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PC cases or even PCs that are already built. That’s what we know most about NZXT. But screens. The new NZXT Canvas 32Q Curved is a good example. It’s a 32-inch, 1440p, 165Hz screen that makes you want to ask a question right away. Is it better to get a gaming monitor from a company that specialises in screens, like LG, and then have it tweaked for gaming? Or, can a game expert use what they know about screens? It’s time to know.
The NZXT Canvas 32Q Curved doesn’t stand out in terms of its main specs. Definitely, it’s good. But a 32-inch VA panel with 1440p resolution, 165Hz refresh, 1ms response, and 300nits brightness does not set new standards. Instead, it’s joining the race with specs that are good, but not the best in the world.
NZXT Canvas 32Q specifications
Screen size | 32-inch |
Resolution | 2,560 x 1,440 |
Refresh rate | 165Hz |
Connectivity | DisplayPort 1.2 x1, HDMI 2.0 x2, USB Type-C |
NZXT Canvas 32Q review: Design and Features
NZXT has taken a big step forward with the Canvas monitor series. But the company has taken some big steps before. The great thing about this is that the steps are right where they should be. And this is the case with the Canvas series: these monitors are PC gaming monitors, full stop. At first glance, that seems like a given, but the way it’s designed and what features it has say something different.
We’ll eventually get to what we mean, but we’ll get there by going in circles. Like brush strokes in a painting, single words may not seem important until the end, so hang in there. You can get this gaming monitor from its official website.
NZXT Canvas 32Q review: Image quality
If we were shopping for 32-inch, 165Hz, 1440p, SDR panels, we would have to decide if the better design and engineering of this NZXT make up for the fact that some of the other options have slightly more vivid images. So, yes, there are some things that NZXT does better than the big monitor companies. But the company still needs to learn a few more things before it can fully compete with the big brands.
NZXT Canvas 32Q review: Gaming Monitor
NZXT may be best known for its gaming PCs and parts, but the company has expanded its efforts to cover all parts of a PC build, with mostly good results. We didn’t really like the ultralight NZXT Lift Mouse.
Now, NZXT has shown off a gaming monitor called the Canvas 32Q Curved, which costs $339.99. It has a nice 1500R curve, a bold matte colour scheme, a refresh rate of 165Hz, and a QHD (1440p) resolution. It performs well in all areas. The Canvas 32Q doesn’t change things all that much, but it’s good enough and cheap enough for us to recommend it as a budget gaming display.
NZXT Canvas 32Q review: Price and availability
The simple design goes all the way around to the back, where you’ll find a single joystick for controlling the onscreen display (OSD) and no flashy RGB lighting. The price of $339.99 includes both the monitor ($289.99) and its $50 stand. NZXT also sells single mounting arms for $99.99 and dual mounting arms for $169.99. If you already have a wall mount, the display’s 100mm-by-100mm VESA backport makes it easy to put it on the wall.
Final Words
Modern hardware makers are aiming for 8K gaming, which is a mythical place on the horizon. NZXT brings us back to the real world with a more modest product. The Canvas line of monitors is made for the QHD market, where more and more gamers are living. It’s a happy medium between 4K, which is hard on the GPU, and 1080p, which is hard on the CPU.
NZXT Canvas 32Q Ratings
Pros
- Attractive design
- Affordable price
- Good color range and low input lag
Cons
- Very limited HDR experience
- Not very punchy
FAQs
Does the canvas 32Q have speakers?
The Canvas 32Q doesn’t have any speakers or USB ports on the sides, but it has plenty of other ways to connect. You get two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.2 port, and a USB-C port that can be used for both video input and USB upstream.
Is the canvas monitor good?
The NZXT Canvas 27F is a great monitor for gamers who want a panel with Full HD resolution. The IPS screen looks great both in and out of games, and the HDR feature, which can be turned on or off, is a nice extra. It’s just too bad that the panel can’t boost the brightness above 400 nits.
Does NZXT make good monitors?
For less than $300, we’d be happy to get a 1080p monitor with a high refresh rate that looks good. NZXT goes much further than that, offering a great-looking 1440p monitor with a refresh rate of 165Hz, AMD FreeSync Premium, and HDR support (even if it’s not dazzling).