Review: Gigabyte Aorus FO27Q3 27” OLED monitor

While many photographers use Mac computers for post-production to perfect their images, there's also a significant number of photographers who also enjoy playing 'computer exclusive' video games. And this is where a particular issue arises.

Mac computers and monitors suck at playing games!

For a start, the range of games for Mac is very limited compared to PC / Windows.

Secondly, even if you use ‘Parallels’ software (to run Windows on your Mac) many of the best, most popular games are still not compatible / playable due to the graphics cards and other issues.

Thirdly (and important to this review), even if you do have a game version specifically ported for Mac, the Apple branded native screens, i.e. the Apple Studio Display (with a refresh rate of a miserly 60Hz) are definitely NOT suited for super-fast refresh rates that many of the top action games require.

Of course, you can get around this issue by using more moderately priced PC / Windows machine to do post AND play games, as post-production software is pretty much the same no matter which platform you use.

Or you can just stick to Mac and have all the previously mentioned issues – though you still might need a better gaming monitor that suits this specific need.

So with this in mind, we are taking a look at the high-end QD-OLED Gigabyte Aorus FO27Q3 OLED Gaming Monitor with a 1440p resolution and an insanely high 360Hz refresh rate with 0.03 ms gray-to-gray (GTG) response time – and seeing if this could be the screen that bridges the gap between being a good post production monitor and fast gaming screen.

Unboxing and setup

Once you’ve squeaked the monitor out of its foam bedding, the process of setting up this monitor for the first time is very fast. A tool-less screw is used to attach the base to the stand and then a single-click motion to attaches the stand to the monitor.

This makes setting it up and getting it on your desk literally a less-than-30-second process. Bravo!

And once it’s on your desk, it looks pretty good. The FO27Q3’s stealth black appearance is matched with black Aorus branding, thin bevels and a broad, pointed stand that has a touch of aggressive sci-fi futurism.

Many parts of the monitor feel and look high-end, while on the back there is a clip to aid with cable management that slides up and down the stand.

Power On

As soon as you power on the Aorus FO27Q3, you know it is a gaming monitor as you are met with a glowing, RGB Aorus logo with surrounding feature lights, that would be right at home in a high-tech gaming arcade.

As a photographer, this mightn’t be what you’re used to experiencing when powering up your monitor – but it is fun.

Tech specs and performance

Under the hood, the FO27Q3 sports some impressive specs. The 27-inch QD-OLED panel, boasts 1440p (2K) resolution that delivers vibrant visuals. Its 360Hz refresh rate is particularly noteworthy, making it an excellent choice for competitive gamers seeking smooth performance.

Coupled with 10-bit colour depth, the FO27Q3 provides a stunning range of colours, viewing angles are exceptional, and thanks to the QD-OLED technology picture quality remains consistent, even when viewed from the side angles.

The stand and connectivity

The FO27Q3 offers a wide range of adjustments, including a height adjustment of 130mm, a tilt range of -5 to +20 degrees, pivot to 90 degrees for vertical viewing, and the ability to swivel 20 degrees horizontally in each direction, making it adaptable to various viewing preferences.

Connectivity options are plentiful, with multiple ports including 2 x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C upstream with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 18 watts of Power Delivery, 1x USB-B upstream, 2x USB-A 3.2, 1x headphone jack, 1x microphone jack.

The ’Tactical Features’ buttons

Hidden under the centre of the lower edge of the screen are three ‘tactical’ buttons to aid in playing games. So what do these buttons do?

First off is the ‘Resolution Switch’. As this is a 27” monitor, many gamers playing first person shooters actually like to use a smaller 24” screen so they can see more of the playing field in one shot / viewpoint.

Imagine sitting closely in front of a very large monitor – and something is happening in the top corner (out of your peripheral vision).

Bang – you missed someone hiding, now you’re dead. The resolution switch instantly reduces the 27” screen to the size of a 24”. Now being able to see everything in the one 24” view may save your virtual life.

Other options available with these buttons include: Night Vision and Black equaliser modes lift the deeper blacks into the greys so you can see better in dimly lit or night scenes in games.

And then there is a game timer, crosshairs and a picture in picture mode so you can see your opponents or team members in the corner of the gaming screen. For photographers, you could run Netflix in the corner as you are doing post-production.

Final thoughts

Ten years ago, the thought of photographers using gaming monitors for day-to-day work might have seemed silly, but today, as AI-generated-imagery continues to condense the Venn diagram of photography, graphics and gaming, we’re likely to see professionals and staunch advocates of these fields find themselves with ever-overlapping interests, clients and skillsets.

Somehow, with its dazzling lights, slim profiles and tactical features, the FO27Q3 seems to pre-empt this.

Even so, when looking at the tech specs, the design, the looks and the overall experience of the FO27Q3, you’re reminded constantly who this monitor is really for.

It really is suited for gamers who also love photography, more so than photographers who occasionally game.

So if you’re an amateur photographer or semi-pro looking for a decent all-rounder then this display is worth taking a look – especially that the Samsung built QD-OLED screen with 10-Bit colour depth, DC_P3 99% colour gamut and it's deep blacks make your images look great. 

When designing for gamers, Aorus have grunt under the hood, ease of use and sleek looks in mind; which can be an appealing trio of traits for the photographer who doesn’t mind blowing off some steam with some gaming after a long day in Lightroom.

Or you could also use it as a brilliant 2K second monitor. One 4K monitor for post, and this one as a second screen AND playing games.

The FO27Q3 is available for purchase at $1,499 and you can find out more about the monitor on the Gigabyte website.

Specs

• Display size: 27-inch 16:9 widescreen
• Native resolution: 2560×1440
• Display viewing area: 590,42 x 333.72mm
• Panel type: OLED
• Display surface: Anti-reflection
• Refresh rate: Up to 360Hz
• HDR: VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400
• Brightness 250cd/m2; 100 nits (Typ, HDR APL 3%)
• Colour Saturation: 99% DCI-P3
• Contrast Ratio: 1.5M:1
• Viewing Angle: 178 degrees
• Adaptive sync: Adaptive Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
• Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C upstream with DisplayPort Alternate Mode and 18 watts of Power Delivery, 1x USB-B upstream, 2x USB-A 3.2, 1x headphone jack, 1x microphone jack
• VESA mount: 100x100mm
• Speakers: 2x 5-watt speakers
• Power consumption: 53W
• Weight with stand: 7.2kg