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If your preference is for a high-performing monitor that can push a few less pixels a whole lot faster, then the XB270HU is about as good as it gets right now, particularly as the difference in resolution between a 1440p and 2160p monitor is difficult to discern at this size when viewed at a reasonable distance.
The IPS panel's impressive colour accuracy, gamma and the speedy refresh rates make this a perfect monitor for the discerning gamer who's looking for a smoother, more accurate image than any monitor with a TN panel can provide.
If your PC has a reasonably new Nvidia card, G-Sync makes a marked difference in fast-paced gaming, even if your GPU isn't capable of maintaining a frame rate of over 100; when frame rates dip below 30, however, the difference is far less appreciable.
We liked
The Acer XB270HU is currently one of the best monitors out there for gamers with an Nvidia graphics card, and even if you don't have one, the fast refresh rates and ULMB modes make for very smooth gaming at up to 1440p. The IPS panel recreates a very accurate image with fantastic colour, good viewing angles and a fast response rate.
The inclusion of four USB 3.0 sockets is a very handy addition for plugging in mice, keyboards, headsets or media storage. The stand also provides a wide range of manoeuvrability, including portrait mode and a good degree of height and tilt adjustment.
We disliked
If you don't yet have a G-Sync compatible card, do make sure you have a card with a DisplayPort, as there's no HDMI connection or any alternatives on this monitor.
The XB270 HU's design is understated, but doesn't shout "premium". A dash of brushed aluminium or more interesting design accents would have been appreciated by gamers looking to complement fancy PC towers and other accessories.
Final verdict
There are certainly cheaper 1440p monitors around, and you can even get a reasonable 4K screen for this price, but that's not what you're likely looking for if the Acer XB270HU is on your shortlist.
With a fantastic IPS panel and unrivalled refresh rates backed by Nvidia's G-Sync technology and very low lag, this monitor offers an incredibly clear picture for even the most fast-paced games – something you simply can't get from any 4K monitor at present.
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