Gigabyte M27Q Review: 1440p 170Hz FreeSync IPS Gaming Monitor

Update: There is a newer version of this monitor, the Gigabyte M27Q Rev 2.0, which uses a different panel with 95% DCI-P3 color gamut and a standard RGB subpixel layout.

Sadly, it’s unclear which model you’ll get when ordering as retailers apparently don’t immediately update the specs when changing models. Therefore, unless you don’t mind the BGR subpixel layout, we recommend getting the Gigabyte M27Q-P model instead if you want the built-in KVM functionality.

If you don’t need KVM and want a good value 27″ 1440p IPS high refresh rate gaming monitor with a regular RGB subpixel layout, we recommend the KTC H27T22S for ~$150 with a tilt-only stand or the Acer XV271U M3 with an ergonomic stand for $200.

Order the M27Q only if you don’t mind the BGR subpixel layout and want a KVM switch, but the M27Q-P is considerably more expensive.

Image Quality

Unlike most 27″ 1440p 144Hz+ IPS gaming monitors, the Gigabyte M27Q is based on an IPS panel by Sharp that uses an unconventional BGR subpixel layout.

This type of subpixel arrangement is usually found on 42.5″ 4K panels used for TVs and monitors. Its main downside is that text appears somewhat blurry with noticeable red and blue subpixel fringing.

However, because a 27″ 1440p monitor has a bit higher pixel density than a 43″ 4K display, the text won’t be as blurry. Moreover, with proper ClearType settings, it won’t bother most users.

It’s still noticeable if you’re looking for it, so if you want crisp and sharp text, you should consider another monitor with the regular RGB subpixel layout. In videos and games, it’s even less of an issue.

Other than that, the details are sharp and you get plenty of screen space due to the high 109 PPI (pixels per inch) pixel density.

Further, the IPS panel ensures that the image remains flawless regardless of the angle you’re looking at the screen thanks to the 178° wide viewing angles.

The Gigabyte M27Q monitor covers 92% of the DCI-P3 color space and ~95% of the Adobe RGB gamut, resulting in vibrant colors – especially when it comes to green, cyan and blue colors.

You will also find the sRGB emulation mode that can restrict the monitor’s native ~140% sRGB gamut size to ~100% sRGB gamut coverage for accurate colors when watching sRGB/SDR content. It’s possible to adjust brightness in this mode.

Thanks to the monitor’s wide color gamut, wide viewing angles and decent factory calibration, it’s useable for color-critical work as well.

With a peak brightness of 350-nits, the screen can get more than bright enough even in well-lit rooms. The contrast ratio amounts to 1,000:1, which is standard for IPS monitors; You won’t get as deep blacks as that of VA panels, but VA technology has its own downsides.

As expected, some IPS glow is visible as well, but to a tolerable/negligible degree. This also varies across different units of monitors.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) is supported, but you’re not getting the true HDR experience due to the lack of local dimming, which is understandable at this price range. Peak brightness gets a small boost up to 400-nits, which in addition to the monitor’s wide color gamut can make some HDR scenes appear more vibrant.

Performance

Moving on, the Gigabyte M27Q has low input lag of around 4ms, which makes for imperceptible delay between your actions and the result on the screen.

Pixel response time speed is also excellent as there’s no visible trailing behind fast-moving objects.

There are three response time overdrive modes: Picture Quality, Balance and Speed.

The Picture Quality mode prevents ghosting at high refresh rates without adding any overshoot, even at lower refresh rates. So, whether you’re gaming at a fixed 170Hz refresh rate or with a variable refresh rate (VRR), it’s the best mode to use.

The supported VRR range is 48-170Hz and the monitor has AMD FreeSync Premium certification. It’s not officially validated by NVIDIA as ‘G-SYNC Compatible’, but VRR works without any issues when using GeForce cards.

Next, Motion Blur Reduction (MBR) is supported via Gigabyte’s Aim Stabilizer technology. It can’t be active at the same time as VRR though; it uses backlight strobing to reduce perceived motion blur at a cost of picture brightness.

While MBR introduces screen flickering, it’s invisible to the human eye. However, those sensitive to flicker might get headaches or eye strain after prolonged use.

The backlight of the monitor is otherwise flicker-free and there’s an integrated low-blue light filter.

Features

The OSD (On-Screen Display) menu is well-organized and easy to use thanks to the directional joystick at the rear for the monitor. Alternatively, you can use the OSD Sidekick desktop application.

Useful features include various picture presets (Standard, FPS, RTS/RPG, Movie, Reader, sRGB and three customizable modes), on-screen timers, a refresh rate tracker, custom crosshairs and Black Equalizer (improves visibility in darker scenes).

Besides the standard image settings (brightness, contrast, color temperature, aspect ratio, etc.), you’ll find advanced adjustment tools, such as gamma, sharpness and Color Vibrance.

If you connect the Gigabyte M27Q monitor to your PC via a USB cable, you can use the Dashboard feature that’ll show your system’s performance on the screen (CPU/GPU utilization, temperature, etc.).

Picture in Picture and Picture by Picture modes are supported as well.

Design & Connectivity

The stand of the monitor is sturdy and offers height adjustment up to 130mm, tilt by -5°/20° and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.

Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2, USB-C (DP 1.2 Alt Mode, 10W Power Delivery), a headphone jack, a dual-USB 3.0 hub and an integrated KVM switch.

For 1440p 170Hz, you will need to use either 8-bit color depth or 10-bit color depth with chroma subsampling over DP.

HDMI 2.0 is limited to 144Hz at 2560×1440. The monitor can accept a 4K UHD signal and downscale it to 1440p (at 60Hz) on the PS5. 1080p 120Hz is supported as well.

On the Xbox consoles, you can use 1080p 120Hz and 1440p 120Hz with FreeSync as long as you have the F02 (or newer) firmware installed.

Price & Similar Monitors

The Gigabyte M27Q price ranges from $230 to $300.

We recommend getting the newer Gigabyte M27Q-P model instead, also with built-in KVM. It has a regular RGB subpixel layout, a wider DCI-P3 color gamut, DisplayPort 1.4, faster response time and a bit higher brightness.

If you’re looking for something cheaper and don’t need a KVM switch, check out the KTC H27T22S and the Acer XV271U M3.

To learn more about monitors and ensure you’re getting the model most suited for your personal preference, visit our comprehensive and always up-to-date best gaming monitor buyer’s guide.

Conclusion

All in all, the Gigabyte M27Q is an excellent gaming monitor. It boasts a fast IPS panel with exceptional Adobe RGB gamut coverage (and a provided sRGB mode).

Moreover, it offers a height-adjustable stand, a USB hub, a KVM switch, smooth VRR performance, and optional backlight strobing!

However, there are better alternatives in this price range.

Specifications

Screen Size	27-inch
Resolution	2560×1440 (QHD)
Panel Type	IPS
Aspect Ratio	16:9 (Widescreen)
Refresh Rate	165Hz (170Hz OC)
Response Time (GtG)	Not Specified
Response Time (Aim Stabilizer)	0.5ms (MPRT)
Adaptive-Sync	FreeSync (48-170Hz)
Ports	DisplayPort 1.2, 2x HDMI 2.0 USB-C (DP 1.2 Alt Mode, 10W PD)
Other Ports	Headphone Jack, 2x USB 3.0
Brightness	350 cd/m²
Brightness (HDR)	400 cd/m²
Contrast Ratio	1000:1 (static)
Colors	16.7 million (true 8-bit) 92% DCI-P3
HDR	DisplayHDR 400
VESA	Yes (100x100mm)