The BenQ GW3290QT is a unique spin on a typical business monitor based on its appearance and specifications. It has a stark white finish which looks gorgeous, but it also comes with equipment that you won’t normally find on displays at desk jobs. It costs more than its competitors, but let’s check that out to see if the price bump is worth it.
BenQ GW3290QT Specifications
- Screen Size: 32 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 75Hz
- Response Time: 5ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 3 Watts)
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, DP 1.2 Out x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 1, USB-C PD65W x 1, USB-C Downstream x 1, USB 3.2 x 3, Noise Cancelling Mic x 1, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions With Stand(WxHxD): 28.1″ x 23.5″ x 9.9″
- Weight: 22.2 lbs
Design and Features
The BenQ GW3290QT looks high-end compared to the other options in its category. The monitor has a bright white finish that looks elegant and sophisticated, so it won’t look out of place in a high-end studio. It has a bezel-free design, but its inner borders are still visible when the screen is in use.
It wasn’t difficult to unbox the monitor, but its size can be a factor if you don’t have a lot of space to maneuver it. However, putting it together was very easy since the parts were arranged in a way where you could pull them out and assemble them without any tools. The stand snaps into the main chassis, so you don’t really have to exert a lot of effort.
We like that the device doesn’t need a big power brick like some monitors, but that also makes it heavier than most since its internal. You also only get HDMI and USB-C cables with it, so you must buy one for DP if that’s what you prefer. However, HDMI is plenty for a 75Hz 1440p, so there is very little to spend more for that.
The BenQ GW3290QT is chunkier than other options at 22.2 pounds, so extra care will be necessary during assembly and setup. It also has an unusually large base, although it is usable for organizing your desk and it keeps the large screen stable. It will, however, interfere with large speakers due to its width if you have a narrow desk.
interestingly, you can also buy the BenQ GC01 for the base at $19.99 a pop. Its ar rubber matte accessory that sits on the base so your tiny doodads don’t slip and slide. However, we think that it should be included with the package, or at least have the option to include it right way upon purchase of the monitor.
The BenQ GW3290QT’s build quality is excellent even if its exterior panels are all made in plastic. The base and arm all have metal reinforcing, so it won’t falter unless you actually try to break them apart. The hinges are quite small for the cabinet’s size, but they are firm and durable, so you have nothing to worry about.
We also like that this new model has its OSD joystick at the right side of the bottom bezel instead of the back. It’s easier to reach and utilize it, along with the shortcut keys like the mute button next to it. You also get the USB hub on the opposite side of the bottom part, so you don’t have to flip it for USB or headphone access.
The BenQ GW3290QT’s stand offers tilt, pivot, swivel, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. Ergonomics is essential for a large monitor since it pretty much guarantees a comfortable view no matter what your anthropometrics or sitting position looks like. You can also use VESA mounts with it, but it’s unnecessary unless that base takes up too much of your workspace.
Its connectivity layout includes DisplayPort 1.2, DP Out for daisy chaining, HDMI 1.4, and a 65-watt USB-C port with DP Alt Mode. You also get a total of three USB 3.2 ports for data transfers, a USB-C upstream port, and a 3.5mm port for convenience. The monitor even has a noise-canceling mic for video conferencing, although it doesn’t come equipped with a camera.
The spec sheet is rounded off by two built-in speakers with 2 watts of power per channel. They are far from what the brand’s treVolo system sounds like, so we reckon most won’t like the set in this model. They sound tinny and are incapable of bass, but at least you have backups.
Display and Performance
The BenQ GW3290QT sports a 32-inch IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 75Hz refresh rate, and a 5ms response time. The backlight has a 350 cd/m2 rating, while the contrast is listed at 1000:1, like most IPS panels. This model doesn’t have HDR certification, but it, along with its Brightness Intelligence capabilities and tuning, prioritizes safety and comfort over anything else.
The GW3290QT worked instantly with our USB-C laptop upon powering it on. We didn’t run into any snags, although the 65-watt limit falls short if you push a gaming or workstation laptop to its limits. It is expected, but it shouldn’t be an issue for office tasks or even some editing work.
32-inch 1440p monitors have almost the same pixel density as a 24-inch 1080p model. However, they aren’t fuzzy or pixelated since the higher pixel count is still there. They are also easier on the eyes when it comes to legibility, so you won’t pop your eyeballs due to strain during long and tedious hours of work.
The BenQ GW3290QT’s IPS panel covered 100% of sRGB and 85% of P3, so it is decently vibrant for a productivity model. Its default accuracy is also fantastic since the deltaE average is only at 1.34. Most users won’t need to do much to get it running right, although you might want to turn the brightness down for your eyes’ sake.
Calibrating the screen reduced that dE average to 0.4, placing this monitor into the prosumer display category. The downside is that you will need a colorimeter like the Calibrite Display Plus to achieve this, and those aren’t cheap. We can only recommend them for color-critical work, but for all else, the default should do quite nicely.
The unit’s backlight reached 376 cd/m2 at 100%, so it is too bright to leave it like that. We recommend setting it to 21% for 120 cd/m2 or to activate its BI Plus feature so it can adjust itself accordingly. The screen’s contrast reached 1040:1 at our calibrated setting, so it isn’t very good for night scenes or dark backgrounds.
Panel uniformity for the test sample did not have any major issues like instantly visible backlight bleeding or clouding. There is some variance in the backlight’s spread, but it is only slightly noticeable in dark scenes. Note that this can change with every monitor made due to manufacturing tolerances, so there are worse units out there.
The BenQ GW3290QT’s pixel response time isn’t the fastest, and it is limited to 75Hz, but it wasn’t blurry or fuzzy in fast-paced scenes. It’s hard to notice blurs and smudges in games like Warzone 2, but they are there if you look closely enough. Setting the overdrive too high can add overshoot, so going with a higher refresh rate is your only solution if this bothers you.
The BenQ GW3290QT doesn’t have FreeSync or G-Sync compatibility, simply because it wasn’t meant for gaming. Many cards and systems can not run games at 1440p with no FPS fluctuation issues, but it would still be handy in some cases. Input lag sits at 9ms at 75Hz, so it is fast and responsive enough to be used for gaming.
Thoughts on the BenQ GW3290QT
The BenQ GW3290QT is a decent choice if you want a well-equipped and attractive-looking solution for your office or as a daily drive. It offers excellent image quality and functionality so that higher price is somehow justified. It’s built to last with robust materials and decent reinforcement, making it a solid investment until the need to upgrade arrives again.
It has a few limitations, such as its contrast or gaming performance, but that’s expected based on how it was specified and designed. The other hindrance is its higher price, but we know people are willing to pay more if the quality they get in exchange is fantastic. It’s a great buy, but it is not for everyone, especially for hardcore gamers.
Pros:
- Fantastic Image Quality
- Attractive and Functional Design
- Plenty of Features
- USB-C Connectivity and Built-in Mic
Cons:
- Limited Contrast
- Pricey for 75Hz 1440p
About the Author: Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. 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 now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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