BenQ XR3501 Gaming Monitor - 144Hz AMVA Gaming Bliss
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CONTENT CORRECTION: FREESYNC SUPPORT NOT INCLUDED This 21:9 gaming monitor from BenQ might be lacking in resolution, but does it make up for it in refresh rate, curve, and panel type?? Sponsor link: linustechtips.com Pricing & discussion: Support us: linustechtips.com Join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com @LinusTech Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com
The video opens by questioning the marketing hype often attached to gaming monitors, arguing that generic claims like optimized for gaming are uninformative and sometimes misleading. The presenter then introduces the XR3501 as a potential exception, a monitor that might truly appeal to gamers not just by raw specs but by how those specs translate to real-world gaming advantages. The review is structured in two parts, beginning with a physical tour and design assessment. The XR3501 is described as a 21:9 ultrawide display with a 35 inch diagonal, a chonky but still manageable stand, and an external power brick due to the power supply not being built into the monitor. Input options include DisplayPort and HDMI 1.4, with no DVI or VGA, and the lack of a built-in USB hub is noted, along with some criticism of the on-screen display labeling and navigation. The presenter then highlights the core specifications: 2560x1080 resolution, AMVA panel, 144 Hz refresh rate, 4 ms (typical) response time, and an aggressive 2000R curve designed to wrap the screen around the user for a more immersive gaming experience. FreeSync adaptive refresh is also mentioned, appealing to AMD gamers and enhancing smoothness during gameplay. The video shifts to evaluating color and contrast, showing strong color performance and near-ideal Delta E values, which the presenter attributes to the AMVA panel and color calibration. The trade-offs of the 3440x1440 alternative are explored, noting that no current interface supports 144 Hz at that resolution, and that UI elements can look large at ultra-wide high resolutions outside gaming. The reviewer concludes that for pure gaming focus, the XR3501 is excellent, while productivity tasks may not benefit as much from the extreme curve or the lower resolution. The video ends with a verdict that the XR3501 stands as a top-tier gaming monitor, especially for AMD users leveraging FreeSync, and it ends with a plug to subscribe, like, and check related content.
Topics · Gaming · Monitors · DisplayTechnology · TechnologyReview
Questions answered
- What are the key display specifications of the BenQ XR3501 described in the video?
- The XR3501 features a 21:9 ultrawide 35 inch panel with 2560x1080 resolution, an AMVA (VA) panel, 144 Hz refresh rate, and approximately 4 ms response time.
- Does the XR3501 support FreeSync and what are the input options?
- Yes, the monitor supports FreeSync adaptive refresh. It includes DisplayPort and HDMI 1.4 inputs, but no DVI or VGA, and it uses an external power brick instead of an internal power supply.
- What are some notable design and connectivity caveats mentioned in the review?
- The monitor has an external power brick, no built-in USB hub, and the on-screen menu is not well labeled, making navigation less intuitive. HDMI is 1.4 with a 60 Hz ceiling when driven through HDMI, and there is no DVI or VGA input.