Cooler Master GM34-CW 34-inch Curved Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitor Review: Color For Days and Speed to Match
Tom’s Hardware Verdict
The Cooler Master GM34-CW is one of the most colorful monitors we’ve reviewed. With over 98% coverage of DCI-P3, it brings a vibrance to all content both SDR and HDR. Gaming performance is top-notch with 144Hz and both kinds of adaptive sync. If saturated color is your thing, it doesn’t get much better.
Pros
- +
Over 98% DCI-P3 coverage
- +
Bright and contrasty
- +
144Hz refresh, FreeSync & G-Sync compatible
- +
Excellent overdrive
Why you can trust Tom’s Hardware
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Today’s best Cooler Master GM34-CW deals
$800
View
Adaptive sync and fast refresh are commonplace in the gaming monitor genre. HDR and extended color are becoming more prevalent as well. But where video processing is a “it works or it doesn’t” proposition, image quality is still widely varied, even among monitors that compete on price. There’s HDR and there’s good HDR. And extended color has to include the question, “how extended is it?” Most manufacturers tout the percentage of DCI-P3 coverage as a selling point, but our tests have shown that most screens fall a bit short of the claimed number.
Today, we’re checking out Cooler Master’s 32-inch GM34-CW, one of the company’s two current displays, the other being the smaller GM27-CF. The 27-inch model is impressive in its own right, with very few flaws, but the GM34-CW looks to shine even brighter — both literally and figuratively. The GM34-CW is a 34-inch curved ultra-wide running at UWQHD (3440×1440) resolution with 144Hz, both kinds of adaptive sync, DisplayHDR 400 and an enormous color gamut: over 98% of DCI-P3 in our tests.
Cooler Master GM34-CW Specifications
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Brand & Model | Cooler Master GM34-CW |
|---|---|
| Panel Type & Backlight | VA / W-LED, edge array, Quantum Dot |
| Screen Size & Aspect Ratio | 34 inches / 21:9, Curve radius: 1500mm |
| Max Resolution & Refresh | 3440×1440 @ 144Hz, FreeSync 48-144Hz, G-Sync compatible |
| Native Color Depth & Gamut | 8-bit / DCI-P3, DisplayHDR 400, HDR10 |
| Response Time (GTG) | 4ms |
| Brightness | 400 nits |
| Contrast | 3000:01:00 |
| Speakers | 2x 3w |
| Video Inputs | 1x DisplayPort 1. 4, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x HDMI 1.4 |
| Audio | 3.5mm headphone output |
| USB 3.0 | — |
| Power Consumption | 29w, brightness @ 200 nits |
| Panel Dimensions | 31.8 x 15.8-19.7 x 10.4 inches |
| WxHxD w/base | (808 x 401-500 x 264mm) |
| Panel Thickness | 4 inches (102mm) |
| Bezel Width | Top/sides: 0.4 inch (9mm), Bottom: 0.75 inch (19mm) |
| Weight | 15.4lbs (7kg) |
| Warranty | Three years |
- Cooler Master GM34-CW at Amazon for $800
Thanks to a quantum dot backlight, the GM34-CW covers more than its manufacturer’s claim of 95% of DCI. Our tests showed an impressive 98.
11%, bested only by Acer’s CP7271K, an ultra-expensive professional/gaming monitor. In simple terms, this Cooler Master is the second-most colorful monitor we’ve ever reviewed.
The backlight magic doesn’t stop there. DisplayHDR 400 certification means a bright presentation for both SDR and HDR. HDR10 signals are supported with both FreeSync and G-Sync. Nvidia hasn’t certified the GM34-CW, but in our tests it ran G-Sync with HDR at 144Hz just fine through the DisplayPort 1.4 input.
At 34 inches diagonal with UWQHD resolution, it’s an ideal size and pixel density for high framerates with mid-level to high-end video cards. The curve is 1500R, which means a visible wraparound effect that encompasses your peripheral vision when seated three feet away. Panel tech is Vertical Alignment (VA), which means plenty of contrast in both SDR and HDR modes. Our tests show a native ratio of just over 2700:1.
Other gaming features include an effective multi-level overdrive, aiming points and LED strips that grace the back of the panel.
The GM34-CW is a complete package that sells for around $800 at this writing. Do all these things add up to a worthwhile buy? Let’s take a look.
Unpacking and Accessories
Assembly is a bit unusual unless you’ve already experienced a GM27-CF as we have. Unsnap the mount plate from the back of the panel. Attach it to the upright with two included bolts, bolt on the base with a wing nut, then snap the panel back on. Once together, the chassis is solid and doesn’t wobble when moved about. The power supply is internal, so an IEC cord comes in the box, along with HDMI and DisplayPort cables. Two stamped-steel brackets bolt in place of the upright if you’d rather use an arm equipped with a 75mm VESA mount.
Product 360
Image 1 of 6
(Image credit: Cooler Master)(Image credit: Cooler Master)(Image credit: Cooler Master)(Image credit: Cooler Master)(Image credit: Cooler Master)(Image credit: Cooler Master)
Cooler Master likes to use the unique shape of its logo wherever possible, so you’ll see a tiny version of it on the GM34-CW’s bezel and in the shape of the cast-aluminum base.
The upright is also all metal and offers 45 degrees of swivel in each direction, four inches of height adjustment and -5/15 degrees of tilt. Movements are firm and feel good. The base footprint is large, making the monitor very stable.
A flush 9mm bezel surrounds the top and sides, which visually disappears when the power’s off. Pressing the toggle on the bottom right causes the Cooler Master shape to appear on the screen and projects a soft blue light on the desktop to let you know the power is on. Four additional buttons control the generic-looking OSD, and they click satisfyingly. Navigation is a bit clunky, but we found our way around without difficulty.
From the top, you can see the fairly tight 1500R curvature. It provides a distinct wraparound effect without causing image distortion. If you’re new to curved monitors, it might take a little acclimation but once you get used to it, it’s hard to go back to playing on a flat screen unless it’s very large.
In back, you can see the LED strips, which are covered with diffusers that create a continuous bar of light.
You can change the effect from solid to flicker in the OSD but the only color available is lavender. In the center, facing down, is the input panel which features one DisplayPort 1.4, one HDMI 1.4 and one HDMI 2.0. For 144Hz, adaptive sync and HDR, you’ll need to use DP. HDMI supports up to 100Hz with HDR and adaptive sync. You also get a 3.5mm headphone output; there are no USB ports. Built-in speakers are powered by three-watt op-amps and deliver clean sound in the upper mid-range frequencies.
OSD Features
The GM34-CW’s OSD leaves out style and graphics but includes all the necessary options for gaming and image quality adjustment.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
In Color Setting, you’ll find four picture modes plus color temp and gamma options. A low blue-light feature makes the image more suitable for reading, and you can adjust the hue and saturation for all six colors. An RGB range toggle switches between video and PC signals.
There are two color temp presets, plus a user mode with very coarse RGB sliders.
Dialing in precise grayscale tracking was difficult, but after a bit of trial and error, we achieved good numbers. Gamma presets range from 1.8 to 2.6 and we had to set 2.4 for a more accurate luminance curve.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
The OSD’s gaming options include a three-level overdrive, which you’ll find in the Picture Quality Setting sub-menu. You can also toggle adaptive sync on and off and set HDR to on, off or auto-detect. The latter option worked fine in all our tests. If you’re looking for the aiming points, press the far-left button, then the second key to toggle between three different shapes and colors. The third control key cycles through the picture modes and the fourth one runs through the HDR options.
Setup and Calibration
Only the Standard mode leaves all image controls available, so we stuck with that preset. Setting 42 of 100 gave us the required 200 nit SDR peak for our testing. If you run the slider down to zero, the GM34-CW delivers an ideal-for-dark-rooms 51 nits.
We reduced Contrast five clicks to resolve a highlight detail clipping issue and to improve white balance at the 100% mark. Changing gamma to 2.4 resulted in more accurate luminance tracking and better color saturation at all picture levels. A few tweaks to the RGB sliders resulted in good grayscale tracking. This monitor looks OK out of the box but will benefit from calibration. Below are the settings we used.
In HDR mode, all image controls are grayed out, but the GM34-CW inherits white balance and gamma options from SDR mode. This results in some grayscale inaccuracy. We suggest setting the color temp to Warm before applying an HDR signal.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Picture Mode | Standard |
| Brightness 200 nits | 42 |
| Brightness 120 nits | 18 |
| Brightness 100 nits | 13 |
| Brightness 80 nits | 7 (minimum 51 nits) |
| Contrast | 45 |
| Gamma | 2. 4 |
| Color Temp User | Red 50, Green 52, Blue 49; Warm preset for HDR |
Gaming and Hands-on
After calibration to 200 nits, we worked with a few Windows apps in SDR mode to test the GM34-CW’s everyday usability. The curve doesn’t cause any distortion for word processing or graphics editing. There are a few curved lines at the extreme sides of spreadsheets, but this doesn’t affect the work. We were able to use all the screen’s real estate with no problem. Two of these could easily replace three or four 16:9 displays.
Bringing up Tomb Raider was an impressive sight, with deep blacks and superb contrast. Color was richly saturated, beyond the originally intended sRGB gamut for sure, but not overblown or cartoonish. Since the GM34-CW tracks all the DCI-P3 color targets closely, detail was always sharp, and color looked natural — there’s just a lot more of it. We suspect some players will get addicted to it.
The only drawback is that other monitors will look flat by comparison.
Motion processing and response are as good as the best gaming monitors we’ve reviewed. There is no perceptible lag and frame rates in the 140s kept action moving smoothly. G-Sync and FreeSync both work as intended, with no tears or other hiccups. And we experienced the monitor’s maximum refresh rate with both a GeForce GTX 1080 Ti and a Radeon RX 5700 XT. Detail was set to maximum, which looked great at the screen’s 109ppi pixel density. Overdrive is very effective at reducing motion blur and can be used at its fastest setting without visible ghosting. It’s one of the better implementations we’ve seen.
Switching to HDR meant first changing the color temp preset from User to Warm to avoid a visible green tint. Our tests revealed that HDR inherits the color temp settings from SDR even though that option is grayed out. By selecting Warm first, then switching over, color accuracy is preserved. The DCI gamut is still in play and looks fantastic on the Windows desktop.
Call of Duty WWII looked good once we dialed in the white and black points in the game’s menu. Highlights popped nicely while shadows rendered with good detail and deep blacks. The overall look isn’t significantly different from SDR, but since the HDR luminance curve is displayed correctly, there was a little extra impact. When compared to other HDR monitors with edge backlights (most are), it offers decent contrast on par with the better VA models. The real star though is the color. That huge gamut has a much greater impact on the gaming experience. HDR games will really benefit from the GM34-CW’s 98% DCI coverage. And that is the principle reason to consider buying it.
- 1
Current page:
Features and Specifications
Next Page Brightness and Contrast
Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom’s Hardware US. He’s a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors.
Cooler Master GM27-FQS Review – 165Hz IPS Gaming Monitor with Extended Gamut and ARGB
Check Latest Price on Amazon
The Cooler Master GM27-FQS promises excellent image quality and an attractive design that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
It has a desirable 27-inch 1440p screen, ARGB lighting, and a clean design which fans of the brand will love for their setups. The Cooler Master GM27-FQS is playing in a very competitive field so it’s worth a closer look to know if it comes out at the top.
Cooler Master GM27-FQS Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 1ms MPRT
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 300 cd/m²
- Speakers: None
- Stand: Height -Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: HDMI 2.0 x 2, DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, USB-C x 1, USB 3.0 x 2, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 24.2” x 23.2” x 10.8”
- Weight: 11.24 lbs
Design and Features
The Cooler Master GM27-FQS sports a sleeker design than its predecessor, but its brand-defining aesthetics are still there.
It has a matte black aesthetic and a gunmetal stand which would make it look nicely suited next to a CM Cosmos case or something similar. The screen has a bezel-free design, but you still have a bottom strip and inner borders just like any other monitor.
27-inch monitors are quite common, and we don’t think most will have issues with their size or even the weight. The device needs almost 11 inches of depth, but its base is hollow so you can place your small peripherals in the middle. The monitor only weighs 11.24 pounds so it is portable enough if you want to bring it to LAN parties or gaming conventions.
Its build quality is just as great as the other Cooler Master offerings, so you are getting your money’s worth. It’s mostly made of plastic, but the panels are durable, and they didn’t have any cosmetic defects or uneven seams. The included stand is also firm and stable, so the screen doesn’t sag or wobble while it’s in use.
One downside of the Cooler Master GM27-FQS’s physical design is its use of buttons for its OSD.
Special models like this should always have a more convenient joystick for enthusiasts who love to tweak their gear. It’s a minor inconvenience, but it’s the little things that count in a very competitive segment of the gaming industry.
The stand included with the package offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. its base also has the monitor’s ARGB lighting so you can sync it with other gear that has the same lighting system. You can use a VESA mount instead, but we think it’s only worth doing that in special cases such as when you have a dual or triple monitor setup.
The Cooler Master GM27-FQS’s connectivity layout offers just about everything you will need for a gaming and work setup. It has a DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI 2.0 ports, plus a USB-C port with DP Alt Mode for your work laptop. You also get two USB 3.0 ports for accessories, a USB-B slot for upstreaming, and a 3.5mm jack for headphones.
However, speakers are not part of the package so you have to buy a desktop set or headphones if you don’t already have them.
It’s okay since gaming monitors are better with headsets since they are tuned specifically for the Cooler Master GM27-FQS’s primary purpose. However, it’s always nice to have the built-ins even if they aren’t immediately needed so customers can always have a backup pair.
Display and Performance
The Cooler Master GM27-FQS boasts a 27-inch IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms boosted response time. The backlight is limited to 300 cd/m2 while the contrast ratio is listed at 1000:1 like most IPS panels. This model lists HDR compatibility, but it’s not certified since it lacks the backlight for it.
1440p monitors are great for almost everything since they present the perfect balance between sharpness and legibility or visibility. You get a noticeable upgrade in games since they look crisper and more detailed even if the graphics settings are lower. You also don’t have to strain your eyes while reading, processing documents, and browsing since text and other small objects don’t become microscopic.
The Cooler Master GM27-FQS renders 99% sRGB and 92% DCI-P3 so it has plenty of vibrancy for games and even some editing work. What’s great about the monitor is its excellent factory calibration since the sRGB and DCI-P3 filters have deltaE averages of 2.09 and 1.89 respectively. Most users will be happy with the monitor even if it is used beyond gaming.
Calibrating it reduced the deltaE average to 1.44 which is slightly better, but a bit short of what other premium IPS gaming models can offer. You need a colorimeter to achieve this, and we don’t the level of improvement is worth the extra spend. Note that calibrated results will always vary between every panel so it’s theoretically possible to get a unit that performs better in this regard.
What’s unimpressive about it is its backlight since only reached 281 cd/m2 at 100% output. It is still capable of fighting off glare, but that’s a bit limited especially if the monitor advertises HDR capabilities. Its contrast was also unremarkable at 1055:1 at 70% brightness so it’s incapable of deep blacks or deep and dark scenes.
Panel uniformity for the test sample had some backlight leaks on the upper edge of the screen. They result in clouding which becomes visible in dark scenes, but full-color images aren’t as affected. This varies between every GM27-FQS made since there are manufacturing tolerances, so it is possible to get a better unit if you are lucky.
The Cooler Master GM27-FQS is just as good as any Fast-IPS gaming monitor when it comes to pixel response time. The monitor barely shows only blurring so you won’t have to max out its overdrive for fast-paced games. Setting it too high will add overshoot which is counterproductivity to the minor persistence it has in the first place.
The Cooler Master GM27-FQS is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync so you don’t have to worry about tearing and stuttering. Having compatibility for both is indispensable now so you don’t get stuck with one GPU brand when it’s time to upgrade. Input lag sits at 4ms at 165Hz so the screen is snappy and responsive enough for competitive play.
Thoughts on the Cooler Master GM27-FQS
The Cooler Master GM27-FQS is a great choice if you want a vibrant and responsive gaming monitor to match your other Cooler Master gear. It is decently accurate and it can go toe to toe with popular options when it comes to speed and eye candy. It’s well designed with just the right amount of features, plus it has ARGB lighting which we know many gamers will like.
There are a few minor issues with the Cooler Master GM27-FQS, but those can easily be overlooked. Gamers will love this monitor, and even those who are starting a career with color-critical work can also use it as well. But our favorite part about it is its price which makes it an excellent pick if you are in the market to upgrade your gaming screen.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Fast and Responsive
- Wide Gamut Coverage
- USB-C Included
Cons:
- Low Contrast
- Limited HDR Performance
- OSD Buttons
Buy Now from Amazon
Paolo is a gaming veteran from the golden days of Doom and Warcraft.
Since junior high, he has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He has also spent half a decade researching, reviewing, and writing about these products and now has over 1400 articles about the best gaming tech under his belt.
GM34-CW Cooler Master 34″ Curved Gaming Monitor User Manual
GM34-CW Cooler Master 34″ Curved Gaming Monitor
MANUAL
Please read the following instructions carefully.
- To clean the LCD monitor screen:
Turn off the LCD monitor and unplug the power cord. Spray a solvent-free cleaning solution onto a cloth and gently clean the screen. - Do not place the LCD monitor near a window. Exposing the monitor to rain, moisture, or sunlight can seriously damage it.
nine0015
- Do not apply pressure to the LCD screen. Excessive pressure may permanently damage the display.
- Do not remove the cover or attempt to repair the device yourself. An authorized technician must perform maintenance of any kind.
- Store the LCD monitor indoors at -20° to 60°C (-4° to 140°F). Storing the LCD monitor outside this range may cause permanent damage.
- Unplug the monitor immediately and call an authorized technician if one of the following occurs:
- Monitor signal cable to PC is frayed or damaged.
- Liquid has been spilled on the LCD monitor or the monitor has been exposed to rain.
- The LCD monitor or housing is damaged.
The contents of the package
Connect the monitor to the reference base
9000
9000 9000 9000 9000 6660007
EXTERNAL CONTROL BUTTONS
Press any of the buttons to enter the quick navigation menu, i.
e. to activate the quick mode.
|
1 |
OSD menu |
|
|
2 |
In-game crosshair quick button |
|
|
3 |
Scene mode shortcut button |
|
|
4 |
Quick button for HDR |
|
|
5 |
power button | Turn the monitor on/off. Blue means the power is on. nine0014 A flashing blue light indicates that the monitor is in standby mode. |
FreeSync
Switch to game mode to enable FreeSync + HDR.
This feature allows a FreeSync-enabled graphics source to dynamically adjust the monitor’s screen refresh rate based on the content’s typical power-saving frame rate.
It almost completely prevents screen tearing and display stuttering. nine0079
HDMI signal (HDMI input model only)
Memory Temperature: -20 ° C -60 ° C
WORKS: 10 ~ 85% RH
63mm Tilt: -5 ° in 15 ° Rotation: left or right at 45 °
. 100mm Detachable Monopod: Yes
0014 https://www.coolermaster.com/warranty
Documents/Resources
Posted in COOLER MASTER Monitor Cooler Master GM27-CF, 27″, 3 ms
Product properties
Product description in English:
1500R. THE CURVATURE EXPERIENCE
ACTIVE IMMERSION IN ULTRA-WIDE 178° VIEWING ANGLE
Get close to the action with our new curved 1500R VA panel that takes you right into the game.
EXPERIENCE THE CURVE
CURVE IS THE NEW FLAT
Tired of a flat world? Then try our Cooler Master curved monitor and experience the world how we’re meant to see it. With a larger perceived field of view, you’ll save on setup space, face less distortion and enjoy better eye comfort, in a truly immersive vantage point.
UPGRADE ENGINE, GET YOUR SPEED
GAME ON, WITH THE ULTRA-FAST 165HZ REFRESH RATE
Speed takes a vital role in gaming and precision. Our GM27-CF monitor sets a new standard with 165Hz refresh rate and 3ms response time that deliver better cursor tracking, movement and optimal visual conditions. It’s time to leave your opponents in the dust!
FREESYNC FOR SMOOTH GAMEPLAY
FAULTLESS VISUALS POWERED BY AMD FREESYNC TECHNOLOGY
The CM27-CF features Adaptive-Sync (FreeSync™) technology — at the flip of a switch (in game mode), gamers can enable FreeSync + Wide Color Gamut 90% DCI-P3 for a truly uncompromised gaming experience.
UNCOMPROMISED RICHNESS
LIFE-LIKE VISUALS, DELIVERED BY A NEW STANDARD WITH UP TO 90% DCI-P3
Don’t settle for mediocre color richness during game play. Pump up your experience by turning on our proprietary Game Mode that delivers up to 125% sRGB color, for a brighter, crisper and natural image.
WHEN NEW TECH MEETS BLACK
SEE THE DIFFERENCE IN THE 3000:1 CONTRAST RATIO
The enhanced VA panel technology minimizes the possibility of light leakage across the entire screen. It delivers a static 3000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks and brilliant whites in even the darkest and brightest scenes.
UNDISTURBED BEAUTY
SUPER NARROW BEZEL DESIGN DISCREETLY FRAMES WHAT MATTERS
Thick frames are so yesterday. Welcome our super narrow bezel that tastefully compliments your content without a distracting large black casing. See more of what matters and less of things that don’t.
nine0007
SAFE PLAY
TURN DOWN THE BLUE LIGHT
Playing hours on hours can cause extreme eye fatigue, especially without a blue light filter. Our GM27-CF features a low blue light display mode, for worry-free long sessions and better eye comfort. Victory requires sacrifice but playing safe should never be on the list.
MADE FOR YOU
PERSONALIZE YOUR VIEWING COMFORT WITH ELEVATION, TILT AND SWIVEL OPTIONS.
The Cast-Aluminum stand provides a beautiful table centerpiece with a unique Cooler Master Design and functional purpose. Our “Halo” stand supports up to 110mm of height adjustment, 30° swivel and 15° degrees tilt.
nine0007
The shade of the product may differ from that shown in the photo. The product description is general in nature and does not necessarily contain all the features of the product. The prices of goods published in the online store may differ from the prices of goods used in supermarkets and service centers.