Gigabyte M27Q X Review.
PROS
- Low input lag
- KVM functionality
- Lightweight build
- Affordable price
- Good color-gamut results
CONS
- Low brightness and contrast ratio at default screen setting
- Stand is noisy
GIGABYTE M27Q X SPECS
Panel Size (Corner-to-Corner) | 27 inches |
Native Resolution | 2560 by 1440 |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Screen Technology | Super Speed IPS |
Rated Screen Luminance | 350 cd/m^2 |
Rated Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
Pixel Refresh Rate | 240 Hz |
Adaptive Sync | AMD FreeSync |
Video Inputs | HDMI, DisplayPort |
USB Ports (Excluding Upstream) | 3 |
VESA DisplayHDR Level | DisplayHDR 400 |
Dimensions (HWD) | 21 by 24.2 by 7.6 inches |
Weight | 11.6 lbs |
Height-Adjustable Stand? | |
Tilting Stand? | |
Swiveling Stand? | |
Landscape/Portrait Pivot |
Gigabyte, a reputable manufacturer of gaming monitors, has once again demonstrated its reliability by offering the Gigabyte M27Q X. This 1440p monitor, similar to its predecessor, the Gigabyte Aorus FI32Q, provides all the essential features one desires in a gaming monitor. Despite not being a 4K panel, it compensates for its lower resolution with exceptional performance, boasting a remarkable 240Hz refresh rate and a wide range of unique features, such as an onboard KVM and numerous ports. While it excels in performance, it falls slightly short of perfection due to its relatively dim brightness levels and average contrast ratio.
Design: The Beauty of Simplicity in Gaming Monitors.
The Gigabyte M27Q X offers a simplistic design that enhances the PC gaming experience. With thin bezels on three sides of the 27-inch monitor and a utilitarian design featuring the Gigabyte logo at the bottom, it provides a familiar yet appealing look. The adjustable stand allows for a 5-inch height adjustment, although it may produce noise during movement. Supported by a V-shaped base, the monitor lacks tilt or swivel functionality.
In terms of dimensions, the monitor has a measurement of 21 by 24.2 by 7.6 inches (HWD), which is similar to other 27-inch monitors we have reviewed, such as the MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD. It weighs only 11.6 pounds, making it much lighter than the ViewSonic Elite XG270QG or Sony Inzone M9. These measurements include the stand. However, if you decide to remove the base and attach the monitor to a VESA mount or arm, the panel alone weighs a mere 7.7 pounds.
Upon examining the display, the 27-inch “Super Speed” IPS panel technology guarantees a contrast ratio of 1,000:1 and is certified with a VESA DisplayHDR 400 rating. These claims will be thoroughly tested in due course. Fast IPS displays, marketed under different names, assert that they can provide response times four times quicker than regular IPS displays. This is achieved through a thinner liquid-crystal layer and increased driving voltage. The screen is also compatible with AMD FreeSync Premium and boasts a 1ms gray-to-gray (GTG) response time.
There are two top-firing 2-watt speakers and an analog stick located behind the monitor. The analog stick is used for controlling the onscreen display (OSD). Positioned above the stick is a button for the built-in keyboard/video/mouse (KVM) feature. This feature allows you to control multiple attached devices using a single mouse and keyboard. To utilize this feature, you need to connect your mouse and keyboard to the monitor and then connect a compatible second PC or device using a USB-C cord (the device must support DisplayPort over USB-C). By pressing the KVM button, you can switch which computer is displayed on the monitor and transfer the input devices to it.
The KVM may attract attention with its unique features, however, the I/O hub located at the back also offers noteworthy components. It includes all the necessary features such as a DisplayPort jack, two HDMI 2.0 ports, an earphone jack, three USB 3.0 ports (two downstream, one upstream), and a USB-C port. Although there is no HDMI 2.1 port, the high-bit-rate 3 (HBR3) DisplayPort jack provides sufficient bandwidth to support the monitor’s maximum refresh rate, full color depth, and HDR simultaneously.
One notable aspect of this is that the Gigabyte M27Q X is frequently available at a significantly lower price than its original listing. On certain occasions, we have observed it being priced closer to rather than, making it a viable option for those on a budget, albeit just barely.
Evaluating the Gigabyte M27Q X: High Refresh Rates, Low Contrast Ratios.
The Gigabyte M27Q X is a strong competitor for gamers who value the visual output of their video card’s high frame rates. To comprehensively evaluate its performance against other monitors in the market, we will subject it to our standard gaming monitor tests using Datacolor’s SpyderX Elite tool and its corresponding software. Initially, we will assess the display in its default picture mode with an SDR signal. In this scenario, the Gigabyte M27Q X achieved a brightness of 210 nits and a black level of 0.93, resulting in a contrast ratio of 230:1, falling short of the advertised 1,000:1 rating.
A monitor’s ability to produce deep blacks and bright whites is directly related to its contrast ratio. This is particularly important for enhancing picture quality, especially in dark scenes during gameplay. With the standard contrast ratio for IPS panels being 1,000:1, a ratio of 230:1 can be quite challenging to accept.
Please remember that all our monitors undergo testing right out of the box with factory settings. However, this does not imply that there are no ways to enhance the brightness level. One way to achieve this is by switching to the monitor’s Movie mode, which resulted in a notable improvement, measuring 430 nits of brightness in SDR mode. It is also crucial to take into account your viewing environment, as a lower brightness setting may be more suitable for a user in a well-lit room.
Please keep in mind that we thoroughly test all of our monitors fresh out of the box with factory settings. However, this does not mean that there are no ways to enhance the brightness level. For instance, switching over to the monitor’s Movie mode made a significant difference, measuring 430 nits of brightness in SDR mode. Your viewing environment is also crucial to consider, as a lower brightness reading might be beneficial for a user in a well-lit room.
Switching over to HDR mode yielded improved outcomes, albeit not significantly. The brightness increased by over two times compared to the default SDR setting, reaching 408 nits, meeting the specified DisplayHDR 400 standard, resulting in a contrast ratio of 600:1.
Transitioning to HDR mode led to enhanced outcomes, although the difference was not substantial. The brightness more than doubled from the default SDR setting, reaching 408 nits, achieving the promised DisplayHDR 400 standard, resulting in a contrast ratio of 600:1.
The color gamut results of the Gigabyte M27Q X were quite impressive, with 100% sRGB coverage, 96% Adobe RGB, and 93% DCI-P3. In comparison to other QHD monitors such as the Razer Raptor 27, the Gigabyte M27Q X performed better despite having lower contrast.
The color accuracy performed quite satisfactorily, achieving an average Delta E result of 1.66. A higher Delta E number indicates that common colors may deviate from their purest form, while a rating below 1 is considered ideal for accurate color representation. This aspect is particularly crucial for individuals using content creation tools, whereas it holds less significance for the average gamer. Those who prioritize color accuracy should consider exploring monitors designed specifically for photo editing purposes.
Media and Gaming Performance.
If you have previously read our monitor reviews, you will already be acquainted with the following information: Response time and input lag are not synonymous. Input lag refers to the duration it takes for the monitor to show a signal, whereas response time pertains to the time it takes for pixels to transition from one color to another.
The measurement of gray-to-gray or GTG indicates the duration required for a pixel to shift from one gray level to another. However, it is not a universally standardized measure as different vendors employ varying methods to measure these levels. This also holds true for other measurements such as black-white-black (BWB) and white-black-white (WBW).
Instead of evaluating response time, we assess input lag by utilizing the HDFury Diva Matrix. The Gigabyte M27Q X exhibited an impressive input lag of 1.6 milliseconds in this particular scenario. As you may have anticipated, a smaller value indicates a superior performance in terms of input lag. Although certain monitors like the Corsair Xeneon 32QHD165 do measure below 1 millisecond, the disparity in this case would likely go unnoticed, except in rare instances during highly competitive esports matches.
The non-gaming viewing experience was excellent, as there was no glare present regardless of the viewing angle. Additionally, the gaming performance was impressive, with no noticeable ghosting observed while playing Halo Infinite or Guardians of the Galaxy.
Strike a balance between refresh rate and resolution.
The Gigabyte M27Q X demonstrates its excellence as a monitor with its 240Hz refresh rate and QHD resolution, making it a perfect choice. Although its contrast and brightness may not match up to the Gigabyte Aorus FI32Q, it still offers great value for gamers seeking high frame rates at an affordable price. This 1440p monitor deserves recognition and praise.