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Best Monitors for the Nvidia RTX Ampere 3090

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Best Monitors for the Nvidia RTX 3080

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Best Monitors for the Nvidia RTX 3070

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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