Acer Predator X34: The Best Gaming Monitor?

Let's talk about the best gaming monitor. We don't mean "really good gaming monitors" or "gaming monitors that are new and exciting." We just mean hands down the best gaming monitor per dollar for playing the latest games.

Obviously this monitor has to have a lot of qualities, including the ability to handle 4K content, the size to really show off the latest graphics, and the latest technologies to support advanced GPUs. While many of the best gaming computer monitors of 2016 qualify, there's one that stands out – a Predator model from Acer that you need to check out.

The Acer Predator X34

"Go big or go home" is usually a sentiment reserved for living room TVs and not gaming monitors. But there's no denying that size can make a difference – especially when it comes to immersion, the clarity of the latest games, and the updated ultra HD resolutions that today's games are now capable of. And no monitor can handle those needs quite like the Acer Predator X34. Don't get us wrong, the Predator line is a paramount example of high-end gaming monitors and is filled with ideal screens for all your desktop gaming desires (take a look at the latest Predators if you really want to stay on the cutting edge and money is no problem), but this particular model melds great features with a price that isn't…quite as bad as some models.

First, let's talk about how large this screen is: At 34 inches – even curved – this is on the large side for monitors. We're not talking port-your-display-to-the-TV large, but you also don't have any problems with interference or lag on this 60Hz (overclocking option up to 100Hz) monitor. It sports a 21:9 aspect ratio that makes room for a 3440 x 1440 resolution.

About that curve, by the way – curved screens come with some innate disadvantages. They are highly immobile, which is why this monitor cannot be swiveled or lowered or mounted like many computer monitors screens. They also have very, very low viewing angles, which means if you aren't sitting right in front of the screen, you can't see it very well. These negatives, however, don't matter as much with a gaming monitor, which is typically used by one person. Just make sure that you have enough room, and remember that this screen isn't quite suitable for group viewing.

As you may already know, if you really want to view 4K content correctly, you need the right connections. The X34 provides both HDMI 1.4 and DisplayPort, which are suitable for proper 4K quality. There are no other ports to speak of, but you probably don't need anything else anyway. It's also important to note that this monitor is compatible with Nvidia G-Sync technology. Syncing tech is something of a battleground for gaming monitors, but providing G-Sync compatibility is a huge plus if you are an Nvidia fan and like your graphics to be cutting edge.

Now back to the price question: A monitor this big and capable does come with a high price tag, and you'll need to pay $1,223 to get this model (and that's with a discount). Start saving up now!