Trying to get you to buy one graphics card over another has always been rather tough for the two respective big names in the GPU industry, but unique features aren’t a bad way to go about it. The latest selling points both Nvidia and AMD are bandying about are G-Sync and FreeSync, two technologies that do roughly the same thing but in slightly different ways. In each case though, you need a compatible monitor, which is what Acer’s new display is all about.
The catchily named XR341CKA has a 34-inch IPS panel, with a 21:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 3,440 x 1,440. It has a variable refresh rate, as you would expect from a G-Sync enabled display, but it maxes out at 75Hz, so don’t expect frame rates too out of the ordinary, even if you are playing a game that barely taxes your GPU.
Still, at that sort of resolution you’ll want some sort of hefty graphical solution, especially if you plan to play any contemporary AAA titles.
Related: What is Nvidia G-Sync, and how does it make graphics look prettier?
In terms of connections, the XR341CKA has HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, as well as several USB 3.0 ports. It also has a pair of seven watt speakers, though if you’re spending $1,300 on a display, we would imagine you’re running slightly better speakers than that already.
The stand for the whole panel is very minimalist, but allows for full control of its height, and tilt, so you should be able to move it into the perfect spot without difficulty.
One rather unique feature of Acer’s new monitor, is that the bottom corner has a small ambient light that pulses as G-Sync adjusts the refresh rate. We’re not quite sure why, but certainly agree with Tech Report in hoping that there’s an off switch.
The Acer XR341CKA will be available for consumers sometime in September.
