The Best G-Sync, 4K, & 1440P Monitors Round-Up - CES 2014

There were a few major PC hardware trends at CES this year; gaming monitors supporting higher resolutions and new technologies (G-Sync, FreeSync) were among those trends. While at CES 2014, we reported on nVidia's G-Sync and how it actually works, a hardware solution to decrease frame tearing and stuttering by using a variable refresh rate (rather than a fixed 60 Hz or 120 Hz solution). Technologies like G-Sync (and FreeSync) are absolutely something I can get behind -- the overall experience delivered to the gamer is far smoother and very noticeable in gameplay; visuals lose that choppiness exhibited when using a fixed refresh rate and frame tears largely vanish.

In this round-up, we'll walk through some of the best G-Sync gaming monitors of CES 2014, with a heavier focus on 1440p and 4K resolutions (though 1080p is still most prevalent). We've already written about a few of these new monitors, including ASUS' ROG and BenQ's options.

ASUS ROG PG278Q - 27" 1440p Display - $800 

With an MSRP of $800 and a Q1/Q2 release date, ASUS' first ROG-branded monitor enters the high-end monitor market with G-Sync support and high-resolution output. The display is expensive for a few reasons, but it all boils down to high-quality and consistent output; at 2560x1440p, 27", 1ms response time, and with G-Sync support, it's pretty clear where the $800 price-tag comes from.

The ASUS PG278Q also has a variable "120+ Hz" refresh rate (so at least 120 Hz, variable with G-Sync). The 0.233 pixel pitch also promises sharp visuals. Other ASUS features remain present, like their overlays and built-in software (audio radar overlay, for instance).

An impressive 6mm bezel gives us a tiny frame for better multi-monitor continuity.

Connectors include DisplayPort 1.2 and 2xUSB3.0.

ASUS ROG PB287Q 4K Display 

ASUS' 4K SKU of their ROG monitor has largely the same specs, but drops G-Sync in favor of a 4K resolution. The unit uses HDMI and MHL connectivity (with integrated speakers, driven by the HDMI cable) and retails at the same $800 MSRP.

Other than that, this display is largely the same as the above.

BenQ XL2420G & XL2720G - 24" & 27" G-Sync Displays 

Both of BenQ's new displays operate at a 144Hz variable refresh rate; response time is unspecified, as is MSRP, but we'd expect a price tag of at least $350 for the 24" version. The output resolution is a somewhat standard 1920x1080, which helps reduce the cost below that of the 1440p display ASUS is manufacturing. BenQ's 24" and 27" models were both on display at CES 2014, where we got hands-on time and can speak to their quality picture.

The BenQ monitors are 3D Vision-enabled, which is nVidia's proprietary 3D glasses technology (reviewed here).

Unfortunately, that's about all the info we have at the moment as it pertains to specifications.

Philips 272G5DYEB Gaming Monitor Specs - $650 

Here's another G-Sync-enabled display. Philips' new 272G5DYEB 27" monitor outputs standard 1080 resolution on a 27" screen, has G-Sync support, and a 5ms response time with a 144 Hz refresh rate. Here's the spec table:

Philips 272G5DYEB 27" Monitor Specs 

Quite honestly, the price on this one is a little too steep for the features presented (for me, anyway). It's not as impressive as the other monitors, but still worthy of note.

ViewSonic VX2457GML Monitor Specs 

We know almost nothing about this display as it stands now. What we know is that it's G-Sync enabled, 1920x1080, and made by ViewSonic. That's about where the specs stop. We also know that the monitor is 24" (from the VX24 number), but aren't sure of the latency right now. Keep an eye on this one going forward.

There's also an impending AOC G-Sync monitor, but we don't know the specs or model number yet.

That about covers this round-up. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!

- Steve "Lelldorianx" Burke.