Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q 165Hz WQHD IPS with Mini LED
As an Amazon Associate and Newegg Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases made using the “Buy” button at the bottom of this post. Where possible, you'll be redirected to your nearest store. Further information on supporting our work.A ‘proper’ HDR (High Dynamic Range) experience can really enrich game and movie content. The Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q (formerly GP27-FQS) aims to offer this, with its FALD (Full Array Local Dimming) Mini LED backlight comprising 576 independently addressable zones. The monitor includes a hexagonal ‘ring’ stand base with medium-dark silver finish. The bottom bezel is moderately thick, whilst the top and side bezels adopt a dual-stage design. This includes a slim panel border flush with the rest of the screen plus a slender hard plastic outer component. The (On Screen Display) is controlled by a joystick at the rear, towards the right side as viewed from the front.
A 27″ 2560 x 1440 (WQHD) IPS-type panel is adopted, believed to be an Innolux AAS panel more specifically. A 165Hz refresh rate supported, alongside Adaptive-Sync – allowing technologies such as AMD FreeSync (‘Premium’ tier) and Nvidia ‘G-SYNC Compatible’ to be used, with 48 – 165Hz VRR range plus LFC assumed. Other aspects of note include a 1000:1 (10,000:1 with local dimming) static contrast ratio, 178°/178° viewing angles and 10-bit (8-bit + FRC) colour. A flicker-free QD Mini LED backlight with 576 zones provides a 600 cd/m² (1200 cd/m² HDR peak) typical maximum luminance and 97% DCI-P3, 99% Adobe RGB and 83% Rec. 2020 colour space coverage. The monitor responds to HDR10 content at the DisplayHDR 1000 level. This allows it to put its local dimming, high luminance and generous gamut to good use alongside 10-bit colour.
A 2ms grey to grey response time is specified, though as usual approach such specifications with caution. Low Blue Light (LBL) settings are included to create a more relaxing viewing experience. The stand attaches via a central quick-release mechanism and can be removed to reveal 100 x 100mm VESA holes for alterative mounting. The stand is expected to offer tilt, swivel and height adjustment. Customisable RGB LED lighting is also included at the rear, surrounding the stand attachment point and leading towards the top corners. The ports face downwards and include; DP 1.4 (with DSC), 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, USB-C (90W PD) and 2 USB 3.0 ports plus upstream. 2 x 2W speakers are also included.
Further details can be found on the manufacturer’s website, but note that this includes early pre-production specifications and some things appear to have changed based on retailer listings. HDMI 2.0 now features rather than HDMI 2.1, panel manufacturer may have switched from AUO to Innolux and the specified response time is 2ms as noted earlier. The monitor is listed for ~$550 USD.
