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Acer unveils the Predator XB321HK, a 32-inch 4K IPS G-Sync gaming monitor

By Koh Wanzi - on 2 Mar 2016, 10:03am

Acer unveils the Predator XB321HK, a 32-inch 4K IPS G-Sync gaming monitor

Acer Predator XB321HK

Acer’s latest addition to its line-up of Predator gaming monitors is quite literally a heavyweight. The 32-inch behemoth features an impressive 3,840 x 2,160 pixel IPS display, complete with NVIDIA’s G-Sync variable refresh rate technology.

As a member of Acer’s XB1 Predator series, the monitor features a familiar black design with red accents and a stand that’s similar to that on models like the Predator Z35. However, those of you expecting a stupendously high refresh rate like the 200Hz on the Z35 may be slightly disappointed to learn that the Predator XB321HK refreshes at just 60Hz.

But that’s not because Acer suddenly decided to cut corners, and is rather a result of the bandwidth limitations of the DisplayPort 1.2 connection that the display uses. As a 4K monitor, the Predator XB321HK has unfortunately already hit the bandwidth limit of the DisplayPort 1.2 standard.

Will we ever be able to have our cake and eat it too? Perhaps when the next generation of monitors start supporting DisplayPort 1.3, which boosts bandwidth by 50% over DisplayPort 1.2 and supports 4K resolutions at 120Hz.

Image Source: Acer

But while the 60Hz refresh rate is probably the lowest you’ll see on a G-Sync monitor, it should not be a cause for concern. As it turns out, the benefit of G-Sync is most tangible on lower refresh rate panels like this one and when frame rates fall below 60fps. So whatever the case, you can be assured that you’ll get a much smoother gaming experience on this monitor than other 60Hz panels without G-Sync.

The Predator XB321HK also supports input over HDMI, but there’s not much point in going this route as you’ll be limited to a measly 24Hz refresh rate and have to give up G-Sync support.

Other features include a four-port USB 3.0 hub, 2-watt stereo speakers enhanced with DTS sound, and an adjustable stand that can be tweaked for height and tilt angle. Acer has also included EyeProtect features like a blue-light filter and other low-dimming technologies to reduce glare. On top of that, Acer is claiming a 4ms response time – which should minimize ghosting – and 100% sRGB coverage.

The Predator XB321HK will cost US$1,299 and is now available in the US. That’s not cheap, but then again this is quite a feature-rich gaming monitor. But if you're going to put down that kind of money, you'd best make sure you have a sufficiently powerful card to drive that many pixels. An NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980 Ti perhaps?

Source: Acer

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