Cooler Master GM27-CF 165Hz Monitor Review: High Performance, High Value

High refresh and great contrast for only $300

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Cooler Master GM27-CF
(Image: © Cooler Master)

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Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

We’ve rounded up five similar monitors for comparison to the GM27-CF. All are VA based and do not include HDR. From Samsung, we have the C27RG5 and U32R59C. MSI provides the G27C4 and MAG271CQR. And from Pixio comes the PXC273. 

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Cooler Master GM27-CF
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The GM27-CF is the brightest of the bunch at over 388 nits. That’s more than enough light for use in any environment including outdoor spaces. Black levels are typical of better VA monitors, good enough for a fourth place in the group. Contrast is strong at 3241.4:1 which places it above the average in our monitor review database. The real-world image is well-saturated with deep blacks and vivid color.

After Calibration to 200 nits 

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Cooler Master GM27-CF
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Calibration leaves the black levels true and only reduces contrast by an invisible amount. It’s still over 3000:1 which is excellent. Our calibration also helps reveal more detail that was lost to the dark default gamma.

ANSI contrast keeps the GM27-CF in third place, not a bad result by any means. 2771.7:1 is just above average in relation to all the monitors we’ve tested. Our sample shows good quality control and screen uniformity which delivers excellent intra-image contrast. We have no complaints so far.

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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.