Display specialist AOC announces the Q3279VWFD8, a sibling to the 31.5" Q3279VWF, a superb allrounder from the well-received 79 series, which debuted last autumn and received huge appraisal for its extraordinary price/performance ratio. The new monitor, Q3279VWFD8 uses a different panel type - IPS - rather than the VA panel used in its older brother and boasts a wider colour gamut for increased colour accuracy and therefore more vivid, natural and eye-catching imagery. The Q3279VWFD8's 31.5" IPS panel offers a highly detailed QHD resolution (2560x1440 pixels), 5 ms GtG response time, AMD FreeSync support and 75 Hz refresh rate. Aimed at particularly budget conscious home power users, internet cafés and everyone who is after jaw-dropping specs without breaking the bank are going to be well-served with the Q3279VWFD8.

MMD, the leading technology company and brand license partner for Philips monitors, is releasing the 278E9, the latest addition to the E9 line of consumer displays. Featuring the stylish design and high-quality image performance for which the E9 line is known, the 278E9 offers a curved 27-inch narrow-border Ultra-Wide Color Full HD display for realistic visuals and extra wide viewing angles in addition to features such as AMD FreeSync for a smooth and more fully immersive user experience.

Display specialist AOC announces brand-new monitor series, V2, debuting with three monitors in 21.5", 23.8" and 27" displays sizes. These elegant, super-slim monitors are equipped with 3-sides frameless IPS panels in Full HD (1920x1080 pixels) resolution, offering wide viewing angles (178°/178°) and accurate colors (72% NTSC gamut coverage). The new and innovative frameless "edge" design hides the display frame behind the panel for an ultra clear look. The sleek appearance continues with an extra slim side profile (7.7 mm for 21.5" and 23.6", 7.9 mm for 27"), and finishes off with a pure, flat back cover without any bumps or bulges. An equally elegant and sturdy metal stand holds the monitor in its optimum position and provides over 20° of tilt adjustment, whilst housing power, headphones jack and video signal connections. These new V2 series monitors are also equipped with quick 5 ms response time, 75 Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync.

Thin, sleek, elegant - AOC's new V2 series come in three sizes: 21.5", 23.8" and 27"
The new V2 Series introduces AOC's innovative approach to monitor design combined with excellent visuals. The series debuts with monitors in three different sizes, the 21.5" 22V2Q, 23.8" 24V2Q and the 27" 27V2Q. All of these models are equipped with 3-sides frameless IPS panels, which deliver excellent viewing angle performance (178°/178°) as well as good color accuracy. 250 cd/m² brightness ensures good visibility in bright or sunlit rooms. The innovative design of the V2 series looks compact and elegant. These displays feel like a floating image in the air, unobstructed by thick bezels or a bulky back. The slim profile of the V2 series is as thin as a smartphone (7.7 mm for 21.5" and 23.8", 7.9 mm for 27").

Remember that awe-inspiring 4K monitor from Philips - the one with Ambiglow and that earned the world's first HDR 1000 monitor certification? It's up for grabs as we speak in multiple markets, and pricing is somewhat lower than predicted - a rare, momentous occasion (see that?). The Momentum 436M6VBPAB monitor packs an 8 bit + FRC 43" MVA panel affair that supports 4K resolution, features true Display HDR with 1000 maximum nits brightness, and also features AMD's FreeSync specification up to 80 Hz (overclocked) from its 60 Hz base frequency (minimum refresh rate is unknown, as is unclear whether it supports LFC). Additionally, the monitor features Quantum Dot technology to increase its color range (97.6% of the DCI-P3 color gamut as well as 100% of the sRGB color range)

What's more impressive though, is that Philips' Momentum monitor doesn't seem to be using local dimming to achieve its 1000 nits flash maximum brightness (required for HDR 1000 certification, with a baseline full-screen 600 nits for continuous content). Instead, Philips is apparently employing a 32-zone edge-lit solution. This is without a doubt one of the reasons this panel manages to undercut NVIDIA's 144 Hz, 4K panels, which use a 384-zone local dimming panel (besides the added G-Sync module royalties, of course). The Philips Momentum is available mostly through Amazon, and carries a €799 MSRP, which translates to around $1000 in the US.

AMD earlier this month announced that it is simply renaming its new FreeSync 2 standard as FreeSync 2 HDR, since it already incorporates hardware HDR, even though HDR is but one among many new features introduced with FreeSync 2. This caused some controversy as some FreeSync 2-certified monitors, which could now be plastered with FreeSync 2 HDR stickers, barely meet VESA's DisplayHDR 400 standards. AMD released a detailed statement to TechPowerUp, in which it clarified that FreeSync 2 HDR in no way lowers the bar for HDR, and that its certification program is both separate from and predates VESA DisplayHDR standards.

Essentially, AMD claims that all FreeSync 2 HDR-certified displays exceed DisplayHDR 400 requirements, but not all meet the DisplayHDR 600 minimums. In such cases, monitor manufacturers may stick both DisplayHDR 400 and AMD FreeSync 2 HDR logos in their specs-sheets or the product itself, but that doesn't mean that their monitors can only put out 400 nits brightness. The statement follows.

AMD and Samsung today announced support for Radeon FreeSync technology in the new Samsung QLED 55" to 82" TV range, bringing the ultimate, ultrawide 4K gaming experience to an entirely new format - big screen TVs. Samsung is the first company to utilize industry-leading Radeon FreeSync adaptive refresh technology for stutter-free gaming inside a consumer television set. With High Dynamic Range (HDR) support up to 1000nits and stunning picture quality, Samsung's QLED displays allow gamers to experience strikingly high refresh rates and low latency on TVs at a variety of price points and screen sizes ranging from 55" to 82" creating a single display for all their home entertainment needs.

Over the past three years, Radeon FreeSync technology has driven widespread adoption and become the industry's most selected solution for smooth gaming. Earlier this year, AMD expanded the ecosystem by propelling tear-free gameplay beyond the PC with the launch of support for FreeSync technology in Microsoft's Xbox One S and Xbox One X consoles in early March. With more than 250 compatible displays offered by more than 20 partners, this is more than double the availability of competing technology.

AMD today rolled out Radeon Software Adrenalin 18.5.2 Beta drivers. This includes drivers for 32-bit Windows 10 and Windows 7. While the drivers don't coincide with any AAA game launches; they pack a number of bug fixes. To begin with, they fix a system hang noticed on "Sea of Thieves" after the splash-screen. A "white screen" that was noticed in "The Crew" in daylight maps, is now fixed. Shader Cache failing to enable on some games, has now been fixed. Certain FreeSync displays putting out a blank screen when FreeSync is enabled in the middle of a game, is fixed. Texture issues with zombie models in "Arizona Sunshine" is fixed. "Warhammer: Vermintide 2" experiencing an application hang upon changing resolution, has also been fixed.DOWNLOAD: AMD Radeon Software Adrenalin 18.5.2 Beta

AOC today announced availability of their budget-conscious G2590FX, their latest addition to the G90 series of monitors (and an improvement to their 6-month old G2590VXQ). The G2590FX has been developed with the budget-conscious gamer in mind. The usage of a TN panel keeps costs lower than other panel options would allow. At the same time, AOC looked towards offering high-quality gaming specs - such as the 1 ms response time, and the 144 Hz panel refresh rate with AMD Freesync support - to allow twitch-players to stay competitive. The 1080p resolution can almost be seen as a bonus, as it ensures the likelihood of users' graphics processing hardware to deliver those 144 Hz.

AOC is touting this monitor as having a 3-side-frameless structure, which does look that way in the media photos - though those usually have to be taken with a grain of salt. Display output connectors include 1x VGA, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, and 2x HDMI 1.4. The AOC G2590FX monitor is now available worldwide at an MSRP of £219.99 (direct conversion puts it at some €252 or $290, but US pricing will likely be lower.

Acer today unveiled new Nitro Series gaming desktop PCs and monitors that expand its Nitro product family, designed for outstanding casual gameplay at affordable prices. The new Acer Nitro 50 Series desktops and Nitro VG0 and RG0 Series monitors easily handle demanding processing and graphics requirements for both content creation and consumption.

• Powered by up to 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processors and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 GPUs, Acer Nitro 50 Series desktops offer performance that exceeds the needs of casual gamers and can easily handle graphic-intensive tasks.
• Sleek and stylish, the new Acer Nitro VG0 and RG0 series monitors both earned 2018 Red Dot Design Awards.
• They feature AMD Radeon FreeSync and up to a 1 ms Visual Response Boost to deliver smooth and tear-free gameplay.

To celebrate the introduction of three new G-Master monitors and the new G-Master logo, iiyama launches a pan European competition where fans can win one of 10 brand new Black Hawk and Red Eagle monitors, or one of the hundred other prizes.

"We are extremely proud and thankful for the recognition the G-master #monitors4gamers have received since their first launch in autumn 2014. Just last year, over hundred thousand G-Master monitors have been chosen by gamers all over Europe. With the introduction of two new Black Hawk monitors and one Red Eagle - the first ones to carry the new G-Master logo - we want to invite G-master fans to take part in a special 'crack-the-code' competition and show how G-Master fans celebrate victory." - says Jeffry Pettinga, Sales Director Europe.

ASRock has finally launched one of their more interesting X470 solutions, the X470 Fatal1ty Gaming ITX/ac motherboard. The specs for this board are already well known to us, but I'd like to point out the graphical DisplayPort output, a feature seldom seen in other products, which is there to facilitate users some FreeSync shennanigans on their Zen APU.

This motherboard crams all of the essentials for a great system (and great looking in its all black color scheme) as it is, though of course, some expandability options are absent due to PCB real-estate limitations. But user looking for a no-frills, ITX motherboard with built-in AC wi-fi support may not need to look anywhere else. No pricing announcement yet, but allowing ourselves to speculate based on past ASRock products and ASUS' own ROG Strix X470-I Gaming, probably places this motherboard in the $200 range. These should start creeping in on store inventories soon - though a warning on ASRock's website saying this model may not be available worldwide sets a feeling of unease.

So "console-optimized monitors" are a thing. Apparently eSports players on consoles can't lug their big TVs around to BYOD events (local LAN parties), and so BenQ has come up with the Zowie RL2755T, which has been certified by Sony as an officially-licensed product for the PlayStation 4. The 27-inch monitor features a TN-film panel, with Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution, 1 ms (GTG) response time, and up to 75 Hz refresh rate.

BenQ makes up for these specs otherwise brushed aside by PC gamers, with a narrow bezel design, low response-time, Black eQualizer (a feature that enhances dark areas of the screen to help you spot enemies), flicker-free brightness adjustments, and dynamic color vibrance that helps you spot distant enemies. The stand offers height and tilt adjustments. Display inputs include two HDMI inputs, and DVI. The company didn't reveal pricing.

The new MSI Optix AG32CQ probably sparks déjà vu because a monitor with a near-identical name and design was launched last October. That is, until you pay close attention to the "Q" in its name. The new Optix AG32CQ has a similar feature-set to the AG32C, but with increased resolution to 2560 x 1440 pixels, hence the "Q," denoting quad-HD. The 32-inch monitor with 1800R curvature still offers the goodness of a VA panel with 178°/178° viewing angles, 144 Hz refresh-rate (slightly lower than the 165 Hz of its Full HD predecessor), 1 ms (GTG) response-time, 3000:1 static contrast ratio, and support for AMD FreeSync technology. The company didn't reveal pricing.

Display specialist AOC is proud to announce the new addition to its AGON premium gaming monitor family, the AOC AGON AG322QC4 that offers stunning gaming visuals with its HDR400-compliant 3-sided frameless 31.5" VA panel, a razor-sharp Quad HD (2560x1440 px) resolution in 16:9 aspect ratio, deep and inky 2000:1 static contrast ratio and an aggressive 1800R curvature. The 144 Hz refresh rate, 4 ms GtG response time combined with FreeSync 2 support ensure a smooth gameplay experience at the utmost competitive level.

The AG322QC4 comes with recent display technologies for lifelike visuals and the smoothest gameplay experience, VESA DisplayHDR 400 and Radeon FreeSync 2. The VESA HDR400 specification ensures 400 cd/m² peak brightness, improved black levels, higher color gamut and more bit depth (color depth) to display High Dynamic Range (HDR) visuals.

BenQ announced availability of their EW3270U desktop PC monitor, which features some well-known quantity in terms of features. The panel itself is a 31.5" affair built upon VA technology, and features 4K resolution (3840 x 2160). There's a 3000:1 contrast ratio, a measly 300 cd/m² brightness (so no, this monitor can't really display HDR content, it can only receive HDR input), a 9 ms response time (with 4 ms gray-to-gray).

There's a somewhat interesting technology at play here though, which BenQ calls Brightness Intelligence Plus Technology (B.I.+ Tech). This tech should somewhat have the unintended effect of wreaking havoc with content: it automatically darkens bright areas so as to reduce contrast with the dark ones. FreeSync was thrown into the display as well, though that should do little to improve its gaming monitor chops. Connectivity-wise, we're looking at a pretty standard 1xDisplayPort 1.2 x, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB-C, and a 3.5 mm audio jack.

ASUS today introduced the VP228QG, an entry-level gaming-grade monitor. This 21.5-inch monitor covers all the essentials for a gaming PC built on a shoestring budget. Its TN-film panel features Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution, but bolstered by 75 Hz refresh-rate, 1 ms (GTG) response time, support for AMD FreeSync technology, and TÜV Rheinland-certified flicker-free LED back-lighting.

Other vital specs include 170°/160° viewing-angles, 250 cd/m² maximum brightness, and dynamic mega-contrast ratio. You get ASUS GamePlus (OSD crosshairs, FPS counter, display alignment), and game genre-specific display presets. Inputs include DisplayPort 1.2a, HDMI 1.4a, and D-Sub. ASUS could price this monitor under the $200-mark.

ASUS today introduced the VG255H, a 24.5-inch "console gaming monitor." The company is targeting this Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) monitor at console gamers, as a better alternative to TV. We guess ASUS is also hedging its bets on PC gamers transitioning over to consoles (who prefer gaming on a desk), in the wake of the crypto-plague pricing out affordable graphics cards. HDMI is the only digital input this monitor has, it has two HDMI 1.4a ports, and supports AMD FreeSync over HDMI.

Besides FreeSync, the gaming-grade credentials of this TN-film monitor are bolstered by 1 ms response time, 75 Hz refresh-rate, GameFast Input Technology (which works to reduce input lag), and ASUS GamePlus, a set of features that include OSD crosshairs, FPS counters, timers, and bezel compensation. Also included are six game genre-specific display presets. Besides HDMI, the monitor includes a D-Sub input. Its stand offers height, tilt, and 90° rotation. The company didn't reveal pricing.

ASUS introduced the VG258Q, a relatively cost-effective 25-inch gaming-grade monitor. Its Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution is nothing to write home about, but the 144 Hz refresh-rate, 1 ms response time (gray to gray), ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur (TV-type stutter compensation feature), and support for AMD FreeSync technology, and TUV Rheinland-certified flicker-free LED back-lighting, could pique your interest. Other vital specs include a TN-film panel, 400 cd/m² maximum brightness, dynamic mega-contrast ratio, and ASUS GamePlus enhancements, which include presets specific to game genres, OSD crosshair, frame-rate counters, etc. Display inputs include DisplayPort 1.2a (needed for FreeSync), HDMI 1.4, and dual-link DVI-D. The company didn't reveal pricing.

ASUS today rolled out the MG248QE, an entry-level 24-inch gaming monitor. This monitor misses out on the coveted Republic of Gamers (ROG) branding by ASUS, but is still targeted at gamers, albeit on a tight budget, owing to is sub-$300 pricing. Don't stop reading at Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution just yet - you get 144 Hz refresh-rate, 1 ms (GTG) response time, and support for AMD FreeSync. Many of ASUS' GamePlus features are carried over from its ROG monitor lineup, such as GameVisual game genre-specific display presets, OSD crosshairs, timers, frame-rate counters, and monitor-based bezel-compensation adjustments for multi-monitor setups.

Other vital specs of the ASUS MG248QE include a TN-film panel with 16.7 million-colors, 170°/160° (V/H) maximum viewing-angles, LED backlit illuimation with low blue-light, 350 cd/m² maximum brightness, 100000000:1 "ASUS Smart Contrast Ratio," and passive anti-ghosting that takes advantage of the panel's high refresh-rate. Display inputs include HDMI 1.4a, DisplayPort 1.2a, and dual-link DVI. Since this monitor is succeeding the company's VG248QE with a slightly refreshed feature-set (FreeSync and low blue-light), we expect it to sell at a similar price-point $250-$280.

MMD, the leading technology company and brand license partner for Philips Monitors, is announcing three new additions to the Philips E-line of consumer displays. Dubbed "E9", these models bring together outstanding design and extraordinary image performance for superior viewing and style. All three E9 narrow-border Full HD displays with Ultra-Wide Color technology deliver true-to-life visuals and immersive viewing angles for heightened convenience and enjoyment, whether at home or at work.

The new Philips E9 monitors all feature excellent 27-inch IPS LED wide view displays. Unlike standard TN panels, IPS provides superior image and color accuracy in addition to viewing angles of 178/178, making it possible to view the displays from almost any angle while enjoying remarkably crisp images and vibrant colors. These models are thus ideal not only for viewing photos, watching movies, and browsing the web, but also for professional uses that require color accuracy and consistent brightness. Ultra-Wide Color technology endows the E9 monitors with a particularly wide color gamut for deeper, more vivid, and more natural-looking colors, while the enhanced Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution results in phenomenal detail, brightness, and contrast for images almost real enough to touch. Furthermore, these monitors are easy on the eyes thanks to Flicker-Free technology, which regulates brightness and reduces flicker for more comfortable viewing, as well as Philips Low Blue Mode, which uses smart software to reduce harmful shortwave blue light for greater wellbeing.

LG has released a behemoth of a new monitor that aims to deliver the same image quality as a standard 4K panel in a much, much wider package. The 38WK95C is a 37" monitor with a staggeringly wide 24:10 ratio, which delivers its 3840x1600 pixels in an ultrawide field of view that's sure to be a powerhouse of a working environment. There's even FreeSync support, as is the case for many LG monitors, so that users who want to try and catch some gaming can do so at a buttery-smooth frame rate - if they can find some games that get around the ultrawide aspect ratio and can actually play with no distracting graphical glitches, that is.

The panel is an IPS affair with 5 ms gray-to-gray response time and 75 Hz refresh rate - somewhat adequate to the resolution this monitor will be used at. LG does seem to be back at their misleading HDR badges, though, as they claim HDR10 support, despite the fact that brightness is set at a pretty low 300 cd/m² brightness. The bare minimum that AMD considers for an entry-level HDR-capable display is 400 nits of brightness, so LG seems to be merely quoting support for HDR inputs - there's likely no real HDR image quality enhancement at play here. The panel is being quoted as being 10 bit (8-bit+FRC) color capable. As for inputs, there are 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2 and 1x USB Type-C connectors; the monitor includes 2x 10 W speakers, a headphone jack and 2x USB 3.0 ports, and will enter the market at a $1,499 asking price.

AMD today released the latest version of Radeon Software Adrenalin Edition. Version 18.2.3, the third release for this month, comes with optimization for "Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age," "Sea of Thieves," and "Brass Tactics." With "Sea of Thieves," the drivers enable up to 29% higher frame-rates at 4K UHD, when measured with Radeon RX Vega 64, and up to 39% higher frame-rates at 1080p, when measured with an RX 580. With FFXII, it enables up to 13% higher frame-rates at 1440p measured with an RX Vega 64, and up to 20% higher frame-rates at 1080p, with an RX 580.

A host of FreeSync-related bugs are addressed with this release. They correct a bug experienced with FreeSync kicking in during online video-playback in Google Chrome, causing flickering; rapid frame-rate changes between minimum and maximum FPS ranges when gaming in certain system configurations; which causes stuttering; and a flickering observed on FreeSync-capable displays when performance metrics overlay is enabled with Enhanced Sync. A Radeon Overlay flickering noticed on Vulkan API games was fixed. A display corruption issue with "Fortnite" was fixed. Grab the drivers from the link below.DOWNLOAD: AMD Radeon Software Adrenalin 18.2.3 Beta

The change-log follows.

AMD today released its latest version of Radeon Software Adrenalin Edition. Version 18.2.1 Beta adds optimization for "Final Fantasy 12: The Zodiac Age." It also corrects a bug with AMD FreeSync which caused it to switch between minimum and maximum refresh-rate range, causing a stutter. FreeSync compatibility with Samsung CF791 displays, was also improved. It also corrects a game launch issue with "Sid Meier's Civilization V" on hybrid graphics systems. Radeon Chill compatibility is improved with games that use the Vulkan API (such as "Doom" and "Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus." Texture and artifact glitches were corrected in games such as "NFS: Payback" and "Hyperdimension Neptunia."DOWNLOAD: AMD Radeon Software Adrenalin 18.2.1

LG has released a new addition to their monitor lineup. The 27UK650-W is an interesting monitor, marrying a 27", 16:9 4K (3840 x 2160) IPS panel with HDR 10 support. The static contrast ratio of 1000:1 means the monitor has a dynamic contrast of 5,000,000:1 (not that that particular spec matters much). The maximum brightness, however, leaves much to be desired on a HDR-enabled monitor: the LG 27UK650-W only manage to deliver 350 cd/m² brightness, which is lower than even the lowest HDR standard AMD considers as being HDR capable (a minimum brightness of 400 cd/m² is required for that). The sRGB 99% Color Gamut coverage is good, however, if not that rare a feature nowadays.

The panel features a 5 ms response time, aided by the implementation of AMD's FreeSync tech, which should help gamers achieve more fluid frame-rates. Flicker free and blue-light reduction technologies are also on board. As for connectivity, 2x HDMI and 1x DisplayPort are available on the LG 27UK650-W. This LG monitor gets rid of the company's hallmark glossy black in the color department, and instead adopts a glossy white and gray finish. The LG 27UK650-W will be available from January 26th for an appealing $529.

Building on the global enthusiasm generated in 2017 by Ryzen processors and Radeon graphics technology, AMD today detailed its forthcoming roll-out plan for its new and next generation of high-performance computing and graphics products during an event in Las Vegas just prior to the opening of CES 2018. Alongside announcing the first desktop Ryzen processors with built-in Radeon Vega Graphics, AMD also detailed the full line up of Ryzen mobile APUs including the new Ryzen PRO and Ryzen 3 models, and provided a first look at the performance of its upcoming 12nm 2nd generation Ryzen desktop CPU expected to launch in April. In graphics, AMD announced the expansion of the "Vega" family with Radeon Vega Mobile and that its first 7nm product is planned to be a Radeon "Vega" GPU specifically built for machine learning applications.

"We successfully accomplished the ambitious goals we set for ourselves in 2017, reestablishing AMD as a high-performance computing leader with the introduction and ramp of 10 different product families," said AMD President and CEO Dr. Lisa Su. "We are building on this momentum in 2018 as we make our strongest product portfolio of the last decade even stronger with new CPUs and GPUs that bring more features and more performance to a broad set of markets."