Summary
When it comes to gaming monitors, especially in the budget category, most gamers have to either settle for 1080p 240Hz panels or upgrade to a higher 1440p resolution while dropping to 144Hz. While the mid-tier gaming monitor segment usually revolves around these options, Gigabyte has a solution. The M27Q X is a budget-friendly gaming monitor that boasts a QHD resolution coupled with a blazing-fast 240Hz refresh rate.
In other words, it offers the best of both worlds, packed inside a gamer-friendly display size of 27 inches. And to sweeten the deal, the monitor even includes a built-in KVM switch. For under $400, the monitor offers a lot, at least on paper. But is it all sunshine and rainbows?
Well, our review unit has been under stress load for the past couple of weeks and has been tested with a plethora of games, as well as other workloads, to see if it is worthy of finding a spot on our readers' desks. Let’s get to the nitty-gritty then, shall we?
Design and Features: Functional To Say The Least
Right off the bat, the M27Q X isn’t going to be winning any points for its looks. It has a minimalistic look, but one that leans towards being too basic, thanks to its adequately sized bezels. The V-shaped stand is sturdy and even features a simple hole for cable routing. That said, it doesn’t do a great job of hiding the cable clutter like most other monitors do. Also, even though the entire monitor is made of plastic and doesn’t look that premium, the build quality itself is solid and sturdy.
We weren’t particularly impressed with the monitor’s ergonomic adjustments, however. The tilt range is fairly limited, and while one can adjust the height, it’s not a smooth experience. What spoils things further is that there’s no swivel, so one would have to physically pick up the monitor and rotate it along with its base to get to a more comfortable angle. The stand also doesn’t allow for portrait rotation, though that’s not something most gamers do anyway. The good news is that one can alwaysinvest in a VESA stand or arm, and the M27Q X is VESA 100 x 100mm compatible.
Flipping to the rear side, the monitor includes a single joystick on the right backside of the display. One can use this to navigate the on-screen menu. There’s also the physical KVM switch above it which lets the users switch between the two devices. It’s worth noting that the joystick itself is rather flimsy. That said, one can download the Gigabyte Control Center app and further install the Gigabyte OSD Sidekick module to easily control the monitor using their keyboard and mouse.
Connectivity Options: KVM Steals The Show
In terms of connectivity, the M27Q X manages to check a lot of boxes. There are dual HDMI 2.0 ports coupled with a DisplayPort v1.4. Other than that, there are a handful of USB 3.0 ports for KVM, coupled with a USB-C port. While the lack of HDMI 2.1 might be a slight drawback for next-gen console owners, it’s not a deal-breaker for most PC gamers.
The highlight of the M27Q X is the built-in KVM switch, which should appeal to gamers who also own a secondary device for work or other tasks. Simply connect the peripherals to the USB 3.0 ports, and that’s it. For the primary device, the connection is provided via the upstream port, while the second device will connect to the monitor via the USB Type-C port. It’s worth noting, however, that the M27Q X only supports USB Power Delivery up to 18W. In other words, one will have to keep their secondary device plugged into a power outlet.
Adding on to the productivity factor, the monitor supports both PiP (Picture-in-Picture) and PbP (Picture-by-Picture). This works well for comparing desktops, as well as playing a game on the monitor while attending an important work call on the smaller screen.
Performance: Fast Visuals With Exceptional Details
When it comes to gaming performance, the Gigabyte M27Q X truly shines. The combination of QHD resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate provides a fluid and crisp visual experience. Games look sharp and vibrant, and a high refresh rate ensures smooth motion, which is crucial for competitive gaming.
In competitive titles likeValorant, Apex Legends, andXDefiant, the monitor works very well. Further, to ensure the high-refresh-rate experience doesn’t turn into screen tearing, the monitor supports both AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-SYNC. It’s worth noting, however, that one will need ahigh-end graphics cardto be able to enjoy the games of their choice at a higher refresh rate.
Gigabyte also includes additional features like the dashboard that showcases real-time hardware information including CPU voltages, clock speed, temperatures, etc. Since it’s an overlay, the best part is that it won’t be blocked by any games. There are also customizable crosshair overlays to gain an advantage, especially in FPS titles.
As for the colors, Gigabyte rates the panel at 94% DCI-P3, which is excellent, especially for a gaming monitor. Couple that with the 1440p resolution, and the display is great for content creation and media consumption. There’s also VESA HDR400 support that adds to the visual quality, providing better contrast and brightness in HDR-enabled games and content.
That being said, while HDR is supported, the contrast on this panel is quite low. That shouldn’t be an issue for gamers enjoying the 240Hz refresh rate, but for folks who also plan on using this to watch a movie or TV show on the side, the experience isn’t that great. Also, while the monitor does include dual 2W speakers, they aren’t the best either. As such, we’d strongly recommend investing in agood speaker setupfor one’s desk.
Verdict: A Budget-Friendly Champion
Gigabyte M27Q X
The Gigabyte M27Q X strikes a fantastic balance between performance and price. This monitor offers a stunning 1440p resolution at a blazing-fast 240Hz refresh rate, making it a dream come true for competitive gamers and enthusiasts alike. Add to that, for folks juggling between their laptop and PCs, the built-in KVM switch is a much-needed bonus. The IPS panel delivers excellent colors and viewing angles, while the built-in features like FreeSync and G-SYNC compatibility ensure a tear-free gaming experience.
Sure, there are minor drawbacks, like the lack of cutting-edge HDR performance and slightly dated HDMI ports. But considering the price tag, these become easily forgivable nitpicks. Overall, the Gigabyte M27Q X is a phenomenal choice for budget-conscious gamers who crave high refresh rates and exceptional visual quality. Whether it’s for a competitive gamer or someone who enjoys high-quality visuals, the M27Q X is a solid choice that won’t break the bank.
FAQ
Q: Are Gigabyte monitors good for gaming?
Yes, Gigabyte monitors are excellent for gaming. They offer high refresh rates, low response times, and features like FreeSync Premium, providing smooth and immersive gaming experiences. Additionally, their IPS panels ensure vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. Additionally, Gigabyte also adds multiple gamer-centric features like a display overlay and custom crosshairs.
Q: Is 144Hz enough for FPS games or is 240Hz better?
While 144Hz is sufficient for most FPS games, providing smooth gameplay and a significant improvement over 60Hz, a 240Hz monitor offers even smoother performance and reduced input lag. For competitive gamers looking for the best possible responsiveness, 240Hz is the better choice.
Q: Are IPS panels still good for gaming, or should I get OLED?
IPS panels are still excellent for gaming, offering great color accuracy, wide viewing angles, and fast response times. However, OLED panels provide even better color contrast, deeper blacks, and often faster response times. If budget allows, and you prioritize visual quality and contrast, OLED is a superior choice. That being said, IPS remains a solid and more affordable option, offering fast response times with good color accuracy, especially when compared to VA panels.
