Acer XB273K Review: A High-Refresh Powerhouse for Gamers and Creators Alike
The Acer XB273K is a 27-inch IPS gaming monitor that boasts a 240Hz refresh rate, G-Sync and FreeSync compatibility, and a vibrant QHD (2560×1440) resolution. Released in 2020, it quickly became a popular choice for competitive gamers and creative professionals alike, thanks to its impressive specs and attractive price tag. But how does it hold up in 2023? We’ve put the XB273K through its paces to give you a comprehensive review and see if it’s still worth your hard-earned cash.
Bottom Line
For smooth 4K gaming at 144Hz, the Acer XB273K offers top-notch performance, with a top-shelf price tag.
Design and Build Quality
The XB273K doesn’t scream “gamer” with its understated design. The bezels are slim, the stand is sturdy and adjustable, and the overall look is sleek and professional. The back of the monitor has some subtle RGB lighting that can be customized using the included software, but it’s not over-the-top or distracting.
Build quality is excellent. The chassis feels solid and well-constructed, and the stand is surprisingly versatile. You can tilt, swivel, and adjust the height of the monitor to find the perfect viewing position. There’s even a VESA mount if you want to wall-mount the monitor.
Display Quality
The IPS panel offers excellent color accuracy and viewing angles. Colors are vibrant and lifelike, making the monitor great for both gaming and creative work. The QHD resolution is a step up from Full HD, providing you with extra sharpness and detail. Games look amazing on this monitor, and you’ll never go back to 1080p once you experience the clarity of QHD.
The 240Hz refresh rate is the real star of the show. This means the monitor can refresh the image 240 times per second, resulting in incredibly smooth and fluid gameplay. Even the fastest-paced games look buttery smooth on the XB273K, giving you a significant edge over your opponents.
The monitor also supports G-Sync and FreeSync, which eliminates screen tearing and stuttering. This is essential for gaming, as it ensures that the monitor’s refresh rate is synchronized with your graphics card’s frame rate.
Performance and Features
The XB273K is a beast when it comes to performance. The 240Hz refresh rate and G-Sync/FreeSync support make it a dream for gamers. Whether you’re playing competitive shooters or fast-paced racing games, the XB273K will give you the edge you need to win.
The monitor also has a number of features that are useful for both gamers and creative professionals. There are several preset picture modes, including a gaming mode that boosts the contrast and sharpness for better in-game visibility. There’s also a low blue light mode that reduces eye strain during long gaming sessions.
For creative professionals, the XB273K covers 95% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it a great choice for photo and video editing. The QHD resolution also provides plenty of screen real estate for multitasking and working with large files.
Connectivity
The XB273K has a good selection of ports, including two HDMI 2.0 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 port, and a USB 3.0 hub. There’s no USB-C, which is a bit of a miss, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
Verdict
The Acer XB273K is a fantastic gaming monitor that offers excellent performance and features for the price. The 240Hz refresh rate, G-Sync/FreeSync support, and QHD resolution make it a great choice for competitive gamers. And with its accurate colors and wide color gamut, it’s also a good option for creative professionals.
Overall, the Acer XB273K is a highly recommended monitor for anyone looking for a high-performance option that won’t break the bank.
Pros:
- 240Hz refresh rate for incredibly smooth gameplay
- G-Sync and FreeSync support for tear-free gaming
- QHD resolution for sharp and detailed images
- Accurate colors and wide color gamut for creative work
- Sturdy and adjustable stand
- Good selection of ports
Cons:
- No USB-C port
- RGB lighting is a bit subtle for some gamers