In this AOC CQ27G1 Review, we’ll dive deep into the product’s key features and explore why it stands out as an excellent choice for a gaming monitor, especially with its VRR and FreeSync-supported capabilities that minimize screen tearing.
The AOC CQ27G1 is a curved, frameless gaming monitor that has quickly become a favorite among gamers thanks to its rapid response time and low input lag. But it’s not just for gaming—this versatile monitor also performs well for various computer-related tasks.
One of the standout features of this monitor is its exceptional contrast ratio, eliminating any concerns about compromised viewing angles. The color accuracy is simply stunning, boasting a wide range of SDR colors and effective reflection handling, and all at a reasonable price.
The only minor drawback is the lack of HDR support. However, the CQ27G1 still delivers impressive performance in average lighting conditions, making it a top pick for gamers and general users.
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AOC CQ27G1 Review
Kicking things off, I must say that for a monitor with a “budget-conscious” approach, the color reproduction is quite impressive – certainly better than most VA panels I’ve personally experienced.
The display may seem a bit dim if you’re accustomed to higher-end panels, as its 250-nit brightness is more on the entry-level side of the spectrum.
This is probably the most significant drawback of the monitor, but considering its focus on gaming rather than professional work, where even slight discrepancies in grayscale can be problematic, it’s a forgivable flaw.
Features and Design
Diving into the OSD menu of the AOC CQ27G1 curved monitor, you’ll discover an array of additional features. The menu itself is well-organized, but navigating through it can be somewhat cumbersome, as it relies on four hotkeys instead of a more user-friendly joystick.
Alternatively, you can download the AOC G-Menu desktop application and make adjustments there.
When it comes to gaming features, you’ll find Shadow Boost (which enhances the visibility of objects in darker areas), Game Color (for quick color saturation tweaks), a Frame Counter, Low Input Lag (which bypasses certain image post-processing to minimize input lag), custom crosshairs, and picture presets (including three custom modes, plus FPS and RTS presets).
The monitor also offers four pixel response time overdrive options (Off, Weak, Medium, and Strong). I’d recommend sticking with the Medium preset for general desktop use and most video games.
While the ‘Strong’ setting may provide better performance in specific games, it often introduces excessive pixel overshoot, resulting in reverse ghosting.
The build quality of the AOC CQ27G1 144Hz monitor is truly impressive, especially considering its affordable price point.
With its slim bezels and sturdy metal stand, this monitor looks great and offers a good deal of flexibility, including height adjustment up to 130mm, +/- 35° swivel, and -4°/22° tilt. If you prefer, you can even mount the screen on a third-party stand using the 100x100mm VESA pattern.
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In terms of connectivity, you’ve got a couple of HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, and a headphone jack at your disposal. The monitor supports FreeSync over all three display connectors, allowing for smooth gameplay at 144Hz and a 2560×1440 resolution. Plus, for all the Xbox One X users out there, the monitor is also compatible with 1440p at 120Hz.
AOC CQ27G1 Gaming
In a nutshell, this monitor is fantastic. I found it already ticked when I checked the NVIDIA Control Panel to enable the “G-Sync, G-Sync Compatible” option. However, I did have to adjust the refresh rate to 144 Hz from the default 90 Hz. After making that change, I was all set. I tested various games, and the performance was consistently impressive.
In League of Legends, the frame rate was between 300-400 fps, with no noticeable tearing or input lag, thanks to FreeSync. Overwatch also performed well on ultra settings and with the highest rendering scale, maintaining high frame rates without issues. The increased resolution and higher frame rate significantly enhanced the gaming experience in Jedi Fallen Order and GTAV.
You can expect to achieve 144 Hz or higher for eSports titles if you have decent hardware. However, more demanding games may require a powerful system to maximize the performance of this 144 Hz monitor.
So, if you’re in the market for an affordable, high-quality gaming monitor that delivers excellent performance across various games, the AOC CQ27G1 is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared to invest in a reasonably robust system to maximize your gaming experience.
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