[section_title title=Introduction]
In today’s ever growing field of technology, graphics cards allow even modern triple A games to run at exceedingly high frame rates and resolutions. Likewise, monitors now allow for up to 240Hz refresh rates and resolutions up to 8k. But for the longest time, high refresh rate monitors meant a high cost to the consumer. However, over the last few years, that has changed. As technology progresses, prices come down. No longer do you have to drop absurd amounts of money to get a screen with a refresh rate of 100Hz or higher. Even with the decrease in prices of 4k monitors, the Steam Survey of April 2019 still has 1920 x 1080 as the primary display resolution. In fact, that very survey has 62.65% of users on Steam with their primary monitor still at 1080p. This was a 1.46% increase from the last survey.
This could be due to several factors. There are many casual gamers who either go for the cheapest monitor they can afford or may just use their TV. Many gamers would prefer lower resolution, with higher refresh rates. Especially the competitive, e-sports gamers. I can say from personal experience; I’d prefer 144 Hz over 4k. It seems the people at Viewsonic would agree. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the Viewsonic Elite XG240R. This is a 24”, 1080p TN panel with a 144 Hz refresh rate and adaptive sync. This is an 8-bit panel with a 1 ms response time. Its also the only 24” monitor with Elite RGB lighting on the back of the panel. But in a world where everyone is striving for 4k, can a 1080p monitor still provide an exceptional gaming experience?
[sc name=”sponsor” sponsor=”Viewsonic” product_link=”https://www.viewsonic.com/us/xg240r.html#downloads” product_name=”Viewsonic XG240R” ]
Display Size (in.): 24 Viewable Area (in.): 24 Panel Type: TN Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Resolution Type: HD (1920×1080) Static Contrast Ratio: 1,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 120,000,000:1 Light Source: LED Brightness: 350 cd/m2 Colors: 16.7M Color Space Support: 6 bit + A-FRC Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Response Time (Typical GTG): 5ms Response Time (GTG w/OD): 1ms Viewing Angles: 170º horizontal, 160º vertical Backlight Life (Hours): 30,000 Panel Surface: Anti-glare, Hard coating (3H) Refresh Rate (Hz): 144 Adaptive-Sync: AMD FreeSync
PC Resolution (max): 1920 x 1080 Mac® Resolution (max): 1920 x 1080
USB 3.0 Type A(2), USB 3.0 Type B(1), 3.5mm Audio Out(1), HDMI 1.4(2), Display Port(1)
Internal Speakers: 2W (x2)
Eco Mode (Conserve): 18W Eco Mode (optimized): 24W Consumption (typical): 30W Consumption (max): 32W Voltage: 100-240 VAC, 50-60Hz Stand-by: 0.5W Power Supply: Internal
Physical Controls: Key Buttons 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (Power) On-Screen Display: Auto Image Adjust, Contrast/Brightness, Input Select, Audio Adjust, Color Adjust, Information, Manual Image Adjust, Advanced Image Adjust, Setup Menu, Memory Recall (See user guide for complete OSD functionality)
Temperature: 32-104º F (0 – 40º C) Humidity (non-condensing): 20-90%
VESA Compatible: 100 x 100 mm
Frequency Horizontal: HDMI: 15 ~ 160KHz, DisplayPort: 30 ~ 160KHz Frequency Vertical: HDMI: 24 ~ 144Hz, DisplayPort: 48 ~ 146Hz
Digital Sync: TMDS for HDMI (v1.4), PCI-E for DisplayPort (v1.2)
Height Adjust (mm): 120 Swivel: 45º Pivot (Right/Left): 90º / 0º Tilt (Forward/Back): 5º / 20º
Net (lbs): 14.8 Net Without Stand (lbs): 7.5 Gross (lbs): 18.7
Net (kg): 6.7 Net Without Stand (kg): 3.4 Gross (kg): 8.5
Dimensions (imperial) (WxHxD):
Packaging (in.): 25.2 x 15.6 x 8.2 Physical (in.): 22.3 x 17.1 x 9.4 Physical Without Stand (in.): 22.3 x 13.4 x 2.4
Dimensions (metric) (WxHxD):
Packaging (mm): 640.0 x 396.0 x 207.0 Physical (mm): 566.0 x 433.9 x 239.2 Physical Without Stand (mm): 566.0 x 341.0 x 60.2
Regulations: CE, CB, RoHS, ErP, REACH, EEL, WEEE, CU, UkrSEPRO, BSMI, KC, e-standby PACKAGE CONTENTS: XG240R Display, 1 x Power Cable, 1 x DisplayPort Cable, 1 x USB3.0 Cable, 1 x Quick Start Guide Recycle/Disposal: Please dispose of in accordance with local, state or federal laws. Warranty: Three-year limited warranty on parts, labor and backlight UPC: 766907993127
CB-00010555, CB-00010684, CB-00010958, LCD-DMA-001, LCD-DMA-002, LCD-WMK-001, XG350R-C
[section_title title=Packaging]
The Viewsonic Elite XG240R comes in a plain brown box. On one side, there is the Viewsonic Elite logo in the center. Across the bottom is the XG240R branding to the left. To the right, the phrase 24” RGB LED Gaming Monitor tells you what’s in the box.
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On the opposite side of the box, there is a crude depiction of about 80% of the monitor to the left. To the right is the same text that’s on the other side. The View sonic Elite logo with the XG240R branding directly below. If we consider this the front, the left side of the box is where you’ll find the serial and model numbers and the right side lists the contents of the box in several languages.
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The Viewsonic XG240R comes packed in hard foam. Generally, I prefer soft foam. My one exception monitors and TVs. The hard foam prevents the screen from bouncing around in the box. Inside the box, you’ll find the screen itself and the stand. As for accessories, the XG240R comes packed with a power cord, DisplayPort cable and a USB A to B cable. There is also a small, circular clip for cable management.
[section_title title=A Closer Look at the Viewsonic XG240R]
A Closer Look at the Viewsonic XG240R
The Viewsonic XG240R is a 24”, 1080p, monitor with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The XG240R has a TN, or twisted nematic, LCD panel. TN panels aren’t as popular as say an IPS panel. However, they usually have a faster response time. The panel is made by AUO and the model number for this specific panel is M240HW01 V8. The TN panel on the XG240R has an anti-glare coating. The monitor itself is rather light. The monitor alone is 7.5 lbs or 3.4 kg. When added to the stand, the total weight is 14.8 lbs or 6.7 kg.
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The XG240R is a member of the Elite line up from Viewsonic. The XG240R supports 8-bit color (6-bit + FRC dithering). The Viewsonic XG240R sports a 1080p panel with a refresh rate of 144 Hz and a response time of 1 ms. This makes the Viewsonic XG240R great for competitive, fast paced games such as CSGO. However, the 144 Hz refresh rate makes a huge difference in your experience in just about any game. The XG240R has a static contrast ratio of 1,000:1 and a dynamic contrast ratio of 120,000,000:1. There is a slight bezel around the outer edge of the screen. However, it’s small enough for the XG240R to be a viable option for a multi-monitor set up. The bezel measures 17 mm (.67″) on either side of the screen and the top edge. On the bottom, the bezel is 23 mm (.91″) thick.
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The screen on the Viewsonic XG240R has an anti-glare coating. This helps reduce reflections from any light source in the room, allowing you to have a great view of the screen from any angle. In fact, the XG240R has a horizontal viewing angle of 170° and a vertical viewing angle of 160°. The LED backlighting on the XG240Rl has a projected life span of 30,000 hours. The Viewsonic XG240R also has a customizable 22-level black stabilization function. This allows you to adjust the black levels while the monitor maintains rich colors and contrast.
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The Viewsonic XG240R is Vesa mount compatible. In the rear of the monitor, there is a 100 x 100 mm Vesa mount. However, the stand for the XG240R offers plenty of movement itself. The screen has an adjustment range of 120 mm. The XG240R can swivel up to 45°, pivot left to right up to 90° and tilt forward to back between 5 ° and 20°. The screen can be used in both landscape and portrait modes.
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The Viewsonic XG240R can be assembled with absolutely no tools at all. The base of the stand is steel covers with plastic. The plastic has a brushed metal look to it. This gives the illusion that the base is made up of all metal and it look far better than just glossy plastic would have. Its rather heavy to prevent the monitor from being too top heavy and tipping over. The base attaches to the rest of the stand with by a screw that’s permanently attached to the base. This screw can be tightened by hand, as it has a wing nut attached to it. This screw can also be tightened with either a Philips or flathead screwdriver. There are also several rubber feet on the bottom the base to prevent the metal from scratching your desk.
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To attach and remove the monitor from the stand, it’s very simple and a snap, literally. The stand snaps on the monitor with little to no effort. Right below the vesa mount, there is a button. To remove the monitor from the stand, simply push the button in and pull up on the stand. As I mentioned earlier, the Viewsonic XG240R can be assembled and disassembled with no tools. There is also a Kensington Lock located on the back side of the monitor, near the port for the power cord. A Kensington Lock allows you to essentially chain your monitor to a table. This is more for use in a professional setting and is used as an anti-theft mechanism.
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The Viewsonic XG240R has several ports on the back side of the panel. The connectors consist of three USB ports. One of the USB ports is a Type B port, the other two are Type A. For display connectors, the XG240R has two HDMI 1.4 ports and a single DisplayPort 1.2. There is also a single 3.5 mm jack for audio. On the stand for the XG240R, there is a spot to mount a small circular clip. This clip helps with cable management. The Viewsonic XG240R has two, 2 watt speakers on the rear of the monitor, just below the RGB lighting.
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For physical buttons on the Viewsonic XG240R, there are six. These buttons control the OSD, or On Screen Display. To the far right is the power button. There is also a light above this button. When illuminated blue, the monitor is on. When the light is illuminated orange, the monitor is in power saving mode. Going from right to left, the next button is the return, or go back button. This will return you to the last screen in the menu. Next is the select button marked with a check mark. Then we have the down button and the up button. The last button to the far left is the G button. This is the Gaming Mode button and allows you to choose which game mode setting to use on your monitor.
Gaming mode has three preset modes and two modes for custom presets. Other than the custom presets, the Viewsonic XG240R has presets designed for first person shooters, real time strategy games and MOBAs. The Viewsonic XG240R is also an AMD FreeSync panel. FreeSync or adaptive sync essentially eliminates screen tearing. However, it does so without the stuttering and lag that you may encounter with V-Sync. I was also able to enable G-Sync on the Viewsonic XG240R through the Nvidia control panel. Although the XG240R isn’t officially validated as G-Sync Compatible by Nvidia, it does work. Viewsonic supports variable refresh rates between 48-144 Hz. So, if the game you’re playing is running between 48-144 FPS, the monitor will adjust the refresh rate to match the frame rate of your game.
[section_title title=RGB Backlighting and Software]
RGB Backlighting and Software
Like most things these days be it hardware or peripherals, the Viewsonic XG240R has RGB lighting. Although I’ve was never the biggest fan of RGB lighting, I’m starting to grow accustom to it. That being said, I really like the implementation of the RGB lighting on the XG240R. The lighting flows with the design of the monitor and blends in well. It gives the room a subtle glow of RGB. Its not in your face in both the figurative and literal sense. When I started looking for the Viewsonic RGB software, I couldn’t find it. This was because they made their RGB monitors, like the XG240R, compatible with RGB software from other companies. At first, I was put off by this. However, after some thought, I decided this is a good thing.
At the time of writing this review, the Viewsonic XG240R offers support for the following RGB software; ThermalTake TT RGB PLUS, Cooler Master MasterPlus+ Software and Razer Chroma Synapse 3. There are links to the “How To” guides on the product page for the XG240R that give detailed instructions on how to set up the Viewsonic XG240R to use each of these programs. Where I am a fan of Cooler Master and use several of their products, I elected to use the Cooler Master MasterPlus+ software.
When you first open the Cooler Master MasterPlus+ Software, you’ll open to the overview section. Here, you’ll be able to view the different applications, hardware and peripherals that are supported by the MasterPlus+ software. Once you select the Viewsonic XG240R, a new window pops up telling you what lighting effects is selected and if applicable, how fast the effect is set. For example, for the color cycle effect, you can choose a speed between 1 and 5, with 1 being the slowest and 5 the fastest. Next section is the lighting maker. Here, you can customize the lighting effects on your monitor. The last section is the configuration section. In the case of the Viewsonic XG240R, I wasn’t given any options in this section of the software.
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[section_title title=Subjective Testing]
This is one of the few reviews where the product being reviewed wasn’t tested on our standard test bench. This was more for convenience than anything. However, the system used was more than capable of pushing 144 Hz in 1080p on just about any game we could throw at it. We tested a variety of games on the Viewsonic XG240R. Games weren’t so much benchmarked, but more just played. These games included Assassins Creed Odyssey, Battlefield 5, Far Cry 5, Grand Theft Auto V and Hitman 2. Each game was played for no less than 30 minutes. In some cases, upwards of an hour. Quick side note, the monitor that’s usually on my test bench is an LG 27UK600-W. That is a 27″ 4k, HDR monitor with a refresh rate of 60 Hz.
Component
Product Name Provided By Processor Intel Core i9-9900k Intel Motherboard Z90 Aorus Xtreme Waterforce Gigabyte Memory G.Skill Trident Z DDR4 3200 MHz CAS 14 64 GB Retail Purchase Drive Crucial P1 500 GB NVMe M.2 SSD (OS) Crucial Video Card Aorus RTX 2080 Waterforce Gigabyte Monitor Viewsonic XG240R 24″ 144 Hz monitor Viewsonic Case ThermalTake Core P5 Retail Purchase Power Supply 850 Watt EVGA Super Nova P2 80+ Platinum Power Supply EVGA Operating System Windows 10 x64 Pro with latest patches and updates
Now I will admit that I’m a bit of a petty elitist when it comes to, well, everything. So I had to set aside my presuppositions of 1080p monitors, as well as screens less than 27″. I’ll have to say the Viewsonic XG240R made me look at 1080p monitors in a different light, Setting up the monitor was very simple and took only a minute. I love it when you can assemble a product without using tools or having to look at instructions. The Viewsonic XG240R checked both of those boxes. Seeing how the XG240R was set up on my test bench, it ended up moving around quite a bit. So, the well-placed carrying handle on the stand came in very handy. I wasn’t nervous about carrying the monitor around by the bezel, because I didn’t have to. This also eliminated the possibility of fingerprints on the screen or damage to the screen from squeezing it too hard. The Viewsonic XG240R even has a very useful headset clip on the back of the stand. This is one of my favorite features of the XG240R. A decent headset stand can cost you a few bucks, especially one with RGB lighting. But Viewsonic included a headset clip on the stand for the XG240R. This may be one of the most under
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On my main system, I have 5 screens. They consist of three 27″ screens, a 32″ screen and a 55″ TV. So, with the fact the XG240R is a 24″ monitor, I had originally expected for it to be too small for me personally. However, this wasn’t the case at all. In fact, I could hardly notice a difference when going from a 27″ screen to the Viewsonic XG240R and its 24″ screen. Actually, I preferred the XG240R due to its 144 Hz refresh rate. I had played games on a 144 Hz monitor before. However, not for any extended period of time. After about an hour in Grand Theft Auto V, I couldn’t go back to a 60 Hz screen for gaming. For those who don’t know, the refresh rate of a monitor is how many times it refreshes the image on the screen in a second. The average monitor has a 60 Hz screen. This means it refreshes the image 60 times in a second. This a suitable for lower-end PCs and consoles. However, if you have a higher-end PC like the one this monitor was tested on, then you can run games at far more than 60 frames per second. Sure, if you have a 60 Hz screen, you can just put on V-Sync. However, with V-Sync on, you can get stuttering in the game and with it off, you get screen tearing. Screen tearing is caused by your graphics card refreshing the image on screen faster than your monitors refresh rate. Another reason to get a 144 Hz monitor.
In each and every game, screen tearing was completely eliminated, as was the stuttering. Gameplay was smooth and fluid. All around, it was just a better gaming experience. Especially in competitive games such as Battlefield 5. So many times I’ve been in mid battle when something explodes close by. That’s usually when the stuttering and screen tearing comes into play. Too often, the stuttering will lead to early death in the game. This is no longer an issue. Also, in GTA V, stuttering can cause you to crash while driving. I feel as if the 144 Hz refresh rate has made me a better driver in GTA V. When really, the high refresh rate of the Viewsonic XG240R just eliminated the stuttering making for a much more fluid and immersing experience gaming. But it’s not just in game the 144 Hz refresh rate makes a difference. Just moving windows around on the desktop and you’ll notice a difference.
[section_title title=Final Thoughts and Conclusion]
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Overall, I was rather impressed with the Viewsonic XG240R. First and foremost, I underestimated the experience of using a 24″ monitor. I honestly expected to notice the size much more than I did, if I did at all. Sure, it was a bit smaller, but not to the point where I couldn’t game or work on it. I love the flexibility of the stand on the XG240R. I use my systems for a wide range of tasks from gaming and editing to writing and spreadsheets. the ability to adjust the height was perfect for when my daughter was benchmarking games on my test bench. If I’m working in Excel, I can switch to landscape mode. The ability to pivot side to side is a feature I’d love to see on all monitors. Even the little details that are often overlooked are excellent additions. For example, the attachment for cable management is a part many people may not even install, but it can be very useful. The headset clip is one of my favorite features of the XG240R. But, its a bit hidden and some may overlook it altogether. I know I almost did. But once I found it, it was great to finally have a place to hang my headphones that was out of the way and not taking up room on my desk. I did like the implementation of RGB lighting on the XG240R as well. With the RGB lighting on the back of the monitor, the light bounced off the wall and illuminated the entire wall behind the monitor, giving it a very cool effect.
Although I am used to gaming on a 4k screen, I didn’t notice a huge difference. Yes, there was a difference in color coming from an HDR screen and It goes without saying that the picture on the 4k screen is superior. However, looks aren’t everything. In fact, I found myself gaming on the XG240R even more than my 4k HDR monitor due to the high refresh rate of the Viewsonic XG240R. I was always in the mindset of more is better when it came to monitors. I had always gone for higher resolution over the higher refresh rate. After over a month straight gaming on the Viewsonic XG240R, my views have drastically changed. I would trade in 4k resolution for 144 Hz all day now. Especially for a savings. I originally paid about $400 USD for my 4k monitor. At the time of writing this review, the Viewsonic XG240R can be purchased on Amazon for only $233.99. That’s around $50 less than a comparable model from ASUS that doesn’t have RGB lighting, So whether you’re a competitive gamer who needs a high refresh rate monitor to stay competitive or just a casual gamer who wants the best possible gaming experience on a budget, take a look at the Viewsonic XG240R. Its a great monitor packed with features that won’t break the bank.
[sc name=”recommended_hardware_award” ]
https://www.amazon.com/ViewSonic-XG240R-FreeSync-Advanced-Ergonomics/dp/B07L53SFGG/ref=asc_df_B07L53SFGG/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=319972287270&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2512034570771370045&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001907&hvtargid=pla-616595609186&th=1
Viewsonic XG240R 1080p, 144 Hz Monitor Review In today’s ever growing field of technology, graphics cards allow even modern triple A games to run at exceedingly high frame rates and resolutions.
