1440p resolution (2560×1440) seems to be becoming the new standard for PC gaming, finally usurping 1080p for all but the most speed-obsessed esports fans. If you’re ready to upgrade, MicroCenter has a rare deal for you — and even more rarely, it’s willing to ship instead of making you come into the store. A 27-inch Acer Predator gaming monitor is going for just $199.99.
The Predator series is well-loved by gamers (I’m looking at one as I type up this article, in fact!) for combining solid specs and reasonable prices. The XB273U uses a 27-inch IPS panel, so it’s a cut above the standard VA panels in terms of color accuracy. That’s a perk that you don’t often see combined with a relatively speedy 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time.
Gamers can use either Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync for tear-free visuals, and the panel is HDR-certified. Other than that it’s rather light on extras, with only the standard DisplayPort and HDMI inputs plus a pair of USB-A ports on the left-hand bezel. But I do like the deluxe stand included in the box, which might be able to replace a VESA arm (though that’s an option too) depending on your setup.
MicroCenter claims that this display is normally $499.99, which is a bit vainglorious, as Amazon is listing the same model at $249.99. Still, two C-notes for a 1440p screen that can handle super-fast framerates is nothing to sneeze at. Get an order in quickly if you want it — MicroCenter deals tend to sell out quickly.
Author: Michael Crider, Staff Writer, PCWorld
Michael is a 10-year veteran of technology journalism, covering everything from Apple to ZTE. On PCWorld he's the resident keyboard nut, always using a new one for a review and building a new mechanical board or expanding his desktop "battlestation" in his off hours. Michael's previous bylines include Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek, and he's covered events like CES and Mobile World Congress live. Michael lives in Pennsylvania where he's always looking forward to his next kayaking trip.