[PCM2]

I’d recommend reading through the HDR section of one of our reviews as activation/deactivation is covered. Take the relevant section of the just published ASUS review, for example. HDR is something you only activate when you need it. There’s a toggle in Windows which you’d need to use for HDR movie content and a minority of games. Whilst for most games it’s handled automatically and you don’t need to worry about this toggle being on. The monitor only switches into its HDR mode when an HDR signal is being received and it does so automatically (and deactivates this automatically). The Windows toggle is a bit of a pain, but you’ll definitely remember to deactivate this when you aren’t watching HDR content as the image will clearly look wrong for SDR content if the toggle is on.

[drtim]

Now that I understand that HDR can be used only when needed, your recent review of the ASUS CG32UQ positions it as my #1 choice. It feels like it is a more future proofed purchase. I do not do any console gaming or PC gaming at all, but it does have strong text clarity according to your review, which is my top reason for purchase. Would I be able to connect the ASUS CG32UQ via Display Port to my GEFORCE GTX 1080 GPU? I originally started off being resistant to a curved monitor, but reading here on your site has swayed me to being quite open to trying a curved monitor. Can you recommend a 32″ curved DisplayHDR 600 certified screen?

[PCM2]

Per the review, the monitor: “was connected to a Windows 10 PC using Nvidia GTX 1080 Ti, using the supplied DisplayPort cable.” [for most testing]. So yes, the GTX 1080 with DisplayPort would be similar.

Your second question, I’ve already addressed. 🙂

[drtim]

Thank you. I stand corrected. My apology for the repeat question. I thought I had asked if there were any 32″ DisplayHDR 1000 certified curved screens. I am 50/50 on the matter – ASUS CG32UQ or Philips 328E1CA, or even Philips 326M6VJRMB. The pros and cons of each is hard for me to determine which is best for my needs. Of the three which do you feel would have greatest text clarity? Which would be your 2nd choice regarding text clarity? I think I am just about done with questions. Thanks for working with me on this.

[PCM2]

I addressed this a little in one of my earlier replies. But to expand on this, the curved Philips has a slight edge due to the slightly less grainy screen surface. The other models use the same panel (or an extremely similar variant of it) so are the same for text clarity. You’re unlikely to take issue with the text clarity on the flat models, though, because the pixel density is excellent and the screen surface is not a heavily layered (or high haze) finish. The strong contrast helps give text a nice ‘inky’ look relative to other models, particularly non-VA panels.

[drtim]

So, the Philips 328E1CA looks like a great pick curved monitor with great text clarity and is the lowest cost of the 3 monitors. The only thing it does not have is HDR. Being that the text clarity is the same between the ASUS CG32UQ and Philips 326M6VJRMB, the question then may become from my perspective, is there any real difference to choose one over the other, if I go with an HDR monitor? Both are DisplayHDR 600 certified. Knowing my situation, would you recommend one over the other? All 3 monitors have strong contrast and a nice inky look, correct?

[PCM2]

It’s worth reading the conclusion of the ASUS CG32UQ review as it draws some comparisons with its Philips counterpart.

The flat models offer stronger static contrast, but all models provide strong contrast and a fairly ‘inky’ look to text. You wouldn’t really notice a difference in the appearance of text in terms of how bold or ‘inky’ it looks even in a side by side comaprison, in my view. For larger areas of dark shade and when viewing in a dark room, that’s when you may notice some differences. The RGB lighting system of the ASUS is also helpful for perceived contrast, as covered in the review.

[drtim]

You give the edge to the curved monitor Philips 328E1CA for text clarity, even though you state that flat models offer stronger static contrast. I suppose that has something to do with a more grainy appearance of the 2 flat monitors – ASUS CG32UQ and Philips 326M6VJRMB. Is that accurate?

My overview of the 3 monitors:

*ASUS CG32UQ
Flat HDR monitor, 10-bit color support (if using DisplayPort), 16 zones of HDR local dimming, no SDR local dimming, better for dark room (night time) viewing due to RGB lighting system helping with perceived contrast

*Philips 326M6VJRMB
Flat HDR monitor, 10-bit color support, 16 zones of HDR local dimming, no SDR local dimming

*Philips 328E1CA
Curved monitor (no HDR), 8-bit color support, no local dimming at all, the least grainy monitor of the 3, slight edge on text clarity of the 3 monitors

Is there another 32″ monitor(s) you would recommend that has equally as good text clarity as the above 3 monitors? One that includes FALD (Full Array Local Dimming) for example? One that is at least DisplayPort 600 certified? One that is not grainy like the Philips 328E1CA?

[PCM2]

That’s an accurate summary, except that the Philips 328E1CA also has a 10-bit panel (8-bit + FRC dithering = 10-bit total). I believe the other models use 8-bit + FRC (vs. ‘true 10-bit’ without dithering) as well, but I’ve seen some conflicting information based on others using the panel. Which is why we don’t specify whether dithering is used or not to achieve the 10-bit. It’s neither here nor there, if we can’t tell for sure by testing the monitor what chance is there the average user would notice a difference or could confirm the method used for you? I am however 100% certain the 328E1CA uses dithering, which is why it’s specifically mentioned. Not because I can see anything in the performance attributes confirming it per se, but because I received direct confirmation in person with the product manager. Plus how it is reported in Windows makes it clear it’s not a ‘true 10-bit’ model (very few are and as I say it’s not something to be concerned with).

There are no alternatives to consider, I’d have mentioned them if there were. There are only 2 panels used – flat (InnoLux AAS/VA-type) and curved Samsung SVA). And no others that offer VESA DisplayHDR 600 capability.

[drtim]

The ASUS CG32UQ is over double the cost of the Philips 328E1CA. I really do want to buy a monitor that includes HDR, as I feel it is more of a future-proof purchase. Is there an IPS monitor that provides excellent text clarity, as good as the ASUS CG32UQ or Philips 328E1CA? What about something like ASUS PA329C? Or does IPS not even get into the decision making process for text clarity? I am sure you have more than likely answered this style of question a 1000 times over. I am doing my best to understand something that is very confusing for me, but obviously much less confusing for you. Considering the cost of the ASUS CG32UQ, it opens the doors to looking at other monitors with higher price points and much better local dimming. However, my #1 most important factor in buying the monitor is text clarity and productivity; not HDR, and as far as I can tell local dimming is an HDR function. I will use the monitor coupled with a Varidesk standing desk and VESA single monitor arm.

[PCM2]

IPS alternatives are just fine for text clarity, although text doesn’t have the same ‘inky’ look to it due to much weaker static contrast. That doesn’t make it uncomfortable to use and it doesn’t effect how sharp the text appears, just that subjectively some users prefer a more ‘contrasty’ and ‘inky’ appearance. The PA329C has 32 dimming zones (vs. 16 for the VA models), but the static contrast is significantly weaker and you have ‘IPS glow’ to contend with. The dark-scene HDR performance is actually worse in many scenarios than the VA options we’ve already discussed. You’d need to consider something like the (very expensive) PA32UCX to really gain an advantage in HDR performance over the VA models.

[drtim]

The ASUS PA32UCX is ultra expensive. On Amazon.co.uk, I can only find the PA32UCX-K model, but it is triple the cost of the CG32UQ. I think I will stick with much more affordable options. Either the Philips 328E1CA or ASUS CG32UQ. I may have to toss a coin on this one.

[tomashrdli]

Dear PCM2,
I would like to ask for favour and recommend me to good monitor.

I have been suffering from a headache since the summer when using displays. I already have tried several monitors with different features, price level as well as technology (TN. IPS, VN). The most comfortable for my eyes is pretty old ASUS VW 193D, which is not is sufficient for my work. I mostly use excel, no graphic, no games.

I consulted the problem with doctors, got new glasses. I really tried to exclude the medical problem so I tried different doctor, but the reason of my headache was not found. It hurts when I use some display. My last experience is with new self phone (Xiaomy note 7), after few minutes, headache comes. My hypothesis was confirmed – there is some issue with new displays. (Now I´m still using my Xiaomy 5A with no problem.

I considered PWM issue, but according to NotebookCheck, there is no PWm reglation in case of my laptop (Lenovo Legion Y530), but after using I sill get headache.
I use glasses with blue light filter to protect my eyes.

Have you ever heard about issue like that? I´m starting be desperate and can not find my ideal monitor.

Thank you very much for any advice or recommendation what to focus.

Tomas

[PCM2]

Hi tomashrdli,

If you read through this thread a bit you’ll see there are many factors to consider, PWM is just one. I’d recommend reading our article on the topic of viewing comfort, too. Everybody’s eyes are different and it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of discomfort. Differences in screen surface, panel type, backlighting (spectral sensitivity etc.), pixel density and other factors can all play a role. The recommendations section is a good starting point for some inspiration, the models featured there all tick several important viewing comfort boxes. Which would be best is a very individual and subjective thing, even in terms of viewing comfort.

[nowak1981]

I’ve been looking to buy a new set of monitors for a long while now, and I just cant seem to find anything that really checks all the boxes. I get a lot of headaches, and part of that is from my screens. (various sizes-res) I am basically sitting in front of a screen for the entire day. What bugs me the most is the blur when Im moving things around. For instance if I am working on anything desktop related and move windows around, there is a noticeable blur. Granted this isnt the greatest monitor in the world, (AOC 2757 27″ 1080p 60hz), it probably doesnt help that my secondary monitors are an AOC u3277WB 32″ 4k 59hz and a Dell ST2421L 24″ 1080p 60hz. These were basically bought over time and never really retired. The 4k ended up just being to large for me, but it’s nice that it has a lot of desktop space for open tabs.

I should also mention that I recently upgraded my PC, Im currently running an;
Intel i5-9600k
2x8gb of Corsair Vengence LPX 3000 MHz ddr4
EVGA Nvidia 1070 FTW2 gpu
500gb samsung 970 Evo plus NVME SSD
all on an Gigabyte Aorus z390 Elite and an
EVGA 700BR Bronze Power supply (wanted gold but I couldnt wait)

So now, What am i looking for? I want to upgrade to 3 new 27″ monitors, 2560 x 1440. Integrated G-Sync, 144hz+ 1ms. From what I’ve read, the higher refresh and response times are what will help me the most. I want the g-sync because I believe it will improve the games I play and maybe some that havent been released yet, (WOW,ESO, Car Mechanic Simulator, everything played on the 27″ 1080p) nothing spectacular except for CMS, It has the potential to be quite graphic intensive, it has a benchmark system built into it and even at mediocre settings I still get a fair amount of skipping. Wow and ESO can have a lot of bluring im assuming due to the lower response times. Other than that, I do a fair about of desktop work, autocad, revit, and sketchup.

The only things I have really tried to make it easier on me is by turning down the brightness of the monitors, being in a well lit room and using the windows night light function to warm up the colors.

I’d like to keep the prices down below $600 each, and it seems like that is a fair price from what i’ve found. I’ve looked just about everything nvidia lists as g-sync ready. I’d like to keep the g-sync as an integrated module due to a options provided by the premium level module. Ultra low motion blur being one of them. The Ultimate HDR would be cool, but i dont really want a 4k monitor right now. It seems excessive for what I do, and I would need to upgrade my GPU (which I will do eventually) I’ve looked at the Dell 2716DG and it seems to check most of the boxes, but I keep finding a lot of complaints about quality control, dead pixels and poor lifespan, I’ve looked at the Asus and Acer models, but I am also finding a lot of the same issues and excessive bleeding with these brands. The only things that I have recently found is a newer Viewsonic XG270QG. I can’t say i’ve seen this around much in the length of time I have been looking(over a year) so im guessing its a recent release. Its not even listed on Nvidia’s list yet.

So I think I wrote enough. Its a lot, but this is a big purchase and I plan on keeping these for 5+ years, unless something drastically changes. In the end, Bluring, tearing, brightness = bad. Can you guys suggest anything of good quality that fits my needs? If the product justifies the price I could be willing to spend more.

Thank you very much for your time and effort!

[PCM2]

Hi nowak1981 and welcome,

Unfortunately pretty much every monitor out there can have issues with uniformity, defective pixels and other things. Some are somewhat more prone to such issues than others, but none are immune. The Dell S2716DG, for example, has a fair bit of variability when it comes to gamma tuning. But it’s certainly no more prone on average to uniformity issues or pixel defects. I actually own one of these monitors and use it heavily – and it has been running well for several years now. Dell are also excellent in terms of aftercare, so if something does go wrong or even if you’re simply not happy for some reason they’ll do what they can to help. They don’t like you to be without a monitor, so if they deem a replacement would help they’ll send you out a new unit and then have yours collected.

I didn’t want to turn this into an advertisement for Dell, but I would certainly consider the S2716DG as a good potential candidate for you and would encourage you not to be put off by the issues you may have read about. What I would actually suggest, though, is going for one monitor first rather than going for the triple monitor setup straight away. That way you can identify if you actually get on with that particular model, or if there’s something you find innately bothersome. I’m not sure it’s necessary for you to consider a strobe backlight technology like ULMB, it may be sufficient simply to go up to 144Hz. Would may find the flickering of a strobe backlight model bothersome, but if you’ve identified it’s purely a motion-related sensitivity you have then I agree that ULMB or a similar strobe backlight setting would be a good option.

I am fond of the ViewSonic XG270QG and have gathered a fair amount of feedback on that model plus others that share its panel (but lack the G-SYNC module), such as the 27GL850. From what I’ve seen the quality control is significantly better than the older models that use AUO AHVA panels, including the ViewSonic XG2703-GS, Acer XB271HU and ASUS PG279Q (and related models). And the mixture of colour quality and responsiveness is so far unmatched from any other product. As covered in the review, though, I don’t consider the ULMB implementation to be all that wonderful due to strong strobe crosstalk. If you’re sensitive to motion performance it may still hit the spot, but the ULMB performance of something like the S2716DG is still better. You’d be sacrificing image quality by going that route for sure, though.

[s1blyx]

I would suggest you try out GB FI27Q or P (even though the P is too expensive). What I don’t suggest you to get if you have problems with headaches, is any monitor with LG’s nano IPS panel. I can’t describe it, but the panel is just more aggressive than FI27Q for example. I had them both side to side. I went with LG because I didn’t get headaches, but I can easily see how someone might. And three of my friends and girlfriend confirmed the same thing, so I doubt that it’s just a placebo effect.

[PCM2]

If I’m not misremembering, the FI27Q(P) and related models have a less energetic peak of blue light, shifted to a longer wavelength. This could certainly explain why you and other users may find the LG Nano IPS models ‘harsh’ by comparison. Spectral sensitivity is one of the factors touched upon in our viewing comfort article, although that’s just general guidance without the specific examples raised here. It isn’t something that everyone is sensitive to in the same way and it may not affect the OP. Users experience viewing discomfort for many reasons and whilst it’s nice to tick as many boxes as possible, it’s not always necessary.

There aren’t any models using the Innolux panel with a G-SYNC module – something the OP explicitly said they were interested in. Whether or not that’s essential rather than just desirable is debatable, but I still think the ViewSonic might be worth trying for nowak1981. I agree that the Gigabyte models stand out as strong considerations as well, especially with the kinder backlights. 🙂

[PCM2]

Just to add that we’re currently reviewing the BenQ EX2780Q which uses the same Innolux panel as the Gigabyte models. I certainly agree that there’s a “gentle” quality to the backlight and I can confirm that the panel does have a shifted blue peak, 455nm rather than the more usual 450nm used on current LG Nano IPS panels. It doesn’t look like much on paper, so to speak, but it is enough to give it a less harsh quality for users sensitive to such things. There can be other factors at play as well, but I do find general eye fatigue relatively low with this model.

[nowak1981]

So I’ve finally had enough time to sit down really reread through the reviews on those monitors I chose, and I decided to look into the Gigabyte FI27Q(P) that was suggested in an earlier post. I wish the PCMonitors review could have been a little more comprehensive like that of the Viewsonic XG270QG. I did however find a review on youtube that did many of the similar tests that I have seen here.

The differences that I have found between the FI27Q and the FI27Q-P is that the P model utilizes High Bit Rate 3 which allow the use of all the nice nits simultaneously, 2k, 165Hz, HDR. 10bit color. The P model also comes with Active Noise Cancelling when you use a headset plugged into the monitor. as well as a Black Equalizer 2.0 which was shown in the video and I thought it looked pretty impressive if your into it. And Utilizes DP1.4×1 (HBR3)

The Semi-con about the FI27Q-P is that it is a Freesync monitor that is G-sync compatible, no integrated G-Sync. The Integrated version would have allowed me the use of Full variable Refresh rate range, variable overdrive, and ultra low motion blur. The monitor also advertised a 1ms refresh rate and the tester on the you tube video found that the 5-6ms range to be more appropriate. Written reviews I have found have mostly been good, with a couple complaining about lamp bleed on the lower left corner.

The Viewsonic XG270QG was the other monitor I was looking at. I watched the video review of the monitor from the bottom of the page. Most of the time he spent in gaming and from my end it looked ok, but he was trying to relay a lot of the overshoot and other image quality issues going through all the options. All that stuff Im not real sure on. This monitor also only comes with DP1.2. I dunno how much thats needed. The written comments have mostly been good, few complaints about bleed through, but nothing else really worth mentioning at this point. The monitor also advertised a 1ms refresh rate but if Im readying correctly you guys measured about 3.77ms.

Most of the stuff we have been looking at is gaming related, does any of this apply to the desktop, like the cursor, file explorer, basically the movment of anything on the desktop. If i move my mouse in a 6″ circle quickly, I can see approx. 6-10 other arrows following behind about an inch apart, and I am basically catching up to my starting point. This happens with just about anything on the desktop, even scrolling through pages quickly can be laggy like that. Are the reason for this issue because of the higher response time? (advertised at 5ms (g2g)) The main monitor being an AOC 2757

Most of my time spent on this computer will be a combination of Gaming(WoW, ESO) both of i get about 90fps on med settings but still tears when I move the camera a little fast. I also work a lot on the general desktop, browsing, AutoCad, Sketchup, Revit among some other programs not really worth mentioning. Obviously tech that will help with keeping the colors in a warmer range(anything dark mode is my friend), less stuttering and tearing would be really nice. My head would certainly appreciate it.

I think we are getting close, maybe some info on what and what I shouldnt really be looking for. Any other monitors worth looking at. Assuming I get a tax return this year (went back to school), ill be looking into getting something soon.

Amazon is building a huge warehouse across town, they need to hurry up and stock it so I dont have to deal with ups/fedex trashing my packages lol

Thanks again for all the input and I apologize for the late reply!

[Author]

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