BuildPicker

Alex

4 Best CPU-GPU Combos for Gaming & Workstations

by Leave a Comment

Matching a processor and a graphics card may seem easy, but when you want to maximize your performance at a certain budget, there are ideal pairings to be made. For example, a demanding gamer won’t need a high number of cores, but someone working on video editing or 3D content creation might.

We’ve compiled 4 pairings to match most peoples needs and budget, but note that new CPU lineups from AMD are coming (Ryzen 5000 series), along with new GPUs from Nvidia (RTX 3070, RTX 3060) and AMD (Radeon 6000 series). So if you’re not in a hurry, it can be smarter to wait for them, whether it’s for the generational performance boost or the consequential price drop of the current generation.

Best – CPUs/ GPUs combinations our selections

Entry-level Gaming: Ryzen 3 3100 + Radeon RX 5500 XT

Want a desktop PC that doesn’t break the bank and still holds his ground in e-sports titles and other not too demanding games? Pairing a Ryzen 3 3100 ($99) – a 4 cores/8 threads CPU that rivals with Intel’s i3 lineup—with a RX 5500XT will give you great performance for 1080p gaming

Why not Intel’s own i3-10100 or i3-9100f you ask? While they have similar performance and can often be found for less money, going with AMD Ryzen gives you access to a more future-proof platform: the AM4 socket will support Ryzen 5000 CPUs and an upgrade to those will be more beneficial than Intel’s offerings.

I would have ideally recommended a Ryzen 3 3300X, more powerful for only $20-30 more, but it’s often out of stock and impossible to find at the moment. If you ever find one though, it is totally worth the price increase.

The Radeon RX 5500XT ($199), while not as known as Nvidia GPUs, dominates the low-end like AMD usually do. It offers awesome performance for 1080p gaming, only matched at this price point by the usually more expensive GTX 1660. Be sure to get a 8GB VRAM model though, as games are becoming more and more demanding on memory.

View on Amazon
View CPU on Amazon

Mid-range Gaming: Ryzen 5 3600 -RTX 2070 Super

AMD Ryzen 5 3600

A pairing that can satisfy most gamers: the Ryzen 5 3600 is simply the best value CPU out there, offering great gaming performance and even 6 cores/12 threads to please streamers and content creators. For a while gamers wanting to maximize performance had to get CPUs over $400 to max their GPU, but now this $199 value-king won’t limit yourself even at 1440p 144Hz, so that’s more money to put towards a better GPU.

Want more? It only has a TDP of 65W, and includes a Wraith Stealth aircooler, good enough to match most $30 coolers on the market. It’s not the most silent, but unlike Intel’s default cooler it’s actually good.

User considering heavy content creation can opt for the Ryzen 7 3700X ($329). With 8 cores/16 threads, it won’t offer more gaming performance until games get optimized for more cores, but multi-thread workloads will run faster, and its TDP is still 65W.

With a price around $400, the RTX 2070 Super still holds the crown of best mid-range GPUs. For 1080p 144Hz gaming, it’s simple, you don’t need more than that at the moment. If you’re tempted to play at 1440p 144Hz, you might want to upgrade to a RX 5700XT or a RTX 2080 , or wait for the upcoming series from Nvidia and AMD. But with a bit of compromise, a 2060 Super can get you running even at that resolution.

View on Amazon
View CPU on Amazon

High-end Gaming: i5-10600k + RTX 3080

Users playing e-sports titles at more than 200Hz or heavy AAA titles might be the only ones limited by Ryzen’s current lineup, but Intel has them covered: the i5-10600k ($262) will offer them more single thread performance than a R5-3600, which is enough not to limit the beefiest graphics cards on the market and squeeze every frame out of them.

Intel sadly don’t provide a CPU cooler with this one, so you have to get your own. Make sure it’s good enough to handle its 125W TDP or you could find yourself in throttle territory.

If you’re targeting 4K gaming, even a Ryzen 5 3600 ($199) might actually do the trick. That resolution put less stress on the CPU, and every CPU on the market ends up having similar performance. However if you play on 1440p or 1080p, the gap increases on single-core performance, so Intel’s current lineup is best fitted until we see some Ryzen 5000 CPUs on the market.

The RTX 3080 ($599), if you can get your hands on one, is THE best GPU on the market right now, and will easily handle every game you throw at it at 1440p or 4K with high refresh rates and even provide a decent RayTracing experience (finally) if you’re into that. It has given gamers a once-in-a-decade performance increase over previous generation and makes every previous high-end GPUs irrelevant.

Its 10 GB VRAM are enough for every games on the market in 2020, and there’s a good chance it will be for a long time. It however has a 320W power draw, so make sure your PSU can handle that.

View on Amazon
View CPU on Amazon

High-end Gaming Workstation: Intel i9-10900kf + RTX 3080

Intel Core i9-10900k

If you want a no compromise machine that allows you to both edit 4K videos and play at high refresh rates, look no further. The Intel i9-10900kf ($472) is a 10 core, 20 threads CPU, or should I say a workstation beast, that will not flinch on the most demanding workloads. While it’s overkill for gaming, it offers a significant gain in most content creation software like the Adobe CS suite or Solidworks.

Intel’s 14nm process, while not as efficient as AMD’s 7nm, is refined to near excellency and provide an appreciated gaming performance boost over AMD’s Ryzen 3900X. It’s hard to cool down though, so make sure you have a proper aircooler or AIO cooler to match.

I however highly recommend waiting for the Ryzen 9 5900X or 5950X, which should release on November 5, to maximize your performance especially if you deal with heavy multi-threaded workloads. But if you need a PC right now that’s extremely powerful in gaming AND content creation, the i9-10900kf is your best bet.

As for the GPU, we again find the RTX 3080 ($599), which has no real competition at the moment. For gaming it has unmatched performance, and for work it outperforms both the Titan RTX and 2080Ti on every rendering benchmark there is. Only the RTX 3090 is more powerful, with roughly a 15 to 20% overhead on rendering (and 140% more VRAM with 24GB), but its price is significantly higher and gaming performance between the two is similar.

View on Amazon
View CPU on Amazon

6 Mesh Cases for Airflow-oriented PC builds in 2020

by Leave a Comment

If the most noise-sensitive buyers will prefer a quiet, sound-dampening case, most users will benefit from a trend that’s on a comeback since 2019: airflow-oriented cases.

The idea is simple: replacing the solid front panel with a mesh grid that allows for direct, unobstructed airflow from front to back.
Manufacturers have tried it before of course, but now that ODD bays are mostly a relic of the past, and components run hotter and hotter, the need for direct, high-performance airflow is bigger than ever.
Mesh airflow cases allow you to get the highest performance from your system by quickly moving all the hot air out of your case. Having good airflow also reduces the need for water cooling: a big CPU cooler will be as efficient and silent as a much more expensive AIO cooler if it can move more air around.


You might be concerned about silence, but here’s the trick: since there’s better airflow, your fans won’t spin as much to move the air around, so will make less noise, simple as that! Upgrading the CPU cooler to a silent, high-end one is however a good idea, as decent stock coolers you might want to keep (AMD Wraith Spire/Prism) aren’t built for silence and won’t have sound-dampening materials to help them

Best Mesh cases for airflow orientated

Best Airflow case on a budget

At around $60, hard to believe the Phanteks P300A Mesh almost has it all: a large mesh front, plenty of interior space, and a tempered glass side panel. It keeps the design simple but includes good quality materials and smart cable management ideas. The side panel can swivel and has been reduced in height to not include the power supply shroud, a trend we appreciate as it lowers the overall cost of the case while still looking
great.
The mesh front panel is Phanteks’ other great idea to reduce cost: it’s so fine it acts as its own filter and doesn’t require an additional filter behind it. It’s not the textile mesh that we’ve seen on their higher-end cases but is made of high-quality metal that is durable and easy to clean.
Storage options include two 3.5″ HDD trays and one 2.5″ SSD bracket, a configuration that will match most people’s needs. There’s even a second slot for an optional SSD bracket if needed. Ports are pretty standard with 2x USB 3.0, mic & headphones jacks on top.


The case doesn’t disappoint on fan mounting options, with 4x 120mm fan slots, 3 of them large enough for 140mm fans. It can also fit a front radiator of 240 or 280mm. Its only real downside? The lack of stock fans. With only one 120mm fan included, intake airflow is limited and the case only reveals its true cooling potential with the addition of two front fans at least. But maybe you have those already. If not and by doing the math you find the cost of the case and fans too high, you could also consider its the older brother, the award-winning P400A Digital, that comes with 3 preinstalled DRGB intake fans for $90. But if you plan on adding your own fans, there’s not really any match for this $60 case, really convincing at this price point

View on Amazon

Best Airflow Mid-Tower case

Sometimes, to make a great airflow case, you just need a great case and a front panel swap. The Lian Li Lancool II Mesh is the airflow version of the original Lancool II, a case with awesome features but lacking in cooling. The Mesh version improves on that and delivers the best thermals yet on an ATX case, without compromising on features or material quality.

Like on the P300A, the tempered glass side panels are shorter than the overall case height, a good decision to keep the price low without compromising on looks. The case makes great use of magnets for easy opening of the two side panels. Great functionality for hard drive lovers: the bottom PSU shrouds have a magnetic door on the side that can be easily opened to access the 3x HDD slots for easy swap, and as it’s also a mesh panel, it’ll allow for better cooling of the hard drives. The case also has 4x SSD brackets on the right side. The front I/O comes with 2x USB 3.0 ports, a dual audio jack for headphones and mic, and an empty hole to add an optional USB-C cable sold by Lian Li. We would’ve appreciated the inclusion of this USB-C cable, but not everybody needs USB-C. Cable management isn’t left out, as in addition to the standard cable ties and routing it includes two large cover plates behind the motherboard tray to conceal almost all your cables and enjoy the view from the right tempered glass panel. A feature we rarely see at this price point. It comes with 2x 140mm front fans and 1x 120mm back fan, connected to a fan hub with 6 PWM connectors.

It can be managed with a 4-position speed slider placed at the top of the case (3 speeds + auto PWM mode). If you plan on changing the fan configuration, the case is very flexible and allows for up to 2x 140mm fans at the top, 3x 120mm at the front. It can fit a 240mm radiator at the top or front, and even a 360mm radiator at the front. The PSU shroud cover is also modular and can host two additional 120mm fans. Users already equipped with the original Lancool II can also opt to swap the front panel for the new Mesh panel, saving the cost of changing the entire case. At $90 in non-RGB and $100 with RGB (available in black or white), it competes with way more expensive cases without backing down and delivers the best stock cooling experience we’ve seen so far on an ATX case.

View on Amazon

Best Airflow mATX case

With the Meshify line, Fractal Design was one of the first companies to provide high-quality airflow cases. If the regular Meshify C isn’t the best choice on ATX anymore now that other manufacturers came into play, its little mATX brother has less competition and doesn’t disappoint: The Fractal Design Meshify C Mini brings high-end quality to a form factor too often dismissed by manufacturers.

While not as modular as our other picks, the case is streamlined without compromising on useful features, and at 33.4 liters it has a particularly small footprint. The mesh panel sports an original angular design while still being sober, and includes an easily removable dust filter behind it. The case is available with either a regular tempered glass panel or a tinted tempered glass (“Blackout Edition”) or a stealth approach to RGB illumination, or for people who just want to hide their interior a bit. The panel can’t swivel as it’s mounted on 4 screws, so opening the case is longer but the panel is more secured.

It comes with 2x 120mm fans, but you might want to add a 3rd one to maximize airflow. It can fit 3×120mm or 2x140mm at the front, and up to 2x140mm fans at the top. If you want to go with liquid cooling, the case allows for a 280mm radiator in the front and/or 240mm up top.
One thing to keep in mind: the case is shallower than usual, so the longest GPUs might not fit especially if you want multiple front fans. The maximum video card clearance is 315mm/12.402″. The Meshify C Mini sells around $110, so it’s not the cheapest option in mATX, but if you’re really looking for quality and performance at this form factor, this is your best bet.

View on Amazon

Best Full Tower case

The Enthoo lineup regroups Phanteks’ flagship cases, the latest entry in this lineup is the Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2, a full tower case that features all the options a workstation would need, with an airflow
an approach that’s still rare at this form factor. While the standard model comes with a tempered glass side panel like most cases, there’s also a more sober metal panel option, if you’re building a workstation for a professional environment for example. The front panel is mostly composed of a giant fabric mesh that filters a lot of dust, but unlike the P300A or P400A, it has an additional filter behind it.


The case is twice as tall as your regular ATX motherboard but uses this space to host almost everything you can think of: SSI-EEB & E-ATX compatibility, extensive water cooling support, vertical GPU brackets, space for 8 PCI slots, and up to 4 HDD/11 SSD out of the box. You can even upgrade that to 12 HDD bays! To cool all that, you can install up to 15x 120mm fans or 8x 140mm, radiators pretty much everywhere with up to 480mm in the front. However the case doesn’t come with any fan included, as it can be expected on high-end full towers, so be sure to add your own.


The Enthoo Pro 2 hidden feature? A spot for where to install a second motherboard in ITX format, powered by either a second PSU or Phanteks’ own Revolt X. Having a dual system is quite a niche feature but is nonetheless appreciated, it might suit professionals or streamers who want a high-end desktop PC and a second less powerful ITX station in the same space. Connectivity includes 4x USB 3.0, a mic/headphone dual jack, and a USB-C Gen 2 port, all under a small flap on the front panel. I/O and buttons can even be split between the two systems if you go for that. The case has a D-RGB controller and motherboard adapter, and a discrete RGB strip on top of the PSU shroud. The Enthoo Pro 2 comes at an MSRP of $140, which is surprisingly low for a Phanteks flagship case. If you need the extra space and features of a full tower, it’s worth every penny.

View on Amazon

Best ITX cases

Airflow on an ITX case is different: the front panel is usually covered, and the air goes from side to side, with optional vents at the top and bottom. But there’s no ground rule when it comes to ITX cases, as there’s a lot of different designs and panel options out there. And a lot of different pricing too, that why we decided to offer both a budget ITX option and a high-end one.


A case who caught our attention is the Cooler Master NR200, which includes vented panels on 4 sides (left, right, top & bottom) for maximum airflow. It has clearance for a 330mm GPU, 155mm CPU cooler, and even a 280mm radiator on the side. It can host up to 7x 120mm fans if you compromise on storage and get an SFX PSU, so airflow potential is really good, but make sure to choose good fans and a fan controller. With a volume of 18.25L, it’s not the most compact ITX case available and is made of steel instead of aluminum, but its price of only $79 makes it one of the only interesting ITX options at a low budget.

View on Amazon


You could also opt for the Sliger SM550, the same ITX case we chose for our quiet case list, but with vented panels options. Like the NR200 it can be configured with vented panels on 4 sides to maximize airflow. At 12.6L it can host a Mini-ITX or Mini DTX motherboard, and up to a 305mm long GPU. Storage options allow for 2×2.5″ SSD/HDD drives, with the possible addition of a 4 drive bracket.

It can host two bottom 120mm fans, but most of the airflow will be provided by the CPU cooler that can be up to 55mm tall. For $219, you can buy this ITX marvel made of brushed-anodized aluminum. It’s available in three colors and will offer a lot of customization for demanding ITX builders

View on Amazon

Best Monitors for the Nvidia RTX Ampere 3090

by Leave a Comment

Only a few days remain until the behemoth of a GPU, the Nvidia RTX Ampere 3090, is released. The Nvidia RTX 30 Series graphics card mark a new era of gaming that was, up until their release, simply not possible in the consumer market. But the RTX 3090, with 10,496 CUDA Cores, FP32 processing power of 36 TFLOPS, and 24 GB of GDDR6X VRAM, is more than simply a gaming GPU. The RTX 3090 is poised to be able to the most intensive of workstation tasks that neither the Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti nor the RTX Titan could accomplish.

When speaking of gaming applications, we know that the RTX 2080 Ti could achieve a resolution (at best) of 4K at 60 Hz; while the best framerate it could achieve would be 144 FPS at 1440p and below. Of course, this framerate would not always be achievable for many games, as proven with the RTX 2080 Ti falling short of the mark even for less graphical demanding games like Call of Duty: Warzone. On the other hand, the RTX 3090, with its 127% increase in CUDA Cores, 120% increase in computational power, upgraded GGDR6X VRAM, 2nd and 3rd generation Ray Tracing and Tensor Cores, is poised to be able to play games at a consistent framerate for resolutions of 1440p, and even 4K, according to benchmarks from GamersNexus. Of course, the 8K resolution that was advertised seems to have been simply a marketing ploy, since the GPU was unable to reach consistent framerates above 30 FPS at this resolution. However, for workstation its power can still be used for applications and video editing for 8K resolutions. But it is not just the GPU that influences workloads. The RTX 3090 needs to be situated in a system that can support it and not bottleneck its functionality. It will need a CPU of a similar level, like a 10th generation Intel i9, or at the very least an i7; and, similarly, a Ryzen R9 3000 series, or even perhaps a Threadripper or R9 4000 series CPU – set to be announced in the beginning of October. Additionally, the RAM storage should be at the very least 16 GB to 32 GB, split in two channels, and with a speed and latency of either 3200 MHz CL14 or 3600 MHz CL16 (the latter being best if overclocking is not to be used).

But what is a killer PC, with its extremely powerful hardware components, without the monitor to display its power? The PC-monitor industry is constantly growing in synergy with the improvements in hardware capability, resulting in innovation that allows Nvidia to create a GPU, like the RTX 3090, that is capable of processing games (even at lesser framerates) for 8K resolutions.

The PC monitor is the means by which you can view the power that your PC is capable of, and the RTX Ampere 3090 it has plenty of power to show, so it must be held to a high standard. That is why we’ve compiled a list of the four best monitors to pair with the RTX 3090, depending on resolution and framerate.  These monitors are chosen based on both performance, and price, as we’re aiming for the best overall value.

Best Monitors for the Nvidia RTX Ampere 3090

Best 1080P 360Hz Monitor for the RTX 3090

For those who love competitive multiplayers, like, for example, professional esports players, the new set of 1080P 360 Hz monitors set to release within 2020 will provide a significant competitive edge. This is due to Nvidia’s new Reflex option that includes the newly integrated Latency Analyzer that (for now) is only available with a 360 Hz monitor. This integrated hardware will allow you to reduce, and view in real time, your end-to-end input latency… and this latency reduction is actually quite significant. For 144 Hz monitors, the end-to-end input lag will usually range between 45-50 milliseconds, whereas for these 360 Hz monitors, which will inherently be paired with Nvidia Reflex designed for the RTX 30 Series GPUs, will have an end-to-end input lag as low as 14-16 milliseconds!

Of the four announced 360 Hz monitors, the one that appears to show the best price to value relationship is ASUS’s ROG Swift PG259QN. This 24.5-inch FHD monitor features a fast-IPS panel with a W-LED backlight display and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility. Due to the IPS panel, the monitor inherently has a wide 178-degree viewing angle. It also has an 8-bit depth, a 1,000 : 1 static contrast ratio, and the capability of displaying 99% of the sRGB color range (16.8 million colors). The brightness this screen can reach will peak at 400 nits, and the GtG response time sits at only 1 ms.

The exterior of the ROG Swift has thin borders, making it optimal for multi-monitor setups. It also has an anti-glare coating on the bezel, and a great amount of flexibility in terms of ergonomics. The height can be adjusted by up to 120 millimeters, the screen can pivot by 90 degrees to the right, swiveled by 25 degrees to the right or left, tilted forward or backward by 5 and 20 degrees respectively, can be pivoted to a portrait orientation, and finally has a removable stand so the monitor can be mounted on a wall or directly on the desk (the package includes a desk clamp).

The ASUS ROG Swift also comes with a host of ASUS’s exclusive software, like GamePlus, GameVisual, and ultra-low blue light technology. Connectivity-wise, it will have two USB 3.0 (type-A) ports, one HMDI 2.0 port, one DP 1.4 port, and an audio jack. The monitor will not include integrated speakers. The ROG Swift PG259QN is set to release toward the end of September and will have a price tag of $699 – which is actually a very reasonable price considering the price of the other 360 Hz monitors.

View on Amazon

Best 1440p 144Hz Monitor for the RTX 3090

One of the feats that the RTX Ampere 3090 will be able to accomplish better than any other GPU, is that it will be able to handle processing games at a 1440p resolution with a 144 Hz refresh rate consistently. This may not seem like such an impressive task now, but taking into account that even the RTX 2080 Ti has trouble processing games at this resolution and refresh rate – and the fact that games will inadvertently become more hardware demanding in the years to come – it is actually a purchase-worthy feat. Hence a 1440p 144 Hz monitor is a safe purchase to make, considering that you won’t have to downscale in-game quality settings or resolution in order to maintain the proper framerate. The best 1440p 144 Hz monitor for the task? The ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ.

This 27-inch monitor has an AHVA IPS panel with an 8-bit depth, an LCD display, and G-Sync and ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) Sync compatibility. It has an MPRT response time of only 1ms, and the framerate frequency can be overclocked to up to 165 Hz.  Once again, the IPS panel allows for a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees in both vertical and horizontal viewing angles, and the monitor is able to show 99% of the sRGB color space, 71% of the Adobe RGB color space, 72% of the NTSC color space, and 77% of the DCI P3 color space. The brightness of the screen is normalized at 320 nits, but peaks at 350 nits. The VG27AQ also has HDR10 compatibility, an impressive static contrast ratio of 1,200 : 1, and an input lag of only 5.3 ms.

The physical exterior of this ASUS monitor is quite simplistic; with its thin – almost borderless – frame having an anti-glare/matte coating and plenty of ergonomic features. It is VESA compatible, has a removable stand, can be adjusted in height by up to 130mm, can pivot from landscape to portrait and from left to right (90 degrees), can swivel to both left and right directions by up to 90 degrees, and can be tilted between 5 and 33 degrees.

The ASUS TUF Gaming also comes with two integrated 2-Watt speakers, two HDMI 2.0 and 1 DisplayPort 1.2 ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and all the same software features included with the ASUS ROG Swift.

This 1440p 165 Hz monitor can currently be found for $429, though its price also does vary depending on availability. If you catch it while its available, rest assured that this product definitely holds a place in the top echelon of gaming monitors.

View on Amazon

Best 4k 144Hz Monitor for the RTX 3090

If there is any GPU that can handle the extreme task of processing games at a 4K resolution and 144 Hz, it’s the RTX 3090. Sure, for some games dropping the graphical settings and overclocking will be necessary, but it is definitely worth the effort for a crystal-clear resolution with a framerate that will give you a competitive edge when playing multiplayer titles. If you don’t mind paying the extra cost for a monitor that can exceed expectations, we recommend Acer’s Predator X27.

As its name suggests, the Predator has a 27-inch display with an AHVA IPS panel that has a 10-bit depth (8 bits + Frame Rate Control) and is Nvidia G-Sync and Nvidia ULMB (Ultra Low Motion Blur) compatible. Using a Direct LED (Full-Array Local Dimming) backlight with 384 individually-controllable LED zones, this monitor can display an astonishing amount of colors, covering the full sRGB spectrum, 99% of the Adobe RGB spectrum, 85% of the DCI P3 color space, and 75% of the Rec. 2020 color space. It has a brightness of 600 nits (that can peak at 1,000 nits) through its use of Quantum Dot technology. The Acer Predator also has HDR 10 and HDR 1,000 compatibility, with a minimal 4ms GtG response time. Of course, these amazing display specifications do come at a slight cost in regards to input lag, as the Predator X27 can take 13 milliseconds to respond to an input signal – though with the Nvidia Reflex feature that comes with the RTX 3090, this shouldn’t be much of an issue at all.

In terms of ergonomics, this display is slightly limited, as it cannot pivot between landscape and portrait orientations and its left and right swivel range is only 20 degrees. However, it still can be adjusted in terms of height by up to 130mm, and can tilt forward by 5 degrees and backwards by 25 degrees. If you would like to mount this monitor, it is VESA compatible and the stand is removable.

The ACER Predator X27 comes with two 7W speakers and four additional USB 3.0 ports (one of which is also upstream). In terms of other connectivity, is has an HDMI 2.0 slot, a DisplayPort 1.4 slot, and a standard 3.5mm audio out.

The price is the only aspect where the ACER Predator X27 suffers, as it currently costs $1,799; though it can be found on sale for as low as $1,299. Still, given its more than impressive display, brightness, color space, and of course its 4K resolution and 144 Hz framerate, the price is very reasonable.

View on Amazon

Best 8K 60Hz Monitor for the RTX 3090

Last, but not least, we have the highest resolution available for PC monitors: The 8K 60 Hz Dell UltraSharp UP3218K. Once again, do note that the RTX Ampere 3090 will not be able to handle 8K resolution gaming – despite being advertised as having the ability to do so. However, for professional video editors or other workstation related applications that need incredibly color-accurate displays at high resolutions, this monitor is one of the only available solutions.

The UltraSharp is a 31.5-inch monitor that makes use of an IPS panel with a 10-bit depth, capable of a 7680 x 4320 resolution at a 60 Hz refresh rate. This monitor is unfortunately not G-Sync compatible… but neither is any other 8K monitor. Where the Dell UltraSharp excels is its color display. It features over 1 billion colors at 30 bits, covering 100% of both the sRGB and Adobe RGB color spaces, and an impressive 98% of the DCI P3 color space. It has an high static contrast of 1,300 : 1, but a somewhat mediocre brightness of 400 nits. For a non-specialized gaming monitor, the UltraSharp has a great G2G response time of only 6ms, with 10ms of input lag. The viewing angles, both vertically and horizontally, have a maximum of 178 degrees.

The exterior of the UltraSharp features a glossy coating with a thin, aluminum, almost borderless bezel. It has a removable stand, it is VESA compatible, it can be heigh-adjusted by up to 120mm, it can pivot to the left and to the right up to 90 degrees (landscape/portrait orientation compatible), it can swivel in any direction by 30 degrees, and it can tilt forward by 5 degrees and backwards by 21 degrees.

The UltraSharp UP3218K also comes with four USB 3.0 ports (one of which is upstream), and two DisplayPort 1.4 slots. It has no integrated speakers, but it does have a 3.5mm audio jack. As is the trend with monitors featuring relatively new technology, this monitor does cost a pretty penny – but for $3.999 you can have it.

View on Amazon

Best Monitors for the Nvidia RTX 3080

by Leave a Comment

It was but only a few days ago that the Nvidia RTX Ampere 3080 was released, and by the time it takes one to read this sentence, it was already sold out. At least, with its release, we have been able to see more thorough benchmarks, like those carried out by GamersNexus, which prove the RTX 3080 to be the display the better price to performance Nvidia’s flagship model, the RTX 3090. In fact, with its 8,704 CUDA core count, its massive 30 TFLOP FP32 computing performance, and the upgrades to the VRAM and processing node, the RTX 3080 shows a 20% to 25% better gaming performance when compared to the previous generation, $500 more expensive, Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti.

So, when it comes to gaming, the RTX 3080 is the most powerful GPU for its money, and if you are looking to upgrade your current PC (or build a new one from scratch), then it is the best, high-end, graphics card to aim for. It will be optimal for both 4K resolutions, at 60 FPS and 1440p resolutions at 144 Hz; but it is also not far from processing games at a steady 144 FPS at a 4K resolution, too. Of course, it will need to be paired with equally high-level accompanying hardware, so you will need a CPU in the range of an i7-10700K or an i9-9900K, when it comes to 10th generation Intel CPUs, or, if you don’t mind waiting, a Ryzen 4000 Series CPU that are set to be announced on October the 6th. Even current generation Ryzen 9 3000 series CPUs, like the Ryzen 9 3950X, can accomplish very similar framerates with the i9-10900K for gaming applications; with the difference in framerates between the two CPUs being reduced to zero at 4K resolutions. The memory of the build is also a very important aspect, and as such we would recommend 32 GB of 3200 MHz and CL14 latency, or 3600 MHz and CL16 latency (the latter being best without overclocking), in a dual channel setup in order to further enhance performance. Of course, a proper motherboard with a good VRM and a solid thermal solution are also important, as they play a huge role in regards to allowing stable overclocking and keeping the hardware at optimal temperatures for a boost in gaming performance.

Even if you have all the best hardware available in the market, it will be all for naught if you do not have the means of properly displaying their power. Therefore, if you’re looking to buy an RTX Ampere 3080, then you should also plan to get a PC monitor that is capable of displaying its graphical processing power. Thankfully, such monitors do exist, and choosing between the right monitor for your rig is now simply dependent on your preferences. Whether you are a competitive gamer, that cares more about function than looks, or whether you love to be immersed in a photorealistic journey of a AAA single-player game, there are monitors that can match your playstyle perfectly. To help you choose the right one for you, we have compiled a list of the four best PC monitors to be paired with the RTX Ampere 3080; depending on intended use, resolution, framerate, and, of course, price.

Best Monitors for the RTX 3080

Best 1080P 360Hz Monitor for the RTX 3080

You don’t need to be a professional esports player to seek even the slightest competitive edge when gaming against your friends, or other competitors. If online multiplayer are your forte, then now is the best time to invest in a monitor that can provide you an extreme framerate, and, more importantly, a minimal amount of input lag. For this task, four different PC monitor manufacturers have recently announced four different models of FHD 360 Hz monitors, set to release by the end of 2020. These monitors have all been created in partnership with Nvidia, as they include an Nvidia Latency Analyzer (as a hardware component) that is optimized to work with Nvidia’s new Reflex feature. This analyzer is used to actually calculate overall, end-to-end, input latency – and displays it for you in real-time. Up until now, this was only possible with the use of specialized external equipment. Using the power of the 360 Hz monitor, the RTX 3080, and Nvidia’s Reflex software, it is possible to reduce input lag by up to 44 milliseconds (when compared to a 60 Hz monitor and an older Nvidia GPU), which is a considerable amount. Of the four FHD 360 Hz monitors announced, the one that displays the best price to value ratio is the ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN.

This 24.5-inch monitor features a fast-IPS panel with an 8-bit depth, and a viewing angle of 178 degrees (both vertically and horizontally). This screen can display 1.68 million colors (24 bits), covering 99% of the sRGB color space with a static contrast of 1,000 to 1, and a brightness of 400 nits using its W-LED backlight. Of course, where this monitor excels is the input lag, where it will feature a 1 millisecond response time in conjunction with Nvidia’s G-Sync and ULMB (Ultra Low Motion Blur) Sync. The monitor also features a custom heatsink to better dissipate the heat during prolonged gaming sessions.

In regards to its design, the ASUS ROG Swift will have an almost borderless frame, with an RGB-lit ROG logo on the back, and an anti-glare coating on the bezel. In addition, the ROG Swift also offers a great deal of ergonomic versatility. Its screen can pivot into landscape or portrait mode, the height of its stand can be adjusted by up to 120 millimeters, it can be swiveled in both left and right by up to 25 degrees, and it can be tilted, either forwards by 5 degrees, or backwards by 20 degrees. If you prefer to mount the monitor, it is VESA compatible and the stand can be removed. A desk clamp is also included so you can clamp it to the edge of your desk.

The ASUS ROG Swift will come with a variety of ASUS exclusive software: like AURA Sync (for the RGB lighting), a Low Blue Light feature, GamePlus, Game Visual, and flicker-free technology.

Connectivity-wise, it will include two USB 3.0 Type-A slots (downstream), two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DP 1.4 slot, and one 3.5mm audio-out jack – while being high-bandwidth digital content protection (HDCP) compatible.

The ROG Swift is set to release by the end of September with a price tag of $699. Not cheap, but definitely a better price than most of its 360 Hz competition.

View on Amazon

Best 1440p 144Hz Monitor for the RTX 3080

When it comes to not compromising in either resolution, framerate, and game quality settings, the safest option appears to be the 1440p 144 Hz monitor. The RTX Ampere 3090 has shown that it can consistently maintain framerates above the 144 FPS threshold, to make the most of what these screens can offer. Now, this may not seem like much of a task for this brand-new RTX 30 Series GPU in 2020, but given the fact that even the RTX 2080 Ti struggles to maintain framerates of this level for a variety of different games, having a GPU that can reliably perform at this level for current (and most likely also for next-generation) titles is still an impressive feat. And the best monitor for you to witness this accomplishment is the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ.

The TUF Gaming is a 27-inch monitor that makes use of an AHVA IPS panel that has an 8-bit depth, a wide viewing horizontal and vertical angle of 178 degrees, and a refresh rate that can be overclocked to 165 Hz. The monitor, of course, is Nvidia G-Sync compatible, and also makes use of ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) Sync. The fact that the TUF Gaming has a G2G response time of 1 ms, and an extremely low input lag of only 5.3 ms, makes this monitor ideal for any type of gaming, even at a competitive level. For single-player enthusiasts, the panel is also capable of a large spectrum of colors, covering 99% of the sRGB color space, 71% of the Adobe RGB color space, 72% of the NTSC color space, and 77% of the DCI P3 color space; with a brightness level that peaks at 350 nits and HDR10 compatibility. The static contrast is also noteworthy, as the TUF Gaming VG27AQ features a 1,200 to 1 ratio.

 When it comes to ergonomics, the monitor pretty much has it all. Other than being VESA compatible with a removable stand, its height can be adjusted by up to 130 mm, it can pivot between landscape and portrait orientations, it can swivel in both directions by up to 90 degrees, and it can be tilted forwards by 5 degrees, and backwards by 33 degrees.

The TUF Gaming VG27AQ also comes equipped with two integrated speakers (2 watts), two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DP 1.2 slot, and a 3.5 mm audio-out jack. Included features are GameFast Input technology, GamePlus, GameVisual, Low Blue Light, a 5-way OSD joystick, and Shadow Boost. If you’re looking for a great 1440p 144 Hz monitor to pair with an RTX Ampere 3080, the ASUS TUF VG27AQ goes above and beyond expectations. Its current, MSRP, price tag is $429.

View on Amazon

Best 4K 60 HZ Monitor for the RTX 3080

Another safe option, in terms of resolution and framerate, is a 4K 60 Hz monitor. The current benchmarks of the RTX 3080 show us that it can handle the task with ease, for just about every well-optimized game that was tested. Especially, if you don’t care much for competitive games, but instead prefer triple-AAA titles at their best, then 4K 60Hz is definitely the way to go. For both its quality and its price, the BenQ EL2870U is one of the best available options.

With a 28-inch screen, the EL2870U has a 10-bit depth (8 bits plus Frame Rate Control (FRC)), a TN panel, and a W-LED backlight that is capable of displaying over a billion colors (30 bits) with a brightness of 300 nits and a 1,000 to 1 static contrast ratio. To be more specific, this monitor covers 97% of the sRGB color space, 72% of the NTSC color space, and 70% of the DCI P3 color space. Another great aspect it has for gaming, is that it has an extremely low grey-to-grey response time of only 1 millisecond, and an input lag of only 5 milliseconds. The display latency is so low mainly due to the TN panel, but the downside of this panel is its viewing angle. It has a maximum horizontal viewing angle of 170 degrees, and a maximum vertical viewing angle of only 160 degrees.

When it comes to ergonomics, the BenQ EL2870 is very limited, as it cannot pivot to any degree, and its height cannot be adjusted. It can be tilted, but only forwards by 5 degrees and backwards for 15 degrees. The monitor can be removed from its stand and mounted, as it is VESA compatible.

Two, 2-watt, speakers are included, as well as two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and one 3.5mm audio-out jack (HDCP 2.2 compatible). Some of its features include AMA (Advanced Motion Accelerator), Brightness Intelligence Plus, Flicker-free technology, and Low Blue Light.

Perhaps the most enticing part of this monitor is its price, as it can currently be purchased for only $299 – down from its original $499 price tag.

View on Amazon

Best 4K 144Hz monitor for the RTX 3080

If you’re looking to go all out with your monitor purchase and get yourself the best gaming monitor money can buy at the 4K resolution range, then nothing beats Acer’s Predator X27. Now, you may be wondering, is the RTX Ampere 3080 capable of such high framerates at a 4K resolution? Well, the answer is both yes and no. It certainly can for many games, but for others, it will inevitably fall short. Still, even if it can’t reach 144 FPS for some titles, it will be able to reach upwards of 100 FPS, and if overclocking is utilized, or the game’s quality settings are lowered, that baseline framerate can be reached, so you can take full advantage of the performance of a 4K 144 Hz monitor.

The reason why the Acer Predator X27 is the best monitor in its resolution range is because of its incredible color range and peak brightness level. The X27 has an AHVA IPS panel with a depth of 10 bits (8 bits combined with FRC), using a Direct LED backlight display which features 384 individually-controllable LED zones. Because of this Full-Array Local Dimming technology, the monitor has a large display area (84.82%), and backlight bleeding is all but non-existent. Using Quantum Dot technology, HDR10, and HDR1000, the Predator X27 is able to display over 1 billion colors; covering the full sRGB color space, 99% of the Adobe RGB color space, 85% of the DCI P3 color space, and 75% of the Rec. 2020 color spectrum.  It also has an impressively high brightness of 600 nits, that can max out at 1,000 nits. The display lag is not great, but not too bad, as it has a 4 millisecond Grey-to-Grey response time, and an input lag of around 13 milliseconds. Thankfully, with Nvidia Reflex included with the RTX Ampere 3080, the overall end-to-end input lag can drop to a level where it more than compensates for the slightly increased latency of the Predator X27.

The only field where the Predator X27 is limited is its ergonomic flexibility. It cannot pivot to any degree, it can swivel by only up to 20 degrees, and it can by tilted by 5 and 25 degrees forward or backwards respectively. Its height can be adjusted by up to 130 mm. If you are looking to mount it, the monitor is VESA compatible and the stand is removable.

Surprisingly enough the Acer Predator X27 comes with two, high quality, 7-watt speakers, which are usually absent from gaming monitors. It has four USB 3.0 ports (3x downstream, 1x upstream), one HDMI 2.0 slot, one DP 1.4 slot, and a 3.5mm audio-out jack. Included features are Nvidia’s G-Sync, ULMB, flicker-free technology, a blue light filter, and DDC/CI.

Now, this monitor is by no means cheap, as it does currently sell for $1,799, but it can be found on sale for as low as $1,299. Either way, for its color range, resolution, framerate, and overall quality, it is very much worth its price.

View on Amazon

Best Monitors for the Nvidia RTX 3070

by Leave a Comment

The last of the recently announced Nvidia RTX Ampere 30 Series GPUs to be released is the RTX 3070; which will be coming out sometime in October. This ray tracing, mid-range, GPU is set to cost only $500, yet (if some of the early benchmarks are to be trusted) (jives should we put in a benchmark image ourself?) it appears to be able to perform similarly to the last generation flagship: the Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti. If this is the case, then the RTX Ampere 3070 will allow mid-end users to enjoy gaming at resolutions and framerates that were once reserved only for elite PC gaming enthusiasts – which is awesome, especially for entry-level PC builders.

Of course, it is not just the GPU that allows a rig to perform to the level necessary for processing games at 4K resolutions, or 144 Hz framerates. Thankfully, the release of the RTX 3070 falls within the same month that AMD will also be announcing more information about their Ryzen 4000 CPUs (which will be AM4 compatible); meaning that a high-power PC build will be possible even for lesser-budget builds. Capable AM4 compatible motherboards, paired with a Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 CPU, an RTX 3070, and 16 to 32 GB of dual channel 3,200 MHz CL14, or 3,600 MHz CL16, RAM will make a PC capable of high-end gaming, video editing, and other production related tasks for only a fraction of the cost of what it used to be.

Now, this is not to knock on Intel and their 10th generation CPUs, as their i7 and i9 variants have proven to be very powerful processors, especially for gaming. However, the LGA1200 chipset requires a new motherboard to be purchased, which costs far more than the available AM4 motherboards, while not being compatible with PCIe 4.0 and high RAM speeds in the mid-range. It is due to this, that AMD has a clear advantage within the given price range of this market.

Building a new PC, or upgrading an existing one, with a GPU that can process graphics at such a high capacity, like the RTX 3070, requires an equally impressive monitor that can actually display its capabilities. The PC monitor industry seems to be well in sync with the release of PC hardware (and perhaps even somewhat ahead of it), as there are monitors that can keep up with recent technological advancements, and even allow room for improvement if one were to further upgrade their setup. That is why investing in the proper monitor is just as important as purchasing a new hardware component, like the GPU for example. Whether you love competing in online multiplayers, or enjoy immersing yourself in the story of single player triple-A title, choosing the right monitor that perfectly fit your needs is of paramount importance.

Thus, in accordance with the capabilities of the RTX Ampere 3070, we have selected four monitors for different resolutions, framerates, and preferences, in order to help you choose the best monitor to complement your new gaming rig.

Best Monitors for the RTX 3070

Best 1080P 144Hz Monitor for the RTX 3070

If you are satisfied with an FHD resolution, then the least framerate worth having is 144 Hz. Having a 1080p 60 Hz monitor will, ultimately, sell the power of the RTX Ampere 3070 short. Also, if you enjoy competitive gaming and want to ensure that you won’t have to sacrifice framerate for a higher resolution, then a 1080p 144 Hz monitor is a safe choice to make.

ASUS is a top contender in the PC monitor market, as they have a reputation for releasing quality monitors at competitive prices – and this they have done with the ASUS VG279Q. This monitor has an AHVA IPS panel, with an 8-bit depth, that is capable of showing 1.68 million colors (24 bits) on its 27-inch display. It can cover 99% of the sRGB range, 75% of the Adobe RGB color space, and 72% of the NTSC color space; with a static contrast of 1,000 to one and a brightness of 400 nits. Due to the IPS panel, it has a 178-degree viewing angle (horizontal and vertical), and it has an extremely low input lag of only 4 milliseconds, with a 1 ms grey-to-grey and a 3 ms average response time.

Its exterior frame features an anti-glare, matte, coating, and offers great versatility in terms of ergonomics. It can pivot and swivel (both to the left and the right) by 90 degrees, it can be adjusted in height by 130 mm, it can be tilted forward or backwards by 5 and 33 degrees, and it can be removed from its stand in order to be mounted with its VESA compatible mounting interface.

Connectivity-wise, the VG279Q has one HDMI 1.4 port, one DP 1.2 slot, 1 DVI-D Dual Link port, one 3.5 mm audio-in, and one 3.5 mm audio-out. It also comes with two integrated 2W speakers. Plenty of features are also included, like a 5-way OSD joystick, ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur) Sync, GamePlus, Trace Free technology, Flicker-free technology, a blue light filter, and SPLENDID Video Intelligence technology. The 1080p, 144 Hz, 27-inch ASUS VG279Q has an MSRP of $299.99, which is quite costly for a 1080p monitor, but still a worthy purchase.

View on Amazon

Best 1080p 360 Hz Monitor for the RTX 3070

Now, I know you’re probably thinking… 360 Hz, really? Can the RTX 3070 handle such framerates? Well… not really. At least not for most games. But it doesn’t really have to. It only needs to be able to achieve high enough framerates for certain popular competitive multiplayer that are negatively impacted by input lag, as this is where these monitors excel. There have been four 360 Hz monitors announced, and they have all been made in partnership with Nvidia – in order to make full use of Nvidia’s new Reflex feature. Thus, all these monitors will include a specialized piece of hardware called the Latency Analyzer, which actually measures your end-to-end input lag in real-time and displays it for you on-screen in real-time. This is a feature that is possible for the very first time and will result in an overall drop of input latency by the likes of over 15 ms, depending on the title of the game. For example, for the popular multiplayer Fortnite, Nvidia’s reflex (together with the 360 Hz monitor) will allow for a total end-to-end input lag of only 19 ms; down from the 53 ms of a GTX 1660 Super and a 60 Hz monitor. For professional competitors, this is a significant boost that is not to be ignored.

Of the four models set to become available by the end of 2020, the one releasing the soonest is the ASUS ROG Swift PG259QN. The ROG Swift will feature a 24.5-inch screen with an 8-bit in-depth, fast-IPS, panel that will be capable of displaying 1.68 million colors (99% sRGB coverage), with a static contrast of 1,000 to 1, a brightness of 400 nits, and a viewing angle of 178 degrees. With its 1 millisecond of grey-to-grey response time, as well as its G-Sync and ULMB (Ultra Low Motion Blur) compatibility, this monitor is specifically designed to give competitive users the edge in online multiplayer.

In order to avoid overheating during long gaming sessions, the ROG Swift will feature a custom-built heatsink that will better dissipate heat and keep the monitor cool.

In terms of looks, the ASUS ROG Swift has plenty of style, with a nearly borderless frame, an RGB-lit logo in the back (that can by synchronized with ASUS’s Aura Sync software), and an anti-glare coating on its bezel. The monitor can be adjusted in several ways to fit your viewing preference, as it can pivot by 90 degrees, swivel left or right by up to 25 degrees, tilt forwards or backwards by 5 and 20 degrees respectively, or adjust in height by up to 120 millimeters. The screen can also be removed and mounted, or clamped onto a desk (clamp is included), as it is VESA compatible.

Gaming and other utility features that are included with the ROG Swift are ASUS GamePlus, ASUS GameVisual, flicker-free technology, and a low blue light filter. The monitor will also have two USB 3.0 Type-A (all downstream) slots, two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DP 1.4 slot, and one 3.5mm audio jack. The price for the ROG Swift PG259QN was announced to be $699; which is quite expensive, but still worth the cost for extreme competitors and professional gamers.

View on Amazon

Best 1440p 144 Hz Monitor for the RTX 3070 ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ

A pleasant surprise with the early release of benchmarks for the RTX 3070 (though we must warn that they may not be very reliable), is that the GPU is primed to have the ability to process games at a 1440p resolution, and a 144 Hz refresh rate; as it did so for several of the titles tested. The average 1440p performance for the RTX 3070 – according to GPUCheck – was in the range of 136.5 FPS, on the highest quality settings. This, of course, through the use of an i9-10900K CPU, which is arguably the most powerful gaming consumer CPU currently in existence. Still, having the ability to play at this resolution and framerate with a $500 GPU, even if it means lowering game quality settings, is very impressive.

This sweet spot in resolution and framerate is perfect for those that love both single-player gaming, and competitive multiplayer alike. The monitor we recommend for the task is ASUS’s TUF Gaming VG27AQ.  This 27-inch monitor features an IPS panel with an 8-bit depth and a framerate that can actually be overclocked to 165 Hz. It makes use of both Nvidia G-Sync and ELMB Sync. Due to its IPS panel, it has a wide, all-around, viewing angle of 178 degrees, while also having a low GtG response time of 1 millisecond. In fact, the TUF Gaming has an overall monitor input lag of only 5.3 ms, so it is perfect for competitive gamers. In terms of the amount colors it can display, the VG27AQ can show 99% of the sRGB color space, 71% of the Adobe RGB color space, 72% of the NTSC color space, and 77% of the DCI P3 color space. The monitor is also HDR10 compatible, has a brightness that can reach up to 350 nits, and has a, rather high, static contrast ratio of 1,200 to 1.

The exterior is simple, yet functional. It has a stand that can adjust the screen in height by up to 130 mm, it can swivel to the right or to the left by 90 degrees, it can turn to either portrait or landscape position, and it can tilt forward or backwards by 5 and 33 degrees respectively. Its VESA compatibility and removable stand also allow it to be mounted, as well.

Not that many gamers would use them, but the TUF Gaming VG27AQ does come with two integrated 2-watt speakers; which are always nice to have. It also includes two HDMI 2.0 and one DisplayPort 1.2 slots, together with a 3.5 mm audio out. Furthermore, it comes with ASUS’s GameFast Input technology, GamePlus, GameVisual, a 5-way OSD joystick, Shadow Boost, and a low blue light filter. Due to its popularity, the ASUS TUF VG27AQ can be tough to find at times, but it is definitely worth keeping an eye out for, as it can many times be found below its MSRP of $429.

View on Amazon

Best 4K 60Hz Monitor for the RTX 3070 BenQ EL2870U

The RTX 3070 does begin to drop off, in terms of performance, when processing 4K resolutions (according to early benchmarks), but, for its price, it still does average 81.4 FPS. Still, with the possibility that games will become more and more demanding with the release of next generation titles, the RTX 3070 will most likely not be able to reach 60 FPS consistently at 4K. That being said, if you don’t mind overclocking your hardware, or lowering the game quality settings, then a 4K 60 Hz monitor is still a solid option – especially if you enjoy streaming videos/movies at this resolution.

The BenQ EL2870U is a 28-inch monitor that provides a quality 4K display without breaking the bank. It has a 10-bit depth TN panel with Frame Rate Control (FRC) and is capable of displaying over one billion colors (30 bits) with extremely low response times. It has an input lag of only 5 milliseconds and an MPRT response rate of only one 1 millisecond. The low latencies are the upside of the TN panel, but the downside is that it does not have a large viewing angle (170 degrees horizontal, 160 degrees vertical). The EL2870U has a 1,000 to one static contrast ratio and is capable of displaying 97% of the sRGB color space, 72% of the NTSC color space, and 70% of the DCI P3 color space, at a brightness level of 300 nits.

Because it is meant to be viewed from the front due to its TN panel, the EL2870 is very limited in terms of ergonomic flexibility. It is unable to pivot or swivel, and it cannot even be adjusted in terms of height. Fortunately, it can still be tilted forwards and backwards by 5 and 15 degrees respectively. It also has a removable stand, and mounted to a wall with its VESA compatibility.

Together with its two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DP1.4 slot, 3.5 mm audio-out jack, and HDCP 2.2 compatibility, this BenQ monitor also has two integrated 2W speakers and plenty of features: including AMA (Advanced Motion Accelerator), Brightness Intelligence Plus, Flicker-free technology, and Low Blue Light.

With its current low price point, any downside of the BenQ EL2870 can easily be overlooked. You can now find the EL2870 selling for only $299; down from its original $499 MSRP.

View on Amazon