Acer Predator X32 FP Gaming Monitor Review

Summary
The Acer Predator X32 FP Gaming Monitor offers a unique blend of extensive connectivity options, wide color gamut coverage, and impressive refresh rates, making it a solid choice for content creators and gamers alike. However, its dated design, blooming issues in HDR mode, and steep price tag could deter those who prioritize image quality and sleek aesthetics above all else. While it doesn't outperform competitors in every aspect, its feature set, such as the overclocking capability that pushes the refresh rate to 165Hz, sets it apart in the Mini-LED monitor market.
Good
  • Extensive connectivity options, including four true HDMI 2.1 ports and a USB-C port with up to 90 watts of power delivery.
  • Wide color gamut coverage (99% Adobe RGB, 96% DCI-P3) suitable for professional content creation.
  • Overclocking capability, allowing a 165Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution, making it one of the fastest 4K gaming monitors available.
  • Solid HDR performance with a maximum sustained brightness of 946 nits and up to 1200 nits for short bright flashes and small highlights.
  • Integrated KVM functionality for multi-device usage.
Bad
  • Dated design and build quality, borrowing heavily from Acer's older Predator line aesthetic.
  • Wide and aggressive stand, consuming more desk space than necessary.
  • Contrast ratio does not improve in HDR mode, falling short of competitors.
  • Blooming can be an issue in HDR mode, with bright halos around bright objects.
  • Hefty price tag, making it a tough sell when compared to other OLED and Mini-LED monitors with more dimming zones and better image quality.
7.8
Good
Performance - 9
Design - 8
Picture Quality - 8
Ease of Use - 8
Price - 6

Acer’s Predator X32 FP gaming monitor aims to combine top-tier image quality with a wide range of connectivity options to deliver a unique offering to the Mini-LED market. With an MSRP of $1,499.99, it comes with a hefty price tag, but does its performance justify the cost? As for me specifically ultrawide is always the play but 21:9 creates problems with live streaming and recording gaming content. On the other hand, if you are a content creator and want to maximize your gaming experience in a 16:9 format this might be for you.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the X32 FP may resemble older 4K gaming monitors. But, it boasts a unique combination of features, including a 4K panel, an enhanced refresh rate, and a Mini-LED backlight with 576-zone FALD. However, the design feels a bit dated, borrowing heavily from the older tank-like, armor-clad aesthetic of Acer’s Predator line. While the build quality is sturdy, it doesn’t quite stand out from competitors in the same price range.

The stand is wide and aggressive, consuming more desk space than necessary. However, it does include several elements that can be used as handles, making the monitor easy to adjust or move. The stand offers up to 130mm height adjustment, +/- 30° swivel, -5°/35° tilt, and a 100mm VESA mount is included for use with third-party monitor stands and arms.

Connectivity and Features

The Predator X32 FP sets itself apart from competitors with extensive connectivity. It includes four HDMI 2.1 ports with full 48 Gbps bandwidth, one DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, and a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and up to 90 watts of power delivery. Additionally, it features a quad-USB 3.0 hub (4 downstream + 1 upstream type B), a headphone jack, dual 7W built-in speakers, and integrated KVM functionality.

The on-screen menu is accessed through a joystick on the right flank, with several buttons controlling various features. The monitor offers a healthy range of image-quality adjustments, including gamma and color temperature adjustments, six-axis color calibration, and support for several color gamut profiles such as sRGB, DCI-P3, Rec.709, HDR, EBU, SMPTE-C, and ‘Standard.’

SDR Image Quality

The X32 FP’s SDR image quality is solid, thanks to its 461-nit maximum brightness and 3230:1 contrast ratio. While these numbers don’t outshine competitors, they do provide rich dark scenes and vivid bright scenes. The monitor covers 99% of the Adobe RGB and 96% of the DCI-P3 color gamuts, making it suitable for professional content creation. The 4K resolution also ensures a sharp, crisp image.

HDR Image Quality

In HDR mode, the X32 FP achieves a maximum sustained brightness of 946 nits, and up to 1200 nits for short bright flashes and small highlights, providing an excellent HDR experience. However, its contrast ratio doesn’t improve in HDR, falling short of competitors like the AOC Agon Pro AG274QZM. Blooming can also be an issue, with bright halos around bright objects. Nevertheless, the X32 FP’s HDR performance is still impressive compared to standard IPS LCD monitors.

Motion Performance

With a refresh rate of up to 160Hz via DisplayPort, the X32 FP provides solid motion clarity, especially when combined with low pixel-response times. AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible, and HDMI 2.1 VRR with a 48-160Hz range are supported, and G-Sync worked well in tests. The monitor also offers three response time overdrive modes – Off, Normal, and Extreme – to improve motion clarity at the cost of minor overshoot. Notably, the X32 FP also features an overclocking option that allows it to reach a 165Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution, making it one of the fastest 4K gaming monitors available.

Conclusion

The Acer Predator X32 FP is a good Mini-LED monitor with a wide color gamut and extensive connectivity options, including four true HDMI 2.1 ports that make it better suited for current-gen consoles. While it may not outperform competitors in terms of image quality, its unique feature set, such as the overclocking capability that pushes the refresh rate to 165Hz, makes it a solid choice for multi-device users and content creators who want one monitor to handle high-end content creation and HDR gaming. However, with a nearly $1,500 MSRP and the more expensive alternatives in the market, it faces stiff competition from OLED and Mini-LED monitors with more dimming zones, making it a tough sell for those who prioritize image quality above all else.

Written by
Gaming since Nintendo! Entrepreneur, gamer, wine lover, America! Come join the fun on the GL Discord!

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