Dark Matter by Monoprice 27-Inch Monitor Review: Gaming on an IGZO Panel

An IGZO panel delivers big color at a low price

Reviews
By Christian Eberle
last updated
Dark Matter by Monoprice 27-Inch Gaming Monitor
(Image: © Monoprice)

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Monoprice has been offering value-priced displays for some years now, and we’ve reviewed a number of them. Each one is just a little better than those that came before. The Monoprice Dark Matter 27-inch 240 Hz Monitor we covered a few months ago impressed us with its snappy 240 Hz refresh rate and solid contrast. The 42892 is even better in every way that counts.

(Image credit: Monoprice)

With QHD resolution and 109ppi pixel density, it hits that sweet spot between image clarity and speed. Maxing frame rates at 165 or 180 Hz is a cinch with many graphics cards. It’s faster than even the best 4K gaming monitor currently available, and when the action moves quickly, motion resolution is the important element. The 42892 keeps things rock solid and clear, no matter how quickly you move the mouse or how intensely the bullets fly.

Image quality is easily above the 42892’s price class. With over 94% coverage of DCI-P3, it ranks near the top of all the extended color monitors we’ve reviewed, though it comes up a little short in red.

The IGZO panel contributes to excellent contrast as well. Most IPS displays do well to hit 1,000:1, but the 42892 tops 1,300:1, no small feat. Plus, calibration isn’t required but makes a small improvement. That’s something else we rarely say about budget monitors.

For $350, the Dark Matter by Monoprice 27-Inch Gaming Monitor (42892) delivers everything needed for quality gaming. Speed, responsiveness, clarity and saturation are nicely balanced. If you’re looking for a standout 27-inch QHD gaming monitor in the $350 price range, this is definitely worth checking out.

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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.

4 Comments Comment from the forums
  • sadsteve
    Um, that first picture of the monitor appears to be a picture of a 21x9 monitor not a 16x9 monitor like the one you're reviewing.
    Reply
  • mrv_co
    'No Speakers' should be listed under 'Pros'.
    Reply
  • closs.sebastien
    a screen doesn't need speaker. this is an advantage.

    27' and no 4k, so I will classify it as a 'screen for old people' or for public display (train station etc....)... = 1px 1cm wide...
    Reply
  • Hairless_Ape
    Great review - love the comparisons and tests against competing products. Made me pull the trigger and give this one a try since my previous QHD 144hz 27" Monoprice was damaged in a move.
    Reply