The AOC C27G2Z
The AOC C27G2Z is a speedy, value-packed 27-inch FHD VA curved gaming monitor, delivering immersive visuals without distortion thanks to its high contrast ratio.
It prioritises panel speed and response over graphics horsepower, making the AOC C27G2Z a good value for gamers who want a monitor that doesn’t break the bank. Its 240 Hz refresh rate, adaptive-sync, and wide-gamut color put it in a class above most competitors in its price range, making it well worth a closer look.
For those who haven’t heard of AOC before, the company is an affordable alternative to the likes of Asus, LG, and Samsung. It’s not as well-known in the US, but it’s one of the top gaming monitor brands in Europe, and its products are starting to gain traction elsewhere in the world.
The C27G2Z is one of the best gaming monitors at the moment, and it’s easy to see why. It covers over 88% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, offers an sRGB option in the color temp menu, and achieves a respectable 1500R curvature. It also benefits from FreeSync and G-Sync support from 48 to 240 Hz, and while it’s not certified by Nvidia, it runs G-Sync smoothly.
To put it simply, this AOC monitor boasts impressive specs and performance at a competitive price point. Read on for more on its strengths and weaknesses.
AOC C27G2Z design
The AOC C27G2Z is a rather understated affair, with a bit of red trim that gives it a bit of a game-focused aesthetic. The stand is unadorned, with a matte black finish that is mostly free from fingerprints.
The base, upright, and panel all assemble easily without any tools required, and the cable passthroughs at the bottom of the upright make it easy to route cables out of sight. The cables themselves are both HDMI and DisplayPort, which is convenient since you can use either one for both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards.
AOC C27G2Z specs
The AOC C27G2Z’s specs help it stand out from the crowd, especially when it comes to its 240 Hz refresh rate. Panel speed and response are the main priorities here, and it delivers on both fronts. The 3,000:1 contrast ratio and 1500R curvature complement the fast refresh rate to enhance the overall image quality.
The C27G2Z supports FreeSync and G-Sync from 48 to 240 Hz, and while it isn’t certified by Nvidia, I haven’t noticed any performance issues when running G-Sync. In fact, it runs G-Sync smoothly at 1440p, FHD, and even QHD, which is something that can’t be said for many other gaming monitors.
The VA panel delivers deep blacks and saturated color, but it doesn’t process HDR10 signals. This likely won’t be an issue for most gamers, but it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re a fan of PC Games that make use of HDR.
The C27G2Z’s pared-down feature set may be an acquired taste, but it helps keep the price down. It lacks integrated speakers, USB ports, and LED lighting, but none of those things are dealbreakers for most gamers.
AOC C27G2Z performance
In terms of gaming performance, the AOC C27G2Z is snappy, responsive, and maintains easy-to-maintain frame rates at FHD resolution. It has imperceptible input lag and is suitable for average skilled players, while more talented players might benefit from higher refresh rates or resolutions.
Pros
Cons
In terms of calibration, I’d say it’s mostly unnecessary because the C27G2Z delivers decent accuracy out of the box. It covers over 88% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and offers an sRGB option in the color temp menu, which is plenty for work and play. Calibration will make it perfect, but you don’t need to aim for 100% coverage since it’s already so close.
In terms of productivity, the C27G2Z’s 82ppi is more than enough for most people, and clarity is aided by its high contrast ratio. You might run into slight problems at 100% font scaling due to the screen’s size, but it’s not a dealbreaker.
In terms of gaming, the AOC C27G2Z is a solid performer that boasts impressive speed. Most players will be able to use it without experiencing any stuttering, tearing, or lag, and it’s easy to maintain 144 FPS at FHD resolution. It’s even more accessible for those who use adaptive sync to cap frame rates at 60, 120, or even 60Hz.
