Gigabyte AORUS FI32U Monitor Review: The Ultimate 4K 144Hz Experience

The Gigabyte AORUS FI32U is a standout in the competitive world of high-performance gaming monitors. Offering a blend of high resolution, ultra-fast refresh rate, and gaming-centric features, this 31.5-inch SS IPS monitor is designed to cater to both gamers and content creators alike. Let’s dive into the details and see how it holds up in comparison to other monitors on the market.

Key Features

• Display Type: 31.5” SS IPS (Super Speed In-Plane Switching)

• True Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (UHD 4K)

• Color Saturation: 90% DCI-P3 / 123% sRGB

• Brightness: 350 cd/m² (Typical)

• Refresh Rate: 144Hz (also supports 120Hz for console gaming)

• Response Time: 1ms GTG (Gray-to-Gray) / 1ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time)

• HDR: VESA Display HDR400

• Connectivity: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, USB Type-C, and more

• Special Features: Active Noise Cancelling 2.0, Aim Stabilizer Sync, Black Equalizer, RGB Fusion 2.0, and more.

  

Pros

• Stunning 4K Display:

  • The 3840 x 2160 UHD resolution combined with an SS IPS panel offers crisp, vibrant visuals with excellent color accuracy, making it ideal for both gaming and creative work. The 90% DCI-P3 and 123% sRGB color gamut ensure that the colors pop and are rich, whether you’re editing photos or playing the latest AAA titles.

• 144Hz Refresh Rate:

  • Gamers will appreciate the 144Hz refresh rate, which provides ultra-smooth gameplay. It’s ideal for fast-paced gaming genres like FPS, racing, and MOBAs. For console gamers, the monitor supports 120Hz at 4K, making it a top-tier choice for next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

• 1ms Response Time:

  • The 1ms GTG and 1ms MPRT response times are excellent for reducing motion blur and ghosting, ensuring a fluid gaming experience. This is a significant advantage over monitors with slower response times in competitive gaming scenarios.

• HDR Support:

  • With VESA Display HDR400, the AORUS FI32U offers better contrast and a wider color range, enhancing the viewing experience for HDR-compatible games and media. While it doesn’t reach the higher-end HDR1000 spec, it still adds value for those looking to experience more vibrant visuals.

• Flexible Stand and Ergonomics:

  • The monitor’s stand offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment (up to 130mm), allowing for a highly customizable setup for ergonomic comfort.

• Rich Feature Set for Gamers:

  • Features like Aim Stabilizer Sync, Black Equalizer, and RGB Fusion 2.0 bring additional customization and enhancement to the gaming experience. The Active Noise Cancelling 2.0 is a unique inclusion that can improve communication during multiplayer games by reducing background noise from external sounds.

• Comprehensive Connectivity:

  • With HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB Type-C, the AORUS FI32U provides excellent future-proofing for high-bandwidth gaming and content creation needs. KVM support also allows for controlling multiple devices via a single keyboard and mouse, which is a bonus for multi-tasking setups.

    

Cons

• Brightness:

  • While the 350 cd/m² brightness is good for most environments, it may not be bright enough for use in very bright rooms or for HDR-heavy content, especially when compared to high-end monitors with HDR1000 support. It’s adequate but not exceptional.

• HDR Performance:

  • The VESA Display HDR400 standard is a step up from standard SDR but falls short of the richer HDR experiences seen in higher-end monitors with HDR1000 or HDR1400. If you’re a content creator or media enthusiast looking for premium HDR, this monitor may not fully satisfy your needs.

• No Built-In Speakers:

  • The lack of integrated speakers means you’ll need to invest in external speakers or headphones. However, considering the monitor’s target audience, this isn’t a major issue for gamers or professionals who are likely using external audio equipment.

• Price:

  • The Gigabyte AORUS FI32U comes at a premium price point, particularly when compared to some competing models that offer similar features at a lower cost. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly 4K gaming monitor, you might find other options that offer slightly lower performance but at a more affordable price. (price: £606.95)

    

Comparison with Competitors

• LG 32GN650-B:

  • The LG 32GN650-B is another popular 32-inch 4K monitor aimed at gamers, but it features a lower 60Hz refresh rate and lacks many of the advanced features found in the AORUS FI32U. While it has excellent color accuracy and contrast, it doesn’t match the 1ms response time or 144Hz refresh rate of the AORUS, making the latter a superior choice for competitive gaming.

• Samsung Odyssey G7 (LC32G75TQSNXZA):

  • The Samsung Odyssey G7 offers a 240Hz refresh rate with QLED technology for exceptional color and contrast, but it comes at a higher price. While the Odyssey G7 excels in gaming performance, the AORUS FI32U still stands out with its 4K resolution and IPS panel, making it more versatile for both gaming and content creation.

• ASUS ROG Strix XG32UQ:

  • The ASUS ROG Strix XG32UQ offers similar features with a 144Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution, but the AORUS FI32U edges out in terms of color accuracy with its 90% DCI-P3 support. The ASUS model is also a solid option, but the AORUS FI32U brings more unique gaming features like Aim Stabilizer and Active Noise Cancelling.

The Gigabyte AORUS FI32U is an outstanding 4K gaming monitor, blending cutting-edge technology with features that cater to both gamers and professionals. The 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and HDR400 support make it a powerhouse for gaming, while the excellent color accuracy and USB-C connectivity also make it an attractive option for creative professionals who require both performance and color precision.

Its biggest downsides are its brightness and HDR limitations, but these are minor drawbacks given its other strengths. Whether you’re a competitive gamer or a content creator looking for a versatile monitor, the AORUS FI32U is hard to beat in this price range.