Buying Guide
The Best Monitors for CAD
Five monitors compared, from the Samsung ViewFinity S71H to the M27UP, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
CAD needs sharp lines and accurate colour on a large 4K IPS panel. Every pick is 4K or higher on IPS, ordered from the lowest price.
Our comparison rests on published figures for refresh rate, resolution and size; where a maker leaves out refresh rate, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 27-inch 4KUndercutting the 27US500 on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode that cuts blue light and flicker for the least money.
Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 27-inch 4K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
LG UltraFine 27US500-WA white borderless design.
Best for: Buyers who want white borderless design.
Check price for LG UltraFine 27US500-W on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
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)
Worth a Look
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A4K at 120Hz for consoles over HDMI.
Best for: Buyers who want 4K at 120Hz for consoles over HDMI.
Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
GIGABYTE M27UPThe top of this price range, adding a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
Best for: Spending more than the VG27UQ1A costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for GIGABYTE M27UP on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the 27US500 on price when we checked. | Getting TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode that cuts blue light and flicker for the least money. | Check price for Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 27-inch 4K on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A white borderless design. | Buyers who want white borderless design. | Check price for LG UltraFine 27US500-W 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) |
| 4K at 120Hz for consoles over HDMI. | Buyers who want 4K at 120Hz for consoles over HDMI. | Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A 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 VG27UQ1A costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for GIGABYTE M27UP on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Samsung ViewFinity S7 (S71H) 27-inch 4K
The ViewFinity S7 27-inch is a plain 4K IPS screen for sharp text.
Best for
- Getting TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode that cuts blue light and flicker for the least money.
Skip if
- Pass on it if hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Samsung doesn't state a refresh rate. TÜV-certified Eye Saver mode cuts blue light and flicker, and HDMI and DisplayPort inputs keep setup simple. Samsung pitches the 3840x2160 panel on its high pixel density and the extra screen space it gives for designs, diagrams and several windows.
Like the 27US500 and XG27UCSR, it has an IPS panel, while the VG27UQ1A uses a fast IPS panel. It also comes with a Game Mode that adjusts colour and contrast. At 4K, check that your graphics card and cable support 4K at the refresh rate you want before you buy.
It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the 27US500 was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed refresh rate should compare it with the XG27UCSR, which offers 160Hz.
Key specs
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- HDR
- HDR10
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode that cuts blue light and flicker
- HDMI and DisplayPort inputs
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- No published refresh rate
Also Consider2 of 5
LG UltraFine 27US500-W
The 27US500 offers 90% DCI-P3 coverage and HDR10 input on an IPS panel in a white finish.
Best for
- Buyers who want white borderless design.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: hDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification.
Why we like it
It suits creative work more than gaming. It shares an IPS panel with the Samsung ViewFinity S71H and XG27UCSR; the M27UP goes with a SuperSpeed IPS panel. You get a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut here, which sets it apart from the VG27UQ1A and its a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut.
It also offers a white borderless design and a Reader Mode. 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 Samsung ViewFinity S71H and below the XG27UCSR at the time of writing. There is no published refresh rate figure, whereas the XG27UCSR offers 160Hz.
Key specs
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- IPS
- HDR
- HDR10
- Color gamut
- 90% DCI-P3
Pros
- 4K resolution for sharp text and detail
- an IPS panel with wide viewing angles
- 90% DCI-P3 colour coverage
- White borderless design
Cons
- HDR10 support without a DisplayHDR certification
- No published refresh rate
- Costs more than the Samsung ViewFinity S71H at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 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
- Skip it if price comes first: the Samsung ViewFinity S71H cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It shares an IPS panel with the Samsung ViewFinity S71H and 27US500; the M27UP goes with a SuperSpeed IPS panel. It shares a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut with the VG27UQ1A; the M27UP goes with a 125% sRGB 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.
Another plus: 160Hz for smoother motion than a 60Hz office screen. You also get this: 4K resolution for sharp text and detail. It was priced above the 27US500 and below the VG27UQ1A 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 Samsung ViewFinity S71H at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A
The VG27UQ1A brings TUF to 4K at 160Hz with 95% DCI-P3 coverage and a three-year warranty.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4K at 120Hz for consoles over HDMI.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Samsung ViewFinity S71H cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It needs a strong graphics card to use its refresh rate at 4K. No other pick in this guide offers a fast IPS panel; compare the XG27UCSR, which has an IPS panel. Like the XG27UCSR, it has a 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, while the 27US500 uses a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut.
It also comes with 4K at 120Hz for consoles over HDMI. 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.
Key specs
- Refresh rate
- 160Hz
- Resolution
- 3840x2160 (4K)
- Size
- 27 inches
- Panel
- Fast IPS
- Response
- 1ms
- HDR
- HDR
- Color gamut
- 95% DCI-P3
- Adaptive sync
- G-SYNC Compatible, FreeSync Premium
- Warranty
- 3-year
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
- 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage
Cons
- Costs more than the Samsung ViewFinity S71H at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
GIGABYTE M27UP
The M27UP offers 4K at 160Hz with DisplayHDR 400 and a 1080p 320Hz mode at a lower price.
Best for
- Spending more than the VG27UQ1A costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Samsung ViewFinity S71H was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
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 DisplayHDR 400; compare the VG27UQ1A, which has an HDR. 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. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the VG27UQ1A and the rest. The trade-off is refresh rate; for more, the XG27UCSR offers 160Hz.
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 Samsung ViewFinity S71H at the time of writing
How We Chose These Monitors for CAD
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 set side by side five monitors on refresh rate, resolution, screen size and panel as the makers state them. Nothing was tested in-house; 3 of the 8 fields compared are stated for every pick, while refresh rate and response have gaps.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Samsung ViewFinity S71H to the M27UP, state resolution, screen size and panel and share 3840x2160 (4K) resolution.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Samsung ViewFinity S71H and the 27US500 give no refresh rate; the Samsung ViewFinity S71H and the 27US500 give no response.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the Samsung ViewFinity S71H ($150 to $250) to the M27UP ($250 to $500).
What to Look for in a Monitor for CAD
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Response
The XG27UCSR lists 0.3ms; the VG27UQ1A and the M27UP list 1ms.
Features beyond the spec table
The XG27UCSR: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz. The VG27UQ1A: a 3-year warranty with advance replacement. The M27UP: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz.
A three-monitor work desk beside a laptop Budget
$150 to $250 buys the Samsung ViewFinity S71H and the 27US500; $250 to $500 buys the XG27UCSR, the VG27UQ1A and the M27UP at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Getting TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode that cuts blue light and flicker for the least money: the Samsung ViewFinity S71H. Spending more than the VG27UQ1A costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the M27UP.
A desk with a monitor showing code next to a laptop Size for your desk distance
24 to 25 inches suits 1080p and competitive play at a typical desk. 27 inches pairs well with 1440p and 4K; 32 inches suits 4K at a deeper desk.
How to Choose a Monitor for CAD
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode that cuts blue light and flicker for the least money | Samsung ViewFinity S71H | Undercutting the 27US500 on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want white borderless design | 27US500 | A white borderless design |
| Buyers who want dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz | XG27UCSR | A dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz |
| Buyers who want 4K at 120Hz for consoles over HDMI | VG27UQ1A | 4K at 120Hz for consoles over HDMI |
| Spending more than the VG27UQ1A costs for the fullest feature set in this group | M27UP | 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 Samsung ViewFinity S71H, the 27US500 and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Monitor | Refresh rate | Resolution | Size | Panel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung ViewFinity S71H | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| 27US500 | Not listed | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| XG27UCSR | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | IPS |
| VG27UQ1A | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | Fast IPS |
| M27UP | 160Hz | 3840x2160 (4K) | 27 inches | SuperSpeed IPS |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the Samsung ViewFinity S71H, sat in the $150 to $250 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the M27UP at $250 to $500; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Monitors |
|---|---|
| About $150 to $250 | Samsung ViewFinity S71H, 27US500 |
| About $250 to $500 | XG27UCSR, VG27UQ1A, M27UP |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Samsung ViewFinity S71H the Lowest Price Here?
It carries the badge for undercutting the 27US500 on price when we checked. It is aimed at getting TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode that cuts blue light and flicker for the least money.
Do the Samsung ViewFinity S71H and the VG27UQ1A differ on panel?
The Samsung ViewFinity S71H, the 27US500 and the XG27UCSR use IPS; the VG27UQ1A uses Fast IPS; the M27UP uses SuperSpeed IPS.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Samsung ViewFinity S71H and the 27US500 apart?
The Samsung ViewFinity S71H: a TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode that cuts blue light and flicker. The 27US500: a white borderless design. The XG27UCSR: a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz.
Who should choose the M27UP?
The M27UP carries our Premium Pick label for the top of this price range, adding a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 320Hz. It ranks fifth of 5 here and sat in the $250 to $500 tier at our last price check; it suits spending more than the VG27UQ1A costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Should I pick the Samsung ViewFinity S71H or the M27UP?
The Samsung ViewFinity S71H suits getting TUV-certified Eye Saver Mode that cuts blue light and flicker for the least money; the M27UP suits spending more than the VG27UQ1A costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Samsung ViewFinity S71H, chosen for undercutting the 27US500 on price when we checked. Look at the 27US500 for a white borderless design, the XG27UCSR for a dual mode that switches to 1080p at 324Hz and the VG27UQ1A for 4K at 120Hz for consoles over HDMI if those matter more to you.
Set scaling to 125% or 150% so menus stay readable.
Related Guides
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- 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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