Test Methodology
A monitor review based on descriptive visual analysis will always have the underlying problem of subjectivity; assessments of panel quality will vary from user to user depending on their normative expectations. To get around this we’re deploying Datacolor’s SpyderX professional monitor analyser to return a quantitative assessment of display quality.
These numerical results add extra utility to our reviews allowing us to more accurately benchmark the following display characteristics:
- Colour gamut relative to AdobeRGB and DCI-P3 industry standards
- Colour accuracy (Delta-E)
- Brightness levels and contrast ratios
- Colour uniformity
- Luminance uniformity
Comparison Monitors |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Panel Size |
Resolution |
Panel Type |
Refresh Rate |
Adaptive Sync |
Reviewed Price |
HEXUS Review |
| Philips Momentum 436M6VBPAB | 42.5 |
3840x2160 |
VA |
60Hz |
FreeSync |
£700 |
|
| iiyama G-Master GB3461WQSU-B1 Red Eagle | 34.0 |
3440x1440 |
IPS |
144Hz |
FreeSync |
£400 |
|
HEXUS 2020 Test Platform |
||
|---|---|---|
| Component | Product Page | |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 9 3950X | amd.com |
| Motherboard | Asus ROG Crosshair VIII Formula | asus.com |
| CPU Cooler | Corsair Hydro Series H150i Pro RGB | corsair.com |
| Graphics Card | Sapphire Nitro+ RX 5700 XT 8G GDDR6 SE | sapphiretech.com |
| Memory | G.Skill Trident Z Neo DDR4-3200 (2x16GB) | gskill.com |
| Storage | 2TB Corsair MP600 | corsair.com |
| Power Supply | be quiet! Straight Power 11 Platinum 1,000W | bequiet.com |
| Network Card | Asus XG-C100C 10GBase-T PCIe Adapter | asus.com |
| Chassis | Fractal Design Define 7 Clear Tempered Glass | fractal-design.com |
| Keyboard | Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Low Profile Rapidfire | corsair.com |
| Mouse | Corsair Ironclaw RGB | corsair.com |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 10 Pro | microsoft.com |
Benchmark Suite |
||
|---|---|---|
| Gamut | Percentage of AdobeRGB and DCI-P3 | |
| Colour Accuracy | Average colour accuracy recorded as Delta-E | |
| Brightness | Measured at 100 per cent and 50 per cent, recorded as candela per square metre (cd/m2) | |
| Black Level | Measured at 100 per cent and 50 per cent brightness, recorded as candela per square metre (cd/m2) | |
| Contrast Ratio | Measured at 100 per cent screen brightness | |
| Colour Uniformity | Measured at default screen brightness | |
| Luminance Uniformity | Measured at default screen brightness | |
| Power Consumption | Measured at the mains for both 100 per cent and 50 per cent screen brightness | |
Notes
As we migrate all our benchmarking to the new AMD-powered 2020 Test Platforms, we have opted to start afresh with monitor comparisons using the latest SpyderX calibration tool. The iiyama G-Master GB3461WQSU-B1 Red Eagle is the first to be examined when connected to the Ryzen machine, and is compared directly to our stock monitor, a Philips Momentum 436M6VBPAB. Other comparison monitors will be added in due course.
All monitors are benchmarked using out-the-box settings and are connected to the test platform via the manufacturer-supplied DisplayPort cable. Advanced features such as HDR and adaptive framerate synchronisation are disabled for the purpose of these tests.
