Acer Predator CG437K 43” Monitor Review: Perfectly Sized 4K Gaming

This high-end display offers some of the best contrast, and therefore image quality, available.

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By Christian Eberle
last updated
Editor's Choice
(Image: © Acer)

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We applaud any attempt to bring large gaming monitors at a more affordable price, like the Acer Predator CG437K. It's not the largest 4K gaming monitor and doesn't  have an OLED screen or FALD backlight. But in other ways it matches its more expensive competition. And because it fits on an average-sized desk, it delivers a truly unique experience for gaming, computing and movie-watching.

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

This monitor offers higher native contrast than any other LCD monitor we’ve tested with SDR content. And it brushes the underside of 28,000:1 contrast with HDR at 1,200 nits and stunningly low black levels. Best of all, the CG437K doesn’t require a calibration of any kind. Right out of the box, it’s one of the most accurate monitors we’ve ever tested, even besting many professional screens.

Though it advertises 144Hz, it's more practically a 120Hz monitor. That's because running at 144Hz requires two DisplayPort cables and eliminates G-Sync Compatibility and HDR. But we had hours of enjoyment at 120Hz while enjoying killer HDR, vivacious color and smooth gaming without perceptible motion blur or input lag. 

The Predator CG437K costs $1,500 at this writing. While that is not a small sum, users will get a truly intimate and immersive experience that completely fills their peripheral vision at a 3-4-foot seating distance. Given its capabilities and form factor, it’s a completely unique display that we highly recommend.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

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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.

12 Comments Comment from the forums
  • derekullo
    I have been waiting to buy a 40"ish monitor for a while.

    I am glad I waited :)

    This deserves a

    Reply
  • maximiza
    my bdm4065 had a led strip burn out, I ordered this. 2nd week still waiting. I suspect a long back order. worth the wait as I stare at my dark band across my current monitor.
    Reply
  • mlee 2500
    Finally some progress in this area....real 4K + Gsync at more than 60Hz on a screen larger than 27" without going T.V. size.


    I just don't see myself going VA panel again, especially on a screen that's larger than my field of vision by default. But Acer's first 4K panels were VA before they started producing comparable IPS products, so maybe just need to wait a little longer.
    Reply
  • cfbcfb
    Well, was the price mentioned anywhere in the article. Plenty of pricing on other monitors on the first page. Didn't want to read 6 more long pages to find out.
    Reply
  • fredg3
    Has anyone confirmed whether the subpixel layout is RGB or BGR?

    Has anyone used it for spreadsheets? Are all the characters clear?
    Reply
  • Jennifer W
    Meh, I’ve been using an LG 43UD79-B for a couple years now.
    it’s kinda too big for gaming IMO, seriously... it’s HUGE
    it only cost $600...
    So yeah, just gonna stick with what I have.
    Reply
  • Jennifer W
    cfbcfb said:
    Well, was the price mentioned anywhere in the article. Plenty of pricing on other monitors on the first page. Didn't want to read 6 more long pages to find out.
    $1500
    Pass
    Reply
  • Bamda
    I will be getting one when it comes on sale. :)
    Reply
  • Kridian
    I just can't bring myself to spend as much money as I would for an entire PC on a display like this.
    Absolutely absurd pricing. Those idiots.
    Reply
  • maximiza
    if you get it make sure to download the display widget software. it is very nice . the default is in eco display mode. I really do not know what to do with the rgb led strips though.
    Reply