So what exactly are you getting for your nearly $800 investment? Well, you’re getting a curved 34" panel with a resolution of 3440x1440 - the same height as a 27" 1440p panel, but wider, with an aspect ratio of 21:9. That makes for a much more immersive gaming experience, and also provides tons of extra desktop real estate for productivity. (Content creators will also be happy to learn that this monitor excels at colour-sensitive work, thanks to 98% DCI P3 coverage and extremely good colour accuracy.) The screen has a refresh rate of 144Hz out of the box, but can overclock to 160Hz with the click of a button.
Get the LG 34GP83A ultrawide monitor for $799
The 34GP83A is also a FreeSync Premium and G-Sync Compatible display, eliminating tearing and judder without the input lag of traditional v-sync. HDR is supported too, with the monitor meeting the DisplayHDR 400 spec for brightness and colour gamut. You should expect a decent HDR experience then, not quite as eye-popping as a brighter DisplayHDR 600 or 1000 display but still worth using in games and apps that support it. As well as these core specs and features, the LG 34GP83A has attracted plaudits for its ‘soft skills’. These include a sturdy stand with height adjustment, narrow bezels on all four sides, and OSD settings including a ‘black stabiliser’ to make enemies lurking in dark areas more obvious and an on-screen crosshair for straight-up cheating. All in all, it’s a great monitor for the money, rivalling the best gaming monitors on the market - and at its original RRP of $799, it’s a great value too. In case the 34GP83A doesn’t quite scratch the monitor-shaped itch on your body - you may want to get that looked at - then never fear, because there are a small selection of other monitors going cheap at American retailers today. If you’re more of a 16:9 kind of person, there are three 1440p 144Hz+ models that caught our eye - one from a high-end model from MSI, a mid-range Gigabyte screen and a budget Monoprice option. Both the MSI and Gigabyte screens have had positive reviews; choosing one over the other is probably down to personal preference and brand loyalty over anything else. The Monoprice option lacks the same kind of critical acclaim, but it’ll do the same job at a much lower price.
Gigabyte M27Q (27" 1440p 170Hz) - $310 (was $360) MSI Optix MAG274QRF (27" 1440p 165Hz) - $340 (was $400) Monoprice Zero-G (27" 1440p 144Hz) - $200 (was $225)
Monoprice have also discounted one of their 34" ultrawides, the catchily named ‘Dark Matter’, which hits most of the same core specs as the LG above but uses an older VA panel. That means you can expect better contrast, but worse viewing angles, colour reproduction and motion clarity. Personally, I’d save up for the LG, but the Monoprice monitor is a good discount option if you’re on a limited budget and still want to get that ultrawide experience.
Monoprice Dark Matter (34" 3440x1440, 144Hz) - $390 (was $500)
I hope these deals have been useful; check back tomorrow for more from Rock Paper Shotgun. Until then, farewell!
