The Gigabyte M32QC is a new variant that combines the VA panel of its predecessor and the extra functionality of its M-series counterpart. This model has an upgraded panel and USB-C connectivity, along with KVM, enhancing its suitability for productivity. Let’s see if the Gigabyte M32QC brings considerable improvements to the table or if its cheaper predecessors are better buys.
Gigabyte M32QC Specifications
- Screen Size: 32 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Refresh Rate: 170Hz
- Response Time: 1ms MPRT
- Contrast Ratio: 3000:1
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: No
- 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-C PD18W x 1, USB 3.0 x 3, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions With Stand(WxHxD): 27.97″ x 21.74″ x 9.24″
- Weight: 17.2 lbs
Design and Features
The Gigabyte M32QC doesn’t look like a new monitor on the outside except for the minor details at the chassis’ back. It has a matte black chassis that is easy to maintain so it can always look new if you take care of it. The display is bezel-free on three sides, but you will still see inner borders when it’s in use.
The monitor’s size can surprise many once they unbox it and see how big it is in person. You have to consider how much desk space you have before buying since the monitor is wide and deep. It can cover your bookshelf speakers, and it needs almost ten inches of depth, although it is not the heaviest monitor we’ve seen.
Its build quality is decent, so you should worry about durability and longevity as long as you take care of it. The plastics used are sturdy enough to prevent cracking and flexing, and there were no cosmetic defects on any of its parts. Its stand is stable enough to keep the large display upright, although it can wobble if you nudge it accidentally.
The Gigabyte M32QC has an OSD joystick and a dedicated KVM button at the back, easily accessible from the monitor’s side. It is also compatible with the OSD Sidekick app which is even easier to use. Most monitors don’t offer this level of convenience, and we like easier methods since adjusting settings and calibration are common chores for enthusiasts.
The stand included with the package only offers tilt and height adjustments, but frankly, that’s all you will need. Curved displays are meant to be centered and are not ideal for portrait viewing, so swiveling or rotating them won’t be necessary. You can use VESA mounts if you need more flexibility, but we don’t recommend spending the extra unless you have multiple screens or limited desk space.
The Gigabyte M32QC includes essentials like DisplayPort 1.2, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and USB 3.0 slots, but this variant gets USB-C to maximize its KVM feature. The connector supports DP Alt Mode, but it can only provide up to 18 Watts of power. It’s only enough for mobile devices, so you will still need to use your laptop’s charger if you want to connect it with this monitor.
Unlike its ultrawide counterpart, the Gigabyte M32QC has a 3.5mm headphone jack, but it doesn’t have speakers. That’s acceptable since curved monitors are more enjoyable with immersive headphones or surround speakers. Upgraded built-ins will always add value, but it will always be understandable to omit them from budget-friendly monitors.
Display and Performance
The Gigabyte M32QC boasts a 32-inch 1500r VA panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 170Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms MPRT response time. The backlight has a 350 cd/m2 typical output while the contrast ratio is listed at 3000:1. This model is certified for HDR 400, but we all know how limited that is when it comes to visual improvements.
Large 1440p monitors aren’t very sharp, but you still get the extra pixels to make images crisper with better details. Visibility and legibility are better with a monitor like this, so it works great for reading and browsing and easy to spot small objects like snipers peeking in the distance in games. Note that you will need a potent GPU for this monitor, although midrange cards are now more powerful and capable.
The Gigabyte M32QC renders 100% sRGB and 94% DCI-P3 as claimed for excellent vibrancy in games and movies. Its default accuracy isn’t perfect, with its deltaE average of 2.67, but that’s normal for a monitor with extended gamut coverage. It is not terribly inaccurate, so it’s still readily usable with only a few minor tweaks, such as setting its brightness to comfortable levels.
Calibrating it lowered the dE average to 1.65, which isn’t a whole world of improvement versus the default setting. It has an sRGB mode, but it only reduces the gamut average to 2.08. We don’t recommend getting a colorimeter for this model if you need absolute accuracy since that will raise your cost and put you in the range of a prosumer variant.
The Gigabyte M32QC reached 385 cd/m2 in SDR and 425 cd/m2 when it is HDR mode is active. Its contrast ratio reached 3321:1 at 50% brightness, so it’s capable of deep blacks and well-defined dark scenes. However, it cannot provide an appreciable HDR performance since it has technical limitations.
Its panel uniformity had some minor issues due to light leaks at the upper edges of the screen. They aren’t as noticeable in typical instances, but dark scenes can show a bit of clouding coming from them. This isn’t permanent since no two panels are made equal, so there will be better units out there.
The Gigabyte M32QC isn’t the fastest gaming monitor around since VA technology’s limitations still bind it. That extra 5Hz doesn’t improve its pixel response time drastically, so it still is prone to blurring in contrasting or fast-paced transitions. Setting its overdrive to its Speed option will help, but it cannot altogether remove the persistence.
The Gigabyte M32QC is compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync so you don’t have to worry about stuttering and tearing. It’s nice to have VRR for both GPU brands since the market is crazy right now, so getting a specific card can be difficult. Input lag sits at 5ms at 170Hz, so there is no need to worry about delays while gaming.
Thoughts on the Gigabyte M32QC
The Gigabyte M32QC is an excellent choice if you want a value monitor that works well with both gaming and productivity. Its high-contrast VA panel offers superb color performance and smooth visuals that will work great for games and movies. It has USB-C connectivity and KVM, expanding its applicability for professional and business use where laptops like MacBook Pros are standard.
However, it has some limitations since it’s a budget model, such as its 18-watt charging limit on that USB-C connector. It’s also prone to blurring, but that’s a limitation you have to live with if you want the higher contrast ratio of VA panels. It’s an excellent buy, but it is not a massive upgrade over its predecessor.
Pros:
- Vibrant and Accurate
- High Contrast
- USB-C with KVM
- Affordable
Cons:
- Prone to Blurring
- USB-C Limited to 18 Watts
About the Author: 
Paolo is 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 and he believes that it’s 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.
Bruce C says
I purchased this based on this review. Specifically, their comment that it was USBC ready and thus Macs could use it as an external display. Unfortunately, that’s untrue. It does have a USBC port. But because it is not thunderbolt, it cannot be used as an external display for Macs with USBC.
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Bruce! Try using a Thuderbolt3-rated cable. The usual USB-C cables included with devices like laptops and phones are usually meant for charging only so they can’t support DP Alt Mode. Good luck!
Lubos says
Thank you for the great review. Please have a question.
Can this monitor be used for PS4 or PS5?
I wonder if he can downscaling 4k to 1440p? Or just to FHD? Or his brother G32QC? Thank you very much for your reply
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Lubos! Unfortunately, we didn’t get to test that feature. The default result is the PS5 will downscale to 1080p. However, we found out on Reddit that the G27QC does downscale to 1440p, so there is a possibility. Note that we can’t guarantee that the 32-inch variants will work as you intend, so please share it with us if it does work. Good luck!