Gigabyte GS34WQC 34-inch curved gaming monitor review: High performance, accuracy and value

34-inch curved VA WQHD display with 120 Hz, 135 Hz overclock, Adaptive-Sync, HDR and wide gamut color.

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Gigabyte GS34WQC
Editor's Choice
(Image: © Tom's Hardware)

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There is one major qualifier that is always used in reviews of budget monitors, “for the money.” I am finding I don’t have to use this phrase as much lately because even inexpensive displays have so much to offer.

The 34-inch 21:9 WQHD category is filled with excellent candidates but not many of them sell for less than $300. At $280, the Gigabyte GS34WQC is one of the least expensive examples, and has one of the lowest refresh rates. But despite this, I’d pick it over just about any other.

(Image credit: Gigabyte)

Once you’ve engaged the overclock to 135 Hz, the GS34WQC delivers motion resolution that is as high or higher than many 165 Hz models. The overdrive truly is that good, one of the very best in fact. It only has one setting, but Gigabyte has made sure it’s the right one. Though I consider the inclusion of a backlight strobe (Aim Stabilizer) to be a value-add, it doesn’t work well enough in this case to be a viable option. But since Adaptive-Sync works perfectly, it doesn’t matter.

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Color accuracy is also beyond impressive. The GS34WQC is ready to rock right out of the box once you switch to the Standard picture mode. Don’t bother with the custom color temp, it can’t improve the already awesome picture. And with class-leading color volume and high VA contrast, it’s one of the best images you’ll find for $280. You don’t get USB ports, speakers or LED lighting, but those things don’t affect gameplay. If you are looking for an ultra-wide gaming monitor and need to keep the budget low, the Gigabyte GS34WQC is a top pick for the category. Definitely, check it out.

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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.