Design and Features

The AOC G2790PX has a unique aesthetic scheme that we don’t normally see on gamer-centric monitors. The distinct black and red motif is still in use, but the bezel-free design gives this product an appeal usually reserved for professional or higher-tiered monitors. However, the monitor is still surrounded by a thin outer layer and panel borders (dual stage design) and a thicker, red bottom strip with the AOC logo in the middle.

The monitor’s proportions are modest, making the AOC G2790PX ideal for any configuration imaginable, including multi-display setups. The circular base consumes less than 8 inches of depth, so owners can push the keyboards further inward or even add a plush wrist rest. The monitor stood stable for the most part but we disliked the footing since it was too small for a 27-inch display to give constant assurance that the monitor won’t topple over.

The AOC G2790PX is compatible with VESA adapters, but most users will be satisfied with the included stand. Build quality is superb and movements are smooth, plus you get to enjoy a complete array of adjustments to get a perfect view angle. You can tilt, swivel, pivot, and adjust the height easily, so taller users won’t need aftermarket solutions to position the screen according to their preferences.

One big change to the AOC G2790PX’s physical design is unlike the Agon monitors, you can now detach the stand via a quick release locking mechanism. This feature makes assembly and disassembly extra convenient which is ideal for those who move around or reconfigure room arrangements regularly. Cable management isn’t an issue as well since you can pass wires through the tidy hole on the stand’s upright.

Connectivity wise, the AOC G2790PX does not disappoint since it includes every connector type required for everyday use. The layout includes DisplayPort 1.2 and dual HDMI 1.4 slots, plus four USB 3.0 receptacles for accessories. There is also a pair of speakers with 3.5mm audio jacks, but the set isn’t powerful enough to provide the rumble gamers want.

Display and Performance

The AOC G2790PX sports a 27-inch TN panel with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms response time. There is nothing unique in the spec list save for the WLED backlight that has a maximum output of 400cd/m2. The bad viewing angles associated with TN technology is still present, however, we can’t help but notice the extra vibrancy of this model.

Our Spyder5 Elite reveals that the screen is capable of 97% sRGB which is reasonable for a gaming monitor. Calibration is needed since color accuracy is off target at an average of 3.9 with the default settings, but this can be improved to DeltaE 2.0 with the proper tools and tinkering. Its worth noting that setting the Gamma to the second level is the most ideal because the other options are too high which in turn makes the screen too dark for our tastes.

What shines in the AOC G2790PX is its brilliantly high contrast ratio which reached 1140:1 in our tests. Most TN-based monitors barely even reach 1000:1, citing that this model is a cut above a lot of options in the market. Blacks and grayscale performance is satisfying, although an IPS or VA monitor is still better in this regard.

We also did not notice any detrimental imbalances in color and brightness uniformity on the AOC G2790PX’s TN screen. Deviances stayed well below 6% on average, although some brightness settings reached as high as 10%. We recommend setting the backlight to around 25% to 40% to get the best results during use.

The AOC G2790PX was built with minimal latency in mind to keep competitive and sensitive gamers happy. The monitor comes with a Low Input Lag mode which brings latency down to 7ms which isn’t the fastest we’ve recorded but is reasonable for E-Sports gaming. Playing CS:GO, and Overwatch felt smooth with no noticeable stutters or misconnections in control input to screen display transitions.

What we didn’t like with the AOC G2790PX is related to its size and resolution more than its performance. Playing older games like CS:GO really gave the jagged edges away, especially if you are used to viewing 1440p or 4K displays. However, we know a lot of competitive players prefer this form factor since it makes smaller objects like heads that pop out of obstacles easier to snipe.

Finally, the AOC G2790PX is a FreeSync-certified gaming monitor which means you can pair it with an AMD GPU for refresh and framerate synchronization. There is little need for VRR tech with 1080p gaming in this day and age, but some users who like graphics-heavy titles like PUBG will appreciate its presence.

Thoughts on the AOC G2790PX

The AOC G2790PX isn’t perfect as far as gaming monitors go, but it does pack a few surprises up its sleeve. The high contrast ratio sets its vibrancy and grayscale performance apart from the rest, although you still need to tinker with the settings to reach similar results. The monitor feels perfect for gaming thanks to its responsiveness and features which we have come to expect from AOC.

The stylish exterior also tickled our fancy since it refreshes the genre’s overused and exaggerated aesthetic treatments. One thing that may hold back prospective gamers is the AOC G2790PX’s higher price tag which brings it closer to 240Hz variants like the AOC AG251FZ. But if you insist on getting this model, we won’t stop you since it still is an excellent choice.