Recommended reading

Gigabyte M27QP QHD 170 Hz Gaming Monitor Review: Blistering Performance and Lots of Color

Gigabyte’s M27QP is a 27-inch QHD/IPS gaming monitor with 170 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR and wide gamut color.

Reviews
By published

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.

Though the M27QP can run at 170 Hz, nearly all monitors in this category run at 165. The difference is minute; motion resolution comparisons come down to the quality of a display’s overdrive. For this review, I’ve included the HyperX Armada 27, Cooler Master GM27-FQS, BenQ EX2710R, NZXT Canvas 32Q and Viotek GNV32DBE. All are QHD resolution in either 27 or 32-inch sizes.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

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

Image 1 of 2
Gigabyte’s M27QP
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

6ms is the typical time for a 165 or 170 Hz panel to draw a full white field from top to bottom. The M27QP adds a very competent overdrive to the mix for superb motion resolution and smooth operation. It also sets itself apart by allowing the backlight strobe (Aim Stabilizer Sync) to work with Adaptive-Sync. This gives the user another option.

The M27QP moves further ahead of the pack in the total lag test with a score that puts it within striking distance of a 240 Hz monitor. While it won’t quite deliver the motion clarity associated with that refresh rate, it is a viable competition tool for skilled players.

Viewing Angles

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The M27QP uses a premium IPS panel, as evidenced by its excellent off-axis image quality. At 45 degrees to the sides, there is no reduction in light output, only a slightly cool tint which will be hard to see in actual content. Shadow detail also remains clear at this angle. The tint goes red/green from the top, and light is reduced. However, clarity is better than most other monitors from this view.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

My M27QP sample had no visible issues when displaying and measuring a black field pattern. There are no signs of glow or bleed anywhere on the screen. Brighter fields are equally uniform with no variation in either luminance or color.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

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.