BenQ Gaming Monitor GW2490 Review

The BenQ Gaming Monitor GW2490 is a versatile and well-rounded option for those seeking a balance between gaming, productivity, and multimedia use. With a 23.8-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS panel, it delivers sharp and vibrant visuals, making it suitable for both casual gamers and creative professionals who need accurate color reproduction.

Its 100Hz refresh rate offers smoother performance compared to standard 60Hz monitors, providing a noticeable improvement in fluidity whether you’re gaming, working, or streaming media. The inclusion of BenQ’s Eye-Care Technology is another highlight, designed to reduce eye strain during extended use by minimizing harmful blue light and adjusting screen brightness based on ambient lighting conditions.

In addition to its visual clarity and color accuracy, the BenQ GW2490 comes packed with user-friendly features that enhance overall convenience. It offers a variety of connectivity options, including two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort, making it easy to switch between multiple devices, whether you’re connecting a gaming console, PC, or other media players.

The built-in speakers provide decent audio quality for casual use, saving you from needing external speakers in a basic setup. As the Best Gaming Monitor Under 200, it offers Low Blue Light Plus and Flicker-Free Technology, which help protect against eye fatigue, making it a smart choice for both work and play.

Key Features

1. 100Hz Refresh Rate

   One of the most crucial aspects of any gaming monitor is the refresh rate, and the BenQ Gaming Monitor GW2490 does not disappoint. With its 100Hz refresh rate, this monitor ensures smoother motion and faster frame rendering, ideal for fast-paced games. The result is reduced screen tearing and motion blur, making it a perfect option for immersive gaming sessions or action-packed scenes in movies.

2. 99% sRGB Color Gamut

   Another standout feature is the 99% sRGB color gamut. This ensures vivid and accurate color representation, which is particularly beneficial for content creators and gamers who prioritize visual detail. The monitor offers lifelike colors that make images pop and provide a rich viewing experience.

3. BenQ Eye-Care Technology

   Long hours in front of a screen can lead to eye strain, but BenQ’s Eye-Care Technology minimizes this issue. It includes a Low Blue Light Plus feature that reduces blue light emissions, which are known to cause eye fatigue. The Brightness Intelligence (B.I.) Technology adjusts the screen brightness based on ambient lighting and on-screen content, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience regardless of lighting conditions.

4. Adaptive Brightness

   The Brightness Intelligence Gen2 feature goes a step further by auto-adjusting the screen’s brightness in response to the surrounding environment. This not only reduces eye strain but also optimizes the screen for varying light conditions, making it easier to work, watch, or play for extended periods.

5. Built-in Speakers

   For those who prefer simplicity, the BenQ Gaming Monitor GW2490 includes built-in speakers. While these may not deliver booming sound quality akin to a dedicated audio setup, they offer decent audio output for general tasks, light gaming, and media consumption.

6. Anti-Glare Screen and Matte Finish

   The monitor’s matte screen surface helps reduce glare from overhead lighting or sunlight, allowing users to focus on the content displayed without distracting reflections. This feature is a must-have for gamers or office workers dealing with harsh lighting conditions.

7. Versatile Connectivity Options

   Equipped with two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort, the BenQ Gaming Monitor GW2490 provides ample connectivity for various devices. Whether you’re switching between a gaming console and a PC, the input hotkey allows seamless transitions, improving efficiency and convenience in your workspace or gaming station.

8. VESA Compatibility

   The monitor supports VESA mounting, allowing you to easily mount it on a wall or an arm, freeing up valuable desk space. This feature also adds flexibility to your workspace, ensuring the monitor can be positioned in a way that best suits your comfort and ergonomic needs.

Specifications

Pros and Cons

Pros

• 100Hz Refresh Rate for smooth gaming and fast motion scenes.
• 99% sRGB Color Gamut ensures accurate, vibrant colors.
• Eye-Care Technology reduces eye strain, ideal for long sessions.
• Built-in speakers offer decent sound for general tasks.
• Multiple connectivity options with 2 HDMI ports and DisplayPort.

Cons

• Speakers are basic, not suitable for high-quality audio experiences.
• 1080p resolution may not be ideal for users seeking higher pixel density.

Conclusion

The BenQ Gaming Monitor GW2490 strikes an excellent balance between affordability and premium features. Its 100Hz refresh rate and 99% sRGB color accuracy make it a top pick for gamers and creatives alike. Additionally, the inclusion of BenQ’s eye-care technology is a significant bonus for those who spend long hours in front of a screen, ensuring comfort and reduced strain.

While the monitor’s built-in speakers might not be suited for audiophiles, they offer convenience for everyday tasks. The versatile connectivity options, combined with a sleek matte design, make it a great addition to any workspace or gaming setup.

If you’re in the market for a well-rounded 24-inch monitor with gaming and multimedia capabilities, the BenQ Gaming Monitor GW2490 is an excellent choice. It delivers great value, particularly for those looking for a monitor that performs well without straining the eyes during long usage periods.

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Comparison with Similar Products

BenQ Gaming Monitor GW2490 to similar products in the market, there are several key competitors that offer similar features, particularly in the 24-inch 1080p gaming monitor category. Let’s look at how the BenQ GW2490 stands up to two popular alternatives: the ASUS VG249Q and the Acer R240HY. Each of these monitors has its own set of strengths and appeals to slightly different user bases, depending on their specific needs for gaming, design, or general productivity.

Comparison Table

Key Differences Between the Monitors:

Refresh Rate:

One of the most significant differences between these models is the refresh rate. The BenQ GW2490 offers a 100Hz refresh rate, which is an improvement over typical 60Hz monitors like the Acer R240HY, but not as high as the ASUS VG249Q, which boasts a 144Hz refresh rate. For gamers, the difference between 100Hz and 144Hz can be noticeable, especially in fast-paced games like first-person shooters, where smoother visuals provide a competitive edge.

Response Time:

The ASUS VG249Q has the fastest response time at 1ms, making it the top choice for gamers who require ultra-responsive visuals. The BenQ GW2490 has a 5ms response time, which is suitable for most casual gamers and offers smooth motion for general use, while the Acer R240HY has a response time of 4ms, which is faster than the BenQ but not as good as the ASUS model.

Adaptive Sync:

The ASUS VG249Q supports FreeSync, which is an essential feature for gamers with AMD GPUs as it helps to eliminate screen tearing and stuttering. The BenQ GW2490 does not support FreeSync or G-Sync, but it does feature VESA Media Sync, which helps optimize refresh rates for media players and set-top boxes. The Acer R240HY lacks any adaptive sync technology.

Color Accuracy:

The BenQ GW2490 shines with its 99% sRGB color gamut, providing more accurate and vibrant colors compared to the 72% NTSC found in the ASUS VG249Q and Acer R240HY. This makes the BenQ a better choice for users involved in content creation, such as photo or video editing, where color accuracy is essential.

Built-in Speakers:

Both the BenQ GW2490 and the ASUS VG249Q come with built-in speakers, which is convenient for users who want an all-in-one solution without needing external speakers. The Acer R240HY lacks this feature, so an external audio solution would be necessary for users who want sound output.

FAQs about BenQ Gaming Monitor

Does the BenQ Gaming Monitor GW2490 support adaptive sync technologies like FreeSync or G-Sync?

The BenQ GW2490 does not specifically advertise support for adaptive sync technologies like FreeSync or G-Sync, which are often sought after by gamers to prevent screen tearing and ensure smooth gameplay. However, even without these technologies, the monitor’s 100Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time work together to deliver a fluid visual experience during gaming. This ensures that users can still enjoy relatively smooth performance, especially when playing less graphically demanding games.

That said, for competitive gamers or those who frequently play fast-paced titles, adaptive sync features can be a valuable addition. If you’re looking for absolute synchronization between your graphics card and monitor for top-tier gaming performance, you may want to explore models that explicitly advertise FreeSync or G-Sync support. Nonetheless, for most casual gamers or users focused on multimedia and productivity tasks, the 100Hz refresh rate of the BenQ Gaming Monitor GW2490 should suffice, ensuring minimal lag and motion blur.

How effective is the BenQ Eye-Care technology for prolonged usage?

BenQ’s Eye-Care Technology is designed to minimize the effects of long-term screen exposure, making it especially beneficial for users who spend hours in front of a monitor. The Low Blue Light Plus feature is particularly effective at filtering out the harmful blue light, which can cause digital eye strain, headaches, and even sleep disruptions. Unlike many blue light filters that can significantly alter color accuracy, the Low Blue Light Plus feature maintains vivid color reproduction while protecting your eyes.

Additionally, the Brightness Intelligence (B.I.) Technology automatically adjusts the monitor’s brightness based on ambient lighting conditions, ensuring the screen is neither too bright nor too dim. This dynamic adjustment reduces the strain on your eyes, particularly in environments with changing lighting conditions. Over extended periods of work or gaming, these eye-care features can make a significant difference, helping to prevent fatigue and discomfort, especially during long coding sessions or gaming marathons.

Is the 100Hz refresh rate noticeable in non-gaming applications?

The 100Hz refresh rate on the BenQ Gaming Monitor GW2490 is not limited to enhancing gaming experiences but can also provide smoother visuals for everyday computing tasks. For instance, when you’re scrolling through web pages, working with documents, or multitasking between applications, the higher refresh rate results in less jittery movements and a more fluid experience. This can be particularly beneficial for users who are sensitive to motion and prefer a seamless interaction with their system.

While the improvement may not be as pronounced as in gaming, where fast-paced motion is more prevalent, there is still a noticeable enhancement in overall system responsiveness. Watching videos, especially action-packed movies or sports events, also benefits from the 100Hz refresh rate, as it reduces motion blur and delivers crisper visuals. Even for tasks like graphic design or photo editing, the smoother visual transitions can create a more pleasant and immersive workflow experience.

Can the BenQ Gaming Monitor GW2490 be mounted on a wall or arm stand?

Yes, the BenQ GW2490 is fully compatible with VESA mounts, making it highly adaptable for different setups. Whether you want to free up desk space or create a more ergonomic workstation, the VESA compatibility allows you to easily mount the monitor on a wall or an adjustable arm stand. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who prefer an uncluttered desk or need to adjust the monitor’s height and angle for better posture.

The VESA mount feature supports a wide range of mounting options, whether for multi-monitor setups or for positioning your display at eye level for prolonged comfort. With this option, users can also rotate or pivot the monitor, which is useful for tasks like coding or reading long documents. If you value a tidy and efficient workspace or need a more customizable viewing experience, the ability to mount the BenQ GW2490 adds considerable value to the overall package.

How does the monitor perform in terms of color accuracy for professional work like photo and video editing?

The 99% sRGB color gamut of the BenQ Gaming Monitor GW2490 ensures accurate and vibrant color reproduction, which is a key requirement for tasks such as photo and video editing. While this monitor may not have the ultra-high color accuracy of specialized professional-grade monitors, it delivers excellent results for most users, especially those working on digital content for web or casual print media. The rich and precise colors allow for greater detail when editing, making it easier to achieve the desired outcome in creative projects.

For professionals working in fields like graphic design, photo editing, or video production, color accuracy is critical, and the BenQ GW2490 offers reliable performance in this area. The vivid and true-to-life colors provide a solid foundation for tasks that require detailed visual representation. Although it might not meet the needs of those requiring advanced calibration tools or ultra-wide color spaces, for most users, the monitor’s color reproduction will be more than sufficient for everyday creative tasks and multimedia consumption.