BenQ XL2430T 24-Inch 144Hz Gaming Monitor Review

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Results: Grayscale Tracking And Gamma Response

Our grayscale and gamma tests are described in detail here.

BenQ includes gaming-specific picture modes on all of its RL and XL-series displays. The XL2430T ships in its FPS 1 preset. The grayscale pattern shows a distinct blue tint at every signal level. This actually gives the impression of greater brightness, so some users may prefer the effect. If you’re after accuracy, however, there are better modes available.

Switching to Standard mode suddenly turns the XL2430T into a monitor with almost professional-level grayscale tracking. There are no visible errors whatsoever. Monitors that measure this well without calibration usually cost a lot more money.

After minor tweaks to the RGB sliders, we recorded this excellent result. It doesn’t get much better than this (not for less than $400, at least).

Here is our comparison group:

Out of the box, the XL2430T handily leaves its gaming-oriented competition in the dust. Even though most gamers aren’t looking for explicitly color-accurate monitors, we still think it’s an important metric. The top developers are using calibrated displays to create content, and there’s no reason to accept a lower-performing screen just to save a few bucks.

Calibration only improves the average error slightly, so we can’t honestly say it’s necessary to adjust the XL2430T. Of course, your sample may be a little different. But we doubt anyone will be dissatisfied with its color in the Standard picture mode.

Gamma Response

Given the grayscale tracking results, we expected exemplary gamma performance. It was achieved eventually, but not without some trial and error. There are five presets and the monitor comes set to number three in all modes. Obviously, the FPS 1 mode shown above emphasizes black levels by darkening the zero to 30-percent range. While perceived contrast is better, it comes at the expense of some crushed detail. Shadowy areas sometimes look like black blobs rather than the fine shades of gray that should appear.

Simply changing the mode to Standard is not quite enough. The gamma is now too light, making the picture a little flat and dull. At least the tracking is fairly straight.

Calibration of the white point and a change in gamma preset to five delivers this fine result. You’ll be sure to see all of the detail present in your games and graphical content at this setting.

Here is our comparison group again:

A .09 variation in gamma values represents extremely tight tracking. Again, we’re seeing pro-level performance. The other monitors do pretty well, but the XL2430T is clearly a leader.

We calculate gamma deviation by simply expressing the difference from 2.2 as a percentage.

The percentage of deviation also indicates a winner in this comparison. The actual gamma average is 2.23, which in only 1.36 percent away from 2.2. Needless to say, we’re impressed.

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.

  • spp85
    Me IPS all the way. One you switch to an IPS display you are done with a TN panel
    Reply
  • test090927
    Don't be interrupted by want type of panel it is.
    TN and IPS both have there own advantage. TN for low response time and relatively high refresh rate, whereas IPS has better color reproduction and viewing angle. However, IPS panel generally has long response time, which might cause ghosting when gaming.

    For XL2430T TN panel which might seem bad color reproduction, the color is actually fine and it can be adjusted by "Color Vibrance" mode. It's a great choice for you.
    Reply
  • Grognak
    Nearly $400 for a 24in 1080p monitor, that's quite expensive.
    Reply
  • wtfxxxgp
    Wow. Some people don't bother to read the article. The reviewer clearly states that the ONLY difference between this TN panel and an IPS panel is viewing angle. How is this a problem unless you're using more than 1 monitor? How many people sit and game when they don't have their monitor right in front of them? EVERYTHING ELSE about this monitor as far as performance is concerned completely out-classes IPS panels. Stop complaining, read the full article and unless you have anything constructive to say, rather don't say anything at all. Commenting that you're waiting for an IPS panel or wouldn't ever go back to a TN panel is rather useless. As for me, I think the price is very reasonable for this monitor, given its excellent review on everything that matters to a gamer.
    Reply
  • lostgamer_03
    I stopped reading after "TN panel". Not even worth my time.
    Reply
  • wishmaster12
    all your paying is for 24 more hz, I bought a 24in 120hz for 250$
    Reply
  • chenw
    I stopped reading at 'IPS', not even worth my time.

    Seriously, after comparing the VX2770 and swift (which is a classic IPS to TN), I wasn't even sure what IPS was all about, the IPS had much worse BLB and didn't look that much greater (granted, it was probably a bad IPS panel).
    Reply
  • chenw
    Just to clear up, I know the monitor in review is a TN panel
    Reply
  • knightmike
    FreeSync
    Reply
  • AndrewJacksonZA
    Is it known if this monitor is FreeSync-compatible, or can be upgraded to be FreeSync-compatible?

    Thank you
    Reply