When purchasing for a gaming monitor based mostly on specs, it’s simple to imagine that merchandise from the identical maker, in the identical line, with the identical specs that differ solely in display screen measurement will carry out the identical. However I’ve reviewed a number of merchandise from our greatest gaming monitor roster that share lots of DNA that aren’t simply smaller or bigger variations of each other.
Living proof: two new displays from Cooler Grasp. I not too long ago reviewed the GM27-FQS and located it supplied strong gaming efficiency and correct shade. I acquired its bigger cousin, the GM32-FQ, on the similar time, and although the 2 screens look the identical and have largely the identical specs, they’re completely different in additional methods than simply measurement.
The GM32-FQ options an IPS panel with QHD decision, 165 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR and prolonged shade. It differs from the GM27-FQS in a number of methods that may solely be found by testing and hands-on gameplay.
Cooler Grasp GM32-FQ Specs
| Panel Kind / Backlight | IPS / W-LED, edge array |
| Display screen Dimension / Facet Ratio | 32 inches / 16:9 |
| Max Decision & Refresh Charge | 2560×1440 @ 165 Hz |
| FreeSync: 48-165 Hz | |
| G-Sync Appropriate | |
| Native Coloration Depth & Gamut | 10-bit (8-bit+FRC) / DCI-P3 |
| Response Time (GTG) | 5ms |
| Brightness (mfr) | 400 nits |
| Distinction (mfr) | 1,200:1 |
| Audio system | 2x 2w |
| Video Inputs | 1x DisplayPort 1.2 |
| 2x HDMI 2.0 | |
| 1x USB-C | |
| Audio | 3.5mm headphone output |
| USB 3.0 | 1x up, 2x down or None |
| Energy Consumption | 33.1w, brightness @ 200 nits |
| Panel Dimensions WxHxD w/base | 28.2 x 18.3-22.6 x 10.9 inches (716 x 465-575 x 277mm) |
| Panel Thickness | Higher: 0.3 inch (8mm) |
| Decrease: 1.7 inches (43mm) | |
| Bezel Width | High/sides: 0.3 inch (8mm) |
| Backside: 0.7 inch (18mm) | |
| Weight | 13.7 kilos (6.2kg) |
| Guarantee | 3 years |
The GM32-FQ includes a comparatively new variant of IPS expertise – Superior Dimension Swap or ADS. It’s the identical as Samsung’s PLS (Aircraft-Line Switching) in that the liquid crystals are laid alongside the identical airplane to confess extra of the backlight’s output by means of to the TFT layer. In idea, this could present larger brightness and higher distinction. In observe, the GM32-FQ has a better output than the GM27-FQS and is subsequently licensed VESA DisplayHDR 400, a determine I verified in testing. It additionally has larger distinction although not by a lot. I measured near 1,200:1 versus the 27’s 950:1, a pleasant acquire that may be seen with the bare eye.
Different image-related specs are the identical. I measured the identical 92% protection of DCI-P3 and comparable ranges of shade accuracy. However the GM32-FQ requires precisely zero changes to supply reference-level shade, grayscale and gamma monitoring, whereas the 27 wants a slight tweak.
Gaming efficiency has the identical diploma of promise. Each screens run at 165 Hz with out overclock and embrace Adaptive-Sync and blur discount by way of backlight strobe. The GM32-FQ has not been licensed by Nvidia, however it runs G-Sync with no issues.
Maybe probably the most compelling factor is pricing; the GM32-FQ is simply round $70 greater than the GM27-FQS at this writing. So, you may get the identical recreation efficiency, a bit extra distinction, a bigger display screen, and the identical cool thin-panel styling with a steel backplate and high quality stand for an additional seventy bucks. That’s a win by any definition.
Meeting and Equipment
The GM32-FQ’s carton is only a bigger model of the GM27-FQS’s, slim and environment friendly. The three elements come out of their crumbly foam and would require the included Phillips-head screwdriver for meeting. As soon as full, the package deal is strong and safe. Along with an exterior energy brick, you get HDMI and DisplayPort cables plus a bit clip to maintain wiring tidy.
Product 360
Cooler Grasp created a pleasant minimalist search for the GM32-FQ that’s visually equivalent to the GM27-FQS. One benefit of the ADS/IPS display screen is that it’s a bit extra inflexible. This enables for the skinny higher panel portion, which is simply seven millimeters deep. Elements are packed right into a bulge within the decrease half that’s 18 millimeters, nonetheless a lot thinner than the common 32-inch or 27-inch monitor. The bolt sample is 100 mm VESA, so you should utilize an arm if you want.
The stand is all steel and completed in grey satin that exudes high quality. Corners and edges are properly softened whereas sustaining the dramatic angles crucial for up to date styling. The peak adjustment is 110 mm (4.3 inches) with a 15 diploma swivel and 5/20 diploma tilt. There isn’t any portrait mode. Actions are clean and agency with no play.
The GM32-FQ eschews any kind of LED lighting characteristic. You’ll keep in mind that the GM27-FQS has lights in its base for a neat ring impact, however the 32-inch show is all enterprise. The display screen has the identical near-invisible bezel of seven mm with an 18 mm strip throughout the underside adorned by a tiny Cooler Grasp Brand. The management keys are across the again proper and once more devoid of a joystick. Additionally within the again is a bigger brand and a grill housing two audio system. The GM27-FQS was soundless, however the 32-inch delivers respectable sound with clear highs and good quantity.
Video inputs embrace two HDMI 2.0, one DisplayPort 1.2 and a USB-C port. Peripherals might be related to 2 USB 3.0 downstream jacks, and there’s an upstream port for connecting to your PC.
OSD Options
I anticipated the GM32-FQ’s OSD to be the identical as what I discovered within the GM27-FQS, however there are a number of variations value mentioning.
The GM32-FQ affords eight image modes and contains an sRGB preset amongst its decisions. Every mode has completely different settings, like Black Stabilization to brighten shadow areas and dynamic distinction for SDR content material solely. The sRGB mode gives that shade gamut, however I discovered higher accuracy when selecting BT709 within the Coloration Area sub-menu, below Coloration Modify. I’ll discuss that in additional element later. The Sport mode has one other six presets, which change gamma to greatest swimsuit completely different recreation sorts. The Response Time (overdrive) characteristic has 4 ranges, however something over the bottom creates seen ghosting.
Within the Coloration Modify menu, you’ll discover the identical shade temps, 6-axis sliders and shade house choices because the GM27-FQS however no gamma presets. That’s OK, as a result of the GM32-FQ has higher gamma monitoring than its smaller sibling. If you’d like the smaller gamut, select BT709 reasonably than the sRGB image mode, it’s a lot nearer to spec. For the complete prolonged gamut, persist with Auto; it gives professional-level shade.
Video processing choices reside within the Setup Menu, the place you’ll be able to toggle Adaptive-Sync or activate the backlight strobe, which Cooler Grasp calls Movement Clearness. The strobe works properly and solely exacts round 30% of the sunshine output on the highest of 4 settings. Although there’s a Crosshair choice within the menu, I couldn’t discover a method to activate it. It remained grayed out in all image modes.
Cooler Grasp GM32-FQ Calibration Settings
The GM32-FQ is likely one of the uncommon shows that comes calibrated to perfection out of the field. I didn’t need to do a factor to measure shade, grayscale and gamma that rivaled the most effective skilled screens. The native gamut covers 92% of DCI-P3 and if you’d like sRGB, set the Coloration Area choice to BT709. In all instances, it’s greatest to go away the colour temp on Native. There aren’t any gamma presets, however monitoring is sort of good if 2.2 is your choice.
HDR alerts activate three further image modes, Film, Sport and Customized. The latter has RGB sliders in addition to black and white degree threshold controls. In all three HDR modes, you’ll be able to alter the backlight’s output, which only a few HDR displays permit.
| Image Mode | Customary |
| Brightness 200 nits | 58 |
| Brightness 120 nits | 36 |
| Brightness 100 nits | 29 |
| Brightness 80 nits | 23 |
| Brightness 50 nits | 12 (min. 19 nits) |
| Distinction | 70 |
| Coloration Temp/Coloration Area | Native/Auto or BT709 |
Gaming and Fingers-on
I’m keen on 32-inch displays simple to place two paperwork up facet by facet when writing in Phrase and spreadsheets might be seen with a minimal of scrolling. Internet pages may also be seen with little or no use of the mouse wheel. And I can preserve a web page up subsequent to a doc once I have to discuss with data discovered on-line.
My solely remark in regards to the GM32-FQ is identical one I’d make about any 32-inch QHD monitor – pixel density. Whereas 93ppi is sufficient to learn small textual content clearly and render fantastic element in graphics, it’s not Extremely HD, a decision I’ve change into accustomed to. Prolonged shade helps with video and photograph modifying as a result of the additional shade saturation provides to the notion of sharpness. I exploit an sRGB monitor in my day by day work, and it’s simple to see the Cooler Grasp’s additional punch and hue.
Gaming is one other story. Movement decision turns into the essential issue, and, in that metric, QHD at 165 Hz is the same as, if not superior to, Extremely HD at 144 Hz. The reasonable body charges I see from a GeForce RTX 3090 video card are 150-165 fps in QHD and 100-110 fps in Extremely HD. That’s greater than sufficient to make a visible distinction. QHD continues to be the most effective steadiness between decision and velocity.
The GM32-FQ has no issues with the enter lag. I may understand its faster management response in comparison with an Extremely HD display screen. My goal was extra correct, evidenced by larger frag charges in Doom Everlasting’s Horde mode. I’m not a really expert participant, however some displays are higher suited to my talents than others. The GM32-FQ helped me play higher.
HDR was one thing of a blended bag. The GM32-FQ has a greater HDR picture than the GM27-FQS, however you must take an additional step to get there. The brightness management not solely stays energetic in HDR mode, however it additionally inherits the identical SDR setting. So, once I fireplace up Name of Obligation WWII, I’ve to boost the brightness to most to get the complete impact. There’s no extra distinction there, however the image pops greater than it does when set to 200 nits peak. HDR shade is great in each respect. Element is well-rendered with none have to tweak the in-game HDR settings. Reds are notably sturdy, however greens and blues shine too.
Video processing is usually fantastic, however I seen a little bit of softness when shifting the mouse shortly. That is because of a weak overdrive. I may solely use it on the lowest setting; something larger produced resolution-robbing ghosting. The low setting barely applies any compensation, so movement blur is seen. It wasn’t sufficient to detract from my private gaming expertise, however for those who’re a extra superior participant, I like to recommend you strive it before you purchase.