The world's number one gaming monitor and IT accessories brand AOC is relaunching its gaming portfolio, from monitors to headsets, mechanical keyboards, mice, mouse mats and more for gamers of all levels, under its new umbrella AGON by AOC. Recently announced, the first category AOC GAMING defines the needs of digital adventurers. Now, the AGON category of monitors and peripherals creates an ecosystem of products that are compatible with each other for a fully immersive and stylish gaming atmosphere and can satisfy demanding, competitive gamers.

Hence, the first models from the relaunched AGON series are two hero-worthy curved super-wides: the 49" (124.5 cm) AG493UCX2 with a whopping 165 Hz refresh rate, as well as the 49" AG493QCX with a 144 Hz refresh rate. With their 32:9 aspect ratio, the AG493UCX2 virtually combines two 27" QHD displays in one seamless panel with DQHD (5120 x 1440) resolution and the AG493QCX does the same for two 27" Full HD displays with DFHD (3840 x 1080) resolution. Both monitors employ VA panels for deep blacks, rich colors, and a high contrast ratio for stunning imagery, supported by their VESA Certified DisplayHDR 400 specification.

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of display solutions, announces that the latest gaming monitor, the XG2431, has started shipping. The ultra-sleek 24" display is equipped with an IPS panel that deliver vibrant visuals with an ultra-fast 1 ms response. Approved by industry-renowned Blur Busters* for its motion blur reduction, it gives players the power to compete alongside the pros in the highest levels of First-Person Shooter (FPS), Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA), and Real-Time Strategy (RTS) genres.

With native Full HD 1080p resolution and 240 Hz refresh rate, professional gamers can gain an edge. The sleek borderless design and wide viewing angles ensure that the XG2431 is ideal for multi-display gaming setups with minimal frame distraction, making it perfect for gaming arenas and tournament play. The ViewSonic XG2431 features AMD FreeSync Premium technology, which synchronizes the output of the GPU graphics card and monitor to eliminate screen tearing and provide smoother frame rates. This 24-inch monitor features the perfect combination of speed, control and color. The super smooth 240 Hz refresh rate allows games to run at an ultra-fast framerate for superior performance, while the 1 ms response time ensures faster and more precise gameplay.

This SuperWide 49" screen, with its 5120 x 1440 resolution, is designed to replace multi-monitor setups for a truly wide view with a 32:9 aspect ratio. It feels just like having two 27" 16:9 QuadHD (2560 x 1440) displays side-by-side. Any professional will be amazed by the extra screen real estate by upgrading to a 49" monitor: spreadsheets become fully visible, while video makers and programmers can keep an eye on the previews and timelines at the same time. The screen's 1800R curve ensures a more immersive and comfortable experience, mirroring the natural field of view and reducing glare and distortion. Architects, graphic designers, video makers, programmers and those working in finance all need space that allows multiple program windows to be visible at the same time, supporting their creativity and boosting their productivity - but this screen is certain to impress any user.

Thanks to its 165 Hz refresh rate, the Philips 498P9Z is not only a workhorse, but a dream-machine for gaming. With its VESA-certified DisplayHDR 400 support it delivers a significant step up from normal SDR displays, producing astonishing brightness, contrast and colours. Its fuller palette of rich colours is a pleasure to behold, while the 165 Hz refresh rate and Adaptive-Sync technology deliver effortlessly smooth gaming when the work is done. Any media displayed on the screen is enhanced and delivered at its best, and the monitor can also easily support casual gaming sessions, a few battle royale rounds, a short take-off and landing in a flight simulator, or a couple of laps of rallying in between.

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), the global leading motherboard, Mini-PC, Notebooks, mobile device and smart city solutions provider, is proud to present the World's smallest 15 W Mini PC - LIVA Q3 Plus. LIVA Q3 Plus featured with AMD Ryzen embedded V1605B processor, which brings together the breakthrough performance of the pioneering AMD "Zen" CPU and "Vega" GPU architectures in a seamlessly-integrated SoC solution that provides extreme high performance, low power consumption and a more stable user environment to manage content easily. With the pocket-size, LIVA Q3 Plus can fit in any limited space, and it is designed specifically for enterprises to digital signage, smart office, edge computing, self-service counter and digital casino gaming solutions.

LIVA Q3 Plus features with AMD Ryzen embedded V1605B processor by using the exclusive overlap mechanical design, which power scaling only 15 W TDP compares to other high performance processor. In spite of its compact dimensions, LIVA Q3 Plus designs to embed an internal cooling fan to avoid overheating, which can keep your system stay cool and more stable.

Razer today announced the latest version of its multi-award-winning gaming monitor, the new Razer Raptor 27. With a 165 Hz display and 1 ms response time, the Raptor 27 meets the demand for image quality and speed needed in today's high-frame-rate and high-resolution AAA game titles. The Razer Raptor 27 is the world's first PC monitor to achieve THX Certification, undergoing more than 400 individual tests to ensure color, tone and images are displayed as their creators intended, for a stunning picture quality and level of detail.

Providing increased fluidity at 165 Hz, the wide-angle IPS display in the new Razer Raptor 27 boasts a QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution with support for both AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync adaptive synchronization technology. With a 95 percent DCI-P3 wide color gamut and HDR400 capability, the Razer Raptor 27 offers deep blacks and vibrant colors that take gaming, productivity, and entertainment to new visual heights.

HP introduced its latest gaming hardware and software designed for today's gamers with the powerful OMEN 16 and OMEN 17, bright and customizable OMEN 25i Gaming Monitor, and community gaming with OMEN OASIS Beta feature in OMEN Gaming Hub. The company also debuted Victus by HP, its next-generation mainstream-level gaming PC portfolio, with a 16-inch laptop.

Gaming continues to be an outlet for entertainment and connecting with friends. Two out of three people are spending more time watching videos and gaming than they did prior to the pandemic, with one in four gaming three to four hours more and almost one in five gaming six to ten hours more a week6. HP's next-generation gaming portfolio is designed for both veteran gamers and enthusiast explorers to be entertained, connected, and empowered to progress in their favorite games.

The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) has recently issued a press release that addresses the use of illegitimate DisplayHDR 2000 certification. VESA is the body responsible for certifying displays under its DisplayHDR scheme which features various tiers corresponding to peak luminance. The recently announced Samsung Odyssey G9 and ASUS EI491CRG9 monitors are advertised as having DisplayHDR 2000 certification on Chinese retailer Taobao which is not possible given that currently available certifications only go up to DisplayHDR 1400. VESA has not ruled out a possible future DisplayHDR 2000 standard but given this press release, it would appear unlikely to be released anytime soon.

Following the introduction of the world's first tactical gaming monitor in 2019, AORUS, GIGABYTE's premium gaming brand, goes 4K in full force, launching the world's first 32-inch (FI32U), 43-inch (FV43U), 48-inch (FO48U) 4K UHD tactical gaming monitors that sport HDMI 2.1 connectivity. The new 4K monitor lineup is ready to make a splash in ultimate gaming on a big screen.

Minisforum, the leading innovator of mini PC products, has just released their another new product: Minisforum U820/U850 powered by Intel Core i5 8259U / 10210U processor up to 3.80 GHz/4.20 GHz, 4 cores 8 threads, total cache 6 MB. The space will make the Mini PC run more smoothly.Equipped with Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 / Intel UHD graphics. Pre installed with Windows 10 Pro, you can use it immediately after arrival. U820/U850 is suitable for office, meeting, teaching, home, advertising machine, and other scenarios.

Minisforum U820/U850 is an ultra-lightweight, compact and cost-effective desktop computer, specially designed for office workers and home computers. Product dimension is 5.1" x 5.1" x 2.1". This mini computer is about the same size as the palm of your hand and will not occupy more space on the desk. We included a VESA Bracket in the package, which can be easily fixed on the back of the monitor to save a lot of space.

UPDATED January 19th 2021: NVIDIA in a statement to Overclock3D had this to say on the issue:

Late last year we updated G-SYNC ULTIMATE to include new display technologies such as OLED and edge-lit LCDs.

All G-SYNC Ultimate displays are powered by advanced NVIDIA G-SYNC processors to deliver a fantastic gaming experience including lifelike HDR, stunning contract, cinematic colour and ultra-low latency gameplay. While the original G-SYNC Ultimate displays were 1000 nits with FALD, the newest displays, like OLED, deliver infinite contrast with only 600-700 nits, and advanced multi-zone edge-lit displays offer remarkable contrast with 600-700 nits. G-SYNC Ultimate was never defined by nits alone nor did it require a VESA DisplayHDR1000 certification. Regular G-SYNC displays are also powered by NVIDIA G-SYNC processors as well.

The ACER X34 S monitor was erroneously listed as G-SYNC ULTIMATE on the NVIDIA web site. It should be listed as "G-SYNC" and the web page is being corrected.

NVIDIA has silently updated their NVIDIA G-SYNC Ultimate requirements compared to their initial assertion. Born as a spin-off from NVIDIA's G-SYNC program, whose requirements have also been laxed compared to their initial requirements for a custom and expensive G-SYNC module that had to be incorporated in monitor designs, the G-SYNC Ultimate badge is supposed to denote the best of the best in the realm of PC monitors: PC monitors that feature NVIDIA's proprietary G-SYNC module and HDR 1000, VESA-certified panels. This is opposed to NVIDIA's current G-SYNC Compatible (which enables monitors sans the G-SYNC module but with support for VESA's VRR standard to feature variable refresh rates) and G-SYNC (for monitors that only feature G-SYNC modules but may be lax in their HDR support) programs.

AOC today launched another addition to their gaming monitor lineup in the form of the AG323QCX2. This particular entry from AOC features a 2560 x 1440 8WQHD) 31.5" panel with a VA pixel matrix, which will ensure fast response times - as shown by the 155 HZ refresh rate and 1 ms response time. To support that refresh rate, the AOC AG323QCX2 features support for VESA's VRR (FreeSync). With a contrast ratio set at 3000:1 and a 1500R curvature, this panel looks like a competent solution for users who are looking for 1080p+ resolutions but don't want to bring their graphics cards to their knees with 4K resolution (a reality that is still common, even with the latest (unavailable) GPUs from AMD and NVIDIA.

The AG323QCX2 also features support for VESA's HDR 400 standard, with a typical luminance announced at 400 cd/m² (and HDR10 support). Color technology-wise, we're looking at a a good 99% sRGB color coverage, and a great 91% coverage of the DCI-P3 color spaces, with a calibration that ensures a Delta-E < 2 value, which opens up this monitor's usage for photo and video editing. I/O is assured by 2x DisplayPort 1.3 and 2x HDMI 2.0 (limiting its usage for the latest-gen consoles), 4x USB 3.2 downstream ports, 1x Mic-in, 1x Audio Out, and 2x internal 5 W speakers. Quality-of-life wise, the monitor features inclination, rotation and height adjustments, a 75 x 75 mm VESA mount, blue light filtering and flicker-free background lighting. The monitor comes in at a hefty 7.2 Kg (sans stand). No information on pricing was available at time of writing.

DisplayPort 2.0 was supposed to see its implementation beginning by the end of 2020, but that time has come and gone without a single DisplayPort 2.0-touting product on sight. According to VESA, the rollout has been delayed mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented the standards body to perform its PlugTest events, where engineers and hardware developers convene to discuss, tinker, and decide on the standard's implementation. VESA held multiple of these events per year, but none in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic; thus, the delay we are now witnessing surged.

VESA plans to have their first 2021 PlugTest event in Spring of this year, however, and aims to see products on the shelves later, and likely not before 2H 2020. The standards body said that there are, indeed, DisplayPort 2.0 monitors currently in-development, but that these too have been affected by the lack of PlugTests. DisplayPort 2.0 is an update to the current 1.4 implementation, and currently, there are no launched products (monitors, graphics cards, etc) that can make use of the new version. The new standard will technically support up to 80 Gbps max, nearly three times the currently available bandwidth in the DisplayPort 1.4 spec. DisplayPort Alt Mode 2.0 also brings most of these capabilities to USB Type-C connectors via the USB 4.0 revision.

MSI, a world leader in high performance and innovative computing solutions, announced the PRO MP271 Series professional monitors. Featuring an IPS panel with wide viewing angle and enhanced viewing experience, eye care and ergonomic design, PRO MP271 series are designed with efficiency and productivity in mind. Crafted with reliable materials, and optimized with the exclusive applicability for any situation, it is built to deliver a clear visual and user experience.

The innovative PRO MP271 Series monitor is designed to increase visual comfort while performing the computer tasks at home or in the office. The PRO MP271QP, PRO MP271P and PRO MP271, with MSI Anti-Flicker Technology, eliminate flickering and effectively reduce eye fatigue and provide a more comfortable viewing experience during prolonged screen time. The Less Blue Light Mode also filters visual exposure to the blue spectrum light during daily use scenarios. Both of the eye care technologies are certified by TUV Rheinland to make sure that PRO MP271 series bring the most comfortable viewing experience for users while enhancing the productivity at home or in the office.

SPC Gear, the gaming label of the European manufacturer SilentiumPC, extends its portfolio by announcing a brand-new gaming desk and a matching monitor desk mount. The Gaming Desk GD100 is designed for gamers who value comfort and aesthetics. It offers a wide range of practical solutions that make it easy to organize accessory and peripheral cords by implementing a metal shelf underneath the profiled desktop, a rubber grommet and conduits in the legs. The new Atlas 100 universal monitor desk mount supports 13 to 27-inch displays with VESA 75x75mm (3" x 3") and 100x100mm (4" x 4") mounting standards. It allows for better positioning of the monitor, improves the ergonomics and frees up desk space. Thanks to its simple and robust construction, the Atlas 100 offers easy installation and adjustment of height and position of the horizontal and vertical screen position.

AOC has announced a new addition to their AGON line of gaming monitors in the form of the AGON AG493UCX. This is a beastly monitor with a 49" diagonal and 5K resolution with a Super Ultra-Wide aspect ratio of 32:9 (with a resolution of 5120 x 1440 pixels). The panel type is VA, which promises increased contrast ratios against those typically found in IPS panels (3000:1, in this case). AOC is promising 120 Hz refresh rates with a 1 ms (MPRT) response times with MBR backlight. There is also support for VRR technologies such as FreeSync and G-Sync (compatible).

Display brightness is quoted at 550 cd/m², which is just shy of a DisplayHDR 600 certification, but comfortably achieves the VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. The monitor isn't a slouch in terms of color display either, being better than your average VA panel: the display is factory-calibrated and ships with a guaranteed dE <2, and coverage for 16.7 millions colors across a 93% DCI-P3 gamut coverage (and 121% sRGB coverage). I/O is handled by 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB type-C, 3x USB ports and 1x an audio output. 2x 5 W speakers are built in to the screen and the stand offers tilt, height and swivel adjustments. No word on pricing as of yet.

Update December 10th 2020: AOC has just made the AGON AG493UCX available for purchase. Initial availability is pegged for Europe with a price tag set at £899 / €899.

GIGABYTE launched the BRIX S line of desktop mini PCs powered by AMD Ryzen 4000U "Renoir" 15 W mobile processors. These mini-PCs are almost NUC-sized, measuring 46.8 mm x 119.5 mm x 119.5 mm (HxWxD), and pack a 2.5-inch SATA drive-bay in addition to an M.2-2280 slot with both PCI-Express 3.0 x4 and SATA 6 Gbps wiring. Connectivity is highlighted by four display outputs—one each of HDMI 2.0a, DisplayPort, and two USB-C with DP passthroughs. Networking connectivity includes 2.5 GbE and 802.11ax + Bluetooth 5.1 WLAN.

As for the specific models, the GB-BRR7H-4700 is powered by a Ryzen 7 4700U, the GB-BRR5H-4500 by a Ryzen 5 4500U, and the GB-BRR3H-4300 by the Ryzen 3 4300U. All three feature two DDR4 SO-DIMM slots, and a vacant M.2-2280 slot, so you're expected to drop in your own memory and storage. All three include VESA mounting brackets, so you can tuck them behind your monitor, if it has VESA wall-mounts. The power bricks included with all three can put out 135 W of power. The company didn't reveal pricing.

[Editor's note: This press release is specific to a US product announcement, and it may have been released in other regions before.]

Display specialist AOC announces the AOC 16T2, a new portable touchscreen monitor with USB-C connectivity. The 39.6 cm (15.6") IPS display 16T2 comes with Full HD resolution and can be connected to a laptop, desktop/server or a smartphone through its two USB-C ports (utilizing DisplayPort alternate mode) or its Micro HDMI port. Thanks to the built-in 8000 mAh battery, the 16T2 can be used on-the-go without requiring a power outlet and can even act as a power bank and charge a smartphone. Less than a centimeter in thickness, a featured smart, foldable cover for portrait and landscape orientations and VESA wall mount option make this monitor a great tool for mobile business users as well as mobile gamers, students, IT administrators, small businesses, DIYers, and more. The AOC 16T2 is available on Amazon starting November 9, 2020, for $249.99.

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), the global leading motherboard, Mini-PC, Notebooks, mobile device and smart city solutions provider, is pleased to announce desktop performance mini PC - LIVA One H410. LIVA One H410 is designed perfectly for business applications, again its small size and excellent power efficiency benefit edge AI computing, smart signage, retail intelligence, healthcare, terminals, and gateways.

Users can outfit LIVA One H410 with anything from the latest Intel Gen 10th Core i9 ten-core CPUs processor with M.2 SSD interface up to 64 GB memory and 7 USB ports for all your needs to transform data. It supports dual displays through HDMI and DisplayPort to experience the stunning 4K visions. In addition, with the combination of 4K, the latest generation of wireless 802.11ax and Bluetooth 5.1, LIVA One H410 is also ideal for home entertainment.

MSI today introduced the Optix MAG271VCR, a 27-inch curved gaming monitor. It introduces a new body design language that sees ARGB LED diffusers behind the monitor in an "X" motif. The monitor features a VA panel with 1800R curvature, 178°/178° viewing angles, and 16:9 aspect ratio. It offers Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution, 165 Hz refresh rate, and 1 ms (MPRT) response time, along with support for VESA Adaptive Sync, low flicker, and low blue-light. Inputs include DisplayPort 1.2a and HDMI 2.0. The stand allows for tilt, swivel, and height adjustments. An earphones jack that pulls audio from the display connection, and a 2-port USB 2.0 hub make for the rest of it. The company didn't reveal pricing.

MMD announces the new Philips 279C9 LCD display, a 27" (68.47 cm) monitor. The Ultra HD Philips 279C9 monitor features a Zero Bezel design, which eliminates the surrounding frame resulting in an expansive picture and simultaneously enables seamless multi-monitor set-ups.

Nowadays everyone is used to work with multiple devices connected, which means that ports are a key feature that cannot be missed. The Philips 279C9 includes a USB Type-C connector, which allows users to transfer data at a super-speed and charge the laptop at the same time (up to 65 W). The monitor also features one DisplayPort, two HDMI and four USB 3.2 ports. The IPS panel chosen for this model gives extra-wide viewing angles of 178/178 degrees, allowing for a clear and bright image from almost every angle.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co. Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards and graphics cards, is excited to announce the first ultra-wide gaming monitor, G34WQC. The GIGABYTE series monitor has become a hot topic among media and gamers since its launch. The bigger-size screen category has received the most attention. For tailoring to the needs of a bigger screen market, GIGABYTE continues to develop and research this field. G34WQC is equipped with a native 1500R VA panel with 1440p resolution and 144 Hz refresh rate with 1 ms response time, offering the most immersive gaming feel.

For the color performance, the native 8-bit panel offers the splendid color, 120% sRGB wide color gamut and certified by VESA DisplayHDR 400, enriching the contrast of the picture quality. The fantastic specifications allow you to experience the grand visual pleasure in gaming and picture appreciation! This monitor also supports the well-loved classic GIGABYTE tactical gaming features such as Aim Stabilizer and Black Equalizer, offering you extra weapons on the battlefield! Not merely just having perfect gaming specifications, the bigger screen along with the 21:9 aspect ratio is also ideal for office and recreational use.

ASUS today introduced the VA27AQSB, a 27-inch monitor for white-collar desktops that stay on for most of the day. This WQHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) monitor features TUV Rhineland-certified flicker-free technology (non-PWM method of LED backlit brightness adjustment), and blue light reduction technology, which both work toward reducing eye strain. It uses an IPS panel with 5 ms response time, 75 Hz refresh rate, 350 cd/m² maximum brightness, 1000:1 static contrast ratio, and 178°/178° viewing angles. The display supports both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC (compatible). Display inputs include HDMI 1.4a and DisplayPort 1.2a. The stand allows height, tilt, and 90° rotation. The panel itself features VESA wall mounts, so you can take advantage of the thin bezels for multi-display rigs. 2 W stereo speakers, headset jack, and a 2-port USB 2.0 hub makes for the rest of its feature-set. The company didn't reveal pricing.

ZOTAC today introduced the ZBOX C-series Edge C1341 mini PC. The company had exhibited this NUC-sized contraption at its 2020 International CES booth. Measuring just 147.2 mm x 147.2 mm x 32.1 mm (WxDxH), this ZBOX features VESA mounts, and can be tucked away behind a monitor that supports the standard. Under the hood is some pretty basic hardware, with a 4-core/4-thread Intel Celeron N4100 SoC that has UHD Graphics 600, 4 GB of hardwired single-channel DDR4 memory (expandable with an empty DDR4 SO-DIMM slot to dual-channel), and an included 64 GB M.2 SATA SSD.

Display outputs include DP and HDMI. Networking includes two 1 GbE wired and 802.11ac + Bluetooth 4.2 WLAN. USB connectivity includes three 5 Gbps USB 3.1 ports, from which one is type-C, and two type-A ports. A microSD card reader and headset jack make for the rest of it. The C-Series Edge C1341 runs completely fanless, with its ridged top panel doubling as a heatsink for the 6-Watt TDP SoC. A 40 W power brick comes included. Windows 10 Pro comes pre-installed. The company didn't reveal pricing.

ASUS at its Asia ROG event announced a new monitor, approaching stores and shores (eventually). The ROG Swift PG329Q is being launched with a "Super Kill" marketing line, which aims to showcase just how impressive this monitor will be in aiding users' gaming capabilities. The ROG Swift PG329Q features a 32" "Fast IPS" panel - fast IPS here meaning that it's capable of running at 175 Hz whilst keeping a 1 ms Gray-to-Gray response time - all of this with IPS' renowned color rendition.

The monitor features a sane 2560 x 1440 resolution and HDR 600 certification from VESA, and thanks to the usage of Quantum Dot tech, will be able to offer 98% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage and 160% sRGB ultra-wide color gamut coverage. The monitor supports Adaptive Sync tech (whether via FreeSync or G-Sync compatible), as well as ASUS' ELMB SYNC technology. There's also the usual RGB tech going on in the back of the monitor. The ASUS ROG Swift PG329Q will be released in the fourth quarter of this year. No word on pricing, but expect a monitor with these features to be leaning heavily on the $ side of the equation.

LG Electronics (LG) is bringing new meaning to immersive gaming with its new UltraGear (model 27GN950), the world's first 4K IPS 1 millisecond Gray-to-Gray (GTG) gaming monitor. A 2020 CES Innovation Award and Red Dot Design Award winner, the 27-inch model more than lives up to UltraGear's name and reputation for gaming excellence and is a worthy successor to the brand's first 1 ms GTG IPS gaming monitor (model 27GL850) introduced last year. Featuring advanced IPS displays, LG UltraGear monitors achieve stunning speed without compromising picture quality, contributing to the brand being named the top gaming-designed monitor in the United States.

The new UltraGear monitor builds on the fast, accurate colors of its predecessor to deliver 4K resolution for maximum gaming impact. A combination of speed, high resolution and 98 percent coverage of the DCI-P3 color space gives gamers a total sense of immersion. And thanks to VESA Display Stream Compression (DSC) technology, the 27GN950 can deliver virtually lossless 4K UHD images in 10-bit color with a 144 Hz refresh rate via just a single DisplayPort cable.