HP X34 165Hz UltraWide with flat IPS panel
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.3440 x 1440 UltraWide monitors have a lot to offer for both work and play. The HP X34 (not to be confused with the Acer model with the same designation) is aimed at gamers seeking a flat IPS panel, with a focus on viewing comfort. The monitor has a simple homely style rather than anything overtly ‘gamery’, helping it blend in well with many desk setups. Plenty of matte black plastics, with a central silver-coloured HP logo. The top and side bezels are dual-stage, including slender panel borders flush with the rest of the screen. And slim hard plastic outer parts. the OSD (On Screen Display) is controlled by buttons at the rear of the monitor, running down the sight side as viewed from the front.
A 34″ 3440 x 1440 (21:9 UltraWide) IPS-type panel is used, a BOE IPS-ADS panel more specifically. A 165Hz refresh rate is supported with Adaptive-Sync, including AMD FreeSync Premium with a 48 – 165Hz VRR range plus LFC. Other aspects of note include a matte anti-glare screen surface, 1000:1 static contrast ratio, 178°/178° viewing angles and 8-bit colour support. A flicker-free WLED backlight delivers a 99% sRGB colour gamut and 400 cd/m² typical maximum luminance. This model is ‘Eyesafe’ certified by TÜV Rheinland, which includes a shift in the blue light peak to less energetic wavelengths and decrease in the amplitude of the peak to aid viewing comfort. An additional Low Blue Light (LBL) setting is included to reduce blue light output of all wavelengths – useful in the evenings, for example. VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification is included, a basic HDR level allowing the monitor to respond to HDR content and for 10-bit colour processing to be used. It doesn’t necessitate a particularly high luminance level, generous colour gamut or local dimming capability.
A 1ms grey to grey response time is specified, something you should pay little attention to. A strobe backlight setting is included to minimise motion blur, which can be used instead of Adaptive-Sync if you wish. The screen attaches to stand centrally, with a quick-release mechanism allowing rapid detachment. This reveals 100 x 100mm VESA holes for alternative mounting. The stand offers tilt and height (100mm or 3.94 inches) adjustment. The ports face downwards and include; AC power input (internal power converter), DP 1.4, HDMI 2.0 and a 3.5mm audio output. “Console compatibility” is also mentioned, whilst the manual lists 120Hz support at 1920 x 1080 (Full HD or 1080p) and 2560 x 1440 (WQHD or 1440p). This would be useful for systems such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X which can’t use the native 3440 x 1440 resolution, but as usual for UltraWides it’s really PC usage that’s the primary market.
Further information can be found on the manufacturer’s website. The monitor is listed for ~$460 USD (£400).
