Should I get the Acer Predator XB271HU 2k monitor?

CerealBox21

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Jan 30, 2015
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I'm planning on buying the Acer Predator XB271HU but I've read some articles and threads about it having terrible QC (light bleed in particular) and I'd rather not go through all the RMA. Should I still go for it? If not, are there any other recommendations that are 2560x1440, G-Sync, 144Hz? I'd like to have it be an IPS panel, but if it's TN that doesn't bother me so much. Price is not an issue.
 
Solution
If you get it, make sure the panel is to your acceptability level with regard to glow and bleed. I'm going to exchange mine this weekend because the screen looks like this in a black screen test:


S9DW6L7.jpg


The contrast is great on the monitor while in use and the motion is smooth. The lower right corner appears washed out even when not just black. You have to center you face over the right corner for the issue to clear up. Not something you'd expect from an IPS monitor. This is why I'm returning it.

I think I just got a bad one, but if this is the norm for this monitor, I find it unacceptable.
If you get it, make sure the panel is to your acceptability level with regard to glow and bleed. I'm going to exchange mine this weekend because the screen looks like this in a black screen test:


S9DW6L7.jpg


The contrast is great on the monitor while in use and the motion is smooth. The lower right corner appears washed out even when not just black. You have to center you face over the right corner for the issue to clear up. Not something you'd expect from an IPS monitor. This is why I'm returning it.

I think I just got a bad one, but if this is the norm for this monitor, I find it unacceptable.
 
Solution


It was my understanding the QC issues were on release and have since been sorted out. I have this monitor (got it about 2-3 months ago) and honestly couldn't be much happier. Light bleed is there, but it's IPS, you're going to have some light bleed, and it's really barely noticeable at all for me even when running a black screen test.
 


I bought mine a couple of weeks ago. How does yours compare to the image I posted in the black screen test?

I have other IPS monitors that have virtually no bleed or glow.
 


Not even close. I have little to no light bleed at all. When I do a black screen test I have to look for it. Not at home rite but I'll post a pic later
 


So have the QC issues been more resolved since initial release? If so, I'll get this one and just make sure it's acceptable.
 
I got a second XB271HU and it was the same. I took it back and picked up the Asus PG279Q. It had the same bleed though it was toned down a bit. More of a rosy yellow in the hotspots (e.g. white areas in the picture above) than a bright silver so it's more bearable.

In my opinion, this current gen of IPS gaming monitors in no way should be something someone who is serious about photography or viewing angles should consider, but they are definitely great for gaming as they offer greater contrast than the 144Hz TN G-sync monitor variants. To me, the PG279Q has a more acceptable level of bleed, so I'll keep it, but it in no way has the consistent viewing angles of my Asus PB278Q monitor I use for work. The Asus PB278Q also exhibits no bleed possibly due to a different IPS tech (PLS vs the AHVA on the AU Optronics gaming monitors). Or maybe it's just an all around quality issue with the panels used in the XB271HU and PG279Q as they use the same panel?

I definitely notice a difference in the IPS G-sync monitors because of the increased contrast over the TN-types. It's easier to pick out enemies in shadows or in the brush with the IPS gaming monitors because of it.

I will definitely be looking for the next-best implementation of G-sync on better quality panels using better IPS or OLED tech in the future. The current gen of monitors is definitely not the be all end all, but they will definitely improve your gaming experience. When LG or Samsung release an IPS panel for a G-sync 1440p monitor running at a 144Hz refresh rate, we'll see some real quality (that is if they use their own tech - e.g. Samsung PLS).