Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Monitors for RTX 5080
From the CUNPU 4K to the XG27UCG: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
The RTX 5080 is a 4K card, and a 144Hz or faster 4K screen lets it use its headroom. Every pick is 4K at 144Hz or more, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out panel, we say so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160HzA lower price than the CRUA 32 4K and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the CRUA 32 4K the next step up.
Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Screen Size
CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz CurvedThe largest screen size here (32 inches).
Best for: Buyers who put screen size first.
Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSRA dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
GIGABYTE M27UPA dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Check price for GIGABYTE M27UP on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGThe top of this price range, adding a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Best for: Spending more than the M27UP costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A lower price than the CRUA 32 4K and the rest when we checked. | Spending as little as possible, with the CRUA 32 4K the next step up. | Check price for CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest screen size here (32 inches). | Buyers who put screen size first. | Check price for CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz. | Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz. | Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz. | Check price for GIGABYTE M27UP on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz. | Spending more than the M27UP costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
CUNPU 27-inch 4K 160Hz
CUNPU's 27-inch 4K screen runs at 160Hz with an HDMI 2.1 input and 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the CRUA 32 4K the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: screen size of 27 inches, behind the CRUA 32 4K (32 inches).
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest 4K high-refresh monitors here. You get a fast IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the M27UP and its a SuperSpeed IPS panel. You get a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut here, which sets it apart from the XG27UCG and its a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut.
It also comes with 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles, a factory calibration of Delta E under 2 and 4K at a budget price tier. Reaching 160Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the CRUA 32 4K the next step up.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 160Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- HDR400
- Color gamut
- 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a Fast IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 99% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Screen size of 27 inches, behind the CRUA 32 4K (32 inches)
The catch
What it gives up: screen size of 27 inches, behind the CRUA 32 4K (32 inches); by contrast, the CRUA 32 4K comes in at 32 inches.
Largest Screen Size2 of 5
CRUA 32-inch 4K 160Hz Curved
CRUA's 32-inch 4K screen curves at 1500R and runs at 160Hz with built-in speakers.
Best for
- Buyers who put screen size first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the CUNPU 4K was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The maker specifies an HDMI 2.1 input. On screen size it leads this guide at 32 inches, ahead of the CUNPU 4K (27 inches). It is the only pick here with a 120% sRGB color gamut; the CUNPU 4K has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut instead.
A FreeSync is unique to it among these picks, while the XG27UCG uses a G-SYNC Compatible. Reaching 160Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. Its price falls between the CUNPU 4K and the XG27UCSR, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 160Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 32 inches
- Color gamut
- 120% sRGB
- Adaptive sync
- FreeSync
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- 120% sRGB colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Also Consider3 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCSR
The XG27UCSR adds USB-C and a dual mode at 1080p 324Hz, with ASUS's 3-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the CUNPU 4K, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It matches the CUNPU 4K, the M27UP and the XG27UCG on screen size (27 inches). It shares an IPS panel with the XG27UCG; the M27UP goes with a SuperSpeed IPS panel. It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the XG27UCG; the CUNPU 4K goes with a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.
Reaching 160Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. You also get this: 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. It was priced above the CRUA 32 4K and below the M27UP at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 160Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 0.3ms
- Color gamut
- 95% DCI-P3
- USB-C
- Yes
- Warranty
- 3-year
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
GIGABYTE M27UP
The M27UP offers 4K at 160Hz with DisplayHDR 400 and a 1080p 320Hz mode at a lower price.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the CUNPU 4K cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
On screen size it ties with the CUNPU 4K, the XG27UCSR and the XG27UCG at 27 inches. No other pick in this guide offers a SuperSpeed IPS panel; compare the XG27UCSR, which has an IPS panel. No other pick in this guide offers a 125% sRGB color gamut; compare the XG27UCSR, which has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut.
Reaching 160Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper XG27UCSR and the pricier XG27UCG, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 160Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- SuperSpeed IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut
- 125% sRGB
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a SuperSpeed IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 125% sRGB colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCG
The XG27UCG is a 4K 160Hz monitor that can switch to 1080p at 320Hz for shooters, and adds USB-C for a laptop.
Best for
- Spending more than the M27UP costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Skip it if screen size matters most to you; the CRUA 32 4K offers 32 inches.
Why we like it
It matches the CUNPU 4K, the XG27UCSR and the M27UP on screen size (27 inches). It shares an IPS panel with the XG27UCSR; the M27UP goes with a SuperSpeed IPS panel. It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the XG27UCSR; the CUNPU 4K goes with a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut.
It is the only pick here with a G-SYNC Compatible; the CRUA 32 4K has a FreeSync instead. Reaching 160Hz at 4K needs DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC or HDMI 2.1 on your graphics card, and a GPU able to render well above 100fps at 4K. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. Only the M27UP came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 160Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- Color gamut
- 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C
- Yes
- Warranty
- 3-year
Pros
- 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Screen size trails the CRUA 32 4K (32 inches)
- Costs more than the CUNPU 4K at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on refresh rate, where the CUNPU 4K offers 160Hz.
How We Chose These Gaming Monitors for RTX 5080
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and panel and response are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the CUNPU 4K to the XG27UCG, state refresh rate, resolution and screen size and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The CRUA 32 4K gives no panel; the CRUA 32 4K gives no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the CUNPU 4K ($150 to $250) to the XG27UCG ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Gaming Monitor for RTX 5080
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much screen size you need
Here screen size runs from 27 inches on the XG27UCG to 32 inches on the CRUA 32 4K, a 19% spread. Start with the CRUA 32 4K if screen size decides it.
Response
The CUNPU 4K, the M27UP and the XG27UCG list 1ms; the XG27UCSR lists 0.3ms. Settling response first narrows 4 picks to 3 or 1.
A gaming monitor above a keyboard and mouse on a black desk Features beyond the spec table
The CRUA 32 4K: built-in speakers. The XG27UCSR: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz. The M27UP: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Budget
$150 to $250 buys the CUNPU 4K; $250 to $500 buys the CRUA 32 4K, the XG27UCSR, the M27UP and the XG27UCG at our last check.
A gaming desk with a monitor, a racing-style chair and shelves of figures Match the pick to your priority
Spending as little as possible, with the CRUA 32 4K the next step up: the CUNPU 4K. Buyers who put screen size first: the CRUA 32 4K. Spending more than the M27UP costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the XG27UCG.
How to Choose a Gaming Monitor for RTX 5080
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the CRUA 32 4K the next step up | CUNPU 4K | A lower price than the CRUA 32 4K and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who put screen size first | CRUA 32 4K | The largest screen size here (32 inches) |
| Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz | XG27UCSR | A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz |
| Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz | M27UP | A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz |
| Spending more than the M27UP costs for the fullest feature set in this group | XG27UCG | The top of this price range, adding a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The CRUA 32 4K leads on screen size at 32 inches, ahead of the CUNPU 4K at 27 inches. "Not listed" marks panel where the CRUA 32 4K leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CUNPU 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| CRUA 32 4K | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | Not listed |
| XG27UCSR | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| M27UP | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | SuperSpeed IPS |
| XG27UCG | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the CUNPU 4K, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the XG27UCG at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | CUNPU 4K |
| About $250 to $500 | CRUA 32 4K, XG27UCSR, M27UP, XG27UCG |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest screen size: the CRUA 32 4K or the CUNPU 4K?
The CRUA 32 4K tops screen size at 32 inches; the CUNPU 4K follows at 27 inches, 19% apart.
What makes the CRUA 32 4K the Largest Screen Size?
The label rests on the largest screen size here (32 inches). The CUNPU 4K is next on screen size at 27 inches, so this pick's 32 inches is 19% further out. The CUNPU 4K, the cheapest pick, sat in the $150 to $250 tier against $250 to $500 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who puts screen size first.
Do the CUNPU 4K and the XG27UCSR differ on panel?
The CUNPU 4K uses Fast IPS; the XG27UCSR and the XG27UCG use IPS; the M27UP uses SuperSpeed IPS. The maker of the CRUA 32 4K doesn't state panel, so 4 of 5 picks are covered here.
Beyond the specs, what sets the CUNPU 4K and the CRUA 32 4K apart?
The CUNPU 4K: 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 for consoles. The CRUA 32 4K: a 1500R curve. The XG27UCSR: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.
Should I pick the CUNPU 4K or the XG27UCG?
The CUNPU 4K suits spending as little as possible, with the CRUA 32 4K the next step up; the XG27UCG suits spending more than the M27UP costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the CUNPU 4K, chosen for a lower price than the CRUA 32 4K and the rest when we checked. Look at the CRUA 32 4K for the largest screen size here (32 inches), the XG27UCSR for a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz and the M27UP for a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz if those matter more to you.
Use DisplayPort 2.1 or HDMI 2.1 for 4K above 120Hz.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Monitors to Buy Now
- Related guideThe Best 1440p Gaming Monitors to Buy
- Related guideThe Best OLED Gaming Monitors
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget Gaming Monitors
- Higher budgetThe Best FreeSync Premium Gaming Monitors
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1080p Monitor
- ExplainerHow to Choose a 1440p Monitor
- Also see: graphics cardsWill This GPU Fit My Case and PSU? A Pre-Purchase Checklist
- Similar guideThe Best Gaming Monitors for RTX 4070
- Topic hubAll gaming monitors guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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