This webpage was generated automatically; to view the article in its initial site, you can visit the link below:
https://www.tomshardware.com/monitors/gaming-monitors/gigabyte-m27qa-ice-27-inch-180-hz-qhd-gaming-monitor-review
if you wish to eliminate this article from our platform, please get in touch with us
It’s undeniable that there is something fascinating about white computer displays. They are rarely seen, so when a company opts for one with its distinctive design, it tends to draw attention.
Among the top gaming displays, performance should take precedence, and Gigabyte’s M27QA ICE delivers that in terms of both picture quality and gaming experience. It features a 27-inch IPS screen boasting a QHD 2560×1440 resolution, 180 Hz refresh rate, FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility, HDR400, and extensive color gamut. Despite its distinct high-end appearance, it is offered at a reasonable price of $280 at this moment, so let’s examine it more closely.
Specifications of Gigabyte M27QA ICE
| Panel Type / Backlight | IPS / W-LED, edge array |
| Screen Size / Aspect Ratio | 27 inches / 16:9 |
| Max Resolution and Refresh Rate | 2560×1440 @ 180 Hz |
| Row 3 – Cell 0 | FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible |
| Native Color Depth and Gamut | 10-bit (8-bit+FRC) / DCI-P3 |
| Row 5 – Cell 0 | HDR10, DisplayHDR 400 |
| Response Time (MPRT) | 1ms |
| Brightness (mfr) | 350 nits SDR |
| Row 8 – Cell 0 | 400 nits HDR |
| Contrast (mfr) | 1,000:1 |
| Speakers | None |
| Video Inputs | 1x DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Row 12 – Cell 0 | 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-C |
| Audio | 3.5mm headphone output |
| USB 3.2 | 1x up, 2x down |
| Power Consumption | 20w, brightness @ 200 nits |
| Panel Dimensions WxHxD w/base | 24.2 x 15.8-20.9 x 7.6 inches (615 x 401-531 x 193mm) |
| Panel Thickness | 1.7 inches (43mm) |
| Bezel Width | Top/sides: 0.3 inch (8mm) |
| Row 19 – Cell 0 | Bottom: 0.9 inch (22mm) |
| Weight | 11.4 pounds (5.2kg) |
| Warranty | 3 years |
If you’re in need of a high-performance gaming monitor and you’re unable to invest in an OLED, a quick IPS or VA display is the next optimum alternative. Within this price range, the 180 Hz category presents excellent value. Its cost-effectiveness is very appealing. The M27QA ICE is positioned reasonably in terms of price at approximately $280. For this amount, you receive an above-average IPS contrast. I recorded ratios surpassing 1,350:1, placing it among the top performers in its technological sector. That added depth is evident in its remarkable black levels, which also contribute to enhanced color richness. Although it isn’t a Quantum Dot display, it covers more than 95% of the DCI-P3 color space, as confirmed by my evaluations. Out-of-box precision is sufficient to eliminate the need for calibration.
Gaming performance is robust as well, with an authentic 180 Hz refresh rate achievable without overclocking. Adaptive-Sync is available in both variations, and I validated its impeccable functionality during practical gaming assessments. Gigabyte offers one of the finest overdrive capabilities in the industry, featuring fixed and dynamic settings that nearly eliminate all motion blur. If you favor backlight strobing, this option is also included, with the unique ability to function alongside Adaptive-Sync without any reduction in brightness. The M27QA ICE boasts considerable video processing capabilities.
From a physical standpoint, it’s difficult not to be impressed. White monitors are striking because they provide a distinctive presence without excessive flair. The styling of the M27QA ICE, aside from its color, is minimalistic. However, it complements well with a white computer like those offered by Alienware or a gaming console. The construction quality is excellent, with a stable stand and fluid ergonomics.
Even though the pricing resides within the value category, there are no features compromised. You receive KVM capabilities with USB ports, including USB-C, which could serve as an additional DisplayPort input. This, combined with two HDMI 2.1 ports, allows you to connect almost any device that produces a video signal. Gaming functionalities encompass Gigabyte’s comprehensive set of GameAssist features that include frame counters, timers, aiming points, sniper mode, and PC health metrics featuring chip temperatures and fan speeds.
At a cost of $280, the M27QA ICE provides a comprehensive package for gamers that performs admirably and looks stylish doing so.
Assembly and Accessories
The M27QA ICE showcases its white-themed design on the box, which is also white and adorned with illustrations all around. It opens in a clamshell manner to expose its contents nestled in crumbly foam. The stand is assembled using a captive bolt and securely snaps into place. The cable assortment consists of an external power brick plus cables for DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB-A/B.
Product 360
Image 1 of 4
Even though the M27QA ICE’s light hue is distinctive, it remains subtle enough to generate the impression that this is how it should be. There’s absolutely no reason we can’t see more white displays. Yet, you will undoubtedly be the center of attention among your peers at a LAN gathering. The front bezel is narrow, level, and black so the only white visible when the display is active is the edging at the bottom which displays “Gigabyte” in gray script. The base likewise states “Gaming Series” in case there was any uncertainty. The visuals are crisp and vibrant with no graininess due to the efficient anti-reflection coating.
The thickness of the panel’s profile is merely 1.7 inches, slimmer than most 27-inch monitors I’ve encountered. The stand is exceptionally sturdy, allowing for 5/20 degrees of tilt and a 5.1-inch elevation adjustment. There is no swivel option or portrait mode available. Movements are very firm, exhibiting no looseness or wobbling. The M27QA ICE is evidently constructed for prolonged use.
The reverse side also displays “Gigabyte” alongside a few molded designs and ample ventilation along the upper part. The OSD joystick is positioned in the conventional location and is the only control button for the M27QA ICE. The input panel is clearly labeled, featuring two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and one USB-C that can function as a secondary DisplayPort input. KVM capabilities are enhanced by one upstream and two downstream ports, version 3.2. A 3.5mm headphone jack provides stereo output, and there are no built-in speakers.
OSD Features
Image 1 of 7
Each menu screen displays signal information at the top. You can observe the video processing status within the first of seven segments, which includes refresh rate, overdrive, and similar options. Aim Stabilizer Sync represents the backlight strobe and operates alongside Adaptive-Sync to entirely eliminate motion blur. It presents a minimal phasing distortion, which is easier to notice in test patterns than in real content. Alternatively, you can utilize the superb overdrive, which performed best for me when set to Balance. The Smart OD feature is dynamic and will fluctuate with the refresh rate.
A total of nine picture modes are available, with Standard being the default and optimal choice. This mode offers a complete array of calibration controls, including gamma and color temperature presets. Additionally, there’s an accurate sRGB option for those requiring color grading capabilities. The native color gamut encompasses 95% of DCI-P3, ensuring that the M27QA ICE is quite vibrant for both SDR and HDR material.
Quick Switch pertains to the joystick directional buttons, and all four can be customized by the user. This feature provides immediate access to frequently utilized elements, such as picture settings and input selection. There are three memory settings that can be stored and retrieved. This is a feature all displays should implement, as it is highly beneficial.
GameAssist is a distinct menu of gaming tools, featuring aiming points (green in four shapes), timer, stopwatch, frame count, sniper mode, and PC health metrics. The M27QA ICE can monitor fan speeds and temperatures for the CPU and GPU in real-time. This information is presented in a small window at the upper left corner of the display.
Gigabyte M27QA ICE Calibration Settings
The M27QA ICE is almost at the threshold of requiring calibration but presents barely noticeable errors, resulting in a pleasing and colorful image by default. In the default Standard setting, you have gamma and color temperature presets along with RGB sliders for precise adjustments. I utilized these to make slight enhancements in accuracy. The color gamut is capable of covering 95% of DCI-P3 unless you opt for the sRGB mode, which accurately represents that color space. Below are my recommended configurations. For HDR signals, no adjustments can be made, and brightness is fixed at 100%. There’s no dynamic contrast, so the picture doesn’t appear significantly altered.
| Display Mode | Standard |
| Brightness 200 nits | 52 |
| Brightness 120 nits | 23 |
| Brightness 100 nits | 15 |
| Brightness 80 nits | 8 (min. 59 nits) |
| Contrast | 50 |
| Gamma | 2.2 |
| Color Temperature User | Red 93, Green 99, Blue 99 |
Gaming and Practical Experience
Numerous gaming monitors fit within the “gets the job done” category, however, the M27QA ICE surpasses them with some of the finest video processing I have encountered in a sub-$300 screen. The overdrive is sufficient to alleviate motion blur, which was a non-issue during my gameplay sessions. If you can operate it at 180fps, there’s no requirement for anything beyond the Balanced setting with Adaptive-Sync activated. QHD resolution facilitates this task effortlessly.
For lower frame rates, the backlight strobe (Aim Stabilizer Sync) serves as a valuable tool since Gigabyte allows you to keep Adaptive-Sync enabled. Brightness is automatically maximized, ensuring no reduction in light output. I observed a slight phasing artifact in testing patterns, but it was nearly impossible to replicate this in any games I tested. Doom Eternal has abundant fine detail that would magnify any irregularities, yet I noticed none. The video processing capability here is outstanding.
While I observed merely average HDR performance, it does provide a slight improvement over SDR, thanks to the M27QA ICE’s extensive color gamut and impressive accuracy. Blue hues appear particularly vibrant with just the proper amount of over-saturation. It enhances cold textures like ice and stone, making them more vivid but not to the extent of appearing cartoonish. Warm colors are also more striking than their SDR counterparts. I desired a field dimming feature to intensify shadow regions, but none was available.
When focusing on workday activities, I appreciated the M27QA ICE’s design and distinctive physical appearance. I utilize a white table for monitor testing, and the white casing complemented the aesthetic perfectly. Combined with a white PC or gaming console, it’s a look I found visually pleasing without any distractions from my tasks. The image is sharp and colorful, well-suited for documents, spreadsheets, and graphics. Photoshop performed well with satisfactory pixel density (109ppi) for detailed editing. The only aspect I would modify is the menu color. It’s not a significant issue since once set up, you spend little time in the OSD. However, a bolder font would enhance readability against the white background. The design decision is logical, but its execution could be improved.
Physically, the M27QA ICE presents a robust package. The stand operates smoothly and confidently in its adjustments. The absence of swivel motion is unusual, but honestly, how often does one need to swivel a monitor? There’s a considerable height and tilt range that can accommodate any combination of desk height and user stature. The KVM functionality is convenient for peripheral support and exceptionally straightforward to configure. The only features not present are LED lighting and speakers. Neither of these detracts from the usability or performance of the M27QA ICE.
Conclusion: The M27QA ICE is an exceptionally capable gaming and workday monitor that provides remarkable video processing and a pleasing image for under $300. It performs exceptionally well across the board, though it lacks a bit of additional impact in HDR mode due to the absence of dimming. However, with vibrant color reproduction, the image remains dynamic and detailed. It is suitable for any task or entertainment activity.
MORE: Top Gaming Monitors
MORE: Our Methodology for Testing PC Monitors
MORE: Guidelines for Purchasing a PC Monitor
This page has been generated automatically; to access the article in its original form, kindly follow the link below:
https://www.tomshardware.com/monitors/gaming-monitors/gigabyte-m27qa-ice-27-inch-180-hz-qhd-gaming-monitor-review
and if you would like to request the removal of this article from our website, please contact us
Related Posts
