Gigabyte AORUS FI32Q 31.5 Inch IPS QHD (2560 x 1440) 165Hz (170Hz OC) Adaptive Sync Gaming Monitor Review

Design and Build Quality

The Gigabyte AORUS FI32Q boasts a sturdy and ergonomic stand with up to 130mm height adjustment, +/- 20° swivel, -5°/21° tilt, and 90° pivot. The monitor also features 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility, making it versatile for different setups. The build quality is robust, with a solid feel that suggests durability.

Display Panel

The monitor uses an IPS panel, known for its excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles. The 31.5-inch screen size provides a high pixel density of 93 PPI, which is slightly lower than 27-inch monitors at 108 PPI but still offers crisp details. The panel supports 99% Adobe RGB gamut and 95% DCI-P3 gamut coverage, ensuring vibrant and accurate colors. The contrast ratio is 1,000:1, which is standard for IPS technology, and the peak brightness is very good at 400-nits for SDR content and 600-nits for HDR.

Performance

The Gigabyte AORUS FI32Q delivers exceptional performance with its 165Hz refresh rate, which can be overclocked to 170Hz. This high refresh rate, combined with adaptive sync technologies like FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable), ensures smooth and tear-free gameplay. The monitor also supports VRR up to 270Hz for even more seamless gaming experiences. The fast 1ms GtG pixel response time eliminates visible trailing behind fast-moving objects, making it ideal for FPS gamers.

Gaming Features

The monitor is packed with useful gaming features. It includes Black Boost for better visibility in darker games, customizable crosshair overlays, on-screen timers, a refresh rate tracker, Color Vibrance, and Black Equalizer. Additionally, it supports picture-in-picture (PiP) and picture-by-picture (PbP) modes, which are useful for multitasking.

Connectivity

The connectivity options are extensive, including two HDMI 2.1 ports with 24 Gbps and DSC, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C with DP Alt Mode and 18W PD, a dual-USB 3.0 hub, built-in KVM, a headphone jack with ESS Sabre HiFi support, a microphone jack with active noise canceling, and an audio line-out port.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional Color Accuracy: The monitor boasts an exceptional 99% Adobe RGB gamut and 95% DCI-P3 gamut coverage.
• High Refresh Rate: The 165Hz refresh rate can be overclocked to 170Hz, providing smooth gameplay.
• Adaptive Sync: Supports FreeSync (G-SYNC Stable) for tear-free gaming.
• Gaming Features: Includes Black Boost, customizable crosshairs, on-screen timers, and more.
• Ergonomic Stand: Offers extensive height and tilt adjustments, making it comfortable for long gaming sessions.
• Connectivity Options: Plenty of ports for connecting various devices.

Cons:

• IPS Glow: Some users may notice IPS glow, which can be distracting in dark environments.
• Contrast Ratio: The contrast ratio is standard for IPS technology, which might not be as high as some VA or OLED panels.

Verdict

The Gigabyte AORUS FI32Q is an excellent choice for gamers seeking a high-quality IPS monitor with a 1440p resolution and high refresh rate. Its exceptional color accuracy, robust build quality, and extensive connectivity options make it a versatile and feature-rich monitor. While it may not have the highest contrast ratio, the IPS panel's strengths in color accuracy and wide viewing angles make it a great option for most gamers.

Features Table