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BenQ GW3290QT monitor review
5:32 pm | April 17, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

BenQ has gained a reputation for producing high-quality monitors that exceed their price point. Their success with some of the best business monitors is noteworthy, and the GW3290QT is no exception. The big standout part of this monitor is that while most monitors opt for a sleek black, the GW3290QT has a white bezel, frame, and stand with some tricks up its sleeve—but more on that later.

BenQ GW3290QT: Unboxing and First Impressions

Unboxing the BenQ GW3290QT felt a lot like unboxing other BenQ monitors. The packaging is done well, and the monitor is safely secured in the box for transit. Immediately upon opening the packaging, I was shocked at the white frame. I knew the monitor would have a white frame, but I was still stunned to see it in person. 32-inch monitors continue to feel massive for me, so that was another area that stood out from the unboxing.

Outside of that, the base is the other piece worth mentioning regarding this monitor. The base is where BenQ Decided to make this monitor incredibly unique. Most monitor stands blend in or are as minimal as possible. The white base on this G, W3290QT, draws even more attention when paired with the BenQ GC01 Yogi cover. There are two options: one white, which is more for productivity and organization, and one green, essentially a Lego brick pad.

BenQ GW3290QT

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

BenQ GW3290QT: Design and Build Quality

One thing that I appreciate about this monitor is the thin bezels all around the screen. Yes, the back of this monitor, the stand, and the color all intentionally pop and stand out, but BenQ understood that while that is great for the right person, nobody these days wants big, thick, chunky bezels on their monitor. 

And, speaking of the color, I was initially apprehensive about the white. I have always been a fan of dark mode, and my tech has always favored a dark theme with lighter accents to freshen up my workspaces. I never considered that the monitor could be that fresh pop of white I was looking for. It took me a moment to get used to it, but in the proper setup, this monitor is just enough pop of white to lighten up a dark workspace, blend into a lighter, brighter workspace, or change it up a bit. So many monitors are black or grey. 

Seeing a change-up that is done well is excellent. The overall design is quite minimalist and beautiful. Yes, the white makes the whole monitor stand out slightly, but this monitor is sleek and understated outside of the color. The stand is clean and solid. It is also highly adjustable, which most users will appreciate. BenQ built the ability to rotate the orientation, change height, and even change the angle. 

Specs

Screen Size: 31.5-inch

Resolution: 2560 x 1440

Brightness: 350 nits

Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Pixel Response: 5ms

Viewing Angle: 178/178

It's worth noting that this monitor features a 2K resolution, which means it's suitable for general or business use. However, we wouldn't recommend this as the best monitor for photo editing or the best video editing monitor for professional use. 

Nevertheless, 2K is a higher resolution than many business monitors, so if you're upgrading from a lower-end monitor, you'll likely notice a significant improvement in clarity and pixel density. This monitor should be sufficient for tasks such as spreadsheets, emails, and forms.

Regarding ports, this monitor is well set up for essential and everyday use. The BenQ GW3290QT is a modern monitor with modern ports and connectivity in mind. Through one USB-C Cable, this monitor can run an entire hub worth of ports and deliver power to the connected device at 65W. Even further, if you have a laptop that supports MST (Multi-Stream Transport), you can use daisy chain monitors together, adding even more screen real estate. 

If you have a Mac, depending on your processing chip, you can run multiple monitors through an external Thunderbolt dock to achieve a similar effect. The back of the GW3290QT hosts the IEC power input, an HDMI, DisplayPort In, DisplayPort Out, the host USB-C line, and two USB-A ports. Just below the monitor, built into the chin of the monitor, BenQ has added another two USB-A ports and a headphone jack for easy access. In short, for the average user, home user, or business user, this monitor could very well be both display and dock, operating as the desk centerpiece in aesthetics, design, and functionality.

BenQ GW3290QT

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

BenQ GW3290QT: In use

As mentioned in previous sections, this monitor has a 2K resolution. You will notice a difference if you are used to 4K or even higher resolution monitors, especially if you are working on graphical content. I noticed a difference in pixel density, sharpness, and color compared to a 4K or 5K monitor, but that is to be expected. This monitor is not designed to compete with those so that I won't go into comparisons there. The business world is where this monitor is designed to compete and thrive. I was delighted to use this monitor for my administrative work. 

I could easily plug my laptop in and get straight to work without needing an external Thunderbolt Dock. I could plug in other devices as required, my computer was charging while displaying content, and I had a wonderfully expansive monitor to put emails up on, check my project spreadsheets, update Notion, take notes in a virtual meeting, and update the website. Writing content using this monitor is easy. I sat using this monitor for full days of work at a time and did not notice any eye fatigue, nor did I feel like I was missing anything when using this monitor for those purposes. I did enable the eye care features, which reduced the blue light and adjusted the brightness to the right level throughout the day. One thing I thankfully did not notice was any flickering. I cannot stand when a light or a monitor flickers at different brightness levels. BenQ makes sure to include flicker-free technology in their monitors to ensure this does not bother their users.

BenQ has a Yogi Base accessory I did not choose to get, but it might be interesting for users who want to add some fun to their workspace. The Yogi base is essentially a cover for the white, standout base of the BenQ GW3290QT that can either be a baseplate for legos or a great place to more efficiently store a phone, charger, and things of that nature.

BenQ GW3290QT

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

BenQ GW3290QT: Final verdict

The BenQ GW3290QT is a compelling choice for at-home offices, administrative use, business use, and those looking for a decent monitor for a great price. The 32-inch screen real estate feels quite expansive, and the build quality that BenQ brings to the table is fantastic, as always. If you are looking for a solid monitor that will not break the bank and does not need the best picture or color accuracy monitor, the BenQ GW3290QT is worth considering for your workspace.


We tested the best business laptops and best business computers to pair with your monitor - these are our top picks.

Dell U3224KB UltraSharp 6K Monitor Review
1:00 pm | May 11, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: | Comments: Off

Dell's newest release is more than just a monitor. In fact, the U3224KB UltraSharp 6K Monitor is a brilliant display, a Thunderbolt hub, a 4K webcam, and a soundbar, all built into one clean package.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Unboxing the U3224KB UltraSharp 6K Monitor was fairly straightforward. The box contained the monitor, the stand, the base, the power cable, and a few other cables. We put the base together quickly and powered up the screen. As soon as we placed it on our desk, we noticed that this display resembled all the other Dell monitors we've used before. It has a flat black front, a silver rounded backing, a basic stand with a small cable passthrough hole, and a straightforward user interface.

Dell UltraSharp 3224KB

Front ports (Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Design and Build Quality

The U3224KB 32-inch 6K monitor looks like most of Dell's offerings in this space, at least from the bottom up - until you reach the top.

Specs

Screen Size: 32-inches (31.5)

Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Resolution: 6144 x 3456

Brightness: HDR off - 450 nits (SDR)

HDR on - 750 nits

Viewing Angle: 178/178

Contrast Ratio: 2,000:1

Webcam: 4K HDR

Speakers: 2x 14W

Ports: 1x Security lock slot, 1x Power connector, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x mini DisplayPort 2.1, 1x Thunderbolt 4 downstream, 1x USB-C upstream, 1x Thunderbolt 4 (140W PD), 1x USB-A, 1x RJ45, 1x USB-C (15W PD, super speed 10Gbps), 1x USB-A (BC 1.2 with power charging, super speed 10Gbps), and 1x Stand lock.

The base and stand are the same, the UI joystick and button are the same, and even the port pop-out is the same as on some newer models. But, looking at the top of this monitor, it's like nothing we have seen before from Dell. The top of this display has a soundbar and a high-resolution camera built in, and both are pretty sleek and impressive. 

The monitor is sharp and professional, with a clean black front and a brilliant silver backing panel. Dell has intentionally designed this monitor for professionals who care about productivity. The display itself is incredible, and features IPS Black, 99% Display P-3 color accuracy, and VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification. The camera on the top is not only crystal clear with 4K resolution and integrated AI to keep us looking even better (and in frame), but it also has a manual tilt which is excellent to help set a base height for our different team members, before we let AI take it from there.

Dell UltraSharp 3224KB

Webcam (Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

We love a good docking station, but one great thing about the U3224KB UltraSharp 6K Monitor is that it has a Thunderbolt 4 hub built-in. This inclusion takes the "one cable connection" that many monitors are doing a step further. Now, with just one cable, this monitor can connect to the high speeds and high power of Thunderbolt 4. 

(For more, check out our guide on Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C explained.)

Dell also chose to include an auto KVM switch to simplify multitasking, allowing users to switch between up to two computers seamlessly.

Dell UltraSharp 3224KB

Soft touch buttons (Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

In Use

We've been able to use the U3224KB UltraSharp 6K Monitor for a couple of days and have been thoroughly impressed. The only other monitor we have seen that has successfully pulled off having a beautiful display, a beautiful webcam, quality audio, and Thunderbolt ports is the Apple Studio Display. Though the features align with the Studio Display, this screen aligns with the Apple Pro Display XDR in quality and size, though it is a lot cheaper and includes a wide array of ports that Apple's flagship monitor does not have. 

The UltraSharp 32-inch monitor U3224KB has a great set of ports for a productivity workhorse. On top of the Thunderbolt 4 hub, this monitor has ports allowing "legacy" devices to connect, including our HDMI desktop (which isn't legacy), which can connect to this monitor without problems. Additionally, because Dell chose to add a handful of USB-A ports, we can charge devices and plug in flash drives without needing a dongle off the back of the monitor. 

Dell UltraSharp 3224KB

Back ports (Image credit: Collin Probst // Future)

Dell also chose to keep the front of the monitor aesthetic while functional. The user control is just behind the faint glowing light, showing us where to reach every time. They also have ports that can disappear when not in use and pop back out when needed. 

Final Verdict

The Dell UltraSharp 32-inch 6K monitor is the display that we have been waiting for. We love Apple's flagship monitors but don't love the price or the lack of port options - and the Dell U3224KB answers that problem and then some. The picture quality is stunning, the port selection is excellent, the productivity features are lovely, and the camera is crisp. If you're looking for a 6K monitor, this might be the one you find yourself comparing other options to.


Dell U3423WE Ultrasharp Curved Monitor review
1:47 pm | March 30, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: | Comments: Off

The Dell UltraSharp U3423WE is a 34-inch curved USB-C monitor with a built-in productivity USB-C hub that connects everything from USB-A to USB-C, Ethernet, and more.

We have used the UltraSharp U3423WE as our primary business monitor for the last few weeks and have loved the effortless increased productivity. This monitor has been a fantastic boost for our main desk setup, allowing us to work with a test computer constantly plugged in and rotate our individual laptops depending on who is working at the desk

Dell U3423WE

Curved Display (Image credit: Future)

Unboxing and First Impressions

The setup for this monitor is remarkably straightforward. We were able to open up the box and get the monitor set up in a matter of minutes without any help. We chose the DisplayPort cable for our testing computer and grabbed the USB-C cable, knowing we would use that quite a bit for our laptops.

We mostly used this monitor on the included adjustable stand, though right out of the gate, we tried this monitor on an external monitor arm utilizing the VESA Bracket. In both cases, this monitor looks beautiful and works even better.

Dell U3423WE

Power button and control Joystick (Image credit: Future)

Design and Build Quality

The UltraSharp U3423WE's design is clean and minimalist. The border of the display is black on the front and matted silver on the back and stand, with the high-end materials that make up this monitor fit the premium monitor's quality.

Due to the 21:9 aspect ratio and 34-inch display, this is a very wide monitor, and we had to adjust some things on our desk to ensure this would fit. However, once we rearranged the desk around to accommodate, the width was easy to get used to.

Dell U3423WE

Ports below the monitor (Image credit: Future)

In Use

Thanks to a built-in KVM, this monitor can run up to two computers simultaneously, switching the mouse, keyboard, and video display with a simple button press. Interestingly, the integrated RJ45 Ethernet port locks to a single computer, keeping a continuous connection regardless of which computer is active on screen.

While working with content on the screen, we love the horizontal real estate available to us with this aspect ratio and resolution. We can put three to four web pages side by side on this screen without feeling too cramped. 

Specs

Resolution: 3440 x 1440

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Response Time: 5ms

Panel Type: IPS

Viewing Angle: 178/178

Aspect Ratio: 21:9

Brightness: 300cd/m2

Connectivity:

Dimensions: 32 x 15.5 x 9.3 inches / 81.28 x 39.37 x 23.62 cm

Weight: 25.22 lb / 11.44 kg

The multiple windows are super helpful when we are researching and writing, making it possible for us to write on one window, have our notes on another, and still have plenty of space for release notes and more. Another handy use case of this monitor was when we use it with large (and wide, with many columns) spreadsheets.

Dell U3423WE

Back ports (Image credit: Future)

Outside of heavy research time or detailed spreadsheets, we use smaller windows than the monitor allows, keeping part of the desktop wallpaper visible. This has been enjoyable and relaxing, making us feel minimal and on top of our game.

Dell U3423WE

Back ports (Image credit: Future)

The picture that this monitor puts out on a curved display is gorgeous. It took two whole minutes to get used to the curved display, and now it feels weird when we shift to a monitor that is not curved. Having the edges, often the most challenging parts of the screen to see, turned in is an experience in and of itself, and especially for a monitor this wide, it makes a monumental difference. 

At first, those not used to a curved monitor may think the image will be distorted due to the curve. However, that is not the case at all, as the monitor does not look like a curve while you are using it at all. Instead, the display is right where it should be.

Dell U3423WE

Monitor stand passthrough (Image credit: Future)

Final Verdict

The Dell UltraSharp U3423WE is a fantastic screen, with the only downfall from our testing being the price and the passthrough cable location on the stand. Beyond that, it worked great as a monitor for business applications, productivity, and fun in one display.


Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 4K USB-C Hub Monitor review
5:14 pm | March 13, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: | Comments: Off

For those looking for a monitor that can do it all, the Dell U2723QE monitor is worth your while, providing plenty of features, great visuals and multiple built-in color space options.

In addition, the expansive display offers a ton of screen real estate for displaying large amounts of data or editing high-resolution images and video. Throw in Low Blue Light output, a built-in multi-port USB 3.2 Gen2 hub, networking, and an audio line-out port and you’ve got one powerful monitor.

Unboxing

Unboxing and setting up the Dell U2723QE was simple, effortless, and toolless. In minutes, we assembled the stand, attached the monitor, and connected it to our computer. 

Its minimal black borders, matte silver stand, and unobtrusive footprint help this monitor fit nicely in various professional and home offices. And if you need to use a different mounting solution, the monitor includes a 100x100 VESA interface for creating custom workstation setups.

Dell U2723QE

(Image credit: Future)

The U2723QE also features impressive ergonomic options with -5º/+21º Tilt, 60º pan, and full 90º +/- rotation for vertical screen orientations. 

We appreciated Dell including a power cable, USB-C to USB-C (1m), USB-C to USB-A, and DisplayPort cable (1.8m) for various connection options. 

However, with many computers having built-in HDMI ports, we’re not exactly sure why an HDMI cable was not included and you’ll have to provide your own. (An HDMI cable is included with the U2723QX model).

First impressions

The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 4K USB-C Hub Monitor is an all-purpose product designed to create an optimal viewing experience while maximizing productivity and desk space. 

We were impressed with its expansive 3840 x 2160 UHD resolution, eye-pleasing natural colors, deep blacks, HDR options, and quick access settings for sRGB (100%), Rec 709 (100%), and DCI-P3 (98%) color spaces. 

Dell U2723QE

(Image credit: Future)

With Low Blue Light output and the anti-glare, 3H Hard Coating cutting down on the window and light reflections, we could use this monitor for hours without feeling fatigued.

In our testing, how Dell pairs a noteworthy viewing experience with the added functionality of its built-in connectivity hub sets this monitor apart from the competition. 

Connecting to external drives, your LAN and charging portable devices through a single cable connection is the next level in desk space organization and workflow optimization. The U2723QE offers a fast and easy way to connect your peripheral equipment without making multiple connections to your computer or needing to purchase an external hub.

The Dell U2723QE is a streamlined, flexible, powerful monitor designed to tackle a range of tasks. 

Design and build quality

It features a slim yet rock-solid stand that allows users to position the monitor for optimal ergonomics. The stand also has a large cutout to help with cable management for any cables you connect to the hub. 

The monitor feels well-constructed and has easy-to-use buttons for accessing monitor settings. In addition to HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C (with 90W power delivery) display connections, the U2723QE hub offers 4 x USB 3.2 Gen2 ports, 1 x RJ45 connector, and 1 x Audio line-out port. 

Per Dell’s specifications, the audio port is only for speakers and does not support headphones. Dell has also included two quick-access USB ports (1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen2 10 Gbps and 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 with up to 15W charging capability) along the bottom left edge of the monitor frame to connect or charge peripheral devices easily.

Dell U2723QE

(Image credit: Future)

In use

As we put Dell’s U2723QE through our tests, we quickly realized that this monitor would certainly be at home in diverse office environments. 

The high-resolution UHD 3840 x 2160 LED display offers true-to-life color, and while not the brightest monitor, we found the 2000:1 contrast ratio and HDR features helped to create a well-balanced, beautiful image. 

We tested in an office space with multiple windows, finding the screen to have plenty of brightness, and appreciated its anti-glare coating, which effectively cut out annoying reflections. 

We found that the 27-inch 4K display offered a great balance between how much physical desk space it occupied while offering plenty of screen real estate to view more data in a single glance and providing enhanced image details when editing photos and graphics. 

We also found the monitor works well for editing and reviewing video content with accurate colors. 

The monitor’s Smart HDR feature provides options for Desktop, Movie HDR, Game HDR, and DisplayHDR™ 400 content for optimal High Dynamic Range viewing. 

We could tell a big difference in how images appeared more life-like after enabling the HDR settings. While it will never match a television screen, the monitor provides a quality viewing experience.

Specs

Screen Size: 27-inch

Resolution: 4K 3840x2160 / 60 Hz

Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Color Gamut: 100% Rec 709, 100% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3

Brightness: 400 cd/m²

Response Time: 5 ms (gray-to-gray fast), 8 ms (gray-to-gray normal)

Viewing Angle: 178

Contrast Ratio: 2000:1 / 2000:1 (dynamic)

Ports:
-
HDMI (HDCP 2.2)
- DisplayPort 1.4
- DisplayPort output
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 upstream
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 downstream (power up to 15W)
4 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 downstream
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 downstream with Battery Charging 1.2
Audio line-out
- USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 upstream/DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode (power up to 90W)
- LAN (RJ-45)

Dimensions & Weight

With stand - width: 24.1 in - depth: 7.3 in - height: 15.2 in - weight: 14.6 lbs

Without stand - width: 24.1 in - depth: 2.1 in - height: 13.9 in - weight: 9.9 lbs

Low Blue Light emissions meant that we could also use the monitor for longer periods without experiencing eye fatigue. Meanwhile, being able to select different color space (sRGB, Rec. 709, and DCI-P3) presets meant we could switch from data applications, to web browsing, to graphic design and to video editing workflows quickly and easily with great results. 

With the expansive screen resolution, we had plenty of options for displaying multiple windows simultaneously, making it easier and more efficient when comparing data from multiple spreadsheets or copying information from one application to another.

The U2723QE provides additional ports for daisy chaining a second monitor using USB-C or DisplayPort connections to add even more screen space. You can also set up KVM, Picture-In-Picture (PIP), and Picture-By-Picture (PBP) if you need to see or control multiple computers simultaneously. 

If you're connecting to a Dell OptiPlex 7090/3090 Ultra platform, you have additional features available to you, such as Power Sync via USB-C to control the power state of the OptiPlex using a monitor power button.

For those who want to control monitor settings from their computer, Dell provides Display Manager software for both Windows and Mac operating systems to create preset tiled layouts and keyboard shortcuts to arrange and save your monitor workspace exactly the way you want.

In addition to offering lots of control for displaying content, we appreciated how adjustable the monitor is to find the right ergonomic position. We tried the monitor while seated and at a standing desk. 

The 5.9 inch vertical extension of the stand provided enough range to position the center of the monitor at a comfortable height in either setup without additional platforms. The stand also provides a wide range of swivel (-45° to 45°), pivot (-90° to 90°), and tilt (-5/+21) for a full range of positioning options. 

Dell U2723QE

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to managing peripheral devices, there are a ton of options on the market for USB hubs, and most of them add additional clutter to a desk space with boxes and cables going in every direction. 

The U2723QE's built-in hub offers a flexible and elegant solution to reducing desktop clutter and adds a wide selection of connectivity options that we found practical and powerful. 

A single USB-C connection will power 4 x USB 3.2 Gen2 ports and an RJ45 LAN (10/100/1000Mbps) port on the back of the monitor with an additional 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen2 port and 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 with Battery Charging 1.2 port located along the bottom left edge of the monitor frame for easy access.

As we tested the monitor with a single cable to the USB-C 90W PD port, we discovered that the monitor has two modes to select depending on your graphics card and workflow priorities. 

Within the menu Display settings, we found options for setting the USB-C Prioritization between High Resolution or High Data Speed transfers. According to Dell, when the monitor is set to High Resolution, all 4 lanes of USB-C are utilized for DP data and enable 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz on both DP 1.2 and DP 1.4 protocols but data transfers are limited to USB 2.0 speeds. 

When the monitor is set to High Data Speed, DP 1.2 enabled devices can display 3840 x 2160 at 30 Hz with USB 3.0 transfer speeds, and DP 1.4 devices with DSC Platform support can support display resolution up to 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz with USB 3.0 transfer speeds. 

If you’re using a computer with DP 1.2 or DP 1.4 without DSC Platform support, we found we could still achieve our optimal screen refresh rate of 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz and High-Speed data transfers by connecting 3 cables: Power, DisplayPort, or HDMI 2.0, and USB-C to the monitor’s upstream USB-C port. 

When connecting to the 90W PD USB-C port in this setup, we discovered that our computer behaved as if it had another monitor connected to it in addition to the DisplayPort/HDMI output because of the PIP / PBP feature of the monitor. 

Another option would be to set the prioritization for High Resolution and use the monitor hub ports for connecting keyboards, mice, and other peripherals at USB 2.0 speeds while connecting storage drives that need the fastest possible port speeds via another local port on the computer or through a secondary hub.

With a wide variety of display, control, and data connections along with the massive range of ergonomic position options in a single monitor, we think the Dell U2723QE monitor is a versatile addition to any workspace that makes it worth considering for your office setup.

Final verdict

The Dell U2723QE monitor sits in a sweet spot for many professionals who need to maximize their workflow and office space. 

The monitor comes with Low Blue Light output and offers full UHD 3840 x 2160 at 60Hz resolution with HDR support, multiple display connections, and a plethora of blazing fast USB 3.2 Gen2 (10Gb/s) ports in addition to an RJ45 network port and audio output port in a single, well thought out design. 

Additionally, the monitor provides an incredible range of positioning options that will help meet various ergonomic and mounting requirements. If you’re in a Dell environment, you may have even more options to optimize your setup and workflow. 

Overall, we think this monitor provides a lot of value and flexibility in one complete package.

HyperX Armada 27: solid gaming screen and an awesome arm
12:00 am | January 22, 2023

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets | Tags: , | Comments: Off

HyperX Armada 27: one minute review

There aren't a whole lot of gaming monitors out there like the HyperX Armada 27. The display panel is a fairly standard-issue 1440p gaming monitor featuring a 165Hz refresh rate, up to 1ms response time, and plenty of color modes to tinker with. But where this monitor really shines is the boom arm that replaces the traditional gaming monitor stand, and it's honestly hard for me to ever go back to a traditional gaming monitor after this.

Boom arm-style monitors aren't new by any means, with displays like the LG 32UN880 UltraFine Display Ergo being a prime example. But these monitors are typically marketed to content creators or professional users like software developers who might be crowded around and focused on a single display in portrait mode.

The HyperX Armada 27 — and its smaller sibling, the Armada 25 —  are purely designed with gamers in mind, and for that, it could easily be the best gaming monitor for 1440p gaming that you're likely to find out there thanks to its physical versatility.

It isn't all upside though, as you'll need to spend a good bit more for this display than you would for many of the best 1440p monitors on the market. The Armada 27, which is available now, has an MSRP of $499 / £499 / AU$779, though it's certainly possible to catch the occasional sale to help bring the price closer to the $400 / £400 / AU$600 mark that's typical for a good 1440p display.

And, since this is a gaming monitor, you're not getting a lot of input ports on the Armada 27, which is limited to just two HDMI 2.0 and one DisplayPort 1.4 input. This means that if you plan on using this with a PS5 or Xbox Series X console, you'll be locked into 60Hz rather than 120Hz, and there are better gaming monitors out there that can get you 120Hz for less than you're spending here.

But, there really is just something about this monitor that demands to be loved, and I do, in fact, love it. It's not for everyone, and for PC gamers out there jealous of everyone else getting to enjoy some of that sweet, sweet arm action, then this is definitely the monitor for you.

HyperX Armada 27: Price & availability

A HyperX Armada 27 on a wooden desk

(Image credit: Future)
  • How much is it? $499 / £499 / AU$779
  • When is it available? It is available now.
  • Where can you get it? It is available in the US, UK, and Australia

The HyperX Armada 27 is available now in the US, UK, and Australia for $499, £499, and AU$779, respectively.

This makes it cheaper than something like the Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165, which doesn't even have a monitor arm and costs $799 / £699 / AU$999, while something like the Monoprice Dark Matter 27-inch gaming monitor can offer the same frame rates and resolution for about 40% cheaper at $299 (about £265, AU$435).

Ultimately, it's still a bit pricey for a 1440p display that is good but not the absolute best. The money you're spending really is for the monitor arm (as well as the included VESA mount), which is well-built enough to justify the premium price, but you're still spending a lot of money for the adaptability rather than the display itself. 

If all you're looking to do is game at 1440p with fast frames, there are cheaper options for that.

  • Value: 3.5 / 5

HyperX Armada 27: Design

The HyperX logo along the chin of the HyperX Armada 27

(Image credit: Future)
  • Monitor arm is fantastic
  • Included VESA wall mount hardware
  • Limited input options
HyperX Armada 27 key specs

Here are the specs on the HyperX Armada 27 sent to TechRadar for review:

Panel Size: 27''
Panel Type: IPS
Viewing Angle: 178°
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Native Resolution: QHD (2560 x 1440)
Variable Refresh Rate Range: 48 - 165Hz
Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
Brightness: 400 nits
Max Response Time: 1ms GtG (with overdrive)
Color Gamut: 95% DCI-P3
Color Depth: 8 bit
Inputs: 2 HDMI 2.0; 1 DisplayPort™ 1.4
Nvidia G-Sync: Yes

The Armada 27 is a fantastic gaming monitor if what you're after is cool factor and a well-built premium feature. If you're looking for the best gaming panel on the market, you might find yourself disappointed by the somewhat mismatched quality of the two parts of the monitor.

First, when it comes to the arm, the degree of movement it affords you is rather incredible, and this leave it open to all kinds of use cases that we haven't even thought of yet. In addition to portrait mode, the tilt on the monitor is one of the most liberal I've ever encountered, with a back tilt that puts the display panel at an acute angle, something I've yet to encounter in a gaming monitor. 

The forward tilt isn't as intense, unfortunately, but the freedom to move the monitor through multiple axes of motion makes it ideal for finding the exact right angle to play your games no matter what position you're in.

Image 1 of 5

A HyperX Armada 27 on a wooden desk

(Image credit: Future)
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A HyperX Armada 27 on a wooden desk

(Image credit: Future)
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A HyperX Armada 27 on a wooden desk

(Image credit: Future)
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A HyperX Armada 27 on a wooden desk

(Image credit: Future)
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A HyperX Armada 27 on a wooden desk

(Image credit: Future)

The display, on the other hand, is your fairly standard plastic monitor panel, though the bezels are nice and thin, and the panel itself doesn't weigh all that much. It's VESA mount-compatible, and a wall mount for the arm is included in the package if you want to bolt it to the studs behind your dry wall.

Let me just emphasize that part, by the way. Always mount TVs and monitors to wall studs! Anchors in dry wall are not going to be enough to withstand the torque this display produces when fully extended.

As mentioned before, there are only three input ports (two HDMI 2.0 and one DisplayPort 1.4), so you're going to be somewhat limited in what you can connect to this monitor.

There is a noticeable lack of RGB lighting on this display, which I definitely appreciate, and the controls on the right-bottom corner on the back of the panel are easy to access when needed, which lets you access the display's settings menu to make adjustments to color profile, response time, and more.

  • Design: 4.5 / 5

HyperX Armada 27: Performance

A HyperX Armada 27 on a wooden desk

(Image credit: Future)
  • Steady 165Hz refresh, 1ms response time
  • Decent color gamut (95% DCI-P3)
  • HDR 400 is ok, but nothing special

The Armada 27 wouldn't be a great gaming monitor without great gaming performance, and fortunately, it delivers.

While 4K gaming monitors are nice and all, 1440p really is a sweet spot for gaming as it brings fantastic visuals while giving you higher frame rates for your games, and the Armada 27 definitely lets it rip thanks to its 165Hz max refresh rate.

What's more, you can tune the pixel response in the monitor's settings to get 1ms GtG response time, though there might be some slight loss of clarity when set in this mode. If you're in it for competitive esports, you won't care about that, but for more mainstream gaming, I'd actually suggest you use a more moderate setting between normal and the fastest response.

When it comes to color, there are a number of onboard color profile presets that you can pick from, and while 95% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage is very good, it's not the best monitor for creatives at this price.

The HDR 400 helps bring some better blacks during gaming, but really, you need content designed for HDR 400 to get the benefits of the technology, so you're probably not going to get much use out of it. It's an ok also-have, but it's definitely not a reason to buy this monitor.

  • Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should you buy the HyperX Armada 27?

The settings menu on the HyperX Armada 27

(Image credit: Future)

Buy the HyperX Armada 27 if...

Don't buy the HyperX Armada 27 if...

Also consider

HyperX Armada 27: Report Card

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  • First reviewed January 2023