The BenQ Zowie XL2546K gaming monitor is designed for gamers who need ultra-fast refresh rates and minimal input lag to help level up their play. If you’re looking for a high-performance monitor to give you an edge, the Zowie is an excellent candidate. My review unit featured a 24.5-inch FHD LED panel with a 1920×1080 resolution and a blazing-fast refresh rate of up to 240 Hz. This means you’ll get smoother and clearer images, even during the most frenetic and fast-paced gaming battles.
In this review, I’ll delve deeper into the features and performance of the BenQ Zowie to help you decide whether it’s the right choice for you. Let’s jump in and test the monitor with games and ultra-HD content.
Unboxing and setting up the BenQ Zowie
Unboxing the Zowie is a simple process, and you only need a few assembly steps to get up and running. Upon opening up the package, you’ll find the monitor panel, mounting base, and power and display cables. The monitor boasts a great array of ports, including a DisplayPort, a single USB 2.0, 3 HDMI inputs, an S-Switch connection and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
There are also two “shield” panels included that are designed to minimize glare from bright lights during gaming sessions. They are completely optional, but it’s a great addition to have if you plan to game in brightly lit rooms. Setting up the monitor was a breeze and didn’t require any manual tweaking. All of the settings were already pre-calibrated, so all I had to do was plug it in and turn it on. In addition to this, you also get an “S-Switch” controller, this puck-shaped wired remote lets you make quick adjustments to the monitor’s settings on the fly.
BenQ Zowie’s design
The BenQ Zowie monitor line is known for its build quality and durability. The XL2546K model is no exception. It has a sturdy design that ensures it can withstand the rigours of competitive gaming. The minimalist look gives it a clean, sleek feel that merges well with any gaming setup. I did find the screen bezel a little on the thick side, but the monitor looks very sharp.
Thanks to its adjustable stand, I was able to easily find my preferred viewing angle with ease. The stand allows you to tilt, swivel, rotate to portrait, and adjust the height of the monitor, making it easy to set up for your needs quickly and conveniently.
Its wall-mountable design is compatible with VESA 100×100 mounts as well, saving space on your desk for an even cleaner look. Whether you are taking the monitor on the road with you, or using it as part of a more permanent gaming setup, the Zowie can easily accommodate just about any situation.
Zowie XL2546K gaming performance
When it comes to performance, the XL2546K has a deep set of features dedicated to video games. The first is a “Zowie exclusive” designed technology called DyAc⁺ which aims to minimize the motion blur that appears with LCD technology. Using it helps to reduce the intense virtual shaking of the screen with weapon fire. It also offers slightly better weapon recoil control in CS:GO and other FPS games. The central purpose is to keep your on-screen crosshairs as sharp as possible for improved accuracy. An input lag-free experience is also provided thanks to its ultra-low response time. This makes it easier to track and react quickly to in-game targets with precision and accuracy. The 240Hz refresh rate ensures ultra-smooth visuals regardless of the game you’re playing.
Gaming in its DNA
The Dynamic Accuracy technology is engineered to reduce motion blur, giving you a clear and precise view of the in-game action. Coupled with the panel’s 240Hz refresh rate, this provides for smoother and more immersive gaming. In fact, the default colour/screen mode out of the box is FPS1, a fine-tuned display experience from BenQ for CS:GO specifically. From the moment you turn on the monitor, it’s already tuned to provide an optimal gaming experience.
Flicker-free panel
The XL2546K’s flicker-free technology ensures that your eyes won’t suffer from fatigue or strain, even after prolonged hours of gaming. This feature is essential, especially during marathon gaming sessions, which require you to play for extended periods. With the comfort of this monitor, I was able to play for hours without any pain or discomfort in my eyes.
Zowie presets to enhance your gaming experience
As an avid gamer, I really appreciate the attention to detail that BenQ provides with its Zowie series. It offers an array of user-adjustable picture presets for different genres of games including FPS, RTS, and fighting games. There are also options for Low Blue Light and a Black eQualizer setting that maintains visibility even in dark areas during gaming sessions.
Overall, I was quite impressed with the performance of the Zowie XL2546K. The combination of features makes it a great choice for gamers looking to get the most out of their monitor. With all these factors combined, the XL2546K does a great job of delivering a smooth gaming experience.
Zowie Black eQualizer mode
Another key feature of the BenQ Zowie is its optional Black eQualizer mode. This adjusts mid-tones to help you keep track of enemies in dark scenes without washing out bright areas and ruining your visibility. It’s a great addition which means your opponents can’t hide as easily in the shadows for an advantage. The monitor also offers custom picture modes, so you can tailor the visuals to suit the game or genre you’re playing.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking to take your gaming performance to new heights, the BenQ Zowie XL2546K is a worthwhile investment. With its impressive performance, customization options, and flicker-free technology, it aims to level-up your gaming experience. Whether you are a casual or serious gamer, you’ll appreciate the exceptional clarity and precision this monitor has to offer. The XL2546K blends high-quality performance with excellent features. For an edge over the competition, the BenQ Zowie XL2546K is a great choice.
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