The Acer Predator X45 takes its place at the pinnacle of gaming monitors, specifically designed for the most demanding racing simulations. This 45-inch behemoth boasts a staggering 5120 x 1440 resolution, ensuring visuals that are nothing short of breathtaking. A 200Hz refresh rate and NVIDIA G-Sync technology work in harmony to render silky-smooth motion, effectively eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. The Predator X45’s HDR support and wide color gamut further enhance the visual fidelity, allowing gamers to fully immerse themselves in the virtual world.

This massive 45-inch OLED display, due to various reasons, proves to be an imperfect pairing with a conventional desktop gaming PC configuration. While it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a singular, large, wraparound display for racing or flight simulator setups. With a 240Hz refresh rate, ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio, and impressive picture quality, this display is perfect for a wide range of entertainment scenarios?

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This episode focuses on determining the suitability of gaming monitors for simulation rigs, highlighting its top-tier status as an ideal choice for such configurations. While Acer targets a broader audience, let’s examine the limits of its capabilities without further ado.

Specs

Design

It’s hardly surprising that this monitor is sizable. While familiar with gaming monitor sizes, you’ll initially perceive this as a significantly larger 32-inch display, despite 32-inch screens typically not being as tall as this one. At approximately 18 inches (455mm) in height and 39 inches (990mm) in width, the panel’s dimensions are notable; however, considering the curvature of the display, its actual width expands to 41.5 inches (1,050mm).

The 800R curve’s sharp, assertive edge adds a new dimension to the overall presentation, infusing the display with an air of sophistication and drama. Stretching a total of 16 inches (400mm), from the front edge of the panel to the back of the stand, this exhibition occupies a compact yet significant space. Due to its massive size, this display screen outclasses even a large standard laptop stand, like the Secretlab Magnus Professional, dwarfing it entirely. One key reason the X45 isn’t often our top pick for everyday use on a desktop computer’s primary display is that it lacks essential features, such as adequate color accuracy and sufficient brightness levels. While shows with an ultrawide side ratio and similar backbone can be attractive options, those with a 34-inch measurement are generally wiser choices.

While that’s true, what really sets this show apart is its natural compatibility with sim racing setups. You’ll have the flexibility to position the show at a slightly greater distance without sacrificing its tangible presence or immersive ambiance. While it may not seamlessly integrate with a multi-monitor setup, it’s the closest thing to it.

The TV boasts a sleek appearance, characterized by a silver-painted V-shaped pedestal and remarkably slender OLED panel borders. A substantial, bulkier segment runs along the back, where all the connections and various electronics are housed, while the bezels, measuring around 8mm in thickness, still provide a sense of “wow, OLEDs are thin”.

While one function I’m less enthusiastic about is the comprehensive measurement of the stand’s dimensions. The door creaks open, its hinges stretching forward by almost a foot (30 centimeters), while the entrance itself splayed outward to an absurdly wide 27 inches (68 centimeters). So, the general display takes up a significant amount of space, but the stand itself intrudes on your desk. To optimize display placement, consider using a monitor arm like the Secretlab Magnus Monitor Arm Heavy Duty, which accommodates wider VESA mounts up to 200x100mm. If your desired show utilizes this size mount, an adapter for the arm’s 100x100mm compatibility will be required or an alternative solution must be found.

The X45’s display features a semi-matte coating that minimizes reflections, making it particularly useful for curved screens like this one. The curved design of the screen allows it to capture reflections from a broader range of angles than a traditional flat display, underscoring the importance of minimizing these effects to an extent possible. Moreover, the anti-reflective coating proves remarkably effective in minimizing glare without introducing an undesirable level of graininess, unlike certain other anti-reflective screens that can mar the visual experience.

The stand features 110mm of peak adjustment, accompanied by a 15-degree range for both panning (left and right) and tilting (up to 15 degrees or down to -5 degrees). The setup process lacks a seamless integration feature, unlike the AOC AG276QZD, which provides effortless navigation of this large screen size.

Options

The true highlight of this program is undoubtedly its impressive 44.5-inch OLED display. The display touts a resolution of 3,440 x 1,440 pixels, a relatively modest specification for its size, resulting in a pixel density of merely 85 pixels per inch (ppi). Here is the rewritten text in a different style:

Having a 1080p resolution on a 27-inch display is essentially equivalent to this scenario.

The panel leverages LG’s WOLED expertise, contrasting with Samsung’s QD-OLED technology, which generates each pixel by combining four distinct colours: red, green, blue, and white, unlike the three-colour scheme used by QD-OLED and other display technologies such as LCD and CRT. The added white sub-pixel enables a significant boost in white luminosity without requiring the simultaneous maximum illumination of all red, green, and blue pixels.

With OLED technology, a key advantage is the ability to produce genuine blacks, as each pixel can be turned off entirely, resulting in an unparalleled level of contrast and visual fidelity. While some LCDs display a grayscale black level due to backlight bleed, This OLED display truly excels with an unparalleled contrast ratio of 1,500,000:1, significantly outpacing the average LCD’s modest 1,000:1 distinction degree.

The panel can also accelerate in tandem at a swift 240Hz refresh rate, leveraging the significant advantage of OLED’s rapid response time, which enables seamless visuals. The pixels can switch shades in a mere 0.03 milliseconds, an astonishing 100 times faster than traditional LCDs.

Without the panel, the Acer X45 stands out as a well-appointed gaming monitor option. This technology helps to eliminate picture tearing and stutter by synchronizing the display’s refresh rate with AMD’s FreeSync technology, while also being compatible with Nvidia’s G-Sync standard.

The monitor’s connectivity options stand out, boasting a single high-speed DisplayPort 1.4 input that effortlessly handles most PCs, while two HDMI 2.0 ports provide convenient alternatives for gaming consoles, supporting smooth operation at prime refresh rates. The device also features a USB-C video input, allowing you to seamlessly connect your laptop. The show eliminates the need for a power brick, thanks to its built-in energy supply featuring an IEC C13 (kettle lead) connector.

A versatile solution can also be achieved by including a USB hub, featuring a USB-B uplink and two USB-A downstream ports, providing ample connectivity options to accommodate peripherals such as keyboards and mice via the monitor’s display. The device features a headphone jack and comes equipped with a pair of powerful 5W speakers. These later examples are only marginally better than we had hoped for, with our minds fixated on the house’s exterior appearance as displayed on the screen’s back side. While some sound systems may appear to have high-quality audio, it’s often comparable to what can be found at smaller events; however, even these systems tend to distort at relatively modest volume levels. Social media users find them convenient for quickly sharing their favorite YouTube or TikTok videos, but that’s about the extent of their utility.

Picture high quality

Let’s minimize to the chase. This display isn’t ideal for desktop use. While the display’s low pixel density inherently results in unremarkable sharpness at standard viewing distances, the added drawback of utilizing WOLED technology exacerbates this issue, making it even less impressive compared to an equivalent LCD. The four sub-pixel colors fail to harmonize seamlessly with the contours of high-contrast on-screen components, resulting in blurry, multi-hued fringes that compromise the clarity of textual content. Are notifications tremendous distracting once you’re attempting to learn or simply navigate your computer’s desktop?

One major drawback hindering desktop usability of this display is its inconsistent brightness, which continuously adjusts based on the content displayed. When the entire screen is rendered with a uniform white or shiny appearance, its overall brightness typically decreases compared to having a smaller, isolated shiny area on a otherwise darker image.

Within the image, you’ll observe a distinctive visual representation: the top half of the display is split between darkness and whiteness, while the bottom half is fully illuminated in white. As you gaze upon the stark contrast between the two levels of whiteness, it becomes strikingly apparent that the descent into darkness is exponentially more pronounced when viewed through a narrower window, amplifying the visual effect to an even greater extent.

A widespread issue on OLED displays is the necessity to constantly reduce overall brightness, not only to conserve energy but also to prolong the lifespan of the screen. This is because OLED panels are prone to degradation over time, a problem that can be mitigated by minimizing their exposure to excessive light. While notifications are indeed ubiquitous, they’re also intensely distracting. As you navigate between home windows on your desktop, the display’s brightness suddenly fluctuates wildly. While screen brightness is often more seamless in video games and videos due to their fixed settings, the same fluidity is sadly lacking when using a desktop computer.

Some displays, including the AOC AG276QZD, offer adjustable settings that allow users to toggle the severity of blue light emission, minimizing its potential distraction; unfortunately, this model lacks such a feature.

Within its realm, this show truly shines by boasting an unparalleled level of visual mastery, showcasing exceptional scale, luminosity, chromatic depth, and overall visual impact in its picture quality. Experience the thrill of racing, flight simulation, or any other high-octane activity on a screen that stretches out before you like an endless highway – or soar through ultrawide cinematic vistas that immerse your imagination in breathtaking views.

While the resolution isn’t razor-sharp at close range, it still excels in capturing smooth motion and delivering a cinematic gaming experience. While visually stunning, the screen’s true value lies in its ability to showcase complex video games like Frostpunk 2, where crisp textures and sharp lines are crucial for optimal gameplay – a higher resolution would undoubtedly elevate the experience?

Its exceptional out-of-the-box image quality accurately renders vivid colors without requiring any significant adjustments to achieve optimal color consistency. A minor adjustment here and there enables optimal performance, yet many users can still enjoy a satisfactory image straight from the box.

The initial luminosity appears somewhat subdued. With its full white display screen, this monitor achieves a mere 104 nits of brightness when set to the default 70/100 brightness option in the monitor’s menu. By increasing the brightness setting to its maximum level of 100/100, the output rises to an impressive 141 nits, rendering a significantly more usable display.

If you don’t adjust other settings, the display screen’s peak brightness reaches up to 400 nits when showing a small, dark area on a completely black background, vividly illustrating the considerable difference in brightness levels. While the HDR implementation is indeed impressive, one might reasonably wonder why Acer omitted a tone mapping feature to temper the most extravagant brightness levels. To ensure seamless transitions between tasks and applications, a subtle yet effective approach would be to introduce a variance of approximately 200 nits for full-screen brightness, gradually increasing to 300 nits for smaller windows in non-HDR environments, thereby delivering a noticeable difference for desktop users.

Colours remain vibrantly saturated without appearing artificial, a testament to the technology’s ability to deliver natural-looking hues; HDR, in particular, makes a notable impact by adding depth and visual pop. The stunning capabilities of OLED technology to display genuine blacks enable photographs, such as that of a lightbulb illuminating, to possess an unparalleled level of impact and vividness. While peak HDR brightness may trail behind nanoLED LCD screens, which are expected to reach 1500 nits, their low black levels significantly compensate for this disparity. The nocturnal racing scene takes on an added layer of captivating essence when viewed in a dark environment, its visual impact amplified by the absence of ambient light.

Gaming efficiency

While some video games may not be ideally suited for this format, due to its mid-tier graphics and average frame rate, which can hinder the crisp, responsive gameplay experience crucial for real-time strategy games. In first-person shooter games, I find the display screen’s expansive and curved nature to be slightly overwhelming, personally. To keep pace with the on-screen action, you must constantly reorient yourself in space and time.

In relaxing video game scenarios, this display truly shines. Sit comfortably with a racing wheel or flight stick in hand, as the expansive display screen invites an immersive experience in either Forza or Microsoft Flight Simulator, its usability amplified by the ergonomic design that accommodates users sitting slightly back from their desks. The wraparound impact of the display screen seamlessly integrates with these video games, allowing for a slightly expanded peripheral view that enhances the overall gaming experience. Controller-controlled video games generally perform well, with the slight increase in viewing distance making a noticeable difference.

Here’s what stands out as extraordinary: the combination of a 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time yields an incredibly rapid image display. When engaged in high-speed activities like racing and flying, or utilizing the display screen for fast-paced gaming, the result is a remarkably crisp and responsive experience.

Value

The Acer Predator X45 boasts a original price tag of $1,599.99, but savvy shoppers can snag it for a significantly discounted $1,269.99. Although it’s priced at a premium, the value offered is substantial; the lower-cost option makes this deal even more attractive.

As prices drop for 34-inch ultrawide OLEDs, getting a similar resolution in this model becomes less of an issue, with many options now available under $1,000; ultimately, it’s about weighing the benefits of the larger screen size against its value to you.

Verdict

The Acer Predator X45 is an awe-inspiring gaming monitor, boasting impressive dimensions and breathtaking OLED visuals that leave a lasting impact on immersive gameplay and cinematic experiences alike. Its lightning-quick 240Hz refresh rate and razor-sharp response time suggest it could hold its own in even the most competitive, fast-paced gaming environments. Its value can also be affordable considering the scale of this display size.

For those seeking an exceptional gaming experience, this versatile monitor combines seamlessly with any game type, making it an unbeatable choice for dedicated flight or racing sim rigs, as well as a comfortable option for casual gaming sessions. While suitable for occasional desktop gaming, the 24-inch display’s size may be excessive, partly due to its relatively low pixel density resulting from the ratio between screen size and resolution. Textual content readability can suffer due to low pixel density and inherent limitations of current OLED/WOLED panels, leading to potentially subpar visual experiences. The persistent issue with brightness adjustments on desktop setups is particularly vexing for those who require precise control over their screen’s luminosity.

While this display screen excels in gaming applications, its limitations make it unsuitable as a comprehensive upgrade. Why not consider 49-inch superwide screens or 34-inch ultrawide screens as the better option?

Alternate options

MSI MPG 491CQP

The MSI MPG 491CQP boasts a massive 49-inch superwide display, exceeding the X45’s width by 1,680 pixels, while maintaining a more reasonable height than its taller counterpart. Its precision pixel density, paired with the innovative QD-OLED panel technology, yields remarkably crisp textual content, all at a significantly lower cost compared to the X45. It’s super-wide format isn’t always well-suited for all video games or standard widescreen movies, though.

Discover the comprehensive details of MSI’s MPG 491CQP gaming monitor.

LG 32GS95UE

When seeking a versatile and high-performance large-screen gaming monitor, the LG 32GS95UE stands out as an excellent choice for gamers with diverse needs. This 32-inch display screen boasts an impressively large viewing area, outdoing smaller screens while still offering a crystal-clear 4K resolution that leaves visuals looking remarkably sharp. This display boasts a stunning 240Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution, delivering unparalleled gaming performance.

This occasion piece has the potential to also enable 1080p gaming at an astonishing 480Hz, ideal for fast-paced first-person shooter experiences that demand lightning-quick performance.

The full LG 32GS95UE review is just around the corner.