Expert's Rating
Pros
- Good gaming performance
- Fast frame rate of 240Hz
- Large 31.5-inch screen
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Lack of height adjustability
- No USB interfaces
Our Verdict
The AOC C32G2ZE costs only $320 and is, therefore, an attractive offer for a large 31.5-inch screen with a maximum refresh rate of 240Hz. In addition, the curved monitor delivers incredible gaming performance, even with fast and demanding games. However, you also have to accept some limitations due to the low price. The mediocre pixel density and lack of ergonomic adjustment options, such as height adjustment, is particularly unexciting.
Price When Reviewed
320.00
Best Prices Today: AOC C32G2ZE
The AOC C32G2ZE is an affordable 1080p monitor with a 31.5-inch curved screen and a very fast maximum refresh rate of 240Hz. However, throughout our testing we found that you have to accept limitations in gaming performance due to the low price of only $320.
Note: This review is part of our ongoing roundup of the best gaming monitors. Go there to learn about competing products, what to look for in a gaming monitor, and buying recommendations.
AOC C32G2ZE: The specs
The AOC C32G2ZE is easily recognizable as a full-fledged gaming monitor at first glance, with its angular design, wide V-shaped base, and red housing applications. The curved VA panel (1500R) is housed in a frameless chassis, making the 31.5-inch display well-suited for multi-monitor gaming.
The monitor with its 1920x1080p resolution achieves very high frame rates of up to 240Hz using FreeSync technology and is therefore also suitable for extremely fast-reacting games.
| Display size | 31.5-inch |
| Native resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Panel type | IPS / 16:9 |
| Refresh rate | 240Hz |
| Adaptive sync | Compatible with FreeSync |
| Ports | 1 DisplayPort, 2 HDMI, 1 analog audio jack |
| Stand adjustment | None |
| VESA mount | Yes, 100x100mm |
| Speakers | No |
| HDR | Only HDR emulation mode |
| Price | $320 |
Beyond these very good technical performance qualities, the test shows that you have to accept some limitations in image quality and equipment features in exchange for that budget price. If you don’t mind doing without USB ports, speakers, and LED light strips, you’re still likely to take issue with the nonexistent ergonomic adjustment options—the AOC C32G2ZE doesn’t adapt well to the respective location, as it cannot be rotated on the stand or adjusted in height.
AOC C32G2ZE: Image quality
It looks decent, but not outstanding in terms of general image quality and gaming performance. In the test, the curved monitor delivered an image with average brightness and contrast. It does slightly make up for this by impressing with neutral and natural color reproduction. The screen creates 123 percent of the RGB color range.
The AOC C32G2ZE works quickly and error-free up to the maximum frame rate of 240Hz. There is no tearing or motion blur, even in very fast games with demanding and fast image changes.
AOC C32G2ZE: affordable FHD gaming monitor with 240Hz refresh rate.
PC Welt
AOC C32G2ZE: Ports
The connection to the PC runs via two HDMI inputs and a DisplayPort interface, whereby the maximum frame rate of 240Hz can only be used on the DisplayPort input. On a positive note, corresponding cables are included in the box for both ports.
AOC C32G2ZE: two HDMI ports and one DP input; USB ports are missing.
PC Welt
AOC C32G2ZE: Features and menu
In addition to the usual settings such as brightness and contrast, the on-screen menu offers numerous gaming features. It includes presets and two individually configurable game sets, FPS, RTS, and racing. The OSD is controlled via five buttons on the lower-right edge of the panel, which are awkwardly placed and too small to use comfortably. Thankfully it is more pleasant to control the AOC C32G2ZE using the Gmenu software, which you can download from the AOC website.
AOC C32G2ZE: The five settings buttons are too small to use comfortably.
PC Welt
AOC C32G2ZE: Power consumption
In operation, the AOC C32G2ZE needs just over 40 watts at maximum brightness, which is quite a bit for an 1080p screen. In standby mode, consumption drops to just 0.4 watts.
Should you buy the AOC C32G2ZE?
The AOC C32G2ZE monitor provides outstanding performance when it comes to gaming or general work requirements. Unfortunately, it falls a bit short when used for entertainment purposes due to its mediocre image quality. This is really the only thing that holds this monitor back from being a terrific value. Gamers will, however, still find a lot to like due to the low price and fast refresh rate.
Additionally, it might not come with many ports, but it has a decent selection of customizable onscreen options. The presets for games give you plenty of freedom, especially when you need to tweak the contrast and brightness.
This review originally appeared on PC-Welt, PCWorld’s German sister site.