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While the Nintendo Switch has opened the door for subsequent handheld gaming systems like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally X, there’s still a unique charm to enjoying your favorite games on a larger display. Whether you’re playing on one of the finest TVs or, in my situation, one of the top monitors, that additional screen real estate truly allows you to relax and immerse yourself in your favorite console or PC games.
Since transitioning to the Xbox Series X, I’ve sought out a gaming monitor that would enable me to fully utilize Microsoft’s most advanced Xbox so far. Additionally, I wanted one that could seamlessly complement the PS5 for when I ultimately choose between the PS5 Slim or the PS5 Pro. Last year, I took advantage of a significant price drop on the Gigabyte M28U gaming monitor, but bigger is indeed better, right? Therefore, I’ve been searching for a fully equipped yet cost-effective 4K, 32-inch gaming monitor featuring HDMI 2.1 support for enhanced refresh rate gaming.
After browsing more Amazon listings for gaming monitors than I care to confess, I came across one that had all the features I was searching for and even more. However, there was one peculiar aspect: it was from Arzopa, a brand not typically recognized for its gaming monitors. In fact, it doesn’t produce conventional monitors at all. Instead, Arzopa specializes in portable monitors that pair well with one of the best laptops or even one of the top mini PCs.
At merely $400 new on Amazon (it’s currently even cheaper), which is also the price I paid for my open-box, 28-inch Gigabyte monitor, I found myself quite tempted. Fortunately, I managed to reduce its already reasonable price by purchasing it directly from the manufacturer’s website.
I’ve been utilizing the Arzopa M3RC for the past few months, and while it possesses a few idiosyncrasies, it stands out as one of the finest gaming monitors available on a budget. Particularly due to its larger display, enhanced resolution, and all the additional features Arzopa has managed to include. If you’re in search of something similar and prefer desk gaming like I do, here’s why this budget gaming monitor could serve as the ideal upgrade for your Xbox Series X or PS5.
Choosing power over portability
Measuring 28 x 17.5 x 6.8 inches and weighing 22.4 pounds, the Arzopa M3RC is certainly not designed for portability. Instead, similar to many other monitors, it’s intended to sit securely on your desk. While not nearly as effective as a third-party monitor stand or arm, the included stand serves its purpose and is adjustable in both angle and height. The Arzopa M3RC also comes with a 65W power supply that is slightly smaller than those supplied with other monitors I’ve used over the years. You also receive a high-speed HDMI cable, but that’s all for accessories.
Beyond its larger display and competitive pricing, what truly attracted me to this monitor were the additional features. It boasts a 144Hz refresh rate, supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync, and is packed with ports. Plus, it utilizes an IPS panel rather than the more affordable VA panels found in other budget gaming monitors.
On the back, you will find two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 connection, a USB-C port with 15W charging, two USB-A ports, a USB-B port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. Although you might overlook the Arzopa M3RC’s USB-B port, it’s what enables you to utilize this monitor as a USB hub. For instance, if you connect a laptop through USB-C while the USB-B port is connected to a desktop PC through HDMI or DisplayPort, you can use those two USB-A ports for your mouse and keyboard on both machines and switch between them effortlessly.
While it may not be exceptionally bright, there’s an RGB ring on the back of the monitor where you attach the included stand. This is truly the only feature that gives it the appearance of a gaming monitor. When viewed from the front, however, one might mistake this for a standard monitor, which can be advantageous if you wish to avoid an overly gamer look.
Impressive but not without its drawbacks
I must admit, I didn’t quickly purchase the Arzopa M3RC when I came across it on Amazon as I couldn’t locate any reviews or even a comprehensive spec sheet. Consequently, it lingered in my cart for several days, during which I almost bought it multiple times. It wasn’t until I visited Arzopa’s website directly that I finally made the decision. While the Arzopa M3RC is listed for $399 on Amazon, you can obtain it for much less straight from the company. Currently, it’s priced at just $309, but it is out of stock. However, when I purchased it, I utilized a discount code to acquire it for merely $260.
Upon unboxing the monitor and setting up the included stand, my first action was to test its USB-C port with my reliable ThinkPad. To my astonishment, my laptop connected to the Arzopa M3RC instantly and unlike my open-box Gigabyte M28U monitor, there were no dead or stuck pixels. The image was clear and the viewing angles were commendable, but one feature did surprise me: it lacks built-in speakers. When I bought the monitor, I mistakenly thought it included speakers due to a misinformation on its Amazon page, but after communicating with Arzopa support post-ordering, I learned I would need to use it with one of the finest gaming headsets or acquire a separate set of computer speakers.
Though I utilize a pair of Audioengine A2+ bookshelf speakers at my main setup, I specifically choose monitors with built-in speakers. This allows me to quickly set up a desk environment while testing one of the top standing desks without the hassle of consuming an additional outlet or managing extra cables. I should have been aware, however, considering most gaming monitors lack built-in speakers as it’s more typical to connect
using a headset while engaging in PC gaming. I considered acquiring a second pair of bookshelf speakers; however, since I desired maximum space on my dedicated gaming desk, I ultimately opted for a budget-friendly soundbar from Creative instead.
In addition to the absence of integrated speakers, there was another hiccup with the Arzopa M3RC gaming monitor. While most monitors today feature 100 x 100 VESA mounting points at the rear, this specific model has 75 x 75 ones instead. Generally, this wouldn’t pose a challenge since the finest monitor arms and stands typically include the necessary holes to support both.
Although the stand provided by Arzopa functioned adequately, I preferred to mount the Arzopa M3RC on the monitor arm I installed on the Secretlab Magnus Pro standing desk for a sleeker, floating appearance. I was nearly ready to give up hope regarding the mounting of my new gaming monitor when I discovered a VESA adapter ($13, Amazon) specifically crafted for Spectre’s monitors.
As you can see, similar to this one from Arzopa, they too possess a circular opening at the rear along with 75 x 75 VESA mounting holes. I quickly painted the adapter with the same black spray paint I used when installing a monitor on my Peloton Bike, and it was all set to go, or so I thought. The adapter worked well with the Arzopa M3RC, but to attach it to my monitor arm, I ended up employing motherboard standoffs for one final makeshift solution.
Still a bargain on a budget
With my new gaming monitor mounted on a monitor arm and my budget soundbar positioned beneath it, I affixed the lightstrip that came with the Govee AI Sync Box 2 to the rear of the Arzopa M3RC and arranged the supplied light bars on either side. As is my usual practice when testing one of the top mini PCs with gaming potential or a new console like the Xbox Series X Digital Edition, I launched my favorite game, Session.
Skateboarding around the Jerome Avenue Banks in Brooklyn was incredible on its larger display, and with its 144Hz panel and HDMI 2.1 ports, I managed to enable my Xbox’s Variable Refresh Rate feature and achieve up to 120 fps. Metaphor ReFantazio also appeared breathtaking on my new screen, particularly with Govee’s smart lights coordinated with the action on-screen. Since you connect your console directly to the AI Sync Box 2, you can sync your PS5, Nintendo Switch, or PC games with it as well.
Even with light syncing turned off, I’ve been greatly impressed by the Arzopa M3RC considering I spent only $260 on it. If Arzopa continues to produce this 32-inch gaming monitor, I wouldn’t be surprised to see similar or even greater discounts on it this coming Black Friday. If 32 inches feels too large and your PC isn’t powerful enough to manage gaming at 4K, the company also offers a 27-inch, 180 Hz, 2K gaming monitor ($199, Amazon) that’s also 25% off currently. I haven’t tested it, but it has favorable reviews and a 4.3-star rating on Amazon.
Locating an excellent gaming monitor for your PC isn’t nearly as challenging as finding one suitable for the Xbox and PS5, as you can engage in high refresh rate gaming via DisplayPort in addition to HDMI. However, with consoles, you’ll want a monitor equipped with HDMI 2.1, and while there are now more options than before, something like the Sony Inzone M9 for the PS5 or Microsoft’s Designed for Xbox monitors, such as the Philips Momentum 559M1RYV and the ASUS ROG Strix Xbox Edition XG43UQ, would cost you two to three times as much as the Arzopa M3RC.
I’m pleased I took a chance on Arzopa’s inaugural 32-inch gaming monitor, and so far, it hasn’t disappointed me yet.
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