, doing everything right, of course. AMD promised to roll out support for the ray tracing function at the software level in new drivers for their video cards, but how this will work is unknown. RTX already has this feature and separate hardware. If you think logically, then you shouldn’t buy an AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT and wait for a pie in the sky from the manufacturer, albeit under the pretext of saving money for almost the same power. You may find my words biased, but if you don't need ray tracing in 2020, then it's better to buy a GTX 1080 or GTX 1080ti than the new video cards from AMD. If you are a GEEK, then I have good news for you: the latest video cards from AMD are equipped with a PCI-e 4.0 interface, which provides high bandwidth, but for this you need an appropriate motherboard with a far from budget chipset.
⇡#Crystal effect, Cross-hatching, PWM
The Samsung C27JG50QQI monitor uses a matrix with a semi-matte protective surface - the crystalline effect and the Cross-Hatching effect do not appear on it.
According to the manufacturer, the display has Flicker-Free backlighting, and our tests confirmed that this model uses a backlight without PWM (or its frequency is several kilohertz or even tens of kilohertz) over the entire range of screen brightness values. This is pleasing, especially against the backdrop of the “hybrid” backlight system that is familiar to many Samsung models, when used at low brightness levels, PWM modulation is still used.
From the file server 3DNews.ru it is possible for this monitor, which we received after hardware calibration for the sRGB color standard.
