AOC CU34G2X Curved Gaming Monitor Review: Speed, Immersion and HDR

The speed you need, but HDR’s lacking.

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AOC CU34G2X Curved Gaming Monitor
(Image: © Shutterstock, AOC)

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Applying an HDR signal to the CU34G2X automatically switches it to HDR mode, where you’ll find four picture options. DisplayHDR, the default, is by far the best, and it’s the only one that doesn’t apply edge enhancement to contrasting objects. 

HDR Brightness and Contrast

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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

We had hoped to see more light output from the CU34G2X in HDR mode, but it topped out at about the same level as with SDR. The result was the same whether we measured full field or window patterns. Some sort of dynamic contrast or selective overdrive of the backlight would be a great improvement here. Many of today’s HDR screens can exceed 400 nits as the other monitors here do, and we prefer to hit at least 600 nits with HDR gaming. 

Fortunately, that is somewhat made up for by an excellent black level. The HDR contrast level is about the same as SDR, which isn’t ideal, but the CU34G2X still looks better than the FI27Q or EW3280U HDR monitors. Dynamic range is king, and no edge-lit monitor does it better than the Dell S3220DGF with over 18,000:1 contrast, achieved by some clever engineering of its firmware.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

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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.

6 Comments Comment from the forums
  • DookieDraws
    I thought for sure I had already read a review on Tom's for this monitor, not long ago. Hmmmmmmmmm. I've also been looking at this monitor very hard lately. But there are others I'm looking at as well. This seems to be a well like monitor, from what I have read around the web.
    Reply
  • colson79
    Some of the quotes make me laugh. Such as

    "While the best VR headsets still provide a greater sense of sensory deprivation, a curved 21:9 screen manages to capture much of that feeling without a bulky apparatus on your head"

    I have a widescreen monitor and a VR headset. While I love widescreen monitors they don't even come close to the impressiveness of VR. Not even a little bit.
    Reply
  • MaCk0y
    It seems all the stock for this monitor went to reviewers. I bought this monitor in February and I think I won't get it before next year.
    Reply
  • cchant00
    did I miss it or were the recommended settings not listed?
    Reply
  • MaCk0y
    Monitor arrived. :)
    Reply
  • Meerov84
    Admin said:
    The AOC CU34G2X combines a 34-inch 21:9 curved VA panel with 144Hz, Adaptive-Sync and HDR. It promises high performance for gamers seeking the immersion of an ultra-wide display.

    AOC CU34G2X Curved Gaming Monitor Review: Speed, Immersion and HDR : Read more
    I got this monitor and it is good, however I notice the slower pixel response and some ghosting, do you recommend I get the VIOTEK GNV34DBE instead? If the Viotek has a better and faste r panel I can live with the nonadjustable stand until I get a monitor arm. Thank you
    Reply