When it comes to gaming, the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG34WQ15R2B offers an experience like no other. The 34-inch VA panel with a resolution of 3440 x 1440 and a refresh rate of 165 Hz truly immerses you into the gaming world. The curvature of the monitor draws you in, making traditional flat-panel monitors seem dull in comparison. Once you experience gaming on a big, curved, ultrawide display, you’ll never want to go back.
While the VA panel may not be the fastest available, it does offer a great HDR experience. Even though it’s not an OLED display, the ASRock monitor provides vibrant colors and dynamic contrast. Running games like Cyberpunk 2077 in HDR mode enhances the visual quality, giving you a punchier and more dynamic experience. While it’s only certified to DisplayHDR 400 and lacks local dimming, the HDR performance is still far superior to that of an IPS monitor.
Optimizing Performance
To maximize the performance of the ASRock Phantom Gaming monitor, it’s recommended to calibrate the display to achieve the right balance of color, brightness, and contrast. While the VA panel may not be as quick as IPS or OLED displays, putting the monitor into HDR mode and fine-tuning the settings can greatly enhance the gaming and media consumption experience. Switching to DisplayPort 1.4 is essential to achieve the full 165 Hz refresh rate, as the HDMI 2.0 sockets only support up to 100 Hz.
Despite its budget-friendly price of $295 (slightly discounted from its MSRP of $369), the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG34WQ15R2B comes packed with features. From FreeSync Premium variable refresh rate support to a 1500R curvature and a fully adjustable stand, this monitor offers great value for its price. While it may lack additional USB ports, it surprisingly includes a built-in Wi-Fi antenna, adding a unique touch to its feature set.
The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG34WQ15R2B is a solid choice for those looking to enter the world of ultrawide gaming without breaking the bank. While there may be faster and more feature-rich ultrawide monitors on the market, this ASRock display offers a great balance of performance and affordability. Its immersive gaming experience, HDR capabilities, and additional features make it a worthy contender in the budget ultrawide monitor category. If you’re looking to elevate your gaming setup without splurging on a high-end monitor, the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG34WQ15R2B is definitely worth considering.
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