Not much news today in the hardware front so instead, I'll post something that interests me.
The 4k monitor landscape in 2021 for PCs are kinda interesting. Where as in previous years, it was all effectively the same overpriced monitors that are just rebranded, this year, there are some different approaches. Now the problem is that most of these monitors are barely in stock or have yet to come out so it's hard to find reviews for them. But they should all be relatively similar in performance apart from the Asus which is just terrible.
First is the best all arounder... LG 27GP950-B
https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-27gp950-b-gaming-monitor
At $900, it's a lot cheaper than getting an OLED and at 27 inches, it's a reasonable size. While 32 inches is the sweet spot for 4k, having a higher PPI for a 27 inch isn't a bad thing. It comes with 4k 144hz that can be overclocked to 165hz, DSC, HDMI 2.1, HDR 600, Wide Color Gamut, Gsync and Freesync, Nano IPS display and the list goes on. It has minimal ghosting and great response times. It's basically the monitor to get if you don't want to go OLED.
Next is the Gigabyte M28U
https://www.aorus.com/monitors/4k
This monitor is supposed to retail for $599! That's right! A 28 inch 4k 144hz monitor that you can plug into a PC for $599! It is slightly worse than LG in some respects such as being HDR 400 and not being G-sync compatible (yet) so you are limited to Freesync Premium. But still, the rest of the specs are very comparable to the LG as it comes with HDMI 2.1 and etc. It also comes with a KVM switch for your mouse and keyboard. Gigabyte also sells a version of this, just at 32 inch 4k 144hz for $1000.
Then comes the Acer XB323K
At $1300, it's harder to justify this compared to the other two. The only reason to get this one is if you want that G-sync compatible seal of approval at 32 inch 4k 144hz. The price starts to get compared to a 4k OLED but at 32 inches, it is still pretty good. Especially as it has HDMI 2.1 and all the other goodies.
Finally is the Asus Swift PG32UQX
https://store.asus.com/us/item/202103AM260000004/ASUS+ROG+SWIFT+PG32UQX+4K+HDR+Gaming+Monitor
At $3000, it's the most expensive of the bunch. The main reason is due to it's Mini-LED screen and HDR 1400. But because of it's ghosting issues, slow response times, no HDMI 2.1 and high price tag... SKIP.
As always, wait for reviews before final purchase but the era of getting reasonably good 4k 144hz monitors at reasonable prices are up on us!
Edit: Adjusted the Model for the LG
PC Specs: CPU: 7800X3D || GPU: Strix 4090 || RAM: 32GB DDR5 6000 || Main SSD: WD 2TB SN850







