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LG UltraGear 27GQ40W-B 27" specifications and in-depth review

LG UltraGear 27GQ40W-B 27"

Manufacturer: LG

The LG UltraGear 27GQ40W-B is a 27-inch gaming monitor built around a VA panel with LED backlighting, offering a matte anti-glare surface that helps reduce reflections during extended sessions. It targets the gaming segment with a 165Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium support, which works to reduce screen tearing and stuttering during fast-paced gameplay. The panel supports color calibration and renders up to 16.7 million colors, while wide viewing angles of 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically keep image quality consistent across different seating positions.

Running at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels on a 27-inch screen gives a pixel density of 81 ppi, and the VA panel delivers a contrast ratio of 3000:1 with a typical brightness of 250 nits. Connectivity is handled through one HDMI 1.4 port, one DisplayPort 1.2 output, and a 3.5 mm audio jack — there are no USB ports, USB Type-C, or wireless connectivity options. The stand supports tilt adjustment but not swivel or portrait mode, and the monitor is VESA mount compatible for users who prefer a third-party arm. Operating power consumption sits at 32W, dropping to 0.5W in standby.

Pros
  • 165Hz refresh rate with AMD FreeSync Premium support helps reduce screen tearing during fast-paced gaming
  • VA panel delivers a 3000:1 contrast ratio, producing deeper blacks than typical IPS panels at this screen size
  • Wide 178-degree viewing angles both horizontally and vertically keep image quality consistent off-axis
  • Matte panel with anti-glare coating reduces reflections in well-lit environments
  • VESA mount compatibility allows the monitor to be paired with a third-party arm or wall bracket
  • Low standby power consumption of 0.5W keeps idle energy draw minimal
Cons
  • No built-in speakers, so a separate audio output device is required for sound
  • The stand offers tilt adjustment only — swivel and portrait mode are not supported
  • No USB ports of any kind, limiting peripheral connectivity directly through the monitor
  • HDMI is version 1.4, which carries bandwidth limitations for higher refresh rate or resolution scenarios
  • Typical brightness of 250 nits may be insufficient in very bright room conditions
  • No USB Type-C input, which restricts direct connection options for modern laptops and devices that rely on that port
Who is this for?

The LG UltraGear 27GQ40W-B is well suited to PC gamers who prioritize smooth motion handling, given its 165Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium support, which together address screen tearing and stuttering in compatible setups. The high contrast ratio of 3000:1 from the VA panel also makes it a reasonable fit for users who game in darker environments and value deeper blacks over the color accuracy emphasis found in other panel types. Users who prefer flexible mounting options will also appreciate the VESA compatibility, which allows integration with a wide range of monitor arms without being locked into the default stand.

Who is this NOT for?

This monitor is a poor fit for users who need a hub-style setup, as it offers no USB ports and no USB Type-C input, meaning peripherals and modern laptops with single-cable connections cannot be accommodated through the display itself. Content creators or those doing color-sensitive work may find the 250-nit typical brightness limiting in well-lit rooms, and the absence of factory-level audio output hardware — no built-in speakers, no Dolby or DTS support — makes it unsuitable for users who rely on the monitor as a central audio source. The stand's tilt-only adjustment also rules it out for anyone who needs swivel flexibility or a portrait orientation for productivity tasks.

Display:

Display type LED-backlit, LCD, VA
screen size 27"
resolution 1920 x 1080 px
pixel density 81 ppi
Adaptive synchronization AMD FreeSync Premium
has anti-glare coating ✓
refresh rate 165Hz
maximum horizontal viewing angle 178º
maximum vertical viewing angle 178º
has a matte panel ✓
has a glossy panel ✕
has a touch screen ✕

The 27-inch panel uses LED-backlit LCD technology with a VA matrix, and runs at a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, which works out to a pixel density of 81 ppi at this screen size. The 165Hz refresh rate is paired with AMD FreeSync Premium for adaptive synchronization, helping to reduce tearing during fast-moving content. The matte surface includes an anti-glare coating, and the panel is not glossy and does not support touch input. Viewing angles reach 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically, keeping color and contrast reasonably consistent when viewed off-axis.

General info:

Type Gaming
supports total tilt ✓
Has a swivel stand ✕
Supports VESA mount ✓
height 363 mm
width 614 mm
thickness 40 mm
weight 3855 g
supports portrait mode ✕
volume 8915.28 cm³

The UltraGear 27GQ40W-B is classified as a gaming monitor and measures 614 mm wide, 363 mm tall, and 40 mm deep, with a weight of 3,855 g. The stand supports tilt adjustment, giving some flexibility in vertical positioning, though swivel and portrait mode are not available. VESA mount compatibility is included, allowing the monitor to be fitted to a third-party arm or wall bracket if the default stand does not suit the user's setup.

Colors:

brightness (typical) 250 nits
supports color calibration ✓
display colors 16.7 million
contrast ratio 3000:1

The panel delivers a contrast ratio of 3000:1, which is a notable characteristic of VA technology and contributes to deeper blacks relative to other LCD panel types. Typical brightness is rated at 250 nits, and the display renders up to 16.7 million colors. Color calibration is supported, giving users the option to adjust the display output to better match their preferences or workflow requirements.

Connectivity:

HDMI ports 1
supports Thunderbolt ✕
DisplayPort outputs 1
DisplayPort version DisplayPort 1.2
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack ✓
has a DVI connector ✕
USB ports 0
Has USB Type-C ✕
HDMI version HDMI 1.4
supports Ethernet ✕
supports Wi-Fi ✕
has AirPlay ✕
mini DisplayPort outputs 0
has a VGA connector ✕

The monitor's video inputs consist of one HDMI 1.4 port and one DisplayPort 1.2 output, covering the most common connection types for desktop and laptop use. A 3.5 mm audio jack is also present for headset or speaker output. There are no USB ports, no USB Type-C, no DVI or VGA connectors, and no mini DisplayPort outputs. Wireless connectivity options are entirely absent — Wi-Fi, Ethernet, AirPlay, and Thunderbolt are all unsupported, keeping the monitor focused strictly on wired video and audio connections.

Power:

operating power consumption 32W
standby power consumption 0.5W

The UltraGear 27GQ40W-B draws 32W during normal operation and drops to just 0.5W in standby, reflecting a modest power footprint for a 27-inch gaming monitor running at this refresh rate.

Features:

has PiP ✕
has stereo speakers ✕
has built-in smart TV ✕
has a remote control ✕
supports Dolby Digital ✕
supports Dolby Digital Plus ✕
has DTS Surround ✕
has an ambient light sensor ✕
has a front camera ✕

The UltraGear 27GQ40W-B does not include built-in stereo speakers, a remote control, or a front camera, keeping the feature set focused purely on display output. PiP (Picture-in-Picture) is not supported, nor is there an ambient light sensor for automatic brightness adjustment. On the audio side, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS Surround are all absent, and the monitor does not function as a smart TV in any capacity.

Final Verdict

The LG UltraGear 27GQ40W-B is a focused gaming monitor that delivers where it counts for its intended audience — particularly through its 165Hz refresh rate paired with AMD FreeSync Premium and the strong contrast output of the VA panel, which together create a visually fluid experience in fast-paced gameplay. Its connectivity and feature set are deliberately lean, with no USB hub functionality, no built-in audio, and a stand limited to tilt adjustment, so users expecting a more versatile desktop solution may find it falls short of their broader needs. For PC gamers who want a dedicated 27-inch display with smooth motion, solid contrast, and VESA flexibility, the 27GQ40W-B represents a coherent and well-defined option within the gaming monitor category.