LG's UltraGear Evo GX9 39GX950B represents a significant entry into the high-end gaming monitor market, boasting a 39-inch ultrawide panel with a 5K2K resolution. This combination delivers a pixel density comparable to a 32-inch 4K monitor, offering sharp visuals and ample screen real estate for both gaming and productivity.
Immersive Visuals and OLED Performance
The monitor utilizes LG's Tandem OLED technology, promising excellent brightness and contrast. It claims 335 nits for full-screen brightness and a peak HDR brightness of 1,500 nits. The VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification further indicates its HDR capabilities. With a rapid 0.03ms response time, the GX950B ensures smooth motion clarity, a standard for OLED panels and a stark improvement over LCD technology.
For gaming, the native 5K2K resolution supports a 165Hz refresh rate. The monitor also offers alternative dual-mode resolutions, capable of reaching up to 330Hz at 1080p, albeit in a smaller, simulated 24.5-inch window. While this versatility might appeal to some, the visual quality in these downscaled modes is described as clunky and pixelated, and the act of having a large portion of the screen blacked out is noted as an unusual aesthetic.
The GX950B features a matte anti-glare coating and a gentle 1500R curve, appealing to those who prefer this finish over the glossy panels common on many OLED gaming monitors. Connectivity options are robust, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1, and a USB-C port with 90W power delivery, suitable for single-cable laptop connections.
A Competitor Looms
Despite its impressive specifications, the LG UltraGear Evo GX9 39GX950B faces stiff competition. LG Display, the panel manufacturer, also produces an almost identical 39-inch 5K2K panel with a true RGB-stripe subpixel structure. Alienware has announced a monitor, the AW3926QW, that utilizes this specific panel. Reports suggest this Alienware model may offer superior color saturation and vibrancy due to its subpixel structure and could potentially be significantly cheaper, making it a considerable factor for potential buyers.
Performance and Caveats
In testing, the GX950B delivers a punchy visual experience, outperforming some previous LG OLED panels. While it exhibits some brightness variability, it is generally well-managed. In SDR mode, the monitor excels with sharp text and ample multitasking space, though some reviewers feel the latest Samsung QD-OLED panels offer slightly more vibrant colors.
HDR content is largely spectacular, particularly in scenes with bright details against dark backgrounds, where the peak brightness truly shines. However, for outdoor daytime scenes, the limitations in full-screen brightness can make it appear less impactful compared to Samsung's QD-OLED offerings. The panel also requires switching between HDR modes for optimal SDR and HDR performance, which can be an inconvenience.
LG's integrated AI upscaling feature is noted as being underbaked and inconsistent. It fails to function at resolutions like 3440x1440 and only works at specific refresh rates at 1080p. While it can add some crispness, it doesn't match the performance of GPU-based upscaling technologies like DLSS or FSR.
A significant drawback is the monitor's two-year warranty. Given the premium price of $1,799 (£1,549) and claims of increased durability in LG's Tandem OLED panels, the limited warranty, especially concerning burn-in, is a major point of concern. This lack of extended coverage makes the monitor difficult to wholeheartedly recommend.
In conclusion, the LG UltraGear Evo GX9 39GX950B is a technically impressive monitor that offers an incredibly immersive and visually striking gaming experience. However, potential buyers should weigh its high cost and limited warranty against emerging alternatives, particularly the upcoming Alienware display, before making a purchase.