Samsung C27RG50 240Hz curved G-SYNC compatible VA model
As an Amazon Associate 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.For users interested in fluid high framerate gaming, 240Hz monitors can be rather appealing. Typically such models feature a TN panel, with the technology known for rapid response times at the expense of image quality. The Samsung C27RG50 (or LC27RG50 of the CRG5 series, with various additional regional suffixes) offers an interesting alternative with a VA panel instead. The monitor features a Y-shaped stand, which takes significantly less desk depth than some of the manufacturer’s stand designs. The bottom bezel is matte silver, whilst the top and side bezels use a dual-stage design with a slim panel border that’s flush with the screen and blends in seamlessly when the monitor is switched off. Plus a slim hard outer plastic component. The monitor adopts the ‘Game Style UI’ OSD (On Screen Display) system now favoured by the company for their gaming monitors, controlled by a small central joystick on the underside of the bottom bezel.
A 27” 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) VA (Vertical Alignment) panel is adopted, with a 1500R curve. This is a moderate curvature designed to give a slight extra feeling of depth but is generally something users adapt to quite readily and find natural. A key aspect of the specification is the 240Hz refresh rate, complete with support for Adaptive-Sync. The monitor is marketed quite heavily as being ‘Nvidia G-SYNC Compatible’ with no specific mention of FreeSync support. But given that Adaptive-Sync must be supported, AMD GPU users should be able to leverage Varialbe Refresh Rate (VRR) technology on this model as well. This helps remove tearing and stuttering from refresh rate and frame rate mismatches. The variable refresh rate range is currently unknown, but LFC or an LFC-like technology will undoubtedly feature giving a very broad effective range of operation. Other aspects to note include a 3000:1 static contrast ratio 178°/178° vertical/horizontal viewing angles, 8-bit colour support and the use of a (likely light) matte anti-glare screen surface. A flicker-free WLED backlight is employed, offering ~sRGB colour space coverage and a 300 cd/m² typical maximum luminance. Low Blue Light (LBL) settings including the ‘Eye Saver’ mode and ‘Warm2’ setting are included.
A 4ms grey to grey response time is specified, which as usual must be approached with caution. Especially given the panel type used – it will be interesting to see how this copes with the demands of the 240Hz refresh rate, which may be more for ‘connected feel’ than optimally low levels of perceived blur. A ‘Low Input Lag’ through mode is also included, minimising latency. Other gaming-oriented features include a ‘Black Equalizer’ gamma enhancement feature, to improve visibility in dark areas. And a ‘Refresh Rate Optimizor’ feature, allowing users to select the refresh rate in the OSD. In our experience, this feature is often temperamental. The rear of the monitor is matte black plastic (technically ‘grey blue’ according to the specifications). The included stand offers tilt as the only ergonomic flexibility, although 75 x 75mm VESA holes are included for alternative mounting. The ports face downwards in a circular recessed area at the rear and include; DC power input (external ‘power brick’), 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, DP 1.2a and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Further information can be found on the manufacturer’s website. The monitor is available for ~$370 (£310).
