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 Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Also Consider
Dell S3225QSA 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz.
Best for: Buyers who want 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz.
Check price for Dell S3225QS on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLEDA 1700R curve.
Best for: Buyers who want 1700R curve.
Check price for MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fastest Refresh
ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDMThe highest refresh rate here (240Hz).
Best for: Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3BUndercutting the S3225QS on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting 1500R curved 31.5-inch screen for the least money.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
IPS Panel
ASUS ProArt PA329CRVAn IPS panel.
Best for: Buyers who want an IPS panel.
Check price for ASUS ProArt PA329CRV on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz. | Buyers who want 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz. | Check price for Dell S3225QS on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 1700R curve. | Buyers who want 1700R curve. | Check price for MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest refresh rate here (240Hz). | Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most. | Check price for ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM on Amazon (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 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| An IPS panel. | Buyers who want an IPS panel. | Check price for ASUS ProArt PA329CRV on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Dell S3225QS
The S3225QS brings 4K at 120Hz to 32 inches with 95% DCI-P3 on a VA panel.
Best for
- Buyers who want 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz.
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 MAG 321CUP and the PG32UCDM at 32 inches.
Like the VG32WQ3B, it has a VA panel, while the MAG 321CUP uses a QD-OLED panel. No other pick in this guide offers a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut; compare the VG32WQ3B, which has a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut. You get a FreeSync Premium here, which sets it apart from the MAG 321CUP and its a G-SYNC Compatible.
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 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
The catch
The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the PG32UCDM offers 240Hz.
Strong Alternative2 of 5
MSI MAG 321CUP QD-OLED
What the MAG 321CUP brings to the table is a 1700R curve, plus HDMI 2.1 and a 15W USB-C port.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1700R curve.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements.
Why we like it
It also offers a 165Hz refresh rate and offers a 32 inches screen size. On refresh rate it sits mid-pack at 165Hz: the PG32UCDM offers 240Hz, and the S3225QS comes in at 120Hz. It shares a QD-OLED panel with the PG32UCDM; the S3225QS goes with a VA panel.
It shares a DisplayHDR True Black 400 with the PG32UCDM; the PA329CRV goes with a DisplayHDR 400. It shares a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut with the PG32UCDM; the VG32WQ3B goes with a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut. Reaching 165Hz 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. When we checked, only the PA329CRV and cheaper picks cost less, and the PG32UCDM cost more.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 165Hz
- 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
Pros
- 165Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen
- 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
Fastest Refresh3 of 5
ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM
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
- Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Skip if
- Pass on it if oLED burn-in risk with static desktop elements rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It also carries 90W USB-C power delivery for a laptop. On refresh rate it leads this guide at 240Hz, ahead of the VG32WQ3B (180Hz). On screen size it ties with the S3225QS and the MAG 321CUP at 32 inches.
Like the MAG 321CUP, it has a QD-OLED panel, while the VG32WQ3B uses a VA panel. Like the MAG 321CUP, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400, while the PA329CRV uses a DisplayHDR 400. Like the MAG 321CUP, 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. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the MAG 321CUP.
Key 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 Here4 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG32WQ3B
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 transitions 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 second of 4 here, behind the PG32UCDM (240Hz) and ahead of the S3225QS (120Hz). On screen size it ties with the PA329CRV 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 MAG 321CUP 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 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)
The catch
The main gap: refresh rate of 180Hz, behind the PG32UCDM (240Hz). If that matters, the PG32UCDM offers 240Hz.
IPS Panel5 of 5
ASUS ProArt PA329CRV
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 on screen size (31.5 inches). You get an IPS panel here, which sets it apart from the VG32WQ3B and its a VA panel.
You get a DisplayHDR 400 here, which sets it apart from the PG32UCDM and its a DisplayHDR True Black 400. You get a 98% DCI-P3 color gamut here, which sets it apart from the VG32WQ3B and its a 90% 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 MAG 321CUP at the time of writing.
Key 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
- Screen size trails the S3225QS (32 inches)
- Costs more than the VG32WQ3B at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published refresh rate figure, whereas the PG32UCDM offers 240Hz.
How We Chose These Monitors for 3D Rendering
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.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out refresh rate.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the S3225QS to the PA329CRV, 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
Across these 5 picks screen size spans 31.5 inches (the PA329CRV) to 32 inches (the S3225QS). If screen size is your first filter, the S3225QS sets the ceiling at 32 inches.
How much refresh rate you need
Here refresh rate runs from 120Hz on the S3225QS to 240Hz on the PG32UCDM, a 100% spread. The VG32WQ3B comes second at 180Hz, in the $150 to $250 tier against $500 to $1000 for the PG32UCDM. The PA329CRV gives no refresh rate figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop Panel
The S3225QS and the VG32WQ3B list VA; the MAG 321CUP and the PG32UCDM list QD-OLED; the PA329CRV lists IPS. Settling panel first narrows 5 picks to 2 or 2 or 1.
Features beyond the spec table
The PG32UCDM: 90W USB-C power delivery. The VG32WQ3B: a 3-year warranty. The PA329CRV: Calman Verified with Delta E below 2.
A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop Budget
$150 to $250 buys the VG32WQ3B; $250 to $500 buys the S3225QS; $500 to $1000 buys the PA329CRV, the MAG 321CUP and the PG32UCDM at our last check.
How to Choose a Monitor for 3D Rendering
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz | S3225QS | A 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz |
| Buyers who want 1700R curve | MAG 321CUP | A 1700R curve |
| Competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most | PG32UCDM | The highest refresh rate here (240Hz) |
| 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 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The S3225QS leads on screen size at 32 inches, ahead of the MAG 321CUP at 32 inches. "Not listed" marks refresh rate where the PA329CRV leaves the figure out.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S3225QS | 120Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | VA |
| MAG 321CUP | 165Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 32 inches | QD-OLED |
| 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 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the VG32WQ3B, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the PG32UCDM at $500 to $1000; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | VG32WQ3B |
| About $250 to $500 | S3225QS |
| About $500 to $1000 | PA329CRV, MAG 321CUP, PG32UCDM |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the highest refresh rate: the PG32UCDM or the VG32WQ3B?
The PG32UCDM tops refresh rate at 240Hz; the VG32WQ3B follows at 180Hz, 33% apart. The S3225QS closes the ranking at 120Hz. The PA329CRV is left out of this ranking because its refresh rate isn't stated; 4 of 5 picks are ranked.
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 sat in the $150 to $250 tier and the PG32UCDM in the $500 to $1000 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if screen size and refresh rate decide your purchase.
What makes the PG32UCDM the Fastest Refresh?
The label rests on the highest refresh rate here (240Hz). The VG32WQ3B is next on refresh rate at 180Hz, so this pick's 240Hz is 33% further out. The VG32WQ3B, the cheapest pick, sat in the $150 to $250 tier against $500 to $1000 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at competitive shooters where motion clarity matters most.
Do the S3225QS and the VG32WQ3B differ on resolution?
The S3225QS, the MAG 321CUP, the PG32UCDM and the PA329CRV use 3840x2160 (4K); the VG32WQ3B uses 2560x1440 (1440p).
Beyond the specs, what sets the S3225QS and the MAG 321CUP apart?
The S3225QS: a 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz. The MAG 321CUP: a 1700R curve. The PG32UCDM: a 3-year warranty that lists burn-in coverage.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the S3225QS, chosen for a 32-inch 4K screen at 120Hz. Look at the MAG 321CUP for a 1700R curve, 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.
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 Monitors Under $80
- Similar guideThe Best VA Monitors
- ExplainerHow to choose a monitor for your PC
- Explainer24 vs 27 vs 32-Inch Monitor
- Also see: monitor arms and accessoriesThe Best Monitor Stand Risers
- Similar guideThe Best IPS Monitors
- Topic hubAll monitors for work and everyday use 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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