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Update: We’ll shortly be reviewing this model. News piece below initially published 29th July 2021.
The combination of ~32″ screen size and ‘4K’ UHD resolution is very attractive for both work and play. The Gigabyte M32U provides this, with a focus on high refresh rate support for PC and games console users. With HDMI 2.1 providing a 120Hz UHD experience for consoles such as the Xbox Series X and PS5. The monitor has the usual ‘M Series’ styling, quite paired back with more generous use of matte black plastics on the stand than AORUS models like the FI32U. The top and side bezels are dual-stage, with a slim panel border flush with the rest of the screen and a thin hard plastic outer part. The OSD (On Screen Display) is controlled by a joystick at the rear of the screen, towards the right side as viewed from the front. A dedicated KVM button is found above this, allowing quick input switching and USB reassignment between multiple systems.
A 31.5″ 3840 x 2160 (‘4K’ UHD) IPS-type panel is used, with the Innolux M315DCA-K7B being the most likely candidate. A 144Hz refresh rate is supported alongside Adaptive-Sync, allowing VRR technologies such as AMD FreeSync and ‘G-SYNC Compatible Mode’ to be used. A 48 – 144Hz VRR range plus LFC is assumed. VRR is also supported via HDMI 2.1. A light to very light matte screen surface is employed, whilst a 1000:1 static contrast ratio, 178°/178° viewing angles and 10-bit colour (8-bit + FRC) is supported. A flicker-free WLED backlight provides a 90% DCI-P3 colour gamut and 350 cd/m² typical maximum luminance. The monitor is ‘Eyesafe’ certified by TÜV Rheinland, meaning the peak of blue light is shifted to less energetic wavelengths and the amplitude of the peak is reduced. This is designed to enhance viewing comfort – additional Low Blue Light (LBL) settings are also provided, for relaxing evening viewing. The monitor responds to HDR10 content with VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, allowing the colour gamut and 10-bit colour processing to be put to good use with a 400 cd/m²+ peak luminance. This isn’t particularly bright by HDR standards and local dimming isn’t required at this level. This model includes 16 dimming zones to give a slight situational edge in contrast, however.
A 1ms MPRT response time is specified using ‘Aim Stabilizer Sync’, a strobe backlight setting which can be used in a VRR environment. The stand attaches centrally with a quick-release mechanism and can be replaced by an alternative 100 x 100mm VESA compatible solution if preferred. The stand offers tilt, swivel and height (130mm or 5.12 inches) adjustment. The ports face downwards and include; AC power input (internal power converter) with ‘zero watt’ switch, 2 HDMI 2.1 ports, DP 1.4 (with DSC), USB-C (18W PD, DP Alt Mode, upstream data), 3 USB 3.0 ports (plus upstream) and a 3.5mm headphone jack. 2 x 3W speakers are included and PbP/PiP support is included. As noted earlier KVM support is included, allowing devices attached via USB to be shared between multiple systems.
Further details can be found on the manufacturer’s website. The monitor is listed for ~$800 USD.
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