Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Grayscale, Gamma & Color
Grayscale Tracking
The PE320QK can be calibrated with precision, but only in its DCI-P3-based User mode. If you need sRGB color, you’ll have to choose the fixed mode, which is set at the factory and cannot be altered.
Our grayscale and gamma tests are described in detail here.
The best out-of-box grayscale tracking comes from the User mode. Here, the errors are all right around 3dE with a respectable average of 3.04dE. In the fixed sRGB mode, we were surprised to see visible errors that were higher than those stated on the included calibration data sheet. Oddly, there is no data for the other color modes, which as you can see are much more accurate. Returning to the User mode, we tweaked the RGB sliders a bit and turned Contrast down one click to achieve visually perfect tracking.
Comparisons
A 6.96dE average for sRGB is disappointing in a professional monitor. Many displays we review can provide lower errors in this test. If you’re using the PE320QK for its extended color, however, accuracy is not an issue. You don’t need to calibrate but achieving a 0.55dE average grayscale error is a nice boost to the ego.
Gamma Response
The one place where the PE320QK’s performance is perfect regardless of mode is gamma tracking. In User, you can choose from multiple presets that range from 1.8 to 2.6 in 0.2 increments. All measure exactly to spec. In sRGB and Rec.709 modes, gamma is locked to 2.4, which is correct. The only thing we wish were here is a BT.1886 option. If you’re wondering about HDR luminance, that’s covered on the next page.
Comparisons
The PE320QK has the most accurate gamma we’ve ever seen in SDR mode. The above numbers represent User, which is based on the DCI-P3 gamut but sRGB delivers equal performance. Not only does this maximize perceived contrast, it ensures proper color saturation tracking, which we’ll show you now.
Color Gamut & Luminance
For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, please click here.
At its heart, the PE320QK is a DCI-P3 monitor with an added sRGB capability. Whether you calibrate or not, it tracks the DCI targets almost perfectly. At default settings, it sports a low 1.86dE average. That is well below the point where we’d recommend calibration. But if you decide to make the adjustments, that error drops to 1.5dE.
In sRGB mode, things are not quite as wonderful, but overall performance is good. You can see slight over-saturation in the red primary and small hue errors in the secondary colors. This could be fixed with a grayscale calibration if one were possible. Luminance levels are quite close to neutral, however, which goes a long way toward solid image quality.
Comparisons
As a DCI-P3 monitor, the PE320QK is among the best we’ve tested. In sRGB mode, it’s a little less impressive. If you need that smaller gamut, there are better screens out there. But if your work requires extended color, there are few that perform this well.
For the volume test, we’re finding Adobe RGB less relevant with so much focus on Ultra HD and DCI-P3 color. Therefore, we’ve updated our chart to show that gamut along with sRGB. All the screens have selectable modes except the C4008VU8, which explains its large sRGB volume. The other monitors all manage to render nearly 100% of sRGB and between 85% and 95% of DCI. The PE320QK is right in the middle, at 90.4%. This is about as good as it gets for now. We have yet to see a display meet or exceed 100%.
MORE: Best Gaming Monitors
MORE: Best Professional Monitors
MORE: How We Test Monitors
MORE: How To Choose A Monitor
MORE: All Monitor Content
