Gaming monitors have seen significant improvements in value over the past couple of years, with options ranging from 1440p and 4K to OLED and ultrawide displays all becoming more accessible. Amidst rising costs in other hardware components, now presents an opportune moment for a monitor upgrade. The Koorui 34E6UC, a 34-inch ultrawide gaming monitor, is currently available for $250 at Amazon, representing a notable bargain.
This monitor was previously recommended as the best budget ultrawide gaming monitor. While its price has fluctuated between $400 and $260-$270, it has maintained a discounted price of $250 for some time, making it a compelling choice for its cost. The display utilizes a VA panel, which comes with a trade-off of somewhat slower pixel response times compared to IPS or OLED panels. It also doesn't match the color accuracy of IPS or the superior contrast and near-instantaneous response times of OLED technology. However, its primary advantage remains its affordability.
Despite the panel type, the Koorui 34E6UC is described as plenty bright and punchy, with a well-built construction. As noted in a review, "This screen is all about context and value." While its shortcomings are apparent when directly compared to premium OLED displays in areas such as contrast, black levels, lighting control, viewing angles, and pixel response, these differences are largely insignificant for users with a budget around $250.
The ultrawide aspect ratio is where this monitor truly shines, offering a tightly curved 1000R panel that provides a highly immersive gaming experience. Ultrawide monitors are advantageous because they can display more information simultaneously. This broader field of view enhances immersion in first-person games and provides a strategic advantage in real-time strategy titles by offering more on-screen data without requiring constant camera adjustments.
One consideration for ultrawide monitors is game compatibility. Some titles, such as Street Fighter 6 and Elden Ring, do not natively support ultrawide resolutions. However, third-party tools like Flawless Widescreen can be used to enable ultrawide support in many unsupported games.
Unlike other PC components such as memory, SSDs, and graphics cards, monitors generally do not face pricing or stock shortages. The challenge with monitors often lies in the sheer volume of choices available. In addition to the Koorui 34E6UC at $250, other notable deals include an MSI Pro 27-inch 1440p monitor for $120, an Acer Nitro 4K gaming monitor for $180, and a Samsung OLED monitor for $350, indicating a strong market for value-oriented gaming displays.