The Gigabyte M27Q Rev 2.0 is a re-spin of the M27Q, which has sold truckloads due to its fantastic pricing and performance. It is using an RGB panel now versus the original’s BGR layout, so there should be some improvements along the way. Let’s check out how the Gigabyte M27Q Rev 2.0 performs to know if it can outpace the older, now called Rev 1.0, model.
Gigabyte M27Q Rev 2.0 Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 170 Hz (OC)
- Response Time: 1ms MPRT
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 400 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: None
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – No
- Stand: Pivot– No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 2, USB 3.0 x 2, USB-C PD10W x 1, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions With Stand (WxHxD): 24.22″ x 20.01″ x 7.62″
- Weight: 11.46 lbs
Design and Features
The Gigabyte M27Q Rev 2.0 doesn’t look that different from the Rev 1.0, but there are some discrete changes here and there. The monitor still has that matte black finish, which looks clean and subtle. It has a bezel-free design, but you still get panel borders with it just like any other monitor.
This version is lighter than the previous iteration, called the M27Q P, but its build quality has not changed. It doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy, and there are no cosmetic defects on any of its parts. The stand is stable and durable, although the screen can still wobble if you hit it accidentally.
It is not gigantic by today’s standards, but it also seems that Gigabyte found a way to reduce its footprint without affecting it physically. The boomerang-shaped base is smaller, allowing the device to consume a modest 7.62 inches of depth from your desk. It is also lighter this time, so it’s more portable for those old-school LAN sessions with your buddy.
The Gigabyte M27Q Rev 2.0 still has a joystick and a KVM switch at the back for easy access. The layout is near the right side edge of the screen, so you don’t have to lean in hard to get to it. The monitor also works with Gigabyte’s OSD Sidekick app, so there is an added layer of convenience for gamers.
The stand included in the package offers tilt and height adjustments, just like the previous models. We all like ergonomic options, but that’s fine in most instances for those who only use one screen. You can use VESA mounts for improved versatility, but that’s an added cost that may offset your savings in buying this monitor.
The Gigabyte M27Q Rev 2.0’s connectivity layout is identical to the Rev. 1.0 instead of the newer P version. It includes DisplayPort 1.2, two HDMI 2.0 slots, and a USB-C port with DP Alt Mode and 10 watts of power. You also get two USB 3.0 ports for your keyboard and mouse, along with a 3.5mm jack for headphones.
It doesn’t have speakers, but that’s okay since it’s a budget model. It also deserves gaming headsets instead of built-ins since they are better tuned for gaming and entertainment, plus they will help you focus.
Display and Performance
The Gigabyte M27Q Rev 2.0 sports a 27-inch IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 170Hz overclocked refresh rate, and a 1ms MPRT response time. The backlight has a 350 cd/m2 SDR output and a 400 cd/m2 peak, while the contrast is listed at 1000:1 like most IPS monitors. This model is HDR 400 certified, but we all know how limited that is when it comes to HDR performance.
We love 1440p monitors for gaming since they upgrade the visuals when compared to 1080p but are without the penalties incurred by 4K. They’ve also become way more affordable like this model, so it is never a bad time to upgrade with one. It’s also worth mentioning that they are great for productivity since there is room to spare while small objects do not become microscopic.
The Gigabyte M27Q Rev 2.0 covered 100% sRGB and 94% DCI-P3 for stunning color in games and movies. Its default accuracy is fantastic, with a deltaE average of 1.21, which is way better than what the first model offered. Users won’t need to calibrate this model since it is already superbly tuned from the factory.
Calibrating it with a colorimeter enhanced its deltaE average to 0.57, putting it right next to some prosumer models we’ve reviewed. The downside is that you will need a colorimeter for guaranteed results. It’s simply not worth it for gaming, especially since the factory calibration for this model is already excellent.
The Gigabyte M27Q Rev 2.0’s backlight hits 344 cd/m2 at 100%, but its peak reaches 439 cd/m2 when HDR is active. Its contrast reached 1054:1 at 305 brightness, but that’s unremarkable, especially when HDR is concerned. It is incapable of deep blacks, but so are most of the IPS monitors in the market.
Opanel uniformity for the test sample was excellent since there were no significant issues like backlight bleeding. There is some variance in the backlight’s spread towards the lower corners of the panel, but it is mostly unnoticeable. Note that this can vary with every monitor made, so there are worse ones out there.
The Gigabyte M27Q Rev 2.0 has an excellent pixel response time for a 170Hz monitor. You don’t need to set its overdrive beyond its Balance setting since it offers overshoot-free performance. The monitor is suitable for games like Valorant or CS2, even if there are faster models out now.
The Gigabyte M27Q Rev 2.0 is compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync for stutter and tear-free gaming. It is essential to have dual compatibility so you can keep VRR functionality even if you switch to the other monitor. Its input lag sits at 4ms at 170Hz, so it’s snappy and responsive enough for competitive play.
Thoughts on the Gigabyte M27Q Rev 2.0
The Gigabyte M27Q Rev 2.0’s shift to a new panel has drastically improved its performance compared to its predecessor. Its color performance is brilliant, and it is just as fast and responsive as the other M-series 1440p monitors we’ve seen. It has seen some reduction in size and weight, but the same quality is still there.
It’s far from perfect, but we have very little to no complaint about the Gigabyte M27Q Rev 2.0. its price balances out every limitation it has, but its actual performance pushes it beyond that. It’s a fantastic buy right now, even if there are higher-specification monitors out there.
Pros:
- Very Affordable
- Vibrant and Accurate
- Fast and Responsive
- USB-C Included
Cons:
- Limited Contrast
- Poor HDR
- USB-C Power Only 10 Watts
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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