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

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.

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

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test Monitors

MORE: All Monitor Content

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.

Latest in Gaming Monitors
Odyssey OLED G9
Samsung's 49-inch OLED Odyssey G9 monitor drops to just $949 during Amazon's Spring Sale
Asus Monitor
You can snag this 24-inch Asus TUF gaming monitor for $99 at Amazon – its lowest price to date
Gigabyte G34WQCP
Gigabyte G34WQCP WQHD VA 190 Hz curved gaming monitor review: Faster than ever
Asus Monitor
Asus ROG Strix 27-Inch QHD IPS monitor is only $199 at Amazon
Dell Monitor
This Dell 27-Inch FHD IPS monitor is only $89 at Best Buy
LG 27GS50F-B UltraGear Gaming Monitor
Budget 27-inch gaming monitor hits all-time low price of $129.99 for Presidents' Day
Latest in Reviews
Bambu Lab H2D
Bambu Lab H2D Review: For Elite Crafters
Lenovo Thinkpad X9
Lenovo Thinkpad X9 review: The prettiest business PC
Samsung 9100 Pro SSD
Samsung 9100 Pro SSD Review: Samsung’s Capable Answer to Phison’s Storage Gauntlet
Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 Plus
Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120 V2 Plus review: Essential cooling, with a reverse fan
Corsair E400U
Corsair EX400U review: Game-changing USB4 speed in a magnetic, phone-friendly form factor
KYY X90D Triple Portable Monitor
KYY X90D Triple Portable Monitor Review: A screaming dual-screen bargain at $250
  • 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