Acer on Wednesday introduced its new Ultra-HD gaming monitor with an up to 144 Hz dynamic refresh rate enabled by NVIDIA’s G-Sync. The Predator XB273K is aimed at serious gamers looking for both high resolution as well as fast refresh rates. Meanwhile, the new unit is considerably cheaper than Acer’s top-of-the-range Predator X27.

The Acer Predator XB273K is based on an IPS-type panel featuring a 4K (3840×2160) resolution, with up to 400 nits peak brightness in HDR mode (the lowest DisplayHDR certification). The refresh rate goes up to 144 Hz, and is dynamic via the support of Nvidia's G-Sync. The panel has wide 178°/178° horizontal/vertical viewing angles thanks to its IPS panel. Acer yet has to disclose other specs of the LCD, but it already looks like the Predator XB273K resembles the company’s flagship Predator X27 display, but lacks FALD (Full array local dimming), quantum dot-enhanced backlighting, and NVIDIA’s G-Sync HDR.

If it is indeed the case that the XB273K is based on the same AU Optronics’ M270QAN02.2 AHVA panel (Which is currently the industry’s only 4Kp144 panel), then it is reasonable to expect it to feature a 4 ms response time, along with some other peculiarities of said panel.

Despite the fact that the Predator XB273K lacks quantum dots, it still supports a wider-than-sRGB color gamut. Acer says that the monitor can cover 90% of the DCI-P3 color range and naturally 100% of the sRGB palette. To further maximize color accuracy and reduce reflections, Acer’s Predator XB273K will come with a light-shielding hood, just like its more expensive Predator X27 brother.

By launching the Predator XB273K, Acer makes 4Kp144 G-Sync gaming slightly more accessible. Meanwhile, it should be kept in mind that to take full advantage of such monitors, gamers are going to need an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series (or newer) graphics card with a DisplayPort 1.4 output and a fresh VBIOS. Bandwidth requirements of 4Kp144 8-bit monitors exceed what DisplayPort can deliver today; therefore, to stay within the bandwidth limits of the interface, the displays will either be limited to a 120 Hz refresh rate with full 4:4:4 chroma subsampling, or use 4:2:2 subsampling to get to 144Hz+. Speaking of connectivity in general, it is natural to expect the Predator XB273K to have at least one DisplayPort 1.4 input as well as one HDMI header for compatibility. Additionally, the monitor also has a quad-port USB 3.0 hub.

UPDATE 8/30: Correcting bandwidth requirements.

Acer’s Predator XB273K will hit the North American market in the fourth quarter, in time for holiday season. In the U.S., the LCD will cost $1,299, whereas in Europe it is going to carry a €1,499 ($1,749 tax included) price tag.

Specifications of Acer Predator XB27 Gaming Monitor
  Predator XB273K
Panel 27" IPS (AHVA)
Resolution 3840 × 2160
Refresh Rate Up to 144 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate NVIDIA G-Sync
Response Time 4 ms (?)
Brightness Native: ? cd/m²
Peak: 400 cd/m²
Contrast 1000:1
Backlighting LED
Quantum Dot No
HDR HDR10 Support
Viewing Angles 178°/178° horizontal/vertical
PPI 163 pixels per inch
Colors 1.07 billion (?)
Color Saturation sRGB: 100%
Adobe RGB: ?
 DCI-P3: 90%
Rec. 2020: ?
Inputs DisplayPort 1.4
HDMI 2.0
Audio ?
USB Hub 4-port USB 3.0
Stand Adjustments Acer ErgoStand
Tilt: ?
Swivel: ?
Height Adjustment: ?
Vesa Mount 100 × 100
Power Consumption ?

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  • Alistair - Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - link

    set to 8 bit color, use 4:2:2, or 98hz, then it works as advertised... it's a combination of HDR and high refresh rate that gets a bit much for displayport, so you have 3 different options on how to use it
  • FreckledTrout - Wednesday, August 29, 2018 - link

    At these costs i'll be waiting for a Mini LED backlit monitor. That is probably good enough FALD to get close to OLED.
  • zodiacfml - Thursday, August 30, 2018 - link

    I got a TV with basic HDR connected to a PC. The HDR is noticeable. It is not blindingly great but usable, I left it on all the time.

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