Monoprice Zero-G 42891 QHD 165 Hz Gaming Monitor Review: And Prices Continue to Fall

The Monoprice Zero-G 42891 is a 32-inch QHD/VA curved gaming monitor with 165 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR and extended color.

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Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

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Monoprice Zero-G 42891
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Monoprice claims 300 nits max for the Zero-G 42891 but I measured over 327 nits of peak output. While that is below average for the category, it is more than enough for an indoor environment. I’ve also found that larger screens can be run at lower output to achieve the same image perception.

With a very low black level, the Zero-G 42891 is bested only by the exceptional Dell in the contrast ratio contest. This is triple the contrast found in most IPS screens, as evidenced by the Viotek and Corsair results. This makes a difference you can easily see in a side-by-side comparison.

After Calibration to 200 nits

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Monoprice Zero-G 42891
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Calibration gives the Zero-G 42891 a nice bump in contrast to 3,336.3:1. This makes adjustment worth the effort for sure, keeping it well ahead of its rivals and within striking distance of the Dell.

The ANSI value is lower by a larger-than-expected margin, but 2,628.7:1 is still higher than most computer monitors, regardless of technology. The 42891 delivers a sharply detailed image with deep blacks, bright highlights and saturated colors.

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.

1 Comment Comment from the forums
  • Gorlash
    This is very frustrating... I have a 30" 2560x1600 monitor (HP ZR30w), which I really love... it has been my treasured gaming machine for over a decade now... the only drawback, is that it doesn't have any of the modern bling - >60hz, adaptive sync, other fancy stuff...

    I would love to look at a new monitor with newer tech... but I'm still holding out for 16:10 aspect ratio... maybe I will just die here with the other old farts...
    Reply