BenQ X3000i 4K HDR Gaming Projector Up for Pre-Order at $1,999

BenQ X3000i 4K gaming projector
(Image credit: BenQ)

BenQ has started sales of the BenQ X3000i 4K gaming projector, which was originally unveiled at CES 2022 in January. This device sports gaming-focused features like HDR10 support, refresh rates up to 240 Hz, input lag as low as 4ms, 100% DCI-P3 color and dedicated gaming modes. However a lot of the performance stats are dependent upon the resolution you run the BenQ X3000i at. Depending on your region, you should be able to snag a shiny new BenQ X3000i 4K HDR gaming projector for $1,999 / €1,899 / £1,699 in pre-order this month, for delivery in mid-March.

(Image credit: BenQ)

 Refresh rate and input lag stats fall quickly at higher resolutions. For example, at 4K you will see refresh rate of 60 Hz with 16 ms input lag. That might be fine for less twitch-sensitive gameplay, but for racing games or shooters, you might be better served running the projector at 1080p for the quoted 240 Hz refresh and 4 ms input lag. Check the specifications table below for the full range of resolution / refresh / lag stats:

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BenQ X3000i 4K HDR gaming projector specs

Display System

0.65 inch DLP

Resolution and performance

Up to 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) via Pixel-Shift Technology at 60Hz, 16ms input lag. At 1080p, 120Hz, input lag is 8ms. At 1080p, 240Hz, input lag is 4ms

Brightness / contrast

3000 Lumens (ANSI) / 500,000:1, Black Details Enhancement

Color

10-Bit (1.07 Billion Colors), 100% DCI-P3 CinematicColor, HDR-PRO Dynamic Black technology, HDR10 compatibility

Lens/ light source

1.3x zoom, f/1.8 - 2.25 (f = 17.02 - 22.21 mm), projection size up to 200 inches / 508 cm, LED light with expected life of 20,000 to 30,000 hours (up to 10 years with 5 hours daily use)

I/O

3 x HDMI 2.0b (HDMI Type-A) Audio, Video Input

1 x Optical (TOSLINK) Audio Output

1 x 1/8 inch / 3.5 mm Mini Audio Output

1 x USB 2.0 (USB Type-A) Power, Service

1 x RS-232 (DE-9/DB-9) Control Input

1 x 12 V Trigger Control Output

Audio

Built in 5W x 2 stereo speakers with Dynamic Stereo Enhancement powered by Bongiovi DSP technology. Audio return port with eARC allows Dolby Atmos and 7.1-channel audio pass through

Dimensions (W x H x D) / weight

10.7 x 7.8 x 10.2" / 272.0 x 197.0 x 259.0 mm without feet, weight is 14.1 lb / 6.4 kg

Other features and stats

2D Keystone correction  ± 30°, ceiling mountable, rear screen projections, remote provided, Wi-Fi adapter included, HDCP 2.2 support, fan noise up to 32 dB, power consumption up to 330W

The projector also includes a trio of gaming-focused modes for users to choose from. It applies cinematic  color settings and sound in RPG mode; a darkness equalizer color setting is applied and a sound locator is seen on screen in FPS mode; in sports game mode, you will apparently experience "incredibly realistic green grass," plus accentuated commentary and roaring crowds.

(Image credit: BenQ)

BenQ estimates a reasonable 10 year lifespan for the BenQ X3000i 4K HDR gaming projector's lamps. Moreover, it claims that its exclusive Auto Color Calibration will overcome any color brightness, contrast or saturation decay over the lamp's lifespan.

If you aren't tempted by a gaming projector, even one as advanced and highly specified as the BenQ X3000i, you might be more interested in our recent Best Gaming Monitors roundup.

Mark Tyson
News Editor

Mark Tyson is a news editor at Tom's Hardware. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason.

  • bigdragon
    This looks like the LED equivalent to the TK700sti. Definitely nice to see a longer-lasting and more consistent bulb option available. How much longer until 4K native laser projectors reach gaming expectations?

    I've been enjoying the TK700sti since last summer. Good projector. A bit noisy and has HDCP 2.2 handshake issues from time to time, but otherwise good. All of the LED and laser alternatives were too slow or low resolution at the time.
    Reply
  • daneg
    I'm skeptical of the 10 years claim on the bulb. But the severe drop in performance at 4k makes that claim irrelevant. Unless I absolutely needed the portability, I'd take the tradeoffs for a gaming-centric OLED like the C1.

    This also feels too much like a last hurrah for old tech. Short throw laser and 4k with better performance before I dip into the projector market again. Hopefully by 2023.
    Reply