not supported with g sync lcd panel quotation

I"m the process of buying a secondhand Alienware 15 r3 laptop. On my first visit to the seller, I was disappointed to discover that even though the laptop had both a iGPU and a dGPU, there was no way to switch (MUX switch) the graphics from the dGPU.

Information on this error message is REALLY sketchy online. Some say that the G-Sync LCD panel is hardwired to the dGPU and that the iGPU is connected to nothing. Some say that dGPU is connected to the G-Sync LCD through the iGPU. Some say that they got the MUX switch working after an intention ordering of bios update, iGPU drivers then dGPU drivers on a clean install.

I"m suspecting that if I connect an external 60hz IPS monitor to one of the display ports on the laptop and make it the only display, the Fn+F7 key will actually switch the graphics because the display is not a G-Sync LCD panel. Am I right on this?

If I"m right on this, does that mean that if I purchase this laptop, order a 15inch Alienware 60hz IPS screen and swap it with the FHD 120+hz screen currently inside, I will also continue to have MUX switch support and no G-Sync? The price for these screens is not outrageous.

If you want smooth gameplay without screen tearing and you want to experience the high frame rates that your Nvidia graphics card is capable of, Nvidia’s G-Sync adaptive sync tech, which unleashes your card’s best performance, is a feature that you’ll want in your next monitor.

To get this feature, you can spend a lot on a monitor with G-Sync built in, like the high-end $1,999 Acer Predator X27, or you can spend less on a FreeSync monitor that has G-Sync compatibility by way of a software update. (As of this writing, there are 15 monitors that support the upgrade.)

However, there are still hundreds of FreeSync models that will likely never get the feature. According to Nvidia, “not all monitors go through a formal certification process, display panel quality varies, and there may be other issues that prevent gamers from receiving a noticeably improved experience.”

But even if you have an unsupported monitor, it may be possible to turn on G-Sync. You may even have a good experience — at first. I tested G-Sync with two unsupported models, and, unfortunately, the results just weren’t consistent enough to recommend over a supported monitor.

The 32-inch AOC CQ32G1 curved gaming monitor, for example, which is priced at $399, presented no issues when I played Apex Legends and Metro: Exodus— at first. Then some flickering started appearing during gameplay, though I hadn’t made any changes to the visual settings. I also tested it with Yakuza 0,which, surprisingly, served up the worst performance, even though it’s the least demanding title that I tested. Whether it was in full-screen or windowed mode, the frame rate was choppy.

Another unsupported monitor, the $550 Asus MG279Q, handled both Metro: Exodus and Forza Horizon 4 without any noticeable issues. (It’s easy to confuse the MG279Q for the Asus MG278Q, which is on Nvidia’s list of supported FreeSync models.) In Nvidia’s G-Sync benchmark, there was significant tearing early on, but, oddly, I couldn’t re-create it.

Before you begin, note that in order to achieve the highest frame rates with or without G-Sync turned on, you’ll need to use a DisplayPort cable. If you’re using a FreeSync monitor, chances are good that it came with one. But if not, they aren’t too expensive.

First, download and install the latest driver for your GPU, either from Nvidia’s website or through the GeForce Experience, Nvidia’s Windows 10 app that can tweak graphics settings on a per-game basis. All of Nvidia’s drivers since mid-January 2019 have included G-Sync support for select FreeSync monitors. Even if you don’t own a supported monitor, you’ll probably be able to toggle G-Sync on once you install the latest driver. Whether it will work well after you do turn the feature on is another question.

Once the driver is installed, open the Nvidia Control Panel. On the side column, you’ll see a new entry: Set up G-Sync. (If you don’t see this setting, switch on FreeSync using your monitor’s on-screen display. If you still don’t see it, you may be out of luck.)

Check the box that says “Enable G-Sync Compatible,” then click “Apply: to activate the settings. (The settings page will inform you that your monitor is not validated by Nvidia for G-Sync. Since you already know that is the case, don’t worry about it.)

Check that the resolution and refresh rate are set to their max by selecting “Change resolution” on the side column. Adjust the resolution and refresh rate to the highest-possible option (the latter of which is hopefully at least 144Hz if you’ve spent hundreds on your gaming monitor).

Nvidia offers a downloadable G-Sync benchmark, which should quickly let you know if things are working as intended. If G-Sync is active, the animation shouldn’t exhibit any tearing or stuttering. But since you’re using an unsupported monitor, don’t be surprised if you see some iffy results. Next, try out some of your favorite games. If something is wrong, you’ll realize it pretty quickly.

There’s a good resource to check out on Reddit, where its PC community has created a huge list of unsupported FreeSync monitors, documenting each monitor’s pros and cons with G-Sync switched on. These real-world findings are insightful, but what you experience will vary depending on your PC configuration and the games that you play.

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It’s difficult to buy a computer monitor, graphics card, or laptop without seeing AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync branding. Both promise smoother, better gaming, and in some cases both appear on the same display. But what do G-Sync and FreeSync do, exactly – and which is better?

Most AMD FreeSync displays can sync with Nvidia graphics hardware, and most G-Sync Compatible displays can sync with AMD graphics hardware. This is unofficial, however.

The first problem is screen tearing. A display without adaptive sync will refresh at its set refresh rate (usually 60Hz, or 60 refreshes per second) no matter what. If the refresh happens to land between two frames, well, tough luck – you’ll see a bit of both. This is screen tearing.

Screen tearing is ugly and easy to notice, especially in 3D games. To fix it, games started to use a technique called V-Syncthat locks the framerate of a game to the refresh rate of a display. This fixes screen tearing but also caps the performance of a game. It can also cause uneven frame pacing in some situations.

Adaptive sync is a better solution. A display with adaptive sync can change its refresh rate in response to how fast your graphics card is pumping out frames. If your GPU sends over 43 frames per second, your monitor displays those 43 frames, rather than forcing 60 refreshes per second. Adaptive sync stops screen tearing by preventing the display from refreshing with partial information from multiple frames but, unlike with V-Sync, each frame is shown immediately.

Enthusiasts can offer countless arguments over the advantages of AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. However, for most people, AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync both work well and offer a similar experience. In fact, the two standards are far more similar than different.

All variants of AMD FreeSync are built on the VESA Adaptive Sync standard. The same is true of Nvidia’s G-Sync Compatible, which is by far the most common version of G-Sync available today.

VESA Adaptive Sync is an open standard that any company can use to enable adaptive sync between a device and display. It’s used not only by AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible monitors but also other displays, such as HDTVs, that support Adaptive Sync.

AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible are so similar, in fact, they’re often cross compatible. A large majority of displays I test with support for either AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync Compatible will work with graphics hardware from the opposite brand.

AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible are built on the same open standard. Which leads to an obvious question: if that’s true, what’s the difference?

Nvidia G-Sync Compatible, the most common version of G-Sync today, is based on the VESA Adaptive Sync standard. But Nvidia G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate, the less common and more premium versions of G-Sync, use proprietary hardware in the display.

This is how all G-Sync displays worked when Nvidia brought the technology to market in 2013. Unlike Nvidia G-Sync Compatible monitors, which often (unofficially) works with AMD Radeon GPUs, G-Sync is unique and proprietary. It only supports adaptive sync with Nvidia graphics hardware.

It’s usually possible to switch sides if you own an AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync Compatible display. If you buy a G-Sync or G-Sync Ultimate display, however, you’ll have to stick with Nvidia GeForce GPUs. (Here’s our guide to the best graphics cards for PC gaming.)

This loyalty does net some perks. The most important is G-Sync’s support for a wider range of refresh rates. The VESA Adaptive Sync specification has a minimum required refresh rate (usually 48Hz, but sometimes 40Hz). A refresh rate below that can cause dropouts in Adaptive Sync, which may let screen tearing to sneak back in or, in a worst-case scenario, cause the display to flicker.

G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate support the entire refresh range of a panel – even as low as 1Hz. This is important if you play games that may hit lower frame rates, since Adaptive Sync matches the display refresh rate with the output frame rate.

For example, if you’re playing Cyberpunk 2077 at an average of 30 FPS on a 4K display, that implies a refresh rate of 30Hz – which falls outside the range VESA Adaptive Sync supports. AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible may struggle with that, but Nvidia G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate won’t have a problem.

AMD FreeSync Premium and FreeSync Premium Pro have their own technique of dealing with this situation called Low Framerate Compensation. It repeats frames to double the output such that it falls within a display’s supported refresh rate.

Other differences boil down to certification and testing. AMD and Nvidia have their own certification programs that displays must pass to claim official compatibility. This is why not all VESA Adaptive Sync displays claim support for AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible.

AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync include mention of HDR in their marketing. AMD FreeSync Premium Pro promises “HDR capabilities and game support.” Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate boasts of “lifelike HDR.”

This is a bunch of nonsense. Neither has anything to do with HDR, though it can be helpful to understand that some level of HDR support is included in those panels. The most common HDR standard, HDR10, is an open standard from the Consumer Technology Association. AMD and Nvidia have no control over it. You don’t need FreeSync or G-Sync to view HDR, either, even on each company’s graphics hardware.

PC gamers interested in HDRshould instead look for VESA’s DisplayHDR certification, which provides a more meaningful gauge of a monitor’s HDR capabilities.

Both standards are plug-and-play with officially compatible displays. Your desktop’s video card will detect that the display is certified and turn on AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync automatically. You may need to activate the respective adaptive sync technology in your monitor settings, however, though that step is a rarity in modern displays.

Displays that support VESA Adaptive Sync, but are not officially supported by your video card, require you dig into AMD or Nvidia’s driver software and turn on the feature manually. This is a painless process, however – just check the box and save your settings.

AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync are also available for use with laptop displays. Unsurprisingly, laptops that have a compatible display will be configured to use AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync from the factory.

A note of caution, however: not all laptops with AMD or Nvidia graphics hardware have a display with Adaptive Sync support. Even some gaming laptops lack this feature. Pay close attention to the specifications.

VESA’s Adaptive Sync is on its way to being the common adaptive sync standard used by the entire display industry. Though not perfect, it’s good enough for most situations, and display companies don’t have to fool around with AMD or Nvidia to support it.

That leaves AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync searching for a purpose. AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible are essentially certification programs that monitor companies can use to slap another badge on a product, though they also ensure out-of-the-box compatibility with supported graphics card. Nvidia’s G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate are technically superior, but require proprietary Nvidia hardware that adds to a display’s price. This is why G-Sync and G-Sync Ultimate monitors are becoming less common.

My prediction is this: AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync will slowly, quietly fade away. AMD and Nvidia will speak of them less and lesswhile displays move towards VESA Adaptive Sync badgesinstead of AMD and Nvidia logos.

If that happens, it would be good news for the PC. VESA Adaptive Sync has already united AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible displays. Eventually, display manufacturers will opt out of AMD and Nvidia branding entirely – leaving VESA Adaptive Sync as the single, open standard. We’ll see how it goes.

I got a refurbished Alienware 15 R3 today, when i placed the order i made sure to look for one which doesn"t have a g-sync display so i can switch off the dedicated gpu in order to save battery, however when i got the laptop and tried switching to the internal gpu it doesn"t give me the option and only lets me use the dedicated one.

At first i thought that maybe i was sent a laptop with a g-sync display but when i checked in device manager the display is listed as "generic pnp display" no mention of g-sync yet i cant seem to be able to turn off the gpu and whenever i press fn+f7 i get the following message "not supported with g-sync ips display" even though the display is not a g-sync display.

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There are four different possibilities of results for this test. Each result tells us something different about the monitor, and while native FreeSync monitors can still work with NVIDIA graphics cards, there are a few extra advantages you get with a native G-SYNC monitor too.

No:Some displays simply aren"t compatible with NVIDIA"s G-SYNC technology as there"s screen tearing. This is becoming increasingly rare, as most monitors at least work with G-SYNC.

Compatible (NVIDIA Certified):NVIDIA officially certifies some monitors to work with their G-SYNC compatible program, and you can see the full list of certified monitors here. On certified displays, G-SYNC is automatically enabled when connected to at least a 10-series NVIDIA card over DisplayPort. NVIDIA tests them for compatibility issues and only certifies displays that work perfectly out of the box, but they lack the G-SYNC hardware module found on native G-SYNC monitors.

The simplest way to validate that a display is officially G-SYNC compatible is to check the "Set up G-SYNC" menu from the NVIDIA Control Panel. G-SYNC will automatically be enabled for a certified compatible display, and it"ll say "G-SYNC Compatible" under the monitor name. Most of the time, this works only over DisplayPort, but with newer GPUs, it"s also possible to enable G-SYNC over HDMI with a few monitors and TVs, but these are relatively rare.

Compatible (Tested):Monitors that aren"t officially certified but still have the same "Enable G-SYNC, G-SYNC Compatible" setting in the NVIDIA Control Panel get "Compatible (Tested)" instead of "NVIDIA Certified". However, you"ll see on the monitor name that there isn"t a certification here. There isn"t a difference in performance between the two sets of monitors, and there could be different reasons why it isn"t certified by NVIDIA, including NVIDIA simply not testing it. As long as the VRR support works over its entire refresh rate range, the monitor works with an NVIDIA graphics card.

Yes (Native):Displays that natively support G-SYNC have a few extra features when paired with an NVIDIA graphics card. They can dynamically adjust their overdrive to match the content, ensuring a consistent gaming experience. Some high refresh rate monitors also support the NVIDIA Reflex Latency Analyzer to measure the latency of your entire setup.

Like with certified G-SYNC compatible monitors, G-SYNC is automatically enabled on Native devices. Instead of listing them as G-SYNC Compatible in the "Set up G-SYNC page", Native monitors are identified as simply "G-SYNC Capable" below the monitor name. We don"t specify if it has a standard G-SYNC certification or G-SYNC Ultimate, as both are considered the same for this testing.

For this test, we ensure G-SYNC is enabled from the NVIDIA Control Panel and use the NVIDIA Pendulum Demo to ensure G-SYNC is working correctly. If we have any doubts, we"ll check with a few games to ensure it"s working with real content.

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When buying a gaming monitor, it’s important to compare G-Sync vs FreeSync. Both technologies improve monitor performance by matching the performance of the screen with the graphics card. And there are clear advantages and disadvantages of each: G-Sync offers premium performance at a higher price while FreeSync is prone to certain screen artifacts like ghosting.

So G-Sync versus FreeSync? Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which is the best for you (with the help of our guide below). Or you can learn more about ViewSonic’s professional gaming monitors here.

In the past, monitor manufacturers relied on the V-Sync standard to ensure consumers and business professionals could use their displays without issues when connected to high-performance computers. As technology became faster, however, new standards were developed — the two main ones being G-Sync and Freesync.

V-Sync, short for vertical synchronization, is a display technology that was originally designed to help monitor manufacturers prevent screen tearing. This occurs when two different “screens” crash into each other because the monitor’s refresh rate can’t keep pace with the data being sent from the graphics card. The distortion is easy to spot as it causes a cut or misalignment to appear in the image.

This often comes in handy in gaming. For example, GamingScan reports that the average computer game operates at 60 FPS. Many high-end games operate at 120 FPS or greater, which requires the monitor to have a refresh rate of 120Hz to 165Hz. If the game is run on a monitor with a refresh rate that’s less than 120Hz, performance issues arise.

V-Sync eliminates these issues by imposing a strict cap on the frames per second (FPS) reached by an application. In essence, graphics cards could recognize the refresh rates of the monitor(s) used by a device and then adjust image processing speeds based on that information.

Although V-Sync technology is commonly used when users are playing modern video games, it also works well with legacy games. The reason for this is that V-Sync slows down the frame rate output from the graphics cards to match the legacy standards.

Despite its effectiveness at eliminating screen tearing, it often causes issues such as screen “stuttering” and input lag. The former is a scenario where the time between frames varies noticeably, leading to choppiness in image appearances.

V-Sync only is useful when the graphics card outputs video at a high FPS rate, and the display only supports a 60Hz refresh rate (which is common in legacy equipment and non-gaming displays). V-Sync enables the display to limit the output of the graphics card, to ensure both devices are operating in sync.

Although the technology works well with low-end devices, V-Sync degrades the performance of high-end graphics cards. That’s the reason display manufacturers have begun releasing gaming monitors with refresh rates of 144Hz, 165Hz, and even 240Hz.

While V-Sync worked well with legacy monitors, it often prevents modern graphics cards from operating at peak performance. For example, gaming monitors often have a refresh rate of at least 100Hz. If the graphics card outputs content at low speeds (e.g. 60Hz), V-Sync would prevent the graphics card from operating at peak performance.

Since the creation of V-Sync, other technologies such as G-Sync and FreeSync have emerged to not only fix display performance issues, but also to enhance image elements such as screen resolution, image colors, or brightness levels.

Released to the public in 2013, G-Sync is a technology developed by NVIDIA that synchronizes a user’s display to a device’s graphics card output, leading to smoother performance, especially with gaming. G-Sync has gained popularity in the electronics space because monitor refresh rates are always better than the GPU’s ability to output data. This results in significant performance issues.

For example, if a graphics card is pushing 50 frames per second (FPS), the display would then switch its refresh rate to 50 Hz. If the FPS count decreases to 40, then the display adjusts to 40 Hz. The typical effective range of G-Sync technology is 30 Hz up to the maximum refresh rate of the display.

The most notable benefit of G-Sync technology is the elimination of screen tearing and other common display issues associated with V-Sync equipment. G-Sync equipment does this by manipulating the monitor’s vertical blanking interval (VBI).

VBI represents the interval between the time when a monitor finishes drawing a current frame and moves onto the next one. When G-Sync is enabled, the graphics card recognizes the gap, and holds off on sending more information, therefore preventing frame issues.

To keep pace with changes in technology, NVIDIA developed a newer version of G-Sync, called G-Sync Ultimate. This new standard is a more advanced version of G-Sync. The core features that set it apart from G-Sync equipment are the built-in R3 module, high dynamic range (HDR) support, and the ability to display 4K quality images at 144Hz.

Although G-Sync delivers exceptional performance across the board, its primary disadvantage is the price. To take full advantage of native G-Sync technologies, users need to purchase a G-Sync-equipped monitor and graphics card. This two-part equipment requirement limited the number of G-Sync devices consumers could choose from It’s also worth noting that these monitors require the graphics card to support DisplayPort connectivity.

While native G-Sync equipment will likely carry a premium, for the time being, budget-conscious businesses and consumers still can use G-Sync Compatible equipment for an upgraded viewing experience.

Released in 2015, FreeSync is a standard developed by AMD that, similar to G-Sync, is an adaptive synchronization technology for liquid-crystal displays. It’s intended to reduce screen tearing and stuttering triggered by the monitor not being in sync with the content frame rate.

Since this technology uses the Adaptive Sync standard built into the DisplayPort 1.2a standard, any monitor equipped with this input can be compatible with FreeSync technology. With that in mind, FreeSync is not compatible with legacy connections such as VGA and DVI.

The “free” in FreeSync comes from the standard being open, meaning other manufacturers are able to incorporate it into their equipment without paying royalties to AMD. This means many FreeSync devices on the market cost less than similar G-Sync-equipped devices.

As FreeSync is a standard developed by AMD, most of their modern graphics processing units support the technology. A variety of other electronics manufacturers also support the technology, and with the right knowledge, you can even get FreeSync to work on NVIDIA equipment.

Although FreeSync is a significant improvement over the V-Sync standard, it isn’t a perfect technology. The most notable drawback of FreeSync is ghosting. This is when an object leaves behind a bit of its previous image position, causing a shadow-like image to appear.

The primary cause of ghosting in FreeSync devices is imprecise power management. If enough power isn’t applied to the pixels, images show gaps due to slow movement. On the other hand when too much power is applied, then ghosting occurs.

To overcome those limitations, in 2017 AMD released an enhanced version of FreeSync known as FreeSync 2 HDR. Monitors that meet this standard are required to have HDR support; low framerate compensation capabilities (LFC); and the ability to toggle between standard definition range (SDR) and high dynamic range (HDR) support.

A key difference between FreeSync and FreeSync 2 devices is that with the latter technology, if the frame rate falls below the supported range of the monitor, low framerate compensation (LFC) is automatically enabled to prevent stuttering and tearing.

As FreeSync is an open standard – and has been that way since day one – people shopping for FreeSync monitors have a wider selection than those looking for native G-Sync displays.

If performance and image quality are your top priority when choosing a monitor, then G-Sync and FreeSync equipment come in a variety of offerings to fit virtually any need. The primary difference between the two standards is levels of input lag or tearing.

If you want low input lag and don’t mind tearing, then the FreeSync standard is a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for smooth motions without tearing, and are okay with minor input lag, then G-Sync equipped monitors are a better choice.

For the average individual or business professional, G-Sync and FreeSync both deliver exceptional quality. If cost isn’t a concern and you absolutely need top of the line graphics support, then G-Sync is the overall winner.

Choosing a gaming monitor can be challenging, you can read more about our complete guide here. For peak graphics performance, check out ELITE gaming monitors.

Narrowing your screen search to one of the best G-Sync-compatible monitors can be an incredibly shrewd move. Taking this approach will throw you into a particular world of great monitors but also save you some money by avoiding the G-Sync "proper" premium while still getting you, effectively, a G-Sync monitor. Smooth.

And you don"t have to rely just on us for the information that some FreeSync monitors work with G-Sync - Nvidia themselves tested loads of monitors in order to find out which are the best gaming monitors to work with its G-Sync adaptive sync technology.

But what"s the actual deal with these, the best G-Sync-compatible monitors? Well, it means you can pick up one of the best graphics cards⁠(opens in new tab) from either the Nvidia or AMD family and benefit from super smooth pictures, frame rates, and low input lag. Adding one of these niche-but-excellent monitors to your setup allows you to add in the benefits of enabling Nvidia"s G-Sync tech too, which is an enormous bonus.

This development and sharing of tech mean you don"t always have to pay a premium to get the picture-smoothing tech. You can get a full list of G-Sync monitors here(opens in new tab) at Nvidia"s website, but a great place to start your search is right here with our top picks for the best G-Sync compatible monitors money can buy right now.

It feels like 1440p and 27 inches has been the sweet spot for affordable PC gaming for an age - throw in G-Sync compatibility and it looks even sweeter. Does it make sense for consoles, too? MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD likes to think so, in part thanks to a compatibility mode that allows a 4K input from the PS5 to run at 2.5 on this 2,560 by 1,440 pixel panel.

If that doesn’t actually make much sense (why tolerate the performance wilting demandings of 4K if you’re not getting the visual upsides of same?), this MSI panel still has a lot going for it. For starters, it runs at 165Hz and packs a high-quality IPS panel with colour accuracy that’s well above the norm for a gaming monitor.

Arguably even more important, this monitor is seriously zippy. Rated officially at 1ms response, it’s one of if not the fastest LCD gaming monitors we’ve ever seen. That speed makes it great for all kinds of PC gaming and a particular joy for online shooters. It’s also feature-packed, including that G-Sync compatible monitor characteristic, plus USB-C connectivity (albeit limited to 15W of charging power). The only slight snag is the price. It’s pretty expensive. For this kind of money, you can get something bigger, if not quite as capable.

The VG27AQ is a really great monitor, that would be at home in other best lists, not just in this niche. It"s a great IPS panel that has quality speeds and would be a fine choice for a PC player or console owners - or better, both. It was a joy to play both types of systems on that it"d really suit a multi-monitor and multi-device/system setup.

In my ASUS VG27AQ review(opens in new tab) I was impressed by basically all it offered; it is exceptionally versatile and turned its hand to anything. The slight downsides of a little haze and sheen here and there are just that - slight. The rest of what the VG27AQ offers easily makes this one of the best affordable G-Sync-compatible monitor going right now.

As you can imagine a lovely 4K resolution on a monitor oozing quality gaming specs does bump up the price a bit. However, the Acer Nitro XV273K and its specs do go a long way to justify the price tag, and it"s a worthwhile investment if you want the biggest resolution in this niche of gaming monitor. Its a tremendous 4K HDR IPS-panel monitor that"s G-Sync compatible - an excellent start. This is then reinforced by the particulars of the aforementioned gaming specs in the form of a a 144Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. Neither of which are easy on a 4K panel. All that, and it is from a reputable maker of quality gaming monitors, a great option.

Dell offers a lotof monitors, from basic 1080p run-of-the-mill office jobs to uber impressive 4K beauties. The S2721DGF slots firmly in the middle, offering gaming performance at 1440p, and while the specs are those you"d expect of a top-notch competitive esports ready screen, it certainly doesn"t look like one on the outside.

When any PC gamer is looking for a monitor, two specs are vital; refresh rate and response time, and - often, G-Sync compatibility. The Dell S2721DGF is almost perfect in this regard, offering 165Hz and 1ms respectively, as well as that sweet Sync tech. Another attraction is the IPS panel, which is excellent and contributes to the bang-to-buck value that the monitor offers.The monitor is covered in a matte, all-black finish, with thin, flat bezels around the edge, making it a brilliant choice for anyone looking for a double or triple-monitor set-up.

The only place this monitor trips up is in HDR performance, especially dark areas. The contrast is low, which means it"s often hard to differentiate between subtle blacks and greys, but if you"re using this primarily for gaming and not movie-watching, it"s not too big of a deal. This is one of the best 1440p G-sync compatible FreeSync monitors on the market.

Until now, 4K60fps+ gaming has been a concept only attainable by the hardcore enthusiasts who dedicate everything they have to PC gaming. Not anymore. Thanks to the recent launch of the 30-series cards from Nvidia, and AMD"s RX series equivalents, it"s finally affordable for those who desire it. To reach that level, you need one of the best monitors on the market, but they"re usually more expensive than the graphics cards themselves.

The ASUS XG27UQ changes that entirely, bringing almost the best possible specs on a 4K screen down to a reachable tier for general PC gamers. It"s still not cheap, but for the first time ever a 4K monitor with 1ms response time and a 144Hz refresh rate is below the $1k mark. Quite considerably actually, coming in at around$800/£800. It"s still a hefty price tag, don"t get me wrong, but it"s far cheaper than the other top tier offerings.

The ASUS XG27UQ is like a gaze into what PC gaming will be like for everyone5 to 10 years down the line. With ray tracing on, Cyberpunk 2077 had my jaw on the floor, with stunning lighting effects and texture detail throughout Night City. As did Assassin"s Creed Valhalla, with the sunrays splitting the treetops. if you have a rig capable of it – seriously, don"t upgrade to 4K if your graphics card is a few years old – then you will not be disappointed with this monitor.

Looking for one of the best G-Sync compatible monitors that blends nearly everything that’s best about the latest LCD technology? You just found it in the Samsung Odyssey G7 C27G7. With local dimming, adaptive sync, high refresh, HDR, quantum dot technology, a curved panel, and more, on paper it"s got the works.

More specifically, it comes with a 27-inch diagonal with 1440p resolution and 240Hz refresh for what many would agree absolutely nails the sweet spot in terms of balancing detail with speed and response. The main question mark concerns the use of VA panel technology, which is traditionally associated with slow pixel response and generally slightly laggy performance - not so here. Samsung claims 1ms response times and this monitor feels and looks at least that quick. No question, it’s comparable with the best TN monitors for sheer speed. That it also matches IPS panels for colours and adds excellent contrast into the mix makes for an incredibly compelling package.

As for negatives, they’re limited to a particularly poor HDR implementation given the DisplayHDR 600 certification, plus a niggling doubt that the extreme 1000R curve may be a bit too much of a good thing - and it is pricey for what it offers.

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 ultrawide monitor has been with us for a little while now, but it"s still just as impressive: 49 inches, 240Hz, seven million pixels, a crazy-immersive 1000R curvature, and a slightly silly 2000 nits is a hell of a recipe for an ultrawide G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitor.

Arguably more important isn’t the peak brightness but the fact that a 10-zone edge-lit backlight has been ditched in favour of a cutting-edge 2,048 zone mini-LED backlight. On paper, that’s a huge upgrade. In practice, it’s a bit more complicated. This is a big screen, and even with that many zones, the granularity of the backlight control is a little crude. However, when it"s performing at its best, the Neo G9 puts on a spectacular HDR show that few ultrawide monitors can match.

It won"t be a suitable home for console players - the likes of LG’s 120Hz C1 and CX OLED TVs are better matched for that from a big-screen perspective - but for pure PC gaming, the Neo G9’s wrap-around immersion is seriously hard to beat.

1440p has been the sweet spot for PC gaming for several years. But the new Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165 stretches the appeal of 1440p to breaking point courtesy of its 32-inch proportions and premium pricing. It’s certainly a nicely calibrated panel with excellent colour coverage thanks to the use of quantum dot technology in its backlight. It’s also pretty quick, with sub-3ms GtG pixel response and user-configurable overdrive, not to mention 165Hz refresh. But it’s not exceptional by any of those measures. And at this price point, it needs to be.

Likewise, the Xeneon’s basic HDR support is good but nothing special. But the biggest problem remains the combination of price and the mediocre pixel density that comes with stretching 1440p or 2,560 by 1,440 pixel over a fairly large 32-inch IPS panel. The result is adequate but far from exceptional image detail and sharpness. For gaming, it’s debatable - do you want more frames or more detail. In mitigation, the Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165 is beautifullybuilt and is certainly one of the most premium, but best, G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitors that money can buy right now.

For most gamers, 1440p and 144Hz is the current sweet spot; the best compromise between speed and visual detail. However, for esports aficionados, it’s all about frame rates and response. Throw in G-Sync compatibility and that"s where the Acer Predator XB253QGX comes in.

Resolution-wise, it’s only 1080p from a 25-inch panel. But it clocks in at fully 240Hz refresh and is good for an ultra-low MPRT pixel response time of 0.5ms (GtG response is 1ms claimed). The Predator is also Nvidia G-Sync capable. HDR support is entry-level stuff in the form of DisplayHDR 400 certification. But that at least ensures punchy peak brightness of 400cd/m2.

The IPS panel tech likewise makes for more accurate and vibrant colours than an equivalent TN screen. For online shooters right through from Counter-Strike: Source to Call of Duty: Warzone, this panel is a peach. It’s very quick and blur-free and feels super responsive - confirming its place as a 1080p contender for best G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitor.

It’s less impressive rendering the latest eye candy in the likes of Cyberpunk 2077. The relatively low res makes for much fuzzier image quality than 1440p or 4K panels. But if speed is what you demand, the Acer Predator XB253QGX does that better than most while not entirely giving up on image quality.

If speed is paramount for you in your G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitor, then this AOC model is very worthy of your consideration. We think that 1440p gaming is still the sweet spot for gaming setups right now so this 27-inch, QHD, FreeSync 2, VA panel with blistering speeds - 165Hz refresh; 1ms response - is right up there when it comes to speed-focused gaming at that perfect resolution. It doesn"t compromise too much on image quality too and had real quality colour and HDR chops to make this monitor offer much more than justthe speedy element. A decent all-rounder for those looking to have a speedy-focus to their monitor but one of the best ones going if you"re just chasing those speeds.

Read more in our full AOC Agon AG273QX review(opens in new tab) here. And please note that this model is unfortunately not available in the US yet. It might well come to that side of the pond, but for the moment this is an EU-only model. In the US, your closest available AOC match would probably be the AOC C27G2(opens in new tab).

Razer"s first foray into gaming displays is a great success. The Raptor is a 27-inch panel that has quality specs under the hood. An IPS panel with a 1440p resolution, it has a 1ms response time and 144Hz refresh rate; and it offers that sweet G-Sync compatibility.

Elsewhere, there"s also a slick black design that has RGB in the stand - because of course it does - and a mesh material all over the back, much like you"d find on speakers. The traditional Razer-green cables contrast nicely with the black stand and monitor and are tidily kept in check at the back with cable guides, too. The ports will have you covered practically speaking too: an HDMI, a DisplayPort, one USB-C, two USB 3s, and a headphone jack.

This is a terrific gaming monitor all in then, and one which has a quality of picture that alone makes it easy to recommend as one of the best G-Sync compatible FreeSync monitors. The screen"s speed is fast and pacey for smooth pictures, the image quality is crisp and gorgeous, and the color range and contrasts are deep and immersive. It"s a little pricey perhaps, but if you"re looking for a great PC monitor that has compatibility with Nvidia"s screen tech, this sure is a strong contender.

Despite being "just" a TN panel the AOC G2590FX is a super affordable entry point into high frame rate gaming on an almost bezel-less screen. The loss of viewing angle and really rich colors that a TN panel can give you is compensated by a lightning refresh rate of 144Hz and a zippy 1ms response time. This 25-inch monitor can show off frames fast as your GPU can squeeze them out, no jaggies or input lag permitted, especially as it"s got that sweet G-Sync compatibility.

And, just as a last public service announcement, if you"re trying to buy one of the recently released graphics cards - or a machine powered by one - then these pages are going to be of interest:What"s the difference between G-Sync and G-Sync compatible?Simply put, if a monitor is "G-Sync"-capable it has a dedicated element within the monitor to assist and enhance frame syncing, whereas "G-Sync compatible" relies on Adaptive-Sync, and enables an Nvidia card to play nice with AMD FreeSync. Benefits are still there in the latter, but arguably not as much as with "proper" G-Sync.Should I choose a FreeSync, G-Sync or G-Sync compatible monitor?We recommend you get a panel with any frame-smoothing and syncing tech as it will greatly improve your gaming experience.

However, broadly speaking, G-Sync"s are the most expensive usually, and a lot of FreeSync monitors nowadays are also G-Sync compatible so they are very similar. It can often come down to budget - if you can"t stretch to a certified G-Sync screen, then a compatible or FreeSync monitor will still offer good benefits.

If you"re after something that"s TV-shaped then head over to ourbest gaming TVguide as well as ourbest TV for PS5and Xbox Series X,best OLED TV, andbest 120Hz 4K TVguides which will all see you right.Round up of today"s best deals

I first bought this monitor around Black Friday, when it was $369.99. I then went through the process of advanced replacing, and then returning, and then repurchasing... for a total of 5 monitors!

Every single monitor aside from the one I have now (FINALLY!) had 1-2 pixels that were most commonly stuck red, or sometimes dead entirely. Their placement ranged from the upper left, to the upper mid, to the lower mid.. I almost settled on the one I just returned, as it had one stuck red pixel that wasn"t too bright and it was in a position where the chrome bookmark bar mostly covered it, but I"m glad I opted for the hassle of returning again.

I finally have a G273QF without dead pixels (there is actually one in the bottom right BEHIND the bezel but it"s not in direct view, have to look from an angle to notice it.)

Have yet to do game testing, as the first thing I do is run the Eizo monitor test to check for stuck/dead pixels and overall backlight bleed etc, happy to say that this is manageable for the price paid.

In hindsight, I probably should have spent more and gotten an LG panel, or even ordered from Dell but their shipping times suck, and as a student I wanted 1440P high refresh IPS on somewhat of a budget.

I was not able to confirm that G-SYNC was working on my PG42UQ. Adaptive Sync is selected (and says G-SYNC) in the OSD, and the info says VRR is supported. I have everything selected in the nVidia control panel (although the set up gsync section states that the PG42UQ "is not validated as G-SYNC compatible"). I"m using DP 1.4 and my video card is an ASUS 3080TI.

My other monitor is certified G-SYNC and was/is working correctly (I do NOT have them both connected at the same time, I re tested it before connecting the new PG42UQ). I have tried the G-SYNC compatible indicator selection in the display menu item in the nVidia control panel as well as using the official nVidia pendulum demo which is to verify G-SYNC. Again, these both show that my old monitor does use G-SYNC but the PG42UQ does not. I opened a ticket with nVidia and they confirmed that only monitors listed on their website are certified and the PG42UQ is not listed, nor is it listed on the ASUS website in their list of G-SYNC monitors.

So...not sure if another firmware from ASUS is needed for this, or some update on the nVidia side with their drivers but this is a bit disappointing...

G-SYNC :Delivers an amazing experience with no tearing, stutter, or input lag. Enthusiasts and pro-level gamers can count on unique technologies like a full variable refresh rate (VRR) range and variable overdrive to eliminate visual artifacts for a pristine image and outstanding gameplay.

G-SYNC Compatible :Doesn’t use NVIDIA processors, but have been validated by NVIDIA to give you a good, basic variable refresh rate (VRR) experience for tear-free, stutter-free gaming experience.

G-SYNC Ultimate : Features the latest NVIDIA G-SYNC processors to deliver the best HDR gaming experience. They’re loaded with all the advanced features you’re looking for - including over 1000 nits brightness, stunning contrast, cinematic color, and ultra-low latency gameplay.

The best G-Sync monitors make for a silky smooth gaming experience. This is because a G-Sync monitor will synchronize the frame rate to the output of your graphics card. The end result is a tear-free experience. This is just as great for high frame rates as it is for sub-60fps too, so you"re covered for whatever games you love to play.

But what is G-Sync tech? For the uninitiated, G-Sync is Nvidia"s name for its frame synchronization technology. It makes use of dedicated silicon in the monitor so it can match your GPU"s output to your gaming monitor"s refresh rate, for the smoothest gaming experience. It removes a whole load of guesswork in getting the display settings right, especially if you have an older GPU. The catch is that the tech only works with Nvidia GPUs.

G-Sync Ready or G-Sync Compatible monitors can be found, too. They"re often cheaper, but the monitors themselves don"t have dedicated G-Sync silicon inside them. You can still use G-Sync, but for best results, you want a screen that"s certified by Nvidia(opens in new tab).

Here"s where things might get a little complicated: G-Sync features do work with AMD"s adaptive FreeSync tech monitors, but not the other way around. If you have an AMD graphics card, you"ll for sure want to check out the best FreeSync monitors(opens in new tab) along with checking our overall best gaming monitors(opens in new tab) for any budget.

Why you can trust PC GamerOur expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Brand new gaming monitor technology comes at a premium, and the Asus ROG Swift PH32UQX proves that point. As the world"s first Mini-LED gaming monitor, it sets a precedent for both performance and price, delivering extremely impressive specs for an extreme price tag.

The PG32UQX is easily one of the best panels I"ve used to date. The colors are punchy yet accurate and that insane brightness earns the PG32UQX the auspicious DisplayHDR 1400 certification. However, since these are LED zones and not self-lit pixels like an OLED, you won"t get those insane blacks for infinite contrast.

Mini-LED monitors do offer full-array local dimming (FALD) for precise backlight control, though. What that means for the picture we see is extreme contrast from impressive blacks to extremely bright DisplayHDR 1400 spec.If you want to brag with the best G-Sync gaming monitor around, this is the way to do it.

Beyond brightness, you can also expect color range to boast about. The colors burst with life and the dark hides ominous foes for you to slay in your quest for the newest loot.

Of course, at 4K you"ll need the equivalent of one of the best gaming PCs(opens in new tab) to get 144fps. I did get Doom Eternal to cross the 144Hz barrier in 4K HDR using an RTX 3080 and boy was it marvelous.

That rapid 144Hz refresh rate is accompanied by HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports, along with two USB 3.1 ports join the action, with a further USB 2.0 sitting on the top of the monitor to connect your webcam.

As for its G-Sync credentials, the ROG Swift delivers G-Sync Ultimate, which is everything a dedicated G-Sync chip can offer in terms of silky smooth performance and support for HDR. So if you want to brag with the best G-Sync gaming monitor around, this is the way to do it. However, scroll on for some more realistic recommendations in terms of price.

OLED has truly arrived on PC, and in ultrawide format no less. Alienware"s 34 QD-OLED is one of very few gaming monitors to receive such a stellar score from us, and it"s no surprise. Dell has nailed the OLED panel in this screen and it"s absolutely gorgeous for PC gaming. Although this monitor isn’t perfect, it is dramatically better than any LCD-based monitor by several gaming-critical metrics. And it’s a genuine thrill to use.

What that 34-inch, 21:9 panel can deliver in either of its HDR modes—HDR 400 True Black or HDR Peak 1000—is nothing short of exceptional. The 3440 x 1440 native resolution image it produces across that gentle 1800R curve is punchy and vibrant. With 99.3% coverage of the demanding DCI-P3 colour space, and fully 1,000 nits brightness, it makes a good go, though that brightness level can only be achieved on a small portion of the panel.

Still, there’s so much depth, saturation and clarity to the in-game image thanks to that per-pixel lighting, but this OLED screen needs to be in HDR mode to do its thing. And that applies to SDR content, too. HDR Peak 1000 mode enables that maximum 1,000 nit performance in small areas of the panel but actually looks less vibrant and punchy most of the time.The Alienware 34 QD-OLED"s response time is absurdly quick at 0.1ms.

HDR 400 True Black mode generally gives the best results, after you jump into the Windows Display Settings menu and crank the SDR brightness up, it looks much more zingy.

Burn-in is the great fear and that leads to a few quirks. For starters, you’ll occasionally notice the entire image shifting by a pixel or two. The panel is actually overprovisioned with pixels by about 20 in both axes, providing plenty of leeway. It’s a little like the overprovisioning of memory cells in an SSD and it allows Alienware to prevent static elements from “burning” into the display over time.

Latency is also traditionally a weak point for OLED, and while we didn’t sense any subjective issue with this 175Hz monitor, there’s little doubt that if your gaming fun and success hinges on having the lowest possible latency, there are faster screens available. You can only achieve the full 175Hz with the single DisplayPort input, too.

The Alienware 34 QD-OLED"s response time is absurdly quick at 0.1ms, and it cruised through our monitor testing suite. You really notice that speed in-game, too.

There"s no HDMI 2.1 on this panel, however. So it"s probably not the best fit for console gaming as a result. But this is PC Gamer, and if you"re going to hook your PC up to a high-end gaming monitor, we recommend it be this one.

4K gaming is a premium endeavor. You need a colossal amount of rendering power to hit decent frame rates at such a high resolution. But if you"re rocking a top-shelf graphics card, like an RTX 3080(opens in new tab), RTX 3090(opens in new tab), or RX 6800 XT(opens in new tab) then this dream can be a reality, at last. While the LG 27GN950-B is a fantastic gaming panel, it"s also infuriatingly flawed.

The LG UltraGear is the first 4K, Nano IPS, gaming monitor with 1ms response times, that"ll properly show off your superpowered GPU. Coming in with Nvidia G-Sync and AMD’s FreeSync adaptive refresh compatibility, this slick slim-bezel design even offers LG’s Sphere Lighting 2.0 RGB visual theatrics.

And combined with the crazy-sharp detail that comes with the 4K pixel grid, that buttery smooth 144Hz is pretty special.The color fidelity of the NanoIPS panel is outstanding.

While it does suffer with a little characteristic IPS glow. It appears mostly at the screen extremities when you’re spying darker game scenes, but isn"t an issue most of the time. The HDR is a little disappointing as, frankly, 16 edge-lit local dimming zones do not a true HDR panel make.

What is most impressive, however, is the Nano IPS tech that offers a wider color gamut and stellar viewing angles. And the color fidelity of the NanoIPS panel is outstanding.

The LG UltraGear 27GN950-B bags you a terrific panel with exquisite IPS image quality. Despite the lesser HDR capabilities, it also nets beautiful colors and contrast for your games too. G-Sync offers stable pictures and smoothness, and the speedy refresh rate and response times back this up too.

The MSI Optix MPG321UR is kitted out for high-speed 4K gaming, and it absolutely delivers. Despite the price point this monitor doesn’t have a physical G-Sync chip, it is officially certified and has been tested by Nvidia to hit the necessary standards for G-Sync compatibility. It does also offer FreeSync Premium Pro certification, as well as DCI-P3 RGB color space and sRGB.

That makes this a versatile piece of kit, and that 3840 x 2160 resolution is enough to prevent any pixelation across this generous, 32-inch screen. The 16:9 panel doesn"t curve, but does offer a professional-level, sub 1ms grey-to-grey (GTG) response rate.

Sadly, there"s been no effort to build in any custom variable overdrive features, so you’ll have to expect you"ll get artifacts on fast moving objects.

Still, the MSI Optix MPG321UR does come with a 600nit peak brightness, and Vesa HDR 600 certification, alongside 97% DCI-P3 colour reproduction capabilities. All this goes toward an amazingly vibrant screen that"s almost accurate enough to be used for professional colour grading purposes.

The Optix is one of MSI"s more recent flagship models, so you know you"re getting serious quality and performance. Its panel looks gorgeous, even at high speeds, managing a 1ms GTG response time.

Though MSI"s Optix is missing a physical G-Sync chip, it"ll still run nicely with any modern Nvidia GPU, or AMD card if you happen to have one of those lying around.

The Xeneon is Corsair"s attempt at breaking into the gaming monitor market. To do that, the company has opted for 32 inches of IPS panel at 1440p resolution. Once again we"re looking at a FreeSync Premium monitor that has been certified to work with GeForce cards by Nvidia.

It pretty much nails the sweetspot for real-world gaming, what with 4K generating such immense levels of GPU load and ultrawide monitors coming with their own set of limitations.

The 2,560 by 1,440 pixel native resolution combined with the 32-inch 16:9 aspect panel proportions translate into sub-100DPI pixel density. That’s not necessarily a major problem in-game. But it does make for chunky pixels in a broader computing context.It‘s punchy, vibrant, and well-calibrated.

Here, you"re looking at a swanky cast aluminum stand, which adjusts for height, tilt, and swivel, and is a definite cut above the norm for build quality. The OSD menu UI is clearer and more logical than many, too, and those unusually high levels of polish and refinement extend yet further.

That sub-3ms response, combined with a 165Hz refresh, means the thing isn"t a slouch when it comes to gaming capability, though there are certainly more impressive gaming monitors out there.

The two HDMI 2.0 sockets are limited to 144Hz, and the DisplayPort 1.4 interface is predictable enough. But the USB Type-C with power delivery for a single cable connection with charging to a laptop is a nice extra. Or, at least, it would be if the charging power wasn’t limited to a mere 15W, which is barely enough for something like a MacBook Air, let alone a gaming laptop.

The core image quality is certainly good, though. It‘s punchy, vibrant, and well-calibrated. And while it"s quite pricey for a 1440p model, it delivers all it sets out to with aplomb. On the whole, the Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165 doesn’t truly excel at anything, but it"s still a worthy consideration in 2022.

Housing Nvidia’s tech alongside a 4K resolution and HDR tech means that this is an absolute beast of a monitor that will give you the best of, well, everything. And by everything, we mean everything.

The XB273K’s gaming pedigree is obvious the second you unbox it: it is a 27-inch, G-Sync compatible, IPS screen, that boasts a 4ms gray-to-gray response rate, and a 144Hz refresh rate. While that may not sound like a heck of a lot compared to some of today"s monitors, it also means you can bag it for a little less.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey looked glorious. This monitor gave up an incredibly vivid showing, and has the crispest of image qualities to boot; no blurred or smudged edges to see and each feature looks almost perfectly defined and graphically identified.The contrasts are particularly strong with any colors punching through the greys and blacks.

Particular highlights are the way water effects, lighting, reflections and sheens are presented, but there is equal enjoyment to be had from landscape features, the people, and urban elements. All further benefiting from a widespread excellence in color, contrast, shades (and shadows), and tones.

The contrasts are particularly strong with any colors punching through the greys and blacks. However, the smaller details here are equally good, down to clothing detail, skin tone and complexion, and facial expressions once again. There is an immersion-heightening quality to the blacks and grays of the Metro and those games certainly don’t feel five years old on the XB273K.

The buttons to access the menu are easy enough to use, and the main stick makes it particularly simple to navigate. And the ports you have available increase your ability to either plug and go or adapt to your machines’ needs: an HDMI; DisplayPort and five USB 3.0 ports are at your service.

The Predator XB273K is one for those who want everything now and want to future-proof themselves in the years ahead. It might not have the same HDR heights that its predecessor, the X27, had, but it offers everything else for a much-reduced price tag. Therefore, the value it provides is incredible, even if it is still a rather sizeable investment.

The best just got a whole lot better. That’s surely a foregone conclusion for the new Samsung Odyssey Neo G9. After all, the original Odyssey G9 was already Samsung’s tip-top gaming monitor. Now it’s been given the one upgrade it really needed. Yup, the Neo G9 is packing a mini-LED backlight.

Out of the box, it looks identical to the old G9. Deep inside, however, the original G9’s single most obvious shortcoming has been addressed. And then some. The Neo G9 still has a fantastic VA panel. But its new backlight doesn’t just have full-array rather than edge-lit dimming.

It packs a cutting-edge mini-LED tech with no fewer than 2,048 zones. This thing is several orders of magnitude more sophisticated than before. As if that wasn’t enough, the Neo G9’s peak brightness has doubled to a retina-wrecking 2,000 nits. What a beast.

The problem with any backlight-based rather than per-pixel local dimming technology is that compromises have to be made. Put another way, an algorithm has to decide how bright any given zone should be based on the image data. The results are never going to be perfect.

Visible halos around small, bright objects are the sort of issue you expect from full-array dimming. But the Neo G9 has its own, surprisingly crude, backlight-induced image quality issues. Admittedly, they’re most visible on the Windows desktop rather than in-game or watching video.Graphics-heavy titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 or Witcher III are what the G9 does best.

If you position a bright white window next to an all-black window, the adjacent edge of the former visibly dims