LG 34GK950F Review: 3440×1440 144Hz FreeSync UltaWide Curved Gaming Monitor

The LG UltraGear 34GK950F-B was the first monitor to boast a native 144Hz refresh rate at the 3440×1440 UWQHD resolution, with the previous monitors being limited to 100Hz natively (120Hz overclocked).

In addition, the LG 34GK950F features LG’s Nano IPS panel with a wide 98% DCI-P3 color gamut, FreeSync Premium Pro, 1ms Motion Blur Reduction, and DisplayHDR 400.

Note: This model has been replaced by the newer and better LG 34GP83A.

Image Quality

The Nano IPS technology is LG’s answer to Samsung’s quantum dots. In short, it allows the display to achieve a wider color gamut by better LED backlight control.

With a boost in color gamut to 98% DCI-P3 (~135% sRGB), the image quality is notably better than that of the standard sRGB displays; the colors are much more vivid and vibrant.

What’s more, the 3440×1440 21:9 ultrawide resolution of the LG 34GK950F curved monitor provides a rich pixel density with the perfect screen space/detail ratio without any scaling necessary.

The LG 34GK950F monitor also supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), but it lacks local dimming for a contrast ratio performance that’s desirable for a good HDR viewing experience.

However, implementing a good local dimming system would also significantly increase the price of the monitor.

Overall, some content may look slightly better as the monitor does support a wide color gamut after all, but the lack of contrast is undoubtedly apparent.

Performance

The LG 34GK950F input lag amounts to ~4ms, so there are no delays noticeable whatsoever.

Moreover, the IPS panel of the monitor offers wide 178-degree viewing angles and a 5ms response time speed, which, unlike that of most VA panel ultrawide monitors, effectively eliminates most ghosting in fast-paced games.

For the best response time performance, you should set the Overdrive setting to ‘Fast,’ which is the highest option that doesn’t introduce pixel overshoot or inverse ghosting.

Keep in mind that some trailing will be visible, but it shouldn’t bother most gamers. There’s no eye-catching black smearing associated with slow VA panels.

In case you want the least amount of ghosting possible, there’s the 1ms Motion Blur Reduction technology, which via backlight strobing further reduces perceived motion blur.

Note that this technology only works at either 120Hz or 144Hz and that it cannot be used at the same time as AMD FreeSync; It works with both NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards.

Also, when this technology is enabled, the monitor’s maximum brightness is decreased, so use it only when playing fast-paced games.

Using the 1ms MBR technology with brightness set over 50% can cause slight buzzing of the screen, which is harmless as you won’t even be able to hear it over the in-game audio.

The IPS glow is present as expected, though the glowing in the corners of the screen is tolerable and only prominent with dark backgrounds in dark rooms.

Features

Moving on, the LG 34GK950F UltraGear monitor supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, which in addition to providing a variable refresh rate for compatible AMD GPUs and Xbox One consoles, also ensures responsive HDR gaming by bypassing excessive tone mapping processes.

The LG 34GK950F FreeSync range is 55-144Hz, thus supporting LFC (Low Framerate Compensation) for smooth performance even when your FPS drops below 55.

There’s a firmware update (3.0.1), which you can find in LG’s On-Screen Control.

It extends the variable refresh rate to 48-144Hz and reduces the input lag to around 4ms (down from ~14ms)!

FreeSync also works with compatible NVIDIA cards without issues. Note that you can simultaneously use FreeSync/G-SYNC and HDR!

Other gaming-related features include Dynamic Action Sync for minimal input lag, Black Stabilizer for better visibility of objects in dark parts of video games, customizable crosshairs, and two customizable picture presets as well as the FPS and RTS pre-calibrated modes.

Lastly, the LG 34GK950F is factory-calibrated for stunning color quality out of the box, its backlight is flicker-free, and there’s an integrated low-blue light filter.

Design & Connectivity

In order to reach 144Hz at 3440×1440, the LG 34GK950F ultrawide monitor features DisplayPort 1.4. It also has two HDMI 2.0 ports, a dual-USB 3.0 hub and a headphone jack.

Note that your graphics card also needs DisplayPort 1.4 for 3440×1440 at 144Hz. If your GPU has a DP 1.2 port, you will be limited to 3440×1440 and 120Hz.

Ergonomics include -5°/15° tilt, +/- 20° swivel, up to 110m height adjustment, and VESA mount compatibility. There’s also a cable bracket for cable management, while the chassis is ‘borderless’ with thin frames on all four sides.

Price & Similar Monitors

The LG 34GK950F price ranges from $700 to $900.

For $800, you can get the newer LG 34GP83A model. It has certified G-SYNC compatibility and a faster 1ms GtG pixel response time speed.

So, if you don’t play a lot of fast-paced games and/or you’re not sensitive to ghosting, consider saving $100 by going with the LG 34GK950F (if it’s on sale).

Visit our always up-to-date best ultrawide monitors buyer’s guide for more information and the best deals available.

Conclusion

The LG 34GK950F offers both an immersive and responsive gaming experience.

While the 144Hz refresh rate and quick response time take care of motion clarity, the huge 1440p ultrawide curved screen with the flawless nano IPS panel ensures stunning visuals and immersion.

Since it’s an older model, you might be able to find a good deal for it. However, if you play a lot of fast-paced games, consider investing in the newer and faster model.

Specifications

Screen Size	34-inch
Screen Curvature	1900R
Resolution	3440×1440 (UWQHD)
Panel Type	Nano IPS
Aspect Ratio	21:9 (UltraWide)
Refresh Rate	144Hz
Response Time	5ms (GtG)
Motion Blur Reduction	1ms
Adaptive Sync	FreeSync (48Hz-144Hz)
Ports	DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.0
Other Ports	2x USB 3.0, Headphone Jack
Brightness	400 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio	1000:1 (static)
Colors	1.07 billion (8-bit + FRC)
VESA	Yes (100x100mm)
HDR10	VESA DisplayHDR 400