The LG UltraGear 27GX790A-B is a 27-inch OLED gaming monitor with a 1440p resolution and a blazing-fast 480Hz refresh rate. While it’s not 4K like some newer OLEDs, its motion clarity is truly exceptional, making it an ideal choice for competitive gamers. This review dives into its design, features, performance, and whether it’s worth the investment.
Specifications and Design
The 27GX790A-B’s key feature is its LG WOLED panel, offering 2560×1440 resolution and that remarkable 480Hz refresh rate. It supports both AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync for smooth, tear-free gameplay. Here’s a quick rundown of the specs:
- Display Size: 26.5-inch (16:9)
- Resolution: 2560×1440
- Panel Type: WOLED
- Refresh Rate: 480Hz
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Nvidia G-Sync
- HDR: VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 Certified
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 2.1, 1x USB-B 3.0 upstream, 2x USB-A 3.0 downstream, 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
- VESA Mount: 100x100mm
- Price: $999.99
Design-wise, the 27GX790A-B follows the sleek, minimalist aesthetic of the UltraGear lineup. Thin bezels, a dark gray finish, and a compact hexagonal backplate contribute to its understated look. The ergonomic stand offers height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments, while a cutout in the back facilitates cable management.
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Connectivity and Features
Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 2.1, all supporting the monitor’s full resolution and refresh rate. However, the lack of USB-C for video input or power delivery is a noticeable omission. The two USB-A downstream ports, powered by a single USB-B upstream, are sufficient for basic peripherals but might feel limited for users with more extensive setups.
The on-screen menu is easily navigated via a joystick control on the lower bezel. Standard image quality settings, gaming features like crosshairs and dark-level equalizers, and LG’s Switch application for Windows control are all included. Notably, the 27GX790A-B lacks built-in speakers.
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SDR and HDR Image Quality
In SDR mode, the 27GX790A-B delivers excellent contrast and a wide color gamut, characteristic of OLED technology. Brightness peaks around 250 nits, which is typical for OLEDs but might be insufficient in brightly lit rooms. The matte finish helps mitigate glare, and the monitor effectively minimizes brightness fluctuations. Color accuracy is impressive, with near-perfect results in tests.
However, a noticeable “dirty screen effect” (DSE) was observed, manifesting as faint horizontal stripes on uniform gray backgrounds. While not a significant issue during gameplay, it can be distracting in productivity applications with dark mode enabled. The 1440p resolution, while adequate, also falls short of the sharpness offered by newer 4K OLED monitors.
HDR performance is consistent with the VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification. While not as bright as some QD-OLED competitors, the 27GX790A-B still delivers impactful highlights and good detail in HDR content.
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Motion Performance and Verdict
The 27GX790A-B’s 480Hz refresh rate is the star of the show. Motion clarity is simply outstanding, with minimal blur and incredibly crisp visuals even in fast-paced games. This makes it a compelling choice for competitive gamers who prioritize responsiveness. While it supports both FreeSync and G-Sync, it lacks a black frame insertion feature found in some competing models.
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The LG UltraGear 27GX790A-B excels in motion performance, offering a significant advantage in clarity for competitive gaming. However, the lack of USB-C, the presence of DSE, and the 1440p resolution compared to newer 4K options are factors to consider. Ultimately, it’s an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness above all else.
