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There are many factors that come together to create a great PC gaming experience. However, you can have the best graphics card, processor, and other top gaming PC components but if you do not have a top-quality monitor, you won’t be able to enjoy your gaming experience to its full extent. Fortunately, monitors with Nvidia’s G-Sync technology can rectify the problem. However, we have noticed many people searching on sites like Reddit, Google, etc., for the cheapest g-sync monitors. Therefore, we have compiled a review of the cheapest G-Sync monitors under $500 available on the market.
Moreover, the monitors reviewed below are true G-Sync monitors with Nvidia G-Sync technology. They are not FreeSync compatible G-Sync monitors. These are also some of the top 1440p and 1080p G-Sync monitors ranging from a refresh rate of 144Hz to 240Hz.
Cheapest G-Sync Monitors:
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Alienware AW2518Hr 25-inch Gaming Monitor
With the Alienware AW2518Hr 25, your getting a solid g-sync gaming monitor for its price. This 25-inch monitor has a stunning futuristic design with the performance to match. It features a 1920 x 1080 resolution and a lightning-fast 240Hz native refresh rate that delivers smooth immersive gameplay. This monitor also has a 1ms response time making mouse input lag almost non-existent.
Moreover, its G-Sync technology promises to prevent screen tearing, especially during fast-paced action. The Alienware AW2518Hr 25 is also highly adjustable and has multiple port/connectivity options. Additionally, with AlienFX, you have a fully customizable RGB lighting system to configure as to your liking. Overall, this is a beautifully stunning gaming monitor that should be considered by anyone looking for a g-sync monitor.
Alienware AW2518Hr 25 Specifications
| Display Size | 25 inches |
| Panel Type | TN |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 240 Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Adaptive-Sync Support | G-Sync |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Brightness | 400 nits |
| Ports | DP1.2, Audio out, Headphone jack, (4x) USB3.0 + (1x) upstream, HDMI1.4 |
| Built-in Speaker | No |
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Dell S2417DG YNY1D G-Sync Gaming Monitor
The S2716DGR G-Sync Gaming Monitor by Dell is a great choice for anyone interested in a 24-inch G-Sync gaming monitor. It comes with a sleek bezel-free design and has an adjustable stand which can provide the viewing angle of your choice. There are 2 input ports, DisplayPort and HDMI which further complemented by 5 USB 3.0 ports, 2 of them are upstream and 1 of them is downstream. There is an audio line-out jack and audio jack present as well for added functionality.
Additionally, this monitor sports a TN panel with a 16:9 aspect and a surprisingly high QHD 2560×1440 resolution at this price range. The maximum refresh rate on offer is 165Hz which promises to deliver a seamless gaming session. It also comes with the Nvidia G-Sync technology that further enhances the experience. It also comes with 7 preset brightness and contrast setting in accordance with the type of the game. In general, it is a highly satisfying monitor that delivers a great experience. One possible area of improvement is the limited number of video ports but overall, you can’t have too many complains about this monitor.
Dell Dell S2417DG Specifications
| Display Size | 23.8 inches |
| Panel Type | TN |
| Resolution | QHD 2560 x 1440 |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Adaptive-Sync Support | G-Sync |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Brightness | 350 cd/m2 |
| Ports | 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x 3.5mm stereo jack, 1x 4-port USB hub |
| Built-in Speaker | No |
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ASUS ROG Swift PG248Q Monitor
The Asus ROG SWIFT PG248Q is a good option to consider for your gaming needs. Visually, it comes in with a matte black finished cabinet that holds a 24-inch screen. The bezels are about a half an inch thick so it does offer good screen to body ratio. The base offers enough degree of swivel, tilting and pivoting range so that you can adjust your screen to get the best results in terms of connectivity, you get a DisplayPort 1.2, an HDMI port and 3 USB 3.0 ports for any peripherals.
Additionally, a TN panel is used in this monitor with a 16:9 aspect ratio. It needs some calibration from its factory setting to achieve the desired results but once done, it can produce great images. The screen resolution is 1080P FHD which is complemented by a incredibly fast 144Hz refresh rate. Among other features, it also has Nvidia’s G-Sync technology and the ULMB feature that aims to reduce blur at high refresh rates. It has the potential to be a great budget G-Sync monitor and the user should play around with its settings to get the best out of its display.
ASUS ROG SWIFT PG248Q Specifications
| Display Size | 24 inches |
| Panel Type | TN |
| Resolution | 1920x1080p |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Adaptive-Sync Support | G-Sync |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Brightness | 350 cd/m2 |
| Ports | DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI x 1, USB 3.0 x 3, 3.5mm Headphone jack |
| Built-in Speaker | No |
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Acer Predator XB241H Monitor
The Acer Predator XB241H truly comes across as a proper gaming monitor. This 24-inch monitor has a very stylish look. The V-shaped base with red colored ends come together to create an impressive sight. The mount offers good flexibility in terms of positioning the screen to your needs. On the connectivity front, it has two video ports, a DisplayPort and an HDMI port. Additionally, it has an audio jack and a built-in speaker which is not top of the line but is still a useful feature. Sadly, it does not have any USB ports for connecting peripherals.
The XB241H is more than a show pony as it offers a full HD (1920×1080) widescreen display with TN panels and an aspect ratio of 16:9. It offers a standard refresh rate of 144Hz that can be dialed up to 180 Hz. To ensure that there are no screen tears at higher refresh rates, it offers the G-Sync technology to counter that problem. It also comes with the EyeProtect flicker-less technology that is quite useful for reducing strain on your eyes during long gaming sessions. Furthermore, it is Energy Star certified which means it is quite efficient and consumes lower energy to operate.
Acer Predator XB241H Specifications
| Display Size | 24 inches |
| Panel Type | TN |
| Resolution | 1920x1080p |
| Refresh Rate | 144-180 Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Adaptive-Sync Support | G-Sync |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Brightness | 350 cd/m2 |
| Ports | 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
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ViewSonic XG2560 Gsync Gaming Monitor
The ViewSonic XG2560 is a 25-inch, high definition monitor with an insanely high refresh rate of 240Hz. It’s a superb choice for gamers because visuals are sharper during high octane games. Plus, ViewSonic used a patented Ultra Low Motion Blur technology in this monitor to deliver crystal clear and smooth visuals.
It also sports a black stabilization feature that should make it easier for gamers to target their enemies who are lurking in the dark. Gamers can also react more quickly to the action thanks to the built-in process reducer of the monitor which minimizes delays between all inputs.
It is also ergonomically designed for gaming. It has a fully adjustable stand that can be raised, lowered, tilted, swiveled, and turned in portrait mode. There is also a headphone hook integrated with this monitor that allows users to keep their headphones within their arm’s reach.
ViewSonic XG2560 Specifications
| Display Size | 25 inches |
| Panel Type | TN |
| Resolution | 1920x1080p |
| Refresh Rate | 240 Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Adaptive-Sync Support | G-Sync |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Brightness | 400cd/m2 |
| Ports | DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 1, USB 3.0 x 3, |
| Built-in Speaker | No |
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OMEN 27 by HP 27 Inch Gaming Monitor
The Omen 27 is a 27-inch, quad high definition gaming monitor that delivers high performance at a surprisingly budget-friendly price tag. With a 165Hz refresh rate and a response time of 1ms, the monitor is capable of handling fast-paced action.
The colors are also sharp, bright, and very accurate. The monitor is also fairly bright aside from displaying realistic images. Gamers will also be impressed with the astounding crisp, deep, and dark black levels produced by the monitor. Expect no tearing with this monitor thanks to its Nvidia GSync technology.
Its base has a small footprint, too, which should bode well for gamers who have a cramped space to work with. There are four buttons located on the back of the lower right side. The menu is quite intuitive and easy to work with. The monitor can be tilted although it cannot be raised or lowered.
OMEN 27 by HP Specifications
| Display Size | 27 inches |
| Panel Type | TN |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz |
| Response Time | 1ms |
| Adaptive-Sync Support | G-Sync |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
| Brightness | 412cd/m2 |
| Ports | DisplayPort, HDMI, 2 USB 3.0 |
| Built-in Speaker | No |
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What is G-Sync?
Introduced in 2013, the purpose of G-Sync technology is to reduce your monitor’s stuttering and screen tearing. This problem occurs due to the fact that the rate of output from the graphics card cannot be handled by the monitor. This causes visible horizontal lines or screen tearing. This issue can be solved by the use of the V-Sync option, but your maximum frame rates will be caped. Thus, leading to a diminished gaming experience.
This is where G-Sync technology shines as, rather than forcing the graphics card to match the monitor in the case of V-Sync, it directly synchronizing the refresh rate of the monitor in accordance to the output of the graphics card. This way you can enjoy the advantage of smooth gameplay experience with no screen tearing and input lag.
Why is G-Sync Technology Expensive?
While G-Sync has proven itself as a great addition to the gaming monitor technology on offer, it doesn’t come cheap. One reason for its higher costs is the fact that G-Sync technology is a property of Nvidia. Any manufacturer that wants to use G-Sync must pay a fee to Nvidia thus raising its price compared to standard monitors.
This cost is further increased by the quality checks employed by Nvidia. These checks ensure that their technology is not used in conjunction with sub-standard display panels and other components. While this improves the quality of the monitor, you have to pay a premium price to get these monitors.
Points to Consider when choosing a G-Sync Monitor:
- Compatibility with your Graphics Card – Since G-Sync is an Nvidia property, it works best with Nvidia graphics If you have an AMD graphic card, it is best to get a monitor that supports AMD’s FreeSync technology otherwise you may not get the return you deserve from your investment.
- Screen Size and Resolution – Screen size and resolution must be in accordance with your gaming demands. A common standard is to use at least 23-inch screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio. On the resolution front, 1080p full HD (1920×1080) is the current standard. However, 1440p Quad-HD (2560×1440) is gaining popularity. Keep in mind, higher resolutions require higher GPU processing power to render images properly.
- Display Panel – Twisted Nematic (TN) panels and IPS panels are your choices. TN offers higher response times which is ideal for FPS games while RPG gamers prefer IPS for its better color reproduction. All comes down to your usage.
- Screen Refresh Rate – Refresh rate is important for fast-paced gaming action. It is basically the time it takes for the monitor to display graphical frames. The standard refresh rate is 60Hz but higher options such as 120Hz, 144Hz, and 240Hz are also available. Again, to benefit from higher refresh rates, you need a powerful graphics card as well.
- Input Ports – There are different input ports options in today’s monitors. Gone are the days of inefficient VGA ports. The high-end monitors come with DisplayPorts with their higher bandwidth of transmission but HDMI ports are fairly common as well.