The iiyama G-Master GB2795HSU-B1 Gold Phoenix, a 27″ esports-focused gaming monitor, is a standout entry in the competitive gaming display market. Tailored for professional gamers and enthusiasts, this monitor blends top-tier specifications, ergonomic design, and features aimed at delivering a seamless and immersive gaming experience. This review delves into every aspect of the monitor, from performance and design to its value for money, offering a complete evaluation for potential buyers.
Design and Build Quality
The Gold Phoenix is sleek and modern, with a matte black finish that emphasizes functionality over flamboyance. The monitor is housed in a durable chassis that feels solid without being overly heavy. Its minimalistic design complements any gaming or office setup.
Key Ergonomic Features:
- Height Adjustment: The monitor can be raised or lowered by 150mm, allowing users to position the screen at the perfect eye level.
- Tilt and Swivel Adjustments: With a tilt range of 23° up and 5° down, and swivel capabilities of 45° right and 45° left, gamers can find their ideal viewing angle effortlessly.
- Pivot Functionality: The 90° rotation makes it suitable for multitasking or vertical content, appealing to streamers or developers who need a versatile display.
- Cable Management: A built-in cable management system keeps the desk neat and organized.
Design Pros:
- Ergonomic design ensures comfort during marathon gaming sessions.
- Sturdy construction with smooth adjustment mechanisms.
- Compact footprint despite its size, thanks to its thin bezels.
Design Cons:
- The aesthetic may seem too understated for those who prefer flashier gaming setups.
- Lacks RGB lighting, which is often a staple in gaming monitors.
iiyama G-Master GB2795HSU-B1 Gold Phoenix Display Performance
The 27″ VA panel offers Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080), delivering crisp visuals suitable for competitive gaming. While some may argue that a higher resolution would be more future-proof, the decision to stick to Full HD aligns with the monitor’s focus on high refresh rates and low latency.
Panel Characteristics:
- Refresh Rate: A remarkable 280Hz, one of the highest refresh rates available, ensures fluid motion and minimal lag. This makes it ideal for fast-paced genres like FPS and racing games.
- Response Time: With a 0.2ms MPRT, input lag is virtually non-existent, ensuring every movement and action is executed without delay.
- Contrast and Brightness: The panel offers a static contrast ratio of 4000:1 and a brightness of 300 cd/m². This ensures deep blacks and vibrant colors, though the brightness may feel slightly underwhelming for HDR content.
- Viewing Angles: Despite being a VA panel, the 178° viewing angles prevent significant color distortion when viewed from the sides. images: iiyama
HDR Performance:
The monitor supports HDR10, but the 300 cd/m² brightness may not fully do justice to HDR content. While it enhances visuals in certain scenarios, it falls short of the HDR experience offered by higher-end monitors with peak brightness above 400 cd/m².
Features for Gamers:
- FreeSync Premium: This adaptive sync technology eliminates screen tearing and stuttering. It supports variable refresh rates ranging from 48Hz to 280Hz (DP) or 48Hz to 240Hz (HDMI), ensuring smooth gameplay across various frame rates.
- Black Tuner: A feature that enhances visibility in dark scenes, helping players spot enemies in shadowy areas.
- Motion Blur Reduction: Significantly reduces ghosting and blurring during rapid movements.
Gaming Experience
The Gold Phoenix is designed with competitive gaming in mind, and it excels in delivering an edge to esports players.
Competitive Edge:
- The 280Hz refresh rate makes a noticeable difference in high-speed titles like CS
, Valorant, and Overwatch. Movements feel smoother, and tracking opponents is significantly easier compared to 144Hz or even 240Hz displays.
- The 0.2ms response time ensures no perceptible input lag, which is critical for precision aiming and fast reactions.
- The Black Tuner helps in FPS games where shadowy areas often conceal opponents, giving players a tactical advantage.
Casual Gaming:
For gamers who enjoy a mix of genres, the monitor still performs well. Racing games like Forza Horizon 5 and action titles like Cyberpunk 2077 look stunning, although the Full HD resolution may feel limiting for scenic or graphically intense games. The FreeSync Premium also makes the monitor compatible with AMD and NVIDIA GPUs for smooth gameplay without screen tearing.
Notable Limitations:
- Resolution Constraint: At 27″, a 1920 x 1080 resolution results in a pixel density of approximately 81 PPI, which is on the lower side. Text and fine details may appear slightly pixelated, particularly for non-gaming tasks.
- HDR Implementation: The HDR10 support, while functional, does not match the richness of true HDR monitors with higher peak brightness and local dimming zones.
iiyama G-Master GB2795HSU-B1 Gold Phoenix: Connectivity and Features
The Gold Phoenix provides a variety of connectivity options and features that enhance its versatility.
Ports:
- 1x HDMI 2.0: Supports resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 at 240Hz.
- 1x DisplayPort 1.4: Essential for achieving the maximum 280Hz refresh rate.
- 4x USB 3.2 (Gen 1): Convenient for connecting peripherals and charging devices.
- Headphone Jack: A standard but necessary inclusion for gamers using wired headsets.
Usability Features:
- On-Screen Display (OSD): The joystick-based control system makes navigating the OSD intuitive. Users can tweak settings like brightness, contrast, color balance, and gaming presets effortlessly.
- Blue Light Reducer: Reduces eye strain during long gaming or work sessions, a thoughtful addition for prolonged use.
- Flicker-Free Technology: Ensures stable backlighting, minimizing strain for users sensitive to screen flickering.
Built-In Speakers:
The monitor includes 2x 2W speakers, which are functional but not exceptional. They are adequate for casual use but lack the depth and clarity required for immersive gaming or media consumption.
iiyama G-Master GB2795HSU-B1 Gold Phoenix: Value for Money
At its price point, the GB2795HSU-B1 offers exceptional performance for competitive gamers. While its feature set leans heavily towards esports, the monitor’s versatility and ergonomic design ensure it remains appealing for general use. iiyama G-Master GB2795HSU-B1 Gold Phoenix price: 199,95 €
Pros:
- Outstanding 280Hz refresh rate and 0.2ms response time for competitive gaming.
- FreeSync Premium eliminates tearing and stuttering across a wide range of frame rates.
- Thoughtful ergonomic adjustments enhance comfort and usability.
- Competitive pricing compared to similar high-refresh-rate monitors.
Cons:
- Full HD resolution may not satisfy users seeking sharper visuals or multitasking capabilities.
- HDR support is basic, and brightness levels are not ideal for true HDR experiences.
- The understated design might lack appeal for users who prefer more visually striking gaming gear.
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to similarly priced models, the Gold Phoenix holds its own in performance but has some trade-offs.
Feature | iiyama GB2795HSU-B1 | ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM | Acer Nitro XV272U |
---|---|---|---|
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 | 2560 x 1440 |
Refresh Rate | 280Hz | 280Hz | 170Hz |
Response Time | 0.2ms | 1ms | 1ms |
HDR Support | HDR10 | HDR10 | DisplayHDR 400 |
Adaptive Sync | FreeSync Premium | G-Sync Compatible, FreeSync | FreeSync |
Price | Competitive | Higher | Slightly higher |
The iiyama GB2795HSU-B1 excels in raw speed but is outperformed by competitors offering higher resolutions or better HDR support at slightly higher prices.
The iiyama G-Master GB2795HSU-B1 Gold Phoenix is a high-performance monitor tailored for esports enthusiasts and competitive gamers. Its 280Hz refresh rate, 0.2ms response time, and FreeSync Premium technology ensure a gaming experience that is smooth, responsive, and free from distractions like screen tearing or stuttering.
However, its Full HD resolution, while sufficient for competitive gaming, may deter users seeking a sharper or more visually immersive experience. Additionally, its HDR capabilities are functional but not exceptional. For professional gamers, the monitor provides a significant competitive advantage, but casual gamers or users looking for an all-purpose monitor might find alternatives that better suit their needs.
Ideal For:
- Competitive gamers and esports professionals.
- Users who prioritize high refresh rates and minimal input lag.
Less Ideal For:
- Casual gamers seeking higher resolutions for immersive gameplay.
- Users interested in vibrant HDR performance.
The Gold Phoenix achieves its purpose with flying colors, solidifying its place as a top-tier esports gaming monitor.