BenQ Unleashes XL2720Z Gaming Display

BenQ has launched a new gaming monitor, and while it does share some newer features from the manufacturer that we've already seen on previous models, it is bigger, and we all know that bigger is better!

The monitor, which will carry the model name XL2720Z, is a 27-inch 'professional gaming monitor.' It has a number of features to make BenQ give it this name, including its GROM (Gaming Refresh Optimization Management), flicker-free technology, as well as low blue light tech and motion blur reduction technology. Along with the monitor BenQ ships its S Switch, which is a sort of control interface that can be clipped onto the side of the screen's base and used to access profiles on-the-fly.

"The new XL2720Z and the industry-leading features that it comes with is a true and proud manifesto of our vision of professional gaming at its best and of our actions taken to realize that vision," said Peter Chen, General Manager of BenQ's Technology Product Center. "Motion Blur Reduction may yet to be [sic] a new concept to the

gaming world, but no doubt it is the best-to-date perfection of LCD displays in gaming action. Gamers will find the clear difference we aim to deliver in game play clarity and fluidity once they get their hands on the XL2720Z."

The monitor has a TN panel with a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels, and has adjustable refresh rates from 100 Hz to 144 Hz. Other specifications include a 1000:1 static contrast ratio, 300 cd/m² brightness, and a 72 percent color gamut. Due to the 144 Hz refresh rate, the screen also has a gray-to-gray response time of just 1 ms.

Connectivity is handled by HDMI, DVI, VGA, and warmly welcomed, DisplayPort 1.2. Other connectivity includes a USB hub and an audio jack.

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Niels Broekhuijsen

Niels Broekhuijsen is a Contributing Writer for Tom's Hardware US. He reviews cases, water cooling and pc builds.

  • bboysil
    "Due to the 144 Hz refresh rate, the screen also has a gray-to-gray response time of just 1 ms." What does the refresh rate have to do with the gray to gray response time?
    Reply
  • outlw6669
    Yay, another overpriced 1080p TN monitor.
    Reply
  • darson
    1920x1080. Really? In this day and age for a gaming monitor?
    Reply
  • NotYetRated
    I own a different model of gaming monitor. Yes, it too is a TN panel. But I could not care less about extreme color accuracy when it comes to gaming.

    The thing looks good, but most importantly, it performs great. I do not think we will be seeing any gaming monitors with such low response time and input lag on an IPS monitors. They inherently cannot hit such numbers at this time.
    Reply
  • therealduckofdeath
    A typical IPS display has a response time at 8 ms, that means it can just about refresh fast enough to display a 120Hz signal. If you would input a higher frequency signal the output will just become blurred. That is the connection between refresh rate and response time.
    Reply
  • Lmah
    Waiting for 2560x1440 LED-IPS 120hz, getting tired of seeing these 1920x1080 TN panels. 1920x1080 is really getting old, I've already owned enough 1080 monitors and will not be buying another. I want higher pixel density.
    Reply
  • xyriin
    While I love my 2560x1440 IPS panels, IPS panels aren't gaming panels period unless you're a casual gamer. 120Hz+ panels are not for casual gamers, they are competitive level gaming panels. BenQ and Asus choose TN panels for their gaming panels because they offer superior performance in response time and delay.

    Furthermore, 120Hz+ at 2560x1440 requires massive GPU power and competitive gamers require the best FPS possible which at the current time defaults to 1920x1080 and 120Hz+.

    If you're in here posting about wanting an IPS gaming panel with 120Hz+ and 2560x1440 you simply have no grasp on the technology or the applications of said technology for specific needs.

    If you need the color quality of IPS and also need a competitive gaming monitor you need to buy a speedy TN panel and get second IPS panel for everything other than the competitive gaming.
    Reply
  • omnimodis78
    @xyriin - You wrote out, nearly verbatim, what I was thinking! I never think that anybody is wrong about wanting the latest and the greatest, but to think that ONLY because it's new and great, it should now become the standard is so amateurish.
    Reply
  • DarkSable
    Two points.

    1) You aren't going to get an IPS panel that can do what you're begging for except for a very lot of money... and even then it'll be akin to the overclocked korean catleaps that used to be everywhere, that looked awful when put next to an actual 120Hz monitor.

    2) You do realize that not all IPS panels are beautiful and not all TN panels are awful, right? If you haven't seen one of BenQ's high end TN panels, don't diss them. They can often have better color than lower-grade IPS panels, and have AMAZING blacks.
    Reply
  • glenster
    Qnix QX2710 or Eizo Foris FG2421
    Reply