While the PC gaming world is anticipating the massive leaps forward represented by things like the Nvidia RTX 30 graphics cards, it's just as important to have a high quality monitor. PC gamers can have the most powerful rig in the world, but it doesn't mean much without a monitor that can deliver on resolution and refresh rate. Those in the market for a new monitor may not know where to start, but they may want to consider the 32-inch Acer Nitro XZ322QU gaming monitor.

The 32-inch Acer Nitro XZ322QU's defining features are its curved display and 165Hz refresh rate. Curved displays are great for gaming, and are especially great for someone that has to stare at a computer monitor for long periods of time. It takes some time to get used to a curved monitor after using a flat-screen, but the benefits, while not game-changing, do become apparent after prolonged use. Some players may also find curved monitors more immersive for gaming, so if one has the option between a flat-screen monitor or a curved screen, curved is likely the way to go.

As far as the 165Hz refresh rate, the Acer Nitro delivers there as well. Games generally look great on the display, with the 165Hz refresh rate combining with 1440p resolution to really get the most out of PC games from a visual standpoint. There is some slight blurriness that may not be present in other, more expensive gaming monitors, but it's worth putting up with for the relatively cheap (for its specs) $449.99 asking price.

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For PC gaming, the Acer Nitro XZ322QU is a fine display that more than gets the job done, but it may be something that console gamers think about picking up as well. While 165Hz isn't something that matters much right now for console gamers, both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X will be offering games that can support up to a 120Hz refresh rate. In fact, it's already been confirmed that some blockbuster games like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Halo Infinite are both aiming for 120 frames per second, and so getting a display that can deliver that kind of performance is important.

Buying a brand new TV that can display at that level of quality is going to be an especially expensive endeavor, and so those who would rather save some money may be better off getting the Acer Nitro XZ322QU or something similar. The only downside is that the Acer Nitro XZ322QU doesn't display at 4K resolution, but buying a monitor that is both 4K and has a high refresh rate is going to set one back quite a bit. For most, the 1440p is going to be more than enough when it comes to next-gen gaming, assuming they value refresh rate over resolution.

As far as gaming monitors go, the 32-inch Acer Nitro XZ322QU is a safe buy for anyone in the market. Its red and black design and curved monitor are aesthetically appealing, plus it succeeds at delivering its promised high-quality gaming experience. But there are some other bells and whistles that potential buyers should be aware of as well.

Something that may go overlooked but is pretty convenient are the Acer Nitro XZ322QU's built-in speakers, which prevent users from having to buy external ones for their setup. The sound quality of the Acer Nitro XZ322QU's speakers are better than expected, as oftentimes built-in speakers are lacking. Those wanting a more advanced audio experience will still want to get some high quality speakers, but most will be more than satisfied with the Nitro XZ322QU's built-in speakers.

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Users may also appreciate how easy it is to adjust their monitor settings, as the Acer Nitro XZ322QU gives them the ability to easily tweak everything from black levels, brightness, and more. Those who don't want to fiddle with the settings can also utilize the monitor's pre-set display options, which are available for different game genres as well as movies. Those who are really picky about their displays may still want to take a deep dive into the settings, but the average consumer should be fine simply switching between all the available pre-set options.

There are some other display options that will also be appreciated by most, especially those who spend a lot of time in front of their PC monitor. Users can choose between four different filter settings to reduce the blue light coming from the monitor, so it may not be necessary to purchase blue light glasses for those concerned about eye strain. The curved monitor should also help with eye strain as well, so in general, the Acer Nitro XZ322QU provides a comfortable viewing experience.

Comfort is also achieved through how easy it is to adjust the Acer Nitro XZ322QU panel. While the initial setup is somewhat awkward with one person due to the size of the monitor, after getting it hooked into the stand, users should be able to adjust it in a variety of angles to suit their needs. They shouldn't need to do this to avoid glare as that was never really a factor during our time with the monitor, but it makes it easy to find the perfect angle for one's own taste.

While there are superior gaming monitors available, those with comparable specs to the Acer Nitro XZ322QU tend to run a little bit more expensive. The bottom line is gamers on a budget should definitely consider picking this monitor up, especially if they plan to use it for next-gen gaming purposes, or perhaps even one of the slightly smaller, cheaper versions of the Acer Nitro XZ322QU.

Acer Nitro XZ322QU is available now for $449.99.