Gigabyte M27Q X Review: Balancing Speed, Resolution and Color

A 27-inch QHD/IPS panel with 240 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR and extended color.

Gigabyte M27Q X
(Image: © Gigabyte)

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.

To compare the M27Q X’s performance, I had to go back in time a bit to find other QHD/240 Hz monitors. I’ve included Samsung’s 32-inch Odyssey G7, AOC’s PD27 and Asus’ PG279QM. At 165 Hz is BenQ’s EX3210R and Monoprice’s 43548. The comparison panels are a mix of IPS and VA technology.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

240 Hz will get you either a four- or five-millisecond response time. That’s fast enough that if you keep the frame rate over 200, overdrive and Adaptive-Sync are barely necessary. The M27Q X scores in the faster category and since it can run its blur reduction along with AS and overdrive, it’s nearly impossible to make it blur during fast camera pans or when objects move quickly across the screen. Only a 360 Hz monitor is smoother.

For total control lag, the M27Q X scores in the top percentile of all gaming monitors. A 360 Hz display might shave off a millisecond or two, but the difference is miniscule. Since both cost about the same, the 240 Hz panel with greater resolution sounds like a winner. The Gigabyte is a great example of the genre.

Viewing Angles

Gigabyte M27Q X

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The M27Q X has excellent off-axis image quality with no apparent light reduction at 45 degrees to the sides. A slight green/red shift can be seen in the photos but in colorful content, this will be hard to spot. The top view is a bit murky with a blue tint and a 40% reduction in brightness.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

Gigabyte M27Q X

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

My M27Q X sample had a slight glow at the bottom of the screen. It was visible in a full black field pattern (0% brightness) but disappeared at levels above 10%. It was not apparent in actual content, and detail rendering was not affected.

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.