Cooler Master has recently announced the release of a new gaming monitor, the Tempest GP2711. This 27-inch Mini LED display is set to shake up the market with its impressive specs and innovative features.
When it comes to gaming monitors, OLED is often hailed as the top choice for its high contrast. However, displays with multi-zone backlights are a strong contender in this space. Despite being relatively quiet in recent times, the introduction of the Tempest GP2711 by Cooler Master has brought some excitement to the market.
The Tempest GP2711 boasts a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a 27-inch size. What sets it apart is its VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification, which guarantees exceptional peak brightness and contrast. With a peak brightness of 1500 nits and a contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1, this gaming monitor is designed to deliver stunning visuals.
However, what truly makes the Tempest GP2711 stand out is its 576-zone Mini LED backlight. This multi-zone backlight allows the screen to achieve true black and darkness simultaneously with dazzling brightness exceeding 1000 nits. In contrast, most LCD screens utilize a fixed-brightness backlight that cannot reach the same peak brightness while maintaining complete darkness, resulting in light leakage through the LCD.
While the Tempest GP2711’s predecessor, the GP27Q, utilized an IPS-type panel, Cooler Master opted for a VA technology panel for this new display. This decision is somewhat curious since VA panels typically offer higher native contrast than IPS panels. However, the clever backlight implementation in the Tempest GP2711 compensates for the lower native contrast. The concern lies in the potentially slower response time and less optimal performance of VA panels for fast-paced gaming, unless Cooler Master managed to match the responsiveness of Samsung’s latest VA gaming panels, known for being an exception to the VA rule.
In terms of connectivity, the Tempest GP2711 doesn’t disappoint. It features one 1.4 DisplayPort, two HDMI 2.0 ports, one USB Type-C port, and two USB 3.0 inputs. Additionally, it offers an audio output and two integrated speakers. The monitor’s standout feature is the inclusion of a heatsink and thermal back cover, eliminating the need for fans. This is particularly notable since many multi-zone backlights in the past required a fan for cooling.
The Tempest GP2711 is expected to be priced around $449/£429, which is quite reasonable considering its multi-zone backlight display. According to TFTCentral, it is set to be available early next year.
Cooler Master is known for its creative hardware designs, as demonstrated by its collaboration with Street Fighter 6 and the sneaker-shaped Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Ti PC. For more gaming monitors, there is a wealth of options to explore in our guide to the best gaming monitors.
Overall, the announcement of the Tempest GP2711 has generated excitement in the gaming monitor market. With its impressive specs, innovative backlight technology, and attractive price point, Cooler Master is sure to make a strong impression with this release.