The AOC U34G3X makes IPS clarity cheap and available for those who want an immersive and responsive gaming display. It’s a flat alternative to the AOC CU34G3S which has a 1500r curved VA panel. IPS variants are more attractive for mixed-use, but let’s check the AOC U34G3X out to know if it’s a worthy upgrade.
AOC U34G3X Specifications
- Screen Size: 34 Inches
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440 UW-QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 21:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 300 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 5 Watts)
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 x 2, HDMI 2.0 x 2, USB 3.2 x 4, 3.5mm Audio Jack x 1
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 32.18” x 20.84” x 13.37”
- Weight: 19.18 lbs
Design and Features
The AOC U34G3X’s aesthetic has matured compared to its predecessors, but you’ll still know that it’s a G-Series display. The monitor has a matte black finish with some red accents, which indicates its gamer-centric nature. The monitor has a bezel-free design on three sides, but you still get inner borders just like with any other modern monitor.
This model is an ultrawide variant, so it will take up more space than a typical 16:9 desktop monitor. It also has a particularly wide and deep-reaching base which contributes to its 13.37 overall depth, which may offset some of your peripherals. The whole device weighs less than 20 pounds, so it is reasonably portable even if it’s a large monitor.
Build quality for this newer model has not changed from the older G2 variants, even if it belongs to the budget-friendly category. The plastics used are thick and sturdy, and there were no visible defects like uneven seams or gaps. The stand is stable enough to hold the cabinet’s weight, although it can still wobble if you accidentally nudge it.
One immediate downside of this monitor is its use of buttons for the OSD instead of a five-way joystick. The keys are located on the right side of the bottom bezel so you can see and access them directly. However, it still takes more time to get to a specific setting, plus it’s hard to know if you are pressing the right button at night.
The stand included in the package offers tilt, swivel, and height adjustments for comfort and convenience. Pivoting isn’t included since this ultrawide display will become too tall for a portrait screen. You can use VESA mounts, which only become necessary in special cases. 
The AOC U34G3X has a surprisingly good connectivity layout for the price since there are plenty of options. It features two slots each for DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0, plus four USB 3.2 ports for your accessories. This model doesn’t get USB-C, but we hope the brand includes one with future releases.
This model also has more robust 5-watt speakers which are punchier and louder than the usual built-in sets on gaming displays. They are usable for media consumption and maybe some chill playing sessions, thanks to their more potent output. However, headsets will still feel better for games since they have better range and are more immersive than this pair.
Display and Performance
The AOC U34G3X boasts a 34-inch flat IPS panel with a 3440 x 1440 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms MPRT response time. The backlight has a 300 cd/m2 limit while the contrast ratio is listed at 1000:1. This model isn’t certified for HDR, but it is compatible with HDR10 signals and sources.
34-inch ultrawides sell like hotcakes because they are great for immersive gaming and productivity. The extra peripheral screen space makes the scenery more immersive and offers more room to maneuver your programs and tabs as needed. They are not as sharp as their 27-inch equivalents, but most won’t know the difference unless they are compared side by side.
The AOC U34G3X renders 100% sRGB and 89% DCI-P3 for great colors in games and movies. Its default accuracy is great since the deltaE average is only at 1.89, so it looks balanced and natural. Most gamers won’t need to calibrate this display apart from adjusting a few basic settings like the monitor’s brightness.
Calibrating it reduced the dE average to a fantastic 0.76, making it usable for editing work and content creation. However, you will need to get a colorimeter for this kind of improvement if you don’t have one yet. We can only recommend it if you use the monitor for color-critical work or business, but it won’t be necessary for anything other than those.
The monitor’s backlight reached 302 cd/m2 at 100% brightness, so it can fight off a decent amount of glare in a well-lit room. Its contrast ratio reached 1087:1 at 70% brightness, so it is incapable of deep blacks like the CU34G3S, which has three times more. This is natural from an IPS variant, so it’s not a deal-breaker unless grayish blacks and dark scenes bother you.
Panel uniformity for the AOC U34G3X had backlight leaks at the top edge of the screen. These showed up as clouding in dark scenes, although they are less noticeable against white backgrounds or bright images. However, that doesn’t mean that every unit will have it since there are tolerances in the manufacturing process that affect this issue.
The AOC U34G3X offers excellent response time, so blurring and ghosting won’t be an issue. It only needs modest amounts of overdrive to clear up the already little persistence you might notice in fast and contrasting transitions. Because of this, the monitor is suitable for competitive games, and only something with a higher refresh rate will be better.
The AOC U34G3X is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync, so you don’t have to worry about tearing and stuttering. Dual VRR compatibility is a must-have feature so you won’t get stuck with either brand when it’s time to upgrade. Its input lag sits at 4ms at 144Hz, so there is no need to worry about delays while enjoying your favorite games.
Thoughts on the AOC U34G3X
The AOC U34G3X is a fantastic option if you want high-end specs at a price that won’t offset your budget. This option offers a 144Hz IPS ultrawide with excellent image quality and responsiveness, making it a great pick for various uses. It is not the most sophisticated in aesthetics, but its overall functionality and design are superb.
Our biggest peeves with this model are its use of OSD buttons and the unnecessarily large base. These are minor complaints, so they aren’t deal breakers, but some might find that bit of information helpful before buying. It’s a superb value-oriented purchase if you want an inexpensive ultrawide upgrade.
Pros:
- Excellent Build Quality
- Great Color Quality
- Affordable
- Fast and Responsive
Cons:
- OSD Buttons
- Oversized Stand
- Black and Red Can Be Tacky
Paolo is a gaming veteran from the golden days of Doom and Warcraft. Since junior high, he has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He has also spent half a decade researching, reviewing, and writing about these products and now has over 1400 articles about the best gaming tech under his belt.
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