Aorus CV27F 165Hz Curved Gaming Monitor Review: HDR on Budget

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By Christian Eberle
last updated

High-performance gaming for under $300

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Conclusion

With so many cutting-edge display technologies available today, it’s hard to find a monitor that does it all at a reasonable price. Premium monitors like the Acer Predator X27 and Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ deliver stunning images but have a price comparable to an entire gaming PC. Fortunately, there are alternatives. If you’re willing to sacrifice resolution and a full-array zone-dimming backlight, there are great deals to be had in high-performance gaming monitors.

The Aorus CV27F is a perfect example at $290 (at the time of writing). It delivers a reliable 165 Hz, FreeSync 2 and HDR that we’ve tested to work with both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards (the later unofficially).DCI-P3 color gamut coverage boosts image quality.

You have to give up is resolution, but that isn’t necessarily a downside. With lower pixel density comes higher frame rates and the elimination of the need for an expensive graphics card. Budget PCs can drive the CV27F at 100 fps with game detail maxed and enjoy the smooth motion and fast response that come with fast refresh rates. Additionally, the CV27F’s HDR worked reliably with both FreeSync and G-Sync systems

Our only gripe is a slightly elevated black level in HDR mode. Otherwise, the CV27F makes good use of its high-contrast VA panel. We also haven’t talked much about the Aorus’ curve because besides providing a subtle wraparound effect, it wasn’t a factor. 1500R sounds like a tight radius, but in a 16:9 format, it’s not.

The Aorus CV27F is a great budget screen for users wanting to try HDR gaming without investing in premium hardware. Highly recommended.

Image Credits: Acer, 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.

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3 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Dantte
    Screen Size, Aspect Ratio and Curve Radius
    24 inches / 16:9
    Curve Radius: 1500mm

    Typo, its 27"....

    And I'm confused... how is $350 a "budget" when I can purchase the AOC AG273QCX for $299 ($50 cheaper) on Amazon right now which has a HIGHER resolution and FASTER response?
    Reply
  • chill1221
    Why curve a 27" screen though...
    Reply
  • andjayik
    Picked one up today and best monitor ive had
    Reply