Which monitor BL3200PT or XL2730Z

[MattL]

So I'm looking to upgrade my monitor soon, more appropriately add a new primary one and relegate my current one to a secondary screen.

I've had my current monitor for probably 5 years or so now, a Dell sp2309w that has served me well. I'm wanting to get at least a 27" one in size and better image quality. I also want 1440p, don't want 4k, too high, I'm running a 7970 which still can do well (top end a couple years ago) but not ready to upgrade my video card to get 4k capabilities. This of course means my video card is not FreeSync capable.

I game a lot as well as do programming at home, look up many websites, etc... Gaming is probably my top use at home with the others follow up fairly closely.

My top two contenders are two very different BenQ ones...

BL3200PT
32" which I think I'll really enjoy the size... I use a 39" 4K tv at work (software engineer) and I feel 32" will be a perfect size for me at home.

The VA panel has amazing contrast ratio, I've been a firm believer in contrast ratio being the most important image quality aspects, especially in games with a lot of dark and visually deep scenes. I have a 65" top end Panasonic plasma (glad I got one since they don't make them anymore) and absolutely love the black levels. Other aspects are very important too and this monitor seems to have great image quality all around... but two key aspects for me are black levels and contrast ratio as well as viewing angle (if I'm a bit off on my current monitor it can effect the image enough for me to notice).

The biggest con of course is the response time and input lag, as the review on this site points out it's actually a bit above average for a monitor if it's type, but with that combined with only 60hz it obviously can't compete with gaming TN panels.


XL2730Z
Average video quality... but definitely on the good end for a TN panel.

Great input lag and response time, 144hz refresh rates... and freesync. I will use it primarily for gaming so this is obviously a big deal. I used to play FPS games a lot more than I do now, but I still like to play them fairly often (TF2 is my fallback game when unsure what to play). I *think* I'm fine with giving up response time and not gaining the benefits of 144hz, but part of me wonders.


Basically I'm looking at:
32" vs 27"
Image quality (especially much better contrast ratio and viewing angles) vs fast gaming response times/input lag/ and freesync

My 7970 won't support FreeSync but part of me want's to set up future compatibility for FreeSync if I upgrade my video card in the next year or two... of course that part of me says who cares I'll just snag a 3rd monitor (and use it as my primary gaming monitor) when I do.


My other option of course is to wait, with Freesync and GSync new, 144hz now becoming more common and faster response IPS panels coming out (so might see some VA ones coming) in the future... so if I can force myself to be patient maybe I should just wait?

Curious on thoughts and experiences from others with 144hz monitors, freesync, as well as excellent contrast capabilities in VA panels like this... hard to compare.

 

[RussianSensation]

Welcome to AT!

I think you should wait a bit. Newer wave of monitors should be coming out where you'll be able to get a 144Hz 27" 1440P IPS or step up to a larger 34 inch 3440x1440 75Hz IPS

http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/nvidia-g-sync-ultimate-gaming-notebooks-announced

 

[ZipSpeed]

I'm actually upgrading to the BL3200PT myself later this month. My eyes could never discern things like ghosting, lag, response time, frame times, and other assorted visual jargon that gets thrown around in this forum. So I consider myself lucky that these things don't bother me, seeing that I can't see them.

But I can see things like viewing angles and black levels which is important. I too have a Panasonic plasma which I absolutely love, and the BL3200PT in that respect is closer to my Panny than the XL2730Z. Image quality appear to be on the top of your list and I don't think you would be unhappy if you went with the BL3200PT.

 

[maniacalpha1-1]

Welcome to AT!

I think you should wait a bit. Newer wave of monitors should be coming out where you'll be able to get a 144Hz 27" 1440P IPS or step up to a larger 34 inch 3440x1440 75Hz IPS


http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/nvidia-g-sync-ultimate-gaming-notebooks-announced

Are any of those 3440 X 1440 75hz monitors going to have low motion blur/very low response time, or is that always going to require a 144hz? (not necessarily the one you referred to, but will they in the next few years at all)

 

[thilanliyan]

I'm also looking to get the BL3200PT, but probably won't until later in the year.
I really don't like the IPS glow I've seen in the majority of IPS monitor I've used. My VA paneled BenQ FP241VW has been a great monitor. Looking to stick to VA if possible.

 

[rchunter]

I just got a bl3200 like a month ago. It's been awesome. No dead pixels and no backlight bleed. If you're a gamer or just want to run a kvm switch i'd think twice about 3440 X 1440. A lot of games might have trouble supporting that resolution.

 

[RussianSensation]

Are any of those 3440 X 1440 75hz monitors going to have low motion blur/very low response time, or is that always going to require a 144hz? (not necessarily the one you referred to, but will they in the next few years at all)

I don't know about that. There will be both FreeSync and GSync monitors sporting 3440x1440 75Ghz. It hasn't been specified what the FreeSync frequency range is for now.

http://www.overclock3d.net/articles...341ck_34_curved_g-sync_and_freesync_monitor/1

 

[MattL]

Thanks for the comments and opinions and thanks for the welcome Been reading anandtech for many years but the first time I've been to the forums.

Though a 34/14 IPS panel with 75hz is definitely quite interesting I see three potential flaws compare to the 32" BenQ VA panel

1) Already my gaming hardware is going to strain doing 1440p at 34/14 I'd need some *serious* gaming hardware to run decent at all. In fact currently I'm thinking of just getting another 7970 to crossfire to hold me over in 1440p land for another year or two if I can (though of course another part of me wants to hop on the new AMD Fury platform when we get more details).

2) I'm concerned with the color gamut: "72% sRGB Gamut coverage" If it's being advertised as only 72% sRGB color gamut that seems pretty bad (unless I'm missing something?)... where the BenQ advertises 100% and comes it at pretty low accuracy errors (not quite as good as the best IPS panels but very close)

3) The VA panel crazy high contrast levels and amazing blacks have me very interested in a VA panel

I do find it interesting they are doing a 25/10 res 35" VA panel at 144hz, if that were to be a 1440p VA panel at 144hz I'd be *very* interested... not sure I want that very wide but smaller vertical resolution/size.

Glad to see I'm not the only gamer very interested in that 32" Benq monitor, considering it's going for $600 it seems like a hell of a deal.

 

[hawtdawg]

I'd personally go with the VA. I, like you, am also a Panny plasma owner (ST30 and ST60) and current IPS and TN panels have painfully bad static contrast ratio's. (sub 1000:1 in most cases). I've never understood the IPS craze. Maybe it's because most people don't even understand what a good contrast ratio does for a picture? My ST60 measures at about a 20,000:1 static contrast ratio @40ftl (maxes at like 26,000:1) so using an IPS screen is just painful, especially if im trying to play a game that has a lot of shadow detail with the lights off.

 

[IEC]

I'd personally go with the VA. I, like you, am also a Panny plasma owner (ST30 and ST60) and current IPS and TN panels have painfully bad static contrast ratio's. (sub 1000:1 in most cases). I've never understood the IPS craze. Maybe it's because most people don't even understand what a good contrast ratio does for a picture? My ST60 measures at about a 20,000:1 static contrast ratio @40ftl (maxes at like 26,000:1) so using an IPS screen is just painful, especially if im trying to play a game that has a lot of shadow detail with the lights off.

Different tradeoffs. I'm actually more satisfied with my Korean IPS @ 96 Hz than I was with the BL3200PT. My BL3200PT had noticeable banding and "flickering" issues though, so I returned it and replaced it with the Korean IPS.

Make sure to buy the BL3200PT from a reputable vendor with no restocking fee or better yet from a store you can physically return it to, because you can be unlucky like me and get a bad sample (my understanding is a firmware change has since fixed the flickering/flash issue).

IIRC mine was a Sept 2014 panel I purchased in Dec 2014 and returned a few weeks later.

 

[SniperWulf]

I just upgraded to an XL2730Z from an Ultra-wide AOC Q2963pm. This thing is just as awesome as the reviews make it out to be. Although the AOC is IPS, I don't really notice that the BenQ is TN.

Prolly one of the few, but I'd say get the XL.

 

[MattL]

Different tradeoffs. I'm actually more satisfied with my Korean IPS @ 96 Hz than I was with the BL3200PT. My BL3200PT had noticeable banding and "flickering" issues though, so I returned it and replaced it with the Korean IPS.

Make sure to buy the BL3200PT from a reputable vendor with no restocking fee or better yet from a store you can physically return it to, because you can be unlucky like me and get a bad sample (my understanding is a firmware change has since fixed the flickering/flash issue).

IIRC mine was a Sept 2014 panel I purchased in Dec 2014 and returned a few weeks later.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the monitor... I have definitely seen plenty of postings around the web in late 2014 with your same experience.

Any monitor I'll buy from Amazon and I have prime shipping, love how great they are on return policy. A motherboard we ordered for my wife was faulty and they paid to have it shipped and with prime shipping had free 2 day shipping on sending the replacement model out before we sent the faulty one back (with a warning of course that if we didn't return it in X days we'd be charged for both). We actually got the replacement one before we sent out the faulty one.

 

[SniperWulf]

Just saw this on Woot
http://computers.woot.com/offers/benq-32-wqhd-cad-cam-monitor-4?ref=cnt_wp_3_2

 

[thilanliyan]

Just saw this on Woot
http://computers.woot.com/offers/benq-32-wqhd-cad-cam-monitor-4?ref=cnt_wp_3_2

Reconditioned, but still not bad.

 

[RussianSensation]

Just saw this on Woot
http://computers.woot.com/offers/benq-32-wqhd-cad-cam-monitor-4?ref=cnt_wp_3_2

Wow, that is a great deal since it still has a 90-day warranty with BenQ. From what I've read the white screen flickering issues were fixed on all of these 3200PT panels with a firmware flash at the factory. That could be one explanation why now there is an overstock of these panels. This seems like a great overall monitor for productivity and non-competitive gaming (i.e., if you aren't chasing 120-144Hz and leader ranks in BF).

I read 1-2 reviews on this monitor and I remember good ratings for its black levels, whites and viewing angles.

The black levels and contrast ratio are mopping the floor with TN/IPS panels.

" The main culprit is the blue primary, which is over-saturated at the Gamma 3 setting." ~ Toms Hardware

To correct the large Gamma error, TFT Central recommends setting changing the gamma mode from default '3' to '1'.

Screen uniformity is top notch

Measured response time is very competitive compared to large IPS monitors in this class.

http://media.bestofmicro.com/L/Q/447902/original/15-bfu.png

The average input lag found by Linus or DisplayLag.com is about 27.5 ms but can be reduced to below 20 ms by setting AWA to High.

http://www.tftcentral.co.uk/images/benq_bl3200pt/lag.png

"Based on this testing, I feel that the BL3200PT is not fit for gamers that demand frame-perfect accuracy in their games. If this is your priority, I recommend checking out either the RL2455HM or RL2460HT to suit your needs. This will be most noticeable in 60 FPS (frames per second) games with fast paced action, and much less so in 30 FPS games. However, if you’re a semi-serious gamer that wants a responsive monitor, but do not need frame-perfect accuracy, the BL3200PT will serve you just fine. This monitor is still one of your best options when it comes to low input lag with a higher-end display." ~ DisplayLag

Tom's says that 2560x1440 on a 32" is more comfortable than the same resolution on a 27" with current W7/8.1 DPI scaling. This of course might change with W10.

"Remember that 92 ppi number we mentioned at the beginning of today's story? That seems to be a sweet spot. It works fine at 24 inches if your screen is FHD. You won’t discern individual pixels, but you’ll be quickly wishing for more screen real estate. Moving up to 2560x1440 at 27 inches increases density to 109 ppi. That’s great for gaming and photo work. However, text and small objects become difficult to see for many users.

Getting back to 92 ppi without giving up a large Windows desktop means a 32-inch diagonal size. BenQ is the first to acknowledge this with an actual product. In our opinion, the BL3200PT should be a trend-setter, and we hope it will be. Using the monitor is an absolute pleasure. It allows you to sit at a comfortable distance away and read text on-screen without straining (or relying on Windows' blurry scaling)."

Between very expensive 4K monitors that currently still require at least 980Ti SLI, and basically lack of any affordable FreeSync/GSync ones at 32" sizes with NV/AMD and AIBS dragging their feet, at $350, this is a steal as a 'stop-gap' solution until 4K FreeSync/GSync at 32" sizes drop to more affordable levels.

I talked to a buddy and ended up ordering one myself to his place in the US based on the reasons above. It's not often I go into a thread recommending someone something and then not only have a change of mind but buy the product myself. Ha! Thanks SniperWulf and I the OP -- maybe the lower price also makes your decision easier!

 

[Jhatfie]

I have been rocking the BL3200PT for a couple months now and overall I really like it. It replaced my older HP ZR30W. I sold my ZR30W for $500 and got the BenQ for $505, so i figured it was worth a try. While I waited for my BenQ to be delivered I gamed on my 27" IPS and was oh so happy to be back on the larger real estate of the 32" once it arrived. The larger screen is much more immersive.

Mine has had NO flickering or banding issues and the blacks are fantastic. However, I will say this, I do notice stutter slightly more if my gaming frame rates are not rock solid than I did on my ZR30W (might just be my imagination though). At times that can be slightly annoying and has me thinking I will look for a freesync monitor in the future that is of the same size or larger. I do not play hardcore FPS much any more though, most my games are like Witcher 3, Shadow of Mordor, GTA5, etc which are less demanding of fast twitch responses.

 

[Achilleslastand]

Just saw this on Woot
http://computers.woot.com/offers/benq-32-wqhd-cad-cam-monitor-4?ref=cnt_wp_3_2

Has anyone here used Woot before? What was the experience like? From what ive read about Woot their customer service is pretty bad.

 

[RussianSensation]

Has anyone here used Woot before? What was the experience like? From what ive read about Woot their customer service is pretty bad.

90-day warranty with BenQ though. BenQ is supposed to have an excellent customer service. I figure if the monitor fails within 90 days or has issues, they might send a new one. It's probably way better to deal with the manufacturer of said product since it's Factory Reconditioned instead of Woot. It's more of if the 90-day warranty is good enough for you. May want to consider getting the Square Trade warranty if you are worried.

1) Already my gaming hardware is going to strain doing 1440p at 34/14 I'd need some *serious* gaming hardware to run decent at all. In fact currently I'm thinking of just getting another 7970 to crossfire to hold me over in 1440p land for another year or two if I can (though of course another part of me wants to hop on the new AMD Fury platform when we get more details).

This is not going to work for 3440x1440 since HD7970 CF has stuttering issues above 2560x1600 due to supposed lack of bandwidth via the CrossFire Bridge. AMD tried to optimize it as much as possible but it only works up to 2560x1600.

The removal of a performance penalty with XDMA (PCIe) engines on R9 290 series was one of the key new features for > 2560x1600 gaming vs. a Crossfire bridge.

While HD7970 CF works well at 2560x1600 and below:

Above 2560x1600, frame times are worse than with a single 290X:

This is something to keep in mind in case you decide to get a 2nd 7970 to use for 1-2 years as a stop-gap solution before you decide to get newer 14nm/16nm HBM2 GPUs (Pascal/Arctic Islands).

 

[guskline]

Absolutely LOVE my BenQ BL3200PT in my rig below. I've had it for @ 6 months and it is SUPERB!

Have to once again thank AdamK47 for his advice on getting the BenQ BL3200PT. I also have an Achieva 27" 2560 x 1440 monitor for my 3770k rig but once you've used the BL3200PT it's hard not to keep coming back to it. Great for gaming.

 

[MattL]

90-day warranty with BenQ though. BenQ is supposed to have an excellent customer service. I figure if the monitor fails within 90 days or has issues, they might send a new one. It's probably way better to deal with the manufacturer of said product since it's Factory Reconditioned instead of Woot. It's more of if the 90-day warranty is good enough for you. May want to consider getting the Square Trade warranty if you are worried.



This is not going to work for 3440x1440 since HD7970 CF has stuttering issues above 2560x1600 due to supposed lack of bandwidth via the CrossFire Bridge. AMD tried to optimize it as much as possible but it only works up to 2560x1600.

The removal of a performance penalty with XDMA (PCIe) engines on R9 290 series was one of the key new features for > 2560x1600 gaming vs. a Crossfire bridge.

While HD7970 CF works well at 2560x1600 and below:

Above 2560x1600, frame times are worse than with a single 290X:

This is something to keep in mind in case you decide to get a 2nd 7970 to use for 1-2 years as a stop-gap solution before you decide to get newer 14nm/16nm HBM2 GPUs (Pascal/Arctic Islands).

Thanks for sharing, yeah I definitely need to stop at 1440p with my current cards... heck I don't think I'd even go 4k even with new cards, games like Dragon Age: Inquisition and the Witcher 3 seem to get barely 60 FPS running dual of the top-end cards right now... Think I'll be good at 1440p for a couple years to go.

 

[MattL]

Between very expensive 4K monitors that currently still require at least 980Ti SLI, and basically lack of any affordable FreeSync/GSync ones at 32" sizes with NV/AMD and AIBS dragging their feet, at $350, this is a steal as a 'stop-gap' solution until 4K FreeSync/GSync at 32" sizes drop to more affordable levels.

I talked to a buddy and ended up ordering one myself to his place in the US based on the reasons above. It's not often I go into a thread recommending someone something and then not only have a change of mind but buy the product myself. Ha! Thanks SniperWulf and I the OP -- maybe the lower price also makes your decision easier!

Yeah, been scouring reviews for the 32" monitor and it seems like a *really* good compromise for a great price (even at $600) if you value image quality and screen real estate and are willing to sacrifice TN levels of game responsiveness.

The only other monitor that had my interest is the 40" Phillips, which is also a VA panel with even more of a ridiculous contrast (like 4500:1) and even better responsiveness... but it's 4K and gaming hardware honestly can't handle 4K at the current top games unless you are running like 1200-2000 worth of gaming hardware and even then next years games will probably break that... plus it had only ok screen uniformity and viewing angles while teh 32" BenQ does quite well on that (which seems like they would be even more important on a huge screen).


As far as the woot sale, as good as it sounds, after reading some user reviews here:
http://www.sitejabber.com/reviews/www.woot.com?rating=1

I'm a bit cautious about trying it out.

 

[MattL]

Thanks for all the feedback, I ordered 2 BL3200PT monitors (one for my wife and I, she's a gamer too so we always upgrade together)... I think that will be the best monitor for me for now. All the responses have been immensely helpful.

 

[guskline]

Good luck MattL. Keep us posted. You're gonna be happy!

 

[RussianSensation]

Thanks for all the feedback, I ordered 2 BL3200PT monitors (one for my wife and I, she's a gamer too so we always upgrade together)... I think that will be the best monitor for me for now. All the responses have been immensely helpful.

Well I didn't realize how bad this company was. Hopefully we get lucky.
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Woot

Absolutely LOVE my BenQ BL3200PT in my rig below. I've had it for @ 6 months and it is SUPERB!

Have to once again thank AdamK47 for his advice on getting the BenQ BL3200PT. I also have an Achieva 27" 2560 x 1440 monitor for my 3770k rig but once you've used the BL3200PT it's hard not to keep coming back to it. Great for gaming.

Do you still have both of those monitors hooked up? If so, can you post some pics with both of them side-by-side comparing black levels, colours and whites?

Overall you like the VA panel more than the 27 IPS?

 

[guskline]

Well I didn't realize how bad this company was. Hopefully we get lucky.
http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Woot



Do you still have both of those monitors hooked up? If so, can you post some pics with both of them side-by-side comparing black levels, colours and whites?

Overall you like the VA panel more than the 27 IPS?

RS, have the BL3200PT on my 5960x rig and the Achieva Shimian on my 3770k rig. They are not hooked up to the same rig.