Since the commencement ultrawide display graced our desks in 2022, manufacturers accept connected to refine format past introducing new models and features. After releasing the world'due south commencement 21:9 consumer brandish in 2022, LG continued to up the dues past launching both the get-go curved and first FreeSync ultrawides.

Other manufacturers take since released a total spectrum of displays, some curved, some 34 inches, some compatible with FreeSync. Curiously though, G-Sync was nowhere to be found. Eyeing an opportunity, Acer's now the visitor with something no one else has: a curved 34 inch ultrawide rocking M-Sync.

Acer's Predator X34 has a curved UQHD (3440 x 1440) AH-IPS panel and garners reasonable gaming cred with a 100Hz vertical refresh rate, G-Sync and an interesting blueprint. Should GeForce owners exist drooling or is this i a difficult pass?

Design, Accessories and Adjustments

Acer Predator X34 west/G-Sync
Price: $1,290

  • Resolution: 3440 10 1440 (UQHD)
  • Panel blazon: Curved AH-IPS, light anti-glare
  • Color: 100% sRGB (72% NTSC), x-bit color (8-scrap + FRC dithering) back up
  • Max Refresh Rate: 60Hz to 100Hz (overclocked)
  • G-Sync: Yes
  • FreeSync: No
  • Adaptive-Sync: No
  • Inputs: 1 x DisplayPort one.two, i x HDMI one.4, iv x USB 3.0
  • Outputs: one ten DisplayPort, 1 x USB 3.0
  • Concrete Dimensions: 32.5" ten xviii"-23" ten 12.two" (with stand)
  • Weight: 22lbs (with stand)
  • Audio: ii ten seven watt speakers with DTS

An imposing display, Acer'due south Predator X34 is at least three things visually: enormous, really wide and curved. The curvature is subtle; it doesn't feel similar the Predator isn't trying to give yous a hug, but it's quite noticeable. In the box are all the essentials y'all'll need to go started including standard DisplayPort, HDMI and USB 3.0 cables. Additionally, at that place'south a 100x100 VESA mounting plate for your wall or stand mounting pleasure.

The Predator's concrete blueprint embodies its namesake with plenty of points and edges giving it an almost "dangerous" if slightly advanced advent. The stand accounts for a good function of this styling and is remarkably sturdy notwithstanding its thin design. Acer besides provides Predator X34 owners with some basic but essential physical adjustments: vertical height and astern/forward tilt. The amount of available adjustability should satisfy most dwelling house and work spaces. Backward tilt is a generous 45 degrees although frontwards tilting is a platitudinal five degrees. As measured, height is adjustable anywhere from most i to half-dozen.5 inches from the base.

I minor complaint: the stand is unusually deep. Even when pushed confronting a wall, the display itself is a good 7 inches or so closer to to the user than the rear of the stand. As well, intendance must exist taken to non button this stand too far off your desk-bound -- at the rear "foot" is a thin bar and non a broad surface and must be necessarily 100% on your desk. Push it too far and you'll be in for an expensive surprise!

Connectivity, OSD

Interface diversity is lacking (particularly at this cost point) but you lot're basic needs are likely met with single 1.2a DisplayPort and unmarried HDMI 1.iv input. Interestingly, an updated Thousand-sync V Ii module really allows for HDMI one.four which generally wasn't available on older G-Sync displays.

There's besides a DP daisy chaining port for connecting a secondary display direct (just imagine two of these). The integrated four-port USB 3.0 hub is certainly a nice touch. It's worth noting all of the interfaces are located on the bottom rear of the monitor, and so they can be a flake cumbersome to access for connecting frequently accessed items, like say, a flash bulldoze. A modestly-sized DC ability brick brings it all alive.

Acer has opted for actual, physical buttons instead of the capacitive touch on diversity oftentimes-seen on college end displays. They are tucked out of sight underneath the bottom right corner. Placement of these physical buttons means owners must navigate the Predator's already clumsy onscreen settings (OSD) menus entirely by experience.

The OSD is a nightmare to command despite its robust set of options (e.g. overdrive, power settings, presets, ambient light sensor) Granted, these settings and menus are something you shouldn't interact with too oft but I do expect a more refined experience for $1299. In that location are quite a few options tucked away in the OSD settings, including "overclock" which raises the refresh rate from 60 to 100Hz. "Overclocking", by the way, won't void the industry-generous 3 yr warranty.

Productivity and Dual Display

Even at 3440 x 1440, Acer'due south 34 inch behemoth falls curt of offering the same latitude of pixels as most dual 1080p monitor configs. However, there's definitely enough screen surface area to multitask effectively and all the while non experience constrained. Making use of Windows 10's screen snapping and gaming in windowed borderless mode are just a couple tricks to help manage the experience.

Dual or even triple displays still offer some advantages, like full-screen gaming with a browser window open up, just the gap is definitely narrowing. With that said, Acer's new brandish is the first ultrawide I've encountered which could comfortably replace most dual display configurations. Admittedly, smaller 21:nine displays at lower resolutions (e.g. WQHD) feel cramped. Then, if you are looking to truly replace your dual-caput config, a 34 inch UQHD display is a good place to start.

For purposes of work and web browsing, I didn't notice the Predator's gentle curvature useful. In fact, I even establish it subtly disconcerting. The effect wasn't extremely unpleasant or abrasive, simply I remained astutely enlightened of this warping, curving issue. Long horizontal elements similar lines and bars ever reminded me of the inescapable truth that I'g working on a curved screen.

Epitome Quality

Equipped with an AH-IPS brandish, the Predator X34 provides excellent viewing angles, a must for such an oversized screen. The display features a "frameless" design indicating the absence of a physical frame surrounding the viewport. Notably, there'due south nevertheless a black border every bit with about other frameless designs. The panel is treated with a light anti-glare coating granting it a somewhat matte appearance. This less aggressive treatment strikes a good balance by eliminating mirror-like reflections without becoming too "grainy".

Subjectively, the Predator X34 pairs good brightness with bright colors. I should add that, out of the box, the color settings were significantly likewise warm and were in drastic need of calibration. Presets were too pretty off-balance. After making adjustments, colors seemed truthful plenty for a pleasurable experience under most circumstances. Equally a subjective basis for comparison, some side-by-side image comparisons were done against a professionally calibrated Dell UltraSharp U2713HM. Please note that a slightly newer model (U2715H) is shown for demonstration purposes below.

Pictured: Dell U2715H (left), Acer Predator X34 (right) side past side for size comparison

The U2713HM is a semi-professional brandish featuring a 16:9 standard-gamut panel and viii-bit color. Despite the Predator X34's advertised ten-bit color, perceived accuracy and gamut fared slightly worse than the Ultrasharp. Creative professionals considering going ultrawide but view color accuracy every bit a critical characteristic should laissez passer on the Predator X34. For virtually other uses though, I wait owners to exist very satisified.

Pictured: Dell U2715H (left), Acer Predator X34 (correct)

In terms of lighting and brightness, our review unit showed a significant amount of backlight bleed. This was especially true in the upper left corner. This is a common issue found on many displays (less then at the premium high end) and becomes well-nigh visible while viewing night content similar games and movies. This was disappointing to meet at this price, but bleed is something that tin vary from unit to unit.

More than positively, the sometimes annoying phenomenon of IPS glow was pleasantly minimal. IPS glow was actually surprisingly skillful, especially in calorie-free of the Predator X34's enormous panel. Despite the backlight bleed issue, overall contrast was skilful with bright brights and dark blacks.

Backlight drain in the upper left-hand corner remained quite visible during dark scenes.

Ordinarily accepted IPS shortcomings from years past, namely input lag and ghosting, aren't issues for the Predator X34. More often than not speaking, IPS panels have improved over the years and the industry is at a point where IPS performs well enough to satisfy about everyone, including avid gamers.

When compared against a TN panel in gaming mode (virtually-nix input lag) at testufo.com, the Predator X34 fared extremely well in various informal tests. Most importantly though, ghosting and input lag were imperceptible while gaming. The 100Hz refresh charge per unit, although non 120Hz or 144Hz, is also solid. The reason for a curious number like 100Hz is probable DisplayPort 1.ii bandwidth constraints. When DisplayPort i.three arrives, we should finally run across UQHD panels at higher refresh rates. Until then, the Predator X34 (spec wise) will likely be on par with the best UQHD displays for gaming.

Masthead image and another images courtesy of Newegg.