BenQ Zowie has introduced a brand new gaming monitor that’s aiming to be the brand new go-to selection for skilled and aspiring skilled esports gamers. With its 400Hz TN 1080p LCD panel, the BenQ Zowie XL2566X+ seems to be set to ship blazing-fast pictures that, due to the corporate’s DyAc 2 backlight strobing expertise, additionally offers “best-in-class movement readability,” in keeping with BenQ.
Whereas not a display for these in search of the very best gaming monitor for sharpness, distinction, viewing angles, or total display measurement, the 24.5-inch BenQ Zowie XL2566X+ is fine-tuned to ship tournament-grade pace and consistency, with its use of LCD tech additionally guaranteeing there aren’t any considerations over burn-in, brightness variation, or another distractions that may bother OLED shows.
The XL2566X+ takes over from the wonderful XL2566K, and whereas a lot of the upgrades are comparatively delicate, they’ve the potential so as to add as much as make a noticeable distinction. For a begin, the refresh fee of the XL2566K is 360Hz, whereas the brand new display runs at 400Hz. BenQ additionally mentions using a “new quick TN panel expertise” that it says has “quicker conductivity” for a quicker liquid crystal response, though it doesn’t present any specifics about diminished minimal or common response occasions.
The display additionally makes use of the brand new DyAc 2 model of the corporate’s backlight strobing blur discount expertise. Once more, BenQ doesn’t give too many specifics about what enhancements DyAc 2 brings over DyAc or DyAc+, although it talks about using twin backlights with better precision management to “obtain the next stage of movement blur discount and ghosting minimization.” The corporate additionally mentions that the twin backlights enable for “softened gentle output to facilitate eye adaptation.”
Whereas we will’t make certain fairly how a lot of a distinction DyAc 2 makes over DyAc or DyAc+, we will vouch for the truth that the tech total does work very nicely at bettering picture readability throughout quick movement. In my BenQ Zowie XL2566K evaluation, I discovered it basically delivered the very best movement readability I’ve ever skilled in a gaming monitor. Particularly, I famous that “you possibly can monitor micro changes of your crosshairs or different participant actions in a method that’s simply a lot harder on shows with out some type of backlight strobing/black body insertion.”
A extra apparent bodily enchancment is the monitor’s stand, which nonetheless comprises the handy peak markings and carry deal with of older fashions, however now additionally incorporates “industrial grade peak adjustment,” due to the inclusion of a bearing system for smoother changes.
This show additionally has the aspect privateness/distraction wings of a number of earlier BenQ Zowie gaming displays, that are a characteristic that we will’t assist really feel add to the price of the monitor for little home-user profit. Sure, for tournaments, these aspect screens are nice, but it surely looks like they might be added as an non-obligatory further moderately than an always-included characteristic that bumps up the value.
Talking of price, BenQ hasn’t launched a normal MSRP but, regardless of pre-orders being accessible from August 15, 2024. Nevertheless, given the XL2566K prices $600, we’d count on his new mannequin to price across the identical or somewhat extra.
A few of chances are you’ll balk on the concept of spending that a lot cash on a TN LCD when 360Hz OLED shows exist these days, however there are a number of downsides to OLEDs that doubtlessly make them much less suited to make use of in additional skilled gaming conditions. As talked about above, the brightness variance (and different tech corresponding to pixel shifting) that’s wanted in OLEDs to cease them from growing burn-in is an inconsistency and distraction that may’t be tolerated at this peak stage of gaming efficiency.
The truth that players can be taking part in the very same recreation for hours on finish additionally means the possibilities of burn-in are elevated, as HUD components begin to be burned into the display. OLED is nice for diverse and fewer frequent use, but it surely isn’t preferrred for this type of situation.
For another excessive refresh fee gaming displays which are barely much less centered on pure gaming efficiency, try our MSI MPG 271QRX evaluation, the place we take a look at this 360Hz, 1440p OLED display, in addition to our Dell 2524H evaluation, the place we take a look at this a 360Hz, 1080p IPS panel. They’re each nice choices at their worth factors.
