Gone in 0.5 ms: BenQ Unveils Zowie XL2746S 240 Hz Monitor w/ 0.5 ms Response Time
IPS technology has recently evolved to the point where 240 Hz refresh rates have started enter the territory of displays for hardcore gamers that were previously dominated by TN panels. However, TN technology still has a trick up its sleeve, and that is a very low grey-to-grey response times. Taking advantage of this last technical superiority, BenQ this week introduced its latest gaming display for e-sports professionals, the Zowie XL2746S. As expected from a Zowie monitor, it has a host of features aimed at gamers, going beyond just capabilities of its panel.
BenQ's Zowie XL2746S LCD uses a 27-inch Full-HD TN panel featuring up to 320 nits brightness, a 1000:1 contrast ratio, a 240 Hz maximum refresh rate, and a 0.5 ms GtG response time. Otherwise the TN-type gaming-focused monitor is nothing to write home about with respect to viewing angles, and the backlighting only provides a wide enough gamut to cover the sRGB color space.
The Zowie XL2746S monitor supports VESA's Adaptive-Sync technology and carries AMD's FreeSync badge. In addition, the display supports DyAc+ technology that makes fast-paced action scenes look less blurry (keep in mind that this cannot co-exist with FreeSync/Adaptive-Sync), Black eQualizer to enhance dark scenes, and Color Vibrance to adjust color tones to make scenes more defined.
Designed specifically for hardcore gamers and e-sports athletes, BenQ's Zowie monitors feature a special hood to reduce distractions and possible light glare, and also provide some protection against prying eyes during tournaments. They also come with a stand that can be adjusted in height, swivel, and tilt; and they are equipped with a hockey puck-shaped controller pad that can activate an appropriate profile quickly.
As for connectivity, the Zowie XL2746S has a DisplayPort 1.2a, a DVI-D DL, and two HDMI (2.0 and 1.4) inputs. In addition, the LCD also has audio connectors, as well as a dual-port USB 3.0 hub.
| BenQ's Display w/ a 240 Hz Refresh & 0.5 ms Response Time | ||
| The Zowie XL2746S | ||
| Panel | 27-inch class TN | |
| Native Resolution | 1920 i- 1080 | |
| Maximum Refresh Rate | 240 Hz | |
| Dynamic Refresh | Tech | AdaptiveSync FreeSync |
| Range | ? Hz | |
| Brightness | 320 cd/m^2 | |
| Contrast | 1000:1 | |
| Viewing Angles | 170/160 horizontal/vertical | |
| Response Time | 0.5 ms GtG | |
| Pixel Pitch | ~0.3113 mm^2 | |
| Pixel Density | ~81 PPI | |
| Color Gamut Support | sRGB (?) | |
| Inputs | 1i-DP 1.2a 1i-DVI-D DL 1i-HDMI 1.4 1i-HDMI 2.0 | |
| Audio | audio connectors | |
| VESA Mounts | - | |
| Warranty | ? years | |
| Additional Information | ? | |
| Retail Price | a629 |
BenQ's Zowie XL2746S monitor is now available in Europe directly from the manufacturer for a629.
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