LG UltraGear 27GX790A Review: The 480Hz OLED Monitor That Transforms Competitive Gaming
For gamers aiming for the peak of performance, a new option has emerged: the LG UltraGear 27GX790A. This 27-inch OLED monitor is breaking new ground in display technology, featuring an astonishing 480Hz refresh rate and an ultra-fast 0.03ms response time. But does it justify the $1,000 price point? Let’s explore what makes this monitor revolutionary—and if it’s the ideal addition to your setup.
High Refresh Rate Gaming: The Significance of 480Hz
What Does a 480Hz Refresh Rate Mean?
The refresh rate indicates how frequently a display updates its image within a second. Standard monitors operate at 60Hz, while gaming monitors typically range from 120Hz to 240Hz. The LG UltraGear 27GX790A elevates this to an impressive 480Hz refresh rate, allowing it to showcase up to 480 frames per second (fps). This exceptionally high refresh rate is engineered to facilitate smoother motion, minimized input lag, and a more reactive gaming experience.
In high-speed games such as Rocket League and Overwatch 2, this can lead to a noticeable competitive edge. Players report experiencing a “flow state,” where the link between input and on-screen movements appears nearly immediate. Although the visual distinction between 240Hz and 480Hz might be slight, the tactile enhancement is something veteran gamers can appreciate.
OLED Excellence: Visual Performance That Stands Out
The Impact of OLED Technology
The UltraGear 27GX790A excels not only in speed but also as a stunning OLED display. OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology enables individual pixels to emit their own light, resulting in true blacks, vivid colors, and impressive contrast. This monitor achieves up to 1,300 nits of brightness in small highlights and covers 98.5% of the DCI-P3 color spectrum, making it perfect for both gaming and content creation.
In contrast to the QD-OLED displays found in select Alienware models, LG’s OLED screen maintains outstanding color precision and brightness, making it an elite option for gamers seeking both performance and visual clarity.
DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1: Connectivity for the Future
A highlight of the UltraGear 27GX790A is its compatibility with DisplayPort 2.1. This latest standard offers considerably greater bandwidth than DisplayPort 1.4, removing the need for Display Stream Compression (DSC) and ensuring a clearer, more reliable signal. This is crucial when pushing frame rates to their limits.
Moreover, the monitor features two HDMI 2.1 ports, ensuring compatibility with next-gen gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. These ports enable high refresh rates and variable refresh rate (VRR) support, guaranteeing seamless gameplay across devices.
Adaptive Sync Technologies: G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro
To further elevate the gaming experience, the UltraGear 27 supports both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. These adaptive sync technologies eliminate screen tearing and stuttering by synchronizing the monitor’s refresh rate with the GPU’s output. Whether you prefer NVIDIA or AMD, you’ll enjoy smoother gameplay and minimized input lag.
Design and Build: Functional Minimalism
Although the UltraGear 27GX790A may not earn design accolades, its minimalist design serves a functional purpose. The nearly borderless bezel offers an immersive viewing experience, and the adjustable stand provides options for height, tilt, and pivot customization. While it lacks built-in speakers, it does include a headphone jack with DTS support and a 4-pole connection for headsets with microphones—perfect for competitive gaming rigs.
If you’re searching for headphones or earbuds, this monitor pairs well with premium audio gear to enhance your immersive experience.
Real-World Performance: Rocket League and Overwatch 2
The UltraGear 27 truly excels in fast-paced games. In Rocket League, players note an enhanced sense of control and spatial awareness, enabling quicker reactions and more accurate maneuvers. In Overwatch 2, characters such as Tracer and Genji take advantage of the monitor’s responsiveness, while snipers like Hanzo and Widowmaker find an edge in aiming accuracy.
These experiences underscore the monitor’s capacity to enhance gameplay not just visually, but physically—by lessening the delay between intent and action.
System Requirements: Is a High-End Rig Necessary?
To fully harness the UltraGear 27’s capabilities, a robust gaming PC is essential. The monitor was tested with an NVIDIA RTX 5090 GPU and an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D CPU—high-end components that can push frame rates close to 480 fps at 1440p resolution. While older GPUs can still offer solid performance at 1080p, anything below a mid-to-high-end configuration may not warrant the monitor’s expense.
Pricing and Value: Is It a Good Investment?
With a retail price of $1,000 (currently discounted to $800), the UltraGear 27GX790A is positioned as a premium offering. While it features cutting-edge technology, it may not suit everyone. Casual gamers or those operating with budget systems might find a 240Hz monitor a more cost-effective solution, still providing strong performance.
However, for esports professionals, competitive gamers, and tech enthusiasts, the UltraGear 27 represents the pinnacle of current display technology.
Conclusion
The LG UltraGear 27GX790A is an extraordinary advancement in gaming monitor technology. With its 480Hz refresh rate, OLED excellence, and future-ready connectivity, it establishes a new benchmark for competitive displays. While its high price may restrict its appeal to a specialized audience, those who seek the finest will discover it excels on every level.
Whether you’re chasing frames in Rocket League or targeting in Overwatch 2, this monitor delivers a level of immersion and responsiveness few can rival. Just ensure your hardware meets the requirements.
Q&A: Key Information About the LG UltraGear 27GX790A
What distinguishes the LG UltraGear 27GX790A from other gaming monitors?
The UltraGear 27GX790A differentiates itself with its 480Hz refresh rate, OLED screen, ultra-low 0.03ms response time, and support for DisplayPort 2.1 and HDMI 2.1. It’s tailored for elite gamers who demand the fastest and most responsive display available.
Is a high-end PC necessary to use this monitor?
Absolutely. To fully utilize the 480Hz refresh rate at 1440p, you’ll require a powerful GPU such as the NVIDIA RTX 5090 along with a high-performance CPU. Lower-tier systems may struggle to deliver frame rates sufficient to justify this monitor.
Is there a noticeable difference between 240Hz and 480Hz?
Visually, the distinction may be minimal, particularly for casual players. However, competitive gamers frequently report a significant enhancement in responsiveness and input accuracy, which can be crucial in high-pressure scenarios.
Does the monitor work with gaming consoles like the PS5 or Xbox Series X?
Yes. The UltraGear 27GX790A comes equipped with two HDMI 2.1 ports, making it fully compatible with next-gen consoles. It supports functionalities like VRR and high refresh rates for improved console gaming.
Are built-in speakers included?
No, the monitor lacks built-in speakers. However, it does come with a headphone jack featuring DTS support and a 4-pole connection for headsets with microphones.
How does it compare to other OLED monitors, such as Alienware’s QD-OLED?
While Alienware’s QD-OLED screens deliver impressive color quality, the LG UltraGear 27 holds its ground with 98.5% DCI-P3 coverage and brighter highlights. It also provides a higher refresh rate (480Hz versus 240Hz or 360Hz), making it better suited for competitive gaming.
Is the $1,000 price tag justified?
For many gamers, a 240Hz monitor will meet their needs. However, for competitive players or those in pursuit of the absolute best, the UltraGear 27GX790A is a worthwhile investment—especially when available for $800.
