Beyond the solid performance and SDR image quality, there are some nice extras such as crosshair overlays.
This does come at the cost of poor HDR alongside other design issues.
The 34-inch 1440p display comes with a 120Hz refresh rate in addition to the ability to overclock to 135Hz.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Performance aside, SDR image quality is quite stunning and looks great.
Then theres an incredibly reasonable feature set that comes with various gaming assists such as crosshair overlay.
For variable refresh rate solutions, the monitor comes packed withAMDFreeSync Premium to combat potential screen tearing.
That doesnt mean that there wont be any sacrifices to pack all of this into that price point.
One of the most glaring issues is itsHDRimplementation.
Even with changing tweaks through software or in-display, image quality is only going to look slightly average.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
To be honest, its best to avoid HDR on the GS34WQC altogether.
Then there are some design problems that come in the general aesthetic alongside set-up.
PC gamers looking for more extras like speakers and USB capabilities are going to be a bit disappointed.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Though available onAmazon, the gaming monitor can be grabbed at various stories depending on where one resides.
Considering the price, the GS34WQC is one of the most affordable 34 inch ultrawide gaming monitors available.
Meanwhile, the significantly more expensiveAOC CU34G2Xat $450 provides better HDR capabilities in addition to USB ports.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
The all-black matted material feels more acceptable in a classroom or library than next to an RGB desktop.
Again, the GS34WQC is more about function than everything else.
When it comes to maneuverability out of the box, the 18 lbs gaming monitor doesnt feel unwieldy.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Set-up is where some of the problems with the design began to show up.
A singular attached screen connects the stand to the neck.
However, those who dont read the monitor may run into some issues in the next steps.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
The four screws already come taped to the neck that connects to the display.
Be careful not to remove the tape without catching them because they will fall and can potentially get lost.
Both height and tilt can be adjusted on the gaming monitor too.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Power goes directly through the display so users wont have to worry about a larger powerbrick.
The port selection is respectable and will definitely satisfy gamers with at least two consoles.
Switching between inputs is pretty easy through the nub as well.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Gamers who want extras like external speakers and USB hubs for connectivity are going to have to look elsewhere.
Then there is HDR capability but well explain why it’s not very good in the next section.
Though the app works well, its really a matter of preference in regards to usability.
(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)
Users can make color changes in SDR and other display options but its also for toggling various game assists.
Three primary gaming assistance features are designed to provide gamers with a competitive edge on the GS32QC.
To circumvent the need for aim assists entirely, players can opt to disable in-game motion blur.
Finally, there’s the on-screen timer, a boon for speedrunners seeking to optimize their performance.
What the display does well is make good on its native 120Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time.
When it comes to image quality, the GS34WQC is wonderful when running in SDR.
Colors are bold and crisp with just the right amount of brightness.
Blacks are deep and the contrast ratio looks pretty good.
Just stay far away from the Black Equilizer which needs to be bumped down considerably.
Just leave HDR completely alone on this gaming monitor.
By default, HDR looks really washed out and flat.
The monitor loses a lot of the colorfulness and lushness that SDR provides.
Blacks look a bit too bright as well.
Even when tinkering with parameters, it’s hard to get color accuracy.
Its simply not good for gaming, creative work, or general computing tasks.
Should I buy the Gigabyte GS34WQC?
Now and then, I would have to create graphics and cut video clips as well.
There were also times when I took a break to watch videos onYouTubealongside other social media platforms.
All games played were tested in both SDR and HDR modes, for good measure.
Ive spent the past several years covering monitors alongside other PC components for Techradar.
