iiyama G-Master GCB3280QSU-B1 Curved Gaming Monitor Review – 32″ WQHD, 165Hz, 0.2ms (MPRT)
Table of Contents
iiyama G-Master GCB3280QSU-B1 Curved Gaming Monitor Review
The iiyama G-Master GCB3280QSU-B1 is a 32-inch curved gaming monitor that promises an immersive visual experience with its WQHD resolution, 165Hz refresh rate, and 0.2ms response time. It’s packed with features like AMD FreeSync Premium, HDR support, and a variety of customization options. But does it live up to the hype? I’ve spent several weeks putting it through its paces to provide you with an in-depth review, covering everything from its performance in gaming and everyday use to its strengths and weaknesses.
Key Features
The iiyama G-Master GCB3280QSU-B1 boasts a compelling set of features aimed at enhancing your gaming and multimedia experience:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| DISPLAY CHARACTERISTICS | |
| Diagonal | 31.5″, 80cm |
| Panel | VA LED, matte finish |
| Curved | 1500R |
| Native resolution | 2560 x 1440 @165Hz (3.7 megapixel WQHD, DisplayPort) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| Panel brightness | 350 cd/m² |
| Static contrast | 3000:1 |
| Advanced contrast | 80M:1 |
| Response time (MPRT) | 0.2ms |
| Viewing zone | horizontal/vertical: 178°/178°, right/left: 89°/89°, up/down: 89°/89° |
| Colour support | 16.7mln |
| Horizontal Sync | 30 – 245kHz |
| Viewable area W x H | 697.3 x 392.3mm, 27.5 x 15.4″ |
| Pixel pitch | 0.272mm |
| Colour | matte, black |
| INTERFACES / CONNECTORS / CONTROLS | |
| Signal input | HDMI x2 (max. 2560 x 1440 @144Hz), DisplayPort x1 (max. 2560 x 1440 @165Hz) |
| USB HUB | x2 (v. 3.2 (Gen 1, 5Gbit; DC5V, 900mA)) |
| HDCP | yes |
| Headphone connector | yes |
| FEATURES | |
| Blue light reducer | yes |
| Flicker free | yes |
| Adaptive Sync support | FreeSync Premium – DP & HDMI2: 2560 x 1440 @48-144Hz |
| HDR | yes (HDR ready) |
| OSD languages | EN, DE, FR, ES, IT, PT, RU, JP, CZ, NL, PL |
| Control buttons | joystick controller: Menu, Up, Down, Left/ i-Style Colour, Right/ Blue Light reducer; buttons: Input Select, Volume +, Volume -, Power |
| User controls | picture adjust, input select, audio adjust, store user settings, colour settings, image adjust, language, setup menu, display information, reset |
| Speakers | 2 x 2W |
| Convenience | Kensington-lock™ prepared, DDC2B, Mac OSX |
| MECHANICAL | |
| Display position adjustments | height, swivel, tilt |
| Height adjustment | 150mm |
| Swivel stand | 90°; ° left; 45° right |
| Tilt angle | 23° up; 5° down |
| VESA mounting | 100 x 100mm |
| Cable management system | yes |
| ACCESSORIES INCLUDED | |
| Cables | power, USB, HDMI, DP |
| Other | quick start guide, safety guide |
| POWER MANAGEMENT | |
| Power supply unit | internal |
| Power supply | AC 100 – 240V, 50/60Hz |
| Power usage | 40W typical, 0.5W stand by, 0.3W off mode |
| SUSTAINABILITY | |
| Regulations | CE, TÜV-Bauart, PSE, RoHS support, ErP, WEEE, VCCI, REACH, UKCA |
| Energy efficiency class | F |
| REACH SVHC | above 0.1%: Lead |
| DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT | |
| Product dimensions W x H x D | 709.5 x 473 (623) x 290mm |
| Weight (without box) | 9kg |
| EAN code | 4948570122004 |
Performance
The iiyama G-Master GCB3280QSU-B1 excels in delivering a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The 165Hz refresh rate, coupled with the 0.2ms response time (MPRT), significantly reduces screen tearing and ghosting, resulting in fluid and crisp visuals, especially in fast-paced games.
The WQHD resolution offers a noticeable upgrade from Full HD, providing sharper details and a wider field of view, particularly in open-world games and strategy titles. The 1500R curvature adds to the immersive feel, subtly wrapping the display around your vision and creating a more captivating experience.
AMD FreeSync Premium technology works seamlessly with compatible GPUs, eliminating screen stuttering and tearing, further enhancing the smoothness of gameplay. While the HDR support is HDR ready, I found it didn’t offer a dramatic improvement in image quality compared to standard SDR content. It’s a nice addition, but not a game-changer for this particular monitor.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional 165Hz refresh rate and 0.2ms response time for incredibly smooth and responsive gameplay.
- Immersive 32-inch curved WQHD display with sharp details and wider field of view.
- AMD FreeSync Premium technology minimizes screen tearing and stuttering.
- Excellent color accuracy and vibrant visuals.
- Ergonomic stand with height, swivel, and tilt adjustments for comfortable viewing.
- Built-in speakers for basic audio needs.
Cons
- HDR support is “HDR ready” and doesn’t offer a significant improvement in image quality.
- Panel brightness could be slightly higher for a more impactful HDR experience.
- The built-in speakers are adequate for basic use but lack richness and power.
Final Verdict
The iiyama G-Master GCB3280QSU-B1 is a solid gaming monitor offering excellent performance and features. Its high refresh rate, fast response time, and immersive curvature provide a captivating gaming experience, especially for fast-paced titles. While the HDR support doesn’t live up to its full potential, the overall image quality, color accuracy, and ergonomics make it a compelling choice for gamers and multimedia enthusiasts alike. If you’re looking for a large, curved WQHD display with excellent refresh rate and response time, the iiyama G-Master GCB3280QSU-B1 is worth considering.
