Buying Guide
The Best Monitors for 3D Rendering
From the VG32WQ3B to the PG32UCDM: five monitors ranked on refresh rate and screen size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Rendering work benefits from wide-gamut colour at 1440p or 4K. Every pick lists DCI-P3 coverage at 1440p or higher, ordered by size.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out refresh rate, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
FreeSync Premium Adaptive Sync
Dell S3225QS
A freeSync Premium.
Best for: Buyers who want a freeSync Premium.
Premium Pick
ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B
Undercutting the S3225QS on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen for the least money.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B (opens in a new tab)
IPS Panel
ASUS ProArt PA329CRV
An IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Our take Check price for ASUS ProArt PA329CRV (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED
Up to 1000 nits peak brightness.
Best for: Buyers who want up to 1000 nits peak brightness.
Our take Check price for MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A freeSync Premium. | Buyers who want a freeSync Premium. | Check price for Dell S3225QS (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM (opens in a new tab) |
| Undercutting the S3225QS on price when we checked. | Getting 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen for the least money. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for ASUS ProArt PA329CRV (opens in a new tab) |
| Up to 1000 nits peak brightness. | Buyers who want up to 1000 nits peak brightness. | Check price for MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
FreeSync Premium Adaptive Sync1 of 5
Dell S3225QS on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The S3225QS brings 4K at 120Hz to 32 inches with 95% DCI-P3 on a VA panel.
Best for
- Buyers who want a freeSync Premium.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: a VA panel that can smear dark transitions.
Why we like it
It suits a deeper desk and media. Its 120Hz refresh rate is the lowest in this group; the PG32UCDM leads at 240Hz. On screen size it ties with the PG32UCDM at 32 inches.
Like the VG32WQ3B, it has a VA panel, while the PG32UCDM uses a QD-OLED panel. No other pick in this guide offers a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut; compare the PA329CRV, which has a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut. You get a FreeSync Premium here, which sets it apart from the VG32WQ3B and its a FreeSync.
At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper VG32WQ3B and the pricier PA329CRV, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: VA
- Color gamut: 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync Premium
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- FreeSync Premium to reduce screen tearing
- 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Refresh rate trails the PG32UCDM (240Hz)
- Costs more than the VG32WQ3B at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM pairs a 32-inch 4K QD-OLED panel at 240Hz with a 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop element rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also carries 90W USB-C power delivery for a laptop. It matches the MPG 321URXW on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the S3225QS at 32 inches.
Like the MPG 321URXW, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the VG32WQ3B uses a VA panel. Like the MPG 321URXW, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the PA329CRV uses a DisplayHDR 400. Like the MPG 321URXW, it has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the S3225QS uses a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut.
Reaching 240Hz 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. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. G-SYNC Compatible works on NVIDIA cards over DisplayPort, and FreeSync covers AMD cards. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the MPG 321URXW.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 32 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: G-SYNC Compatible
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Costs more than the VG32WQ3B at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here3 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's VG32WQ3B is a curved 31.5-inch 1440p VA screen at 180Hz.
Best for
- Getting 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen for the least money.
Skip if
- Pass on it if a VA panel that can smear dark transition rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
VA contrast and the large size suit slower single-player games. Its 180Hz refresh rate ranks third of 4 here, behind the PG32UCDM (240Hz) and ahead of the S3225QS (120Hz). On screen size it ties with the PA329CRV and the MPG 321URXW at 31.5 inches.
It is the only pick here with a 2560x1440 (1440p) resolution; the S3225QS has a 3840x2160 (4K) resolution instead. Like the S3225QS, it has a VA panel, while the PG32UCDM uses a QD-OLED panel. It is the only pick here with a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut; the S3225QS has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut instead.
It also offers a 3-year warranty and 90% DCI-P3 coverage. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the S3225QS was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Resolution: 2560x1440 (1440p)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: VA
- Color gamut: 90% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync: FreeSync
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- 180Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 1440p resolution, sharper than 1080p at 27 inches
- 90% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- FreeSync to reduce screen tearing
Cons
- a VA panel that can smear dark transitions
- Refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the PG32UCDM (240Hz)
IPS Panel4 of 5
ASUS ProArt PA329CRV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's ProArt PA329CRV is a 31.5-inch 4K IPS screen listing 98% DCI-P3 and DisplayHDR 400.
Best for
- Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Skip if
- Pass if a published refresh rate matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
Its 96W USB-C port can power a larger laptop over one cable. It matches the VG32WQ3B and the MPG 321URXW on screen size (31.5 inches). You get an IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the MPG 321URXW and its a QD-OLED panel.
You get a DisplayHDR 400 here, which sets it apart from the MPG 321URXW and its a DisplayHDR True Black 400. You get a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut here, which sets it apart from the MPG 321URXW and its a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. You also get Calman Verified with Delta E below 2 and DisplayPort MST output for a second screen.
At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. It was priced above the S3225QS and below the MPG 321URXW at the time of writing. There is no published refresh rate figure, whereas the PG32UCDM offers 240Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: IPS
- HDR: DisplayHDR 400
- Color gamut: 98% DCI-P3
- USB-C: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 98% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- a USB-C input for laptops
Cons
- No published refresh rate
- Costs more than the VG32WQ3B at the time of writing
Also Consider5 of 5
MSI MPG 321URXW QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
MSI's MPG 321URXW is a 31.5-inch 4K QD-OLED at 240Hz with 99% DCI-P3 coverage.
Best for
- Buyers who want up to 1000 nits peak brightness.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It is the 32-inch step up from the 272URX. It matches the PG32UCDM on refresh rate (240Hz). On screen size it ties with the VG32WQ3B and the PA329CRV at 31.5 inches.
Like the PG32UCDM, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the S3225QS uses a VA panel. Like the PG32UCDM, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the PA329CRV uses a DisplayHDR 400. Like the PG32UCDM, it has a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the PA329CRV uses a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut.
You also get up to 1000 nits peak brightness, a white finish and an HDMI 2.1 input. Reaching 240Hz 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 PA329CRV and the PG32UCDM, based on our last check. If screen size is your priority, the S3225QS (32 inches) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Refresh rate: 240Hz
- Resolution: 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size: 31.5 inches
- Panel: QD-OLED
- Response: 0.03ms
- HDR: DisplayHDR True Black 400
- Color gamut: 99% DCI-P3
Pros
- a 240Hz refresh rate for fast motion
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- a QD-OLED panel with per-pixel contrast
- DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
Cons
- OLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements
- Screen size trails the S3225QS (32 inches)
- Costs more than the VG32WQ3B at the time of writing
How We Chose These Monitors for 3D Rendering
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the S3225QS to the MPG 321URXW, state resolution, screen size and panel.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The PA329CRV gives no refresh rate; the S3225QS, the VG32WQ3B and the PA329CRV give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the VG32WQ3B ($150 to $250) to the PG32UCDM ($500 to $1000).
What to Look for in a Monitor for 3D Rendering
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Screen size
Here screen size runs from 31.5 inches on the MPG 321URXW to 32 inches on the S3225QS. The S3225QS is the pick for screen size.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 120Hz on the S3225QS to 240Hz on the PG32UCDM. The MPG 321URXW comes second for less money. No figure for the PA329CRV.
Panel
The S3225QS and the VG32WQ3B list VA; the PG32UCDM and the MPG 321URXW list QD-OLED; the PA329CRV lists IPS. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Setup checks
At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy. Reaching 240Hz 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.
Features beyond the spec table
The VG32WQ3B: a 3-year warranty. The PA329CRV: Calman Verified with Delta E below 2. The MPG 321URXW: a white finish.
Consider the stand
A stand with height, tilt and swivel adjustment saves buying a monitor arm. Check VESA mounting if you plan to use one anyway.
How to Choose a Monitor for 3D Rendering
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want a freeSync Premium | S3225QS | A freeSync Premium |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | PG32UCDM | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage |
| Getting 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen for the least money | VG32WQ3B | Undercutting the S3225QS on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want an IPS panel | PA329CRV | An IPS panel |
| Buyers who want up to 1000 nits peak brightness | MPG 321URXW | Up to 1000 nits peak brightness |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The S3225QS leads on screen size at 32 inches, ahead of the PG32UCDM at 32 inches. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S3225QS | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | VA |
| PG32UCDM | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| VG32WQ3B | 180Hz | 2560x1440 (1440p) | 31.5 inches | VA |
| PA329CRV | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | IPS |
| MPG 321URXW | 240Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 31.5 inches | QD-OLED |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The VG32WQ3B was the lowest-priced pick and the PG32UCDM the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | VG32WQ3B |
| About $250 to $500 | S3225QS |
| About $500 to $1000 | PA329CRV, MPG 321URXW, PG32UCDM |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PG32UCDM worth paying more than the VG32WQ3B?
On paper it adds screen size (32 inches against 31.5 inches) and refresh rate (240Hz against 180Hz). The VG32WQ3B was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
What makes the S3225QS the FreeSync Premium Adaptive Sync?
It earns the label for a freeSync Premium. It suits anyone who wants a freeSync Premium.
Do the S3225QS and the VG32WQ3B differ on resolution?
The S3225QS, the PG32UCDM, the PA329CRV and the MPG 321URXW use 3840x2160 (4K); the VG32WQ3B uses 2560x1440 (1440p).
What should I check before buying the MPG 321URXW?
Reaching 240Hz 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. Leave the maker's pixel-refresh routines enabled and hide static taskbars to limit burn-in risk. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the S3225QS and the PG32UCDM apart?
The S3225QS: a 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz. The PG32UCDM: a 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage. The VG32WQ3B: a 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the S3225QS, chosen for a freeSync Premium. Look at the PG32UCDM for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage, the VG32WQ3B for undercutting the S3225QS on price when we checked and the PA329CRV for an IPS panel if those matter more to you.
Match your render output colour space to the monitor setting.