In today’s gaming landscape, budget options for high-performance monitors are becoming increasingly viable. One notable contender is the Azrock PG27QFT2A, a 1440p, 180Hz IPS gaming monitor that has been generating buzz in the tech community, especially given its current price point of just $165. In this article, we will delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of this monitor, based on a comprehensive review from Techs City.
Key Features
The Azrock PG27QFT2A boasts several impressive specifications that make it stand out among budget gaming monitors. Here’s a closer look at what this monitor has to offer:
Resolution and Refresh Rate: With a resolution of 1440p (2560 x 1440) and a refresh rate of 180Hz, this monitor is designed to deliver a crisp and fluid gaming experience. This is particularly beneficial for fast-paced games where every frame counts.
Response Time: The monitor features a 1ms Motion Picture Response Time, which helps reduce motion blur and enhances the clarity of fast-moving objects on screen.
Adaptive Sync Technology: It supports AMD FreeSync technology, which helps eliminate screen tearing by synchronizing the monitor’s refresh rate with the frame rate of the GPU. It’s also noted to support G-Sync, making it versatile for users of different graphics cards.
HDR and Brightness: The PG27QFT2A is HDR400 certified, though this certification can be somewhat misleading, as the actual HDR performance can vary. The monitor can achieve a maximum brightness of around 385 nits, providing adequate brightness for most gaming scenarios.
Design and Build Quality
Unboxing the PG27QFT2A reveals a well-thought-out design. The assembly process is straightforward, requiring only one screw to attach the stand to the monitor. The base offers tilt, height, and swivel adjustments, although it does not support portrait mode. For users who prefer a different setup, it is VESA mount compatible.
The monitor features a thin bezel, enhancing the immersive gaming experience. The matte coating on the screen effectively reduces glare, making it suitable for environments with bright lighting. The back of the monitor includes multiple connectivity options, including two HDMI 2.0 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Performance
After extensive testing, the performance of the PG27QFT2A is quite impressive for a monitor in this price range. Here are some key observations:
Input Lag: With input lag measured under 5 milliseconds during high FPS gaming, this monitor competes well with more expensive options. This low latency is critical for competitive gaming, where every millisecond counts.
Color Accuracy and Brightness: While the monitor performs well in most areas, there are some caveats regarding brightness uniformity. The brightness can drop significantly when the Motion Picture Response Time (MPRT) setting is enabled, resulting in a maximum brightness of around 115 nits. However, turning off this feature significantly improves brightness to around 385 nits at its worst, providing a more vibrant visual experience.
Viewing Angles: The IPS panel technology allows for wide viewing angles, which is ideal for cooperative gaming or multi-monitor setups.
Color Profiles and Calibration
For those interested in content creation or color-critical tasks, the PG27QFT2A provides a user mode that offers decent color accuracy right out of the box. However, the standard settings may lean towards a blue bias due to the white LED backlight. Users may prefer adjusting the settings to warm mode to counteract this.
Conclusion
In summary, the Azrock PG27QFT2A proves to be an outstanding option for gamers looking for an affordable yet high-performing monitor. It combines a solid build quality, impressive specifications, and commendable performance, making it a worthy contender in the budget gaming monitor market.
While it lacks some premium features—such as portrait rotation and RGB lighting—the overall package delivers exceptional value, especially at its current price point. With its capability to handle modern games at 1440p resolution and 180Hz refresh rates, this monitor is a great choice for both casual and competitive gamers alike.
As the demand for high-resolution displays continues to grow, monitors like the PG27QFT2A are paving the way for budget-conscious consumers to enjoy a richer gaming experience without breaking the bank. Overall, this monitor is a fantastic option for anyone looking to upgrade their gaming setup on a budget.
