This AOC monitor has made it clear to me that you don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy big time on Xbox Series

We thoroughly tested the AOC Q27G3XMN/BK monitor on Xbox Series, PlayStation 5, and PC, and its results are worthy of much more expensive ranges.

More stories in the category Hardware

• Fallout: New Vegas celebrates its 15th anniversary with a spectacular collector’s edition
• Confirmed: Tales of Xillia 2 Remastered is still in development and will be showing new features soon
• This could be the price of the next Xbox according to current clues

Don't miss anything and follow us on Google News!

---

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been using this model on both Xbox Series and PC, and I must say it has surprised me more than I expected. In a market increasingly saturated with screens with similar specifications, this AOC model stands out for its combination of Mini LED technology, great HDR performance, and a price that stays in the mid-range. It doesn’t aim to compete with monitors over a thousand euros, but it gets dangerously close to them in visual quality.

The brand has been betting heavily on offering advanced features at reasonable prices, and this model is a clear example. The best part is that, unlike other monitors in its range, it doesn’t sacrifice either speed or color fidelity, something that’s especially noticeable on Xbox Series, where games look vivid even in dark environments.

AOC Q27G3XMN/BK Performance on Consoles and PC

The Q27G3XMN/BK features a 27-inch Fast VA panel with QHD resolution (2560×1440), ideal for getting the most out of both Xbox Series and PC. It’s compatible with Adaptive Sync, which translates to a correct and tear-free experience, especially in demanding or fast-paced titles, something that’s essential for me. Additionally, it offers a 180 Hz refresh rate and a 1 ms GtG response time, figures that put it in a privileged position for competitive gamers.

What’s most striking is its VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification, a level that very few monitors in this range achieve. The blacks are deep, the contrast enhances nighttime environments, and the maximum brightness of 1000 nits allows reflections and lights to stand out naturally without saturating the image. In Forza Horizon 5, for example, the sunsets look spectacular, and in Hellblade II, the lighting effects are perceived with a depth far superior to that of traditional LED monitors.

Main Technical Specifications

---

A HDR that Makes a Difference

• The Mini LED technology with its 336 local dimming zones allows the contrast to soar compared to conventional VA panels. When testing it with titles like Cyberpunk 2077 or Alan Wake 2, the visual leap is evident: the neon lights, reflections, and HDR effects are displayed with a level of precision that one wouldn’t expect in a monitor at this price. Additionally, the DisplayHDR 1000 certification guarantees real, not simulated, brightness, something fundamental for taking advantage of Xbox Series X capabilities.

Another notable point is the excellent panel uniformity. In dark scenes, there are no noticeable light leaks or annoying halos, something that often is the Achilles’ heel in other VA models. The result is a clean and balanced image, ideal for both gaming and watching series or editing multimedia content.

---

Design and Ergonomics: Understated, Functional, and Well-Built

• Aesthetically, AOC has opted for a frameless design on three sides, which favors use in multiple configurations. The base allows for height, tilt, and swivel adjustment, offering notable ergonomics for long sessions. The matte black finish avoids reflections, and the overall construction conveys robustness, without noises or creaks when moving it.

At the back, the design remains clean and professional, with subtle red touches reminiscent of the AGON line. It’s not the most groundbreaking monitor in terms of aesthetics, but its minimalist design fits perfectly in both a work desk and a purely gaming setup.

---

Usage Experience on Xbox Series, PC, and PS5

The monitor performs outstandingly with Xbox Series. Games that support 120 Hz, such as (DOOM Eternal, Fortnite, or Call of Duty: Warzone), run with impressive smoothness, and the VRR compatibility helps maintain a stable image at all times. Additionally, the 1440p scaling adapts perfectly to the console without losing sharpness.

• On PC, its 180 Hz frequency makes a difference compared to the usual 144 Hz, offering a more fluid experience in shooters and competitive titles. On the other hand, on PS5, the experience is also excellent, although limited to 120 Hz, a figure more than sufficient to take advantage of the panel.

The HDR management is consistent across all platforms, and the factory calibration comes well-adjusted, although AOC allows for image mode customization from its G-Menu software, something very useful if you switch between games, work, and multimedia content.

---

Sound and Connectivity

Although it doesn’t include integrated speakers, the monitor features a headphone output and HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 connections, sufficient to connect multiple platforms at once. In my case, I was able to keep Xbox Series X and PC connected simultaneously, switching between them from the OSD menu without complications.

• While the cabling could include more premium options (for example, HDMI 2.1 would have been ideal), the truth is that in practice, it’s not missed, since the DisplayPort 1.4 bandwidth perfectly covers QHD resolution at 180 Hz.

---

Mini LED: The Difference That Shows in Daily Use

The great virtue of this monitor lies in its Mini LED technology, which multiplies precision in illumination. In dark scenes, blacks are truly deep without sacrificing detail. And in colorful titles like Sea of Thieves or Hi-Fi RUSH, the contrast makes each texture come alive.

• This level of detail is noticeable even in menus, interfaces, or HDR videos on YouTube.

The gray transition (1 ms GtG) and motion control are excellent, without perceptible ghosting, even in fast sequences. The 180 Hz also helps reduce eye strain and makes any movement feel natural.

---

Conclusion: A Monitor That Exceeds Its Price Range

After several weeks of intensive use, this AOC monitor has left me with very good impressions. It’s a balanced, powerful, and versatile monitor that offers high-end features at an intermediate price. Its HDR performance, Mini LED panel, and 180 Hz refresh rate make it an ideal option for both Xbox Series X and PC.

Strong Points:

• Mini LED panel with 336 dimming zones and real HDR1000.

• 180 Hz and 1 ms GtG, ideal for competitive games.

• Excellent quality-price ratio.

• Height adjustment and good ergonomic design.

Areas for Improvement:

• Lack of HDMI 2.1.

• No integrated speakers.

• Understated design, without distinctive elements.

If you’re looking for a 27-inch QHD monitor that shines on Xbox Series, PS5, and PC without breaking the bank, this model is a safe bet. In my case, it has become the main screen on my desk, and that says a lot. On Amazon, you can find it for around 320 euros, although it’s just one store, you also have it available through PC Componentes, albeit a bit more expensive.