PG32UQX - ASUS 32" 4K 144 Hz HDR1400 G-Sync Ultimate

[Chucker1]

Well I finally received my "renewed" PG32UQX today from Amazon/Asus and have have put it through tests and close examination/monitor testing the last couple of hours and dang, I cannot find a single thing wrong this this thing except: my Microsoft 365 theme setting is dark mode and and the mouse pointer halos everywhere. Whats weird is the "pure blacks" halo a lot less on this site than on outlook 365 in black mode. This find however is a minor thing overall in the grand scope of my stress of the condition of the unit (like new..seriously). In contrast to some of the other reviews regard the small LED unit, I have dim settings on the thing and also the ability to turn off. I have it on the lowest dim setting and it doesnt even bother me. I have on FPS and its kind of cool. I have to say I was very stressed all week about this thing as it arrived at a Fedex location last Tuesdayt and I kept it held there until I could pick it up today. I am really shocked and relieved as a refurb this thing is perfectly new. Except for the haloing on Outlook 365, I am ok with that. This thing feels like a larger version of my PG27UQ. Oh also, ZERO fan noise compared to my PG27UQ..... Holy shit what a difference!! I played a session of Hell Let Loose tonight .....Amazing!!! I havent even touched Far Cry 6 yet......cant wait.

 

[Hypez]

I tested it on my screen too and I had those yellow stripes on the edges.
Can any of you who completed the RMA notice an improvement in regard to blooming?

I think the yellow banding or glow is a potential fald defect sadly. The replacement model I got had the exact same problem. Hubba's replacement also had the exact same issue.

I have a support ticket on it still that's been open for about a month now. It's been escalated a couple times and is now currently with a product specialist group investigating the issue....or so they claim. I doubt anything is going to come out of it but fingers crossed I guess.

As far as blooming goes between the 2 it's basically identical which is what you would expect since it's same manufacturing process and firmware. The replacement has slightly worse blooming on the bottom left of the monitor but I also have a little more light leakage in that corner then I did on my first model.

 

[jt39]

Interesting. I saw a video yesterday of someone who had nearly no blooming on FALD 2.

I think the yellow banding or glow is a potential fald defect sadly. The replacement model I got had the exact same problem. Hubba's replacement also had the exact same issue.

I have a support ticket on it still that's been open for about a month now. It's been escalated a couple times and is now currently with a product specialist group investigating the issue....or so they claim. I doubt anything is going to come out of it but fingers crossed I guess.

As far as blooming goes between the 2 it's basically identical which is what you would expect since it's same manufacturing process and firmware. The replacement has slightly worse blooming on the bottom left of the monitor but I also have a little more light leakage in that corner then I did on my first model.

Interesting, in my case the blooming is bad overall without zones where it's better/worse.
I saw a video yesterday of someone with nearly no blooming at all with FALD 2 which gave me hope.

 

[SoCali]

You can make it look like an OLED with the right exposure. Don't trust peoples random videos.

 

[TsbitPrik]

You can make it look like an OLED with the right exposure. Don't trust peoples random videos.

Yup. The opposite is true too. My LG 32EP950 OLED literally has crazy bloom/halo on iPhone video in certain situations.... but it is OLED, so, in real life, bloom/halo doesn't exist and you get true blacks.

 

[jt39]

You can make it look like an OLED with the right exposure. Don't trust peoples random videos.

The person who made the video said he made it at an angle with high exposure to exaggerate the halo effect. I have no reason not to believe him. But you'll never know, that's true.

 

[Skyhopper01]

Well I finally received my "renewed" PG32UQX today from Amazon/Asus and have have put it through tests and close examination/monitor testing the last couple of hours and dang, I cannot find a single thing wrong this this thing except: my Microsoft 365 theme setting is dark mode and and the mouse pointer halos everywhere. Whats weird is the "pure blacks" halo a lot less on this site than on outlook 365 in black mode. This find however is a minor thing overall in the grand scope of my stress of the condition of the unit (like new..seriously). In contrast to some of the other reviews regard the small LED unit, I have dim settings on the thing and also the ability to turn off. I have it on the lowest dim setting and it doesnt even bother me. I have on FPS and its kind of cool. I have to say I was very stressed all week about this thing as it arrived at a Fedex location last Tuesdayt and I kept it held there until I could pick it up today. I am really shocked and relieved as a refurb this thing is perfectly new. Except for the haloing on Outlook 365, I am ok with that. This thing feels like a larger version of my PG27UQ. Oh also, ZERO fan noise compared to my PG27UQ..... Holy shit what a difference!! I played a session of Hell Let Loose tonight .....Amazing!!! I havent even touched Far Cry 6 yet......cant wait.

Wait till you get in to FC6. HDR is amazing in this game. Just make sure to calibrate it in the menu, I set the Peak Nits to 1700.

 

[jake1977]

Wait till you get in to FC6. HDR is amazing in this game. Just make sure to calibrate it in the menu, I set the Peak Nits to 1700.

This x1000. FC6 in HDR is ridiculous. I also have the pg27uq and this monitor, while not perfect, is the best on the market for HDR and visual performance. And the 32" size is perfect for 4k. Some say it isn't worth the upgrade from the pg27uq, but I can't disagree more. If you have the cash to spend, it is a phenomenal experience playing on this monitor.

 

[Hubba Bubba]

I tested it on my screen too and I had those yellow stripes on the edges.
Can any of you who completed the RMA notice an improvement in regard to blooming?

Nope.
Yellow banding on both my original and the replacement unit in certain scenarios, see attached.

Blooming was comparable and even slightly worse on the replacement unit but I think this was perhaps due to a gamma negative bias in that unit (was producing gamma 2.1 instead of intended 2.2 so it seemed brighter than my original unit which had no bias).

 

[jt39]

Nope.
Yellow banding on both my original and the replacement unit in certain scenarios, see attached.

Blooming was comparable and even slightly worse on the replacement unit but I think this was perhaps due to a gamma negative bias in that unit (was producing gamma 2.1 instead of intended 2.2 so it seemed brighter than my original unit which had no bias).

Thanks for testing and you response. It's confusing and frustrating to have so many opinions and facts around this product and the underlying technology.
Usually you'd just buy an upgrade monitor and have no/little issues with it while the tech is overall better without huge compromises.

I have never fiddled around with my monitor on a daily basis, now I'm worried that the buttons might break before the panel becomes an issue because I'm using them multiple times a day (FALD on/off, contrast, brightness, ...). It usually just "worked" and now I wish there was a software solution to automate stuff I have to do when switching between OS'es/work applications/games.

I'll wait for the next best product and throw this one in the trash What a hassle.

 

[Hubba Bubba]

Thanks for testing and you response. It's confusing and frustrating to have so many opinions and facts around this product and the underlying technology.
Usually you'd just buy an upgrade monitor and have no/little issues with it while the tech is overall better without huge compromises.

I have never fiddled around with my monitor on a daily basis, now I'm worried that the buttons might break before the panel becomes an issue because I'm using them multiple times a day (FALD on/off, contrast, brightness, ...). It usually just "worked" and now I wish there was a software solution to automate stuff I have to do when switching between OS'es/work applications/games.

I'll wait for the next best product and throw this one in the trash What a hassle.

The fact that this monitor with all its flaws is the best you can get at the moment speaks volumes about how far the monitor industry has to go.
If you want to wait it's definitely an option but keep in mind that it might take a while...

In the meantime, let me know where you keep your trash, I would be happy to have 2xblooming glory on my desk

 

[III_Slyflyer_III]

I wish I could actually find this monitor somewhere! Sadly, even my local MicroCenter does not carry it; which sucks because that's where I got my PG27UQ and also bought the 2 year MC warranty (which is perfect for monitors with known lifetime issues).

 

[jt39]

In the meantime, let me know where you keep your trash, I would be happy to have 2xblooming glory on my desk

I'll let you know (seriously).

 

[Mchart]

I'm really tempted, but unless my X27 dies, I just can't justify the $3k pricetag when the X27 was so expensive a few years back as it was.

 

[SoCali]

I wish I could actually find this monitor somewhere! Sadly, even my local MicroCenter does not carry it; which sucks because that's where I got my PG27UQ and also bought the 2 year MC warranty (which is perfect for monitors with known lifetime issues).

They are estimated to come in stock first half of November so wait shouldn’t be much longer.

 

[amonakira]

Thanks for testing and you response. It's confusing and frustrating to have so many opinions and facts around this product and the underlying technology.
Usually you'd just buy an upgrade monitor and have no/little issues with it while the tech is overall better without huge compromises.

I have never fiddled around with my monitor on a daily basis, now I'm worried that the buttons might break before the panel becomes an issue because I'm using them multiple times a day (FALD on/off, contrast, brightness, ...). It usually just "worked" and now I wish there was a software solution to automate stuff I have to do when switching between OS'es/work applications/games.

I'll wait for the next best product and throw this one in the trash What a hassle.

if fald isnt a problem for you, u can use clickmonitor to quickchange brightness/contrast...anyway contrast with fald is top and i never put fald-off on my pa32ucx and contrast too is already calibrated, i need only to change brightness with a mouse roll on clickmonitor icon.

 

[Skyhopper01]

This x1000. FC6 in HDR is ridiculous. I also have the pg27uq and this monitor, while not perfect, is the best on the market for HDR and visual performance. And the 32" size is perfect for 4k. Some say it isn't worth the upgrade from the pg27uq, but I can't disagree more. If you have the cash to spend, it is a phenomenal experience playing on this monitor.

Agreed 100 percent. I recently upgraded to windows 11 and used auto HDR for the first time in Crysis 2 remastered. I was blown away by the Auto HDR implementation and how great it looked on the PG32. Auto HDR is going to be a game changer for us HDR display owners.

 

[jake1977]

Agreed 100 percent. I recently upgraded to windows 11 and used auto HDR for the first time in Crysis 2 remastered. I was blown away by the Auto HDR implementation and how great it looked on the PG32. Auto HDR is going to be a game changer for us HDR display owners.

How did you upgrade to windows 11? Did you wait until it was recommended if you are coming from 10 like it says, or did you go out and download it on your own? I would love to start taking advantage of the auto HDR!

 

[Skyhopper01]

How did you upgrade to windows 11? Did you wait until it was recommended if you are coming from 10 like it says, or did you go out and download it on your own? I would love to start taking advantage of the auto HDR!

I downloaded it on my own the day it was available. Luckily it was quick, and I have not had a single issue!

 

[jake1977]

Agreed 100 percent. I recently upgraded to windows 11 and used auto HDR for the first time in Crysis 2 remastered. I was blown away by the Auto HDR implementation and how great it looked on the PG32. Auto HDR is going to be a game changer for us HDR display owners.

how is Crysis 2? Thinking about picking it up...I have never played one before. More of a battlefield type of FPS player. But wouldn't mind playing a good story FPS...

 

[III_Slyflyer_III]

They are estimated to come in stock first half of November so wait shouldn’t be much longer.

I sure as hell hope so... now that it is colder out again, the fan in this PG27UQ is unbearable (bearings are shot) unless I am gaming and can drown out the sound. If the monitor shows up in MC before April of 2022, I can still claim this under the MC warranty and get my money back toward the purchase of the PG32UQX.

 

[Skyhopper01]

how is Crysis 2? Thinking about picking it up...I have never played one before. More of a battlefield type of FPS player. But wouldn't mind playing a good story FPS...

I have to admit, the controls and gameplay feel a bit dated. Story is decent, but the graphics are stunning. If you want something that is pure eye candy, then you can't go wrong. I am about to start Crysis 3 actually.

 

[Skyhopper01]

I sure as hell hope so... now that it is colder out again, the fan in this PG27UQ is unbearable (bearings are shot) unless I am gaming and can drown out the sound. If the monitor shows up in MC before April of 2022, I can still claim this under the MC warranty and get my money back toward the purchase of the PG32UQX.

Not sure how tech savvy you are, but it should be fairly easy to replace the fan.

 

[jake1977]

I have to admit, the controls and gameplay feel a bit dated. Story is decent, but the graphics are stunning. If you want something that is pure eye candy, then you can't go wrong. I am about to start Crysis 3 actually.

did you get the trilogy remastered?

 

[SoCali]

I sure as hell hope so... now that it is colder out again, the fan in this PG27UQ is unbearable (bearings are shot) unless I am gaming and can drown out the sound. If the monitor shows up in MC before April of 2022, I can still claim this under the MC warranty and get my money back toward the purchase of the PG32UQX.

Yeah when I contacted Asus for an ETA and after a few back and forth emails they finally said that the container ship backlog is at fault. The monitors are sitting out there on one of those ships for what seems like a month now because they were suppose to be available early October.

 

[Skyhopper01]

did you get the trilogy remastered?

Actually no, I picked up Crysis remastered when it launched. Then picked up 2 and 3 on discount for 21 each.

 

[SoCali]

Amazon in stock with Nov 8th delivery:

https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-Swift-Gaming-Monitor-PG32UQX/dp/B09568W9GS

 

[AgentAnon]

Just grabbed one at MSRP. I dub it: the OLED beheader.

I noticed they're not back in stock at B&H, Walmart, the ASUS website, etc. Did Amazon get the first shipment due to their vast distribution center network or this stock from the first batch? Mislabeled used stock?

At the minimum we know it's been out of stock for at least 2 months (just resellers), so it might be unlikely that this is first batch stock, but still a little curious that Amazon got batch 2 before everyone else.

 

[SoCali]

Just grabbed one at MSRP. I dub it: the OLED beheader.

I noticed they're not back in stock at B&H, Walmart, the ASUS website, etc. Did Amazon get the first shipment due to their vast distribution center network or this stock from the first batch? Mislabeled used stock?

At the minimum we know it's been out of stock for at least 2 months (just resellers), so it might be unlikely that this is first batch stock, but still a little curious that Amazon got batch 2 before everyone else.

Amazon lists as soon as they get warehouse allocation which is why the ETA is 1.5-2 weeks away (they are conservative with this estimate though) since the products are probably on a truck to their distribution center right now. Newegg/B&H list when quantity is on hand so we'll also see availability at other retailers in the coming week(s). No explaination for Asus website but I can only speculate that they are incompetent based on prior experience.

Asus direct (don't buy from them at all costs) and then Newegg are next probably. This is definately not first batch stock which all had April 2021 manufacture dates.

B&H has a couple used 9/10 condition ones for $2500 right now if anyone wants to gamble.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used/1643609/asus_pg32uqx_32_rog_swift_4k.html

 

[Skyhopper01]

Amazon lists as soon as they get warehouse allocation which is why the ETA is 1.5-2 weeks away (they are conservative with this estimate though) since the products are probably on a truck to their distribution center right now. Newegg/B&H list when quantity is on hand so we'll also see availability at other retailers in the coming week(s). No explaination for Asus website but I can only speculate that they are incompetent based on prior experience.

Asus direct (don't buy from them at all costs) and then Newegg are next probably. This is definately not first batch stock which all had April 2021 manufacture dates.

B&H has a couple used 9/10 condition ones for $2500 right now if anyone wants to gamble.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/used/1643609/asus_pg32uqx_32_rog_swift_4k.html

Actually, I have asked JJ from Asus about this. He said that for some products they specifically push out to channel partners over their own store in order to hit a wider audience. It will eventually come in stock at Asus.com though.

 

[III_Slyflyer_III]

Not sure how tech savvy you are, but it should be fairly easy to replace the fan.

In looking at guides (which there are not many), I could probably do it. I've replaced cracked cell phone screens before, so it's possible. I'd feel better knowing I'd have a backup monitor to buy though, cause I do love the PG27UQ. I feel like my fingers would snap one of those important cables in the monitor... lol.

 

[AgentAnon]

The PG32UQX doesn't "support" Dolby Vision. The ProArt version does but it's a lot more expensive. Dolby Vision is better than HDR10 in that it has a much higher ceiling but in practice I bet most Dolby Vision content isn't really utilizing it to where there is any notable difference between say HDR10 and Dolby Vision. Would I trade that for 2000 dollars, 24 more hertz, and a g-sync ultimate module? I think so.

I may also be understanding it wrong. Does this only apply to input signals from other devices? Or does it mean I can't watch Dolby Vision HDR content digitally (files, streaming, etc) without it being shown as HDR10?

The TFTCentral review says:

The screen can accept an HDR10 input signal and supports the DisplayHDR 1400 standard which is currently the top tier of VESA’s certification scheme.

 

[the_real_7]

I think anyone thinking who is on the fence thinking about about this should wait to lg 42inch oled. As this is the best lcd on the market is has to many flaws for the the price tag. This should be mark more at $1500 to $2000. No hdmi 2.1 is just a shame really .I have 3 lg oled cx calibrated that I game on and there's is nothing I've seen it pics that this thing even comes close to includeding hdr. The best thing this lcd has is 4k at 32 inches from what I've seen. I don't know how bad the bloom is cuase pictures don't really demonstrate real world usage, but seems like a 50/50 from users. Best to play the waiting game. I'm on a Acer Predator XB271HU which when compared to the oled , the contrast is just eye level hurtful so like most reading this forums, looking for something decent size contrast and 4k is not easy.

 

[VistaVick2]

At this point anyone who wanted to go the oled route would have done so. Some people want an actual monitor and not to risk burn in especially those who want to do more than gaming or watching movies.

 

[jt39]

I think anyone thinking who is on the fence thinking about about this should wait to lg 42inch oled. As this is the best lcd on the market is has to many flaws for the the price tag. This should be mark more at $1500 to $2000. No hdmi 2.1 is just a shame really .I have 3 lg oled cx calibrated that I game on and there's is nothing I've seen it pics that this thing even comes close to includeding hdr. The best thing this lcd has is 4k at 32 inches from what I've seen. I don't know how bad the bloom is cuase pictures don't really demonstrate real world usage, but seems like a 50/50 from users. Best to play the waiting game. I'm on a Acer Predator XB271HU which when compared to the oled , the contrast is just eye level hurtful so like most reading this forums, looking for something decent size contrast and 4k is not easy.

Yup, good conclusion.
4k, +120hz, color accuracy and 32" was the reason I bought it.
But: It's an unfinished and experimental product.
It has been falsely advertised. The product pictures don't have haloing/blooming, which gives the wrong impression about the product.
This is what they show:

This is the reality:

Also the price sets wrong expectations.

So what sense does it make to have that much brightness, when the contrast can't keep up? HDR can't be enjoyed in environments where contrast is detailed.

This is not an HDR monitor, it's an investment into ASUS development department. The monitor is just the proof that you paid that much.

Don't buy it unless you are ok with only 60% HDR implementation. Wait ~5 years, the tech is not there yet. ASUS just wanted to make us believe that they managed to do it with what they have.

 

[jake1977]

Yup, good conclusion.
4k, +120hz, color accuracy and 32" was the reason I bought it.
But: It's an unfinished and experimental product.
It has been falsely advertised. The product pictures don't have haloing/blooming, which gives the wrong impression about the product.
This is what they show:
View attachment 408075
This is the reality:
View attachment 408076

Also the price sets wrong expectations.

So what sense does it make to have that much brightness, when the contrast can't keep up? HDR can't be enjoyed in environments where contrast is detailed.

This is not an HDR monitor, it's an investment into ASUS development department. The monitor is just the proof that you paid that much.

Don't buy it unless you are ok with only 60% HDR implementation. Wait ~5 years, the tech is not there yet. ASUS just wanted to make us believe that they managed to do it with what they have.

I respectfully disagree, HDR is amazing with this monitor. It has its flaws, but the picture quality in the games I play is not one of them...

 

[Skyhopper01]

Yup, good conclusion.
4k, +120hz, color accuracy and 32" was the reason I bought it.
But: It's an unfinished and experimental product.
It has been falsely advertised. The product pictures don't have haloing/blooming, which gives the wrong impression about the product.
This is what they show:
View attachment 408075
This is the reality:
View attachment 408076

Also the price sets wrong expectations.

So what sense does it make to have that much brightness, when the contrast can't keep up? HDR can't be enjoyed in environments where contrast is detailed.

This is not an HDR monitor, it's an investment into ASUS development department. The monitor is just the proof that you paid that much.

Don't buy it unless you are ok with only 60% HDR implementation. Wait ~5 years, the tech is not there yet. ASUS just wanted to make us believe that they managed to do it with what they have.

This couldn't be further from the truth. This monitor is the absolute peak of HDR gaming right now. Far surpassing my LG oled. Sure its not perfect, but no display ever is.

 

[AgentAnon]

I think anyone thinking who is on the fence thinking about about this should wait to lg 42inch oled. As this is the best lcd on the market is has to many flaws for the the price tag. This should be mark more at $1500 to $2000. No hdmi 2.1 is just a shame really .I have 3 lg oled cx calibrated that I game on and there's is nothing I've seen it pics that this thing even comes close to includeding hdr. The best thing this lcd has is 4k at 32 inches from what I've seen. I don't know how bad the bloom is cuase pictures don't really demonstrate real world usage, but seems like a 50/50 from users. Best to play the waiting game. I'm on a Acer Predator XB271HU which when compared to the oled , the contrast is just eye level hurtful so like most reading this forums, looking for something decent size contrast and 4k is not easy.

This is misinformation. OLED is terrible in this department and can be thought of as budget technology when it comes to HDR and high-end viewing experiences. You will never get a true HDR experience with an OLED panel, because they lack the peak brightness on anything larger than a phone. Not to mention the terrible pixel density of that 42 inch TV and the burn-in issues make that OLED unsuitable for use as a PC monitor.

Apple put Mini-LED in Pro Display XDR, the Macbook Pro, and the iPad Pro specifically for this reason. Sony is ending production of the BVM X300, and shifting to stacked dual layer LCD design (BVM-HX310 is the successor). And get this: the reason they're doing so is that OLED panels aren't capable of providing the HDR compatibilities that are needed. OLED will be relegated to the niche of power efficency on small displays and things that run on batteries, which is its primary strength.

https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-miniled-is-the-future-of-big-displays

To anyone on the fence who cares about HDR, don't get a OLED TV. Current HDR options to consider are:

Asus ROG PG32UQX
Asus ProArt PA32UCG
Dell UP3221Q
Acer X32
Pro Display XDR
Viewsonic Elite XG321UG
Lenovo ThinkVision Creator Extreme

A few rules are that any contender should have an absolute minimum peak brightness of 1000 nits and a minimum resolution of 4k, but preferably should exceed the 1400 nits standard.

 

[AgentAnon]

Yup, good conclusion.

It's not. See above.

 

[jt39]

It's not. See above.

Wasn't referring to OLED vs LCD. Just HDR and Blooming. Should have made that clearer. Sorry about that.