Gigabyte GS32Q 32-inch 170 Hz QHD gaming monitor review: Big screen fun at an attractive price

Delivers large screen goodness for a low price

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Gigabyte GS32Q
(Image: © Tom's Hardware)

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Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

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Gigabyte GS32Q
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Gigabyte claims 300 nits for the GS32Q, and I measured over 327, which is plenty of light for a 32-inch monitor. In my experience, larger screens don’t need to be set as high, so in this case, even 200 nits is on the edge. In the black level test, the GS32Q is the best IPS screen. The resulting contrast is just behind the ASRock because that monitor is brighter. Visually, you won’t be able to tell the difference between them. VA tech is still the king of this test (after OLED, that is), but the GS32Q is well above the IPS average.

After Calibration to 200 nits

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Gigabyte GS32Q
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Calibration knocked a few points from the GS32Q’s contrast ratio, but the result of 1,369.2:1 is still top-level in the IPS genre. The ANSI test shows no change in the finishing order, and all the monitors show consistent performance. If you’re comparing just the 32-inch monitors, the GS32Q is more visually appealing than the HP based on contrast.

Test Takeaway: If you want the most contrast and can’t afford an OLED, VA is the next best choice. But if you want IPS, the GS32Q is one of the better examples. It’s bright enough for any indoor space and with around 1,400:1 contrast before and after calibration, it delivers a vivid and deep image with high clarity and saturation.

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Christian Eberle
Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

2 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Roland Of Gilead
    Would love to see pixel density for the different screen sizes incorporated into the specs.
    Reply
  • xiscKillerx
    Great and informative review. I've been looking at this monitor for a while as it seemed way too good for it's price point but once again Gigabyte is king of budget monitors.
    Reply