LG Ultragear LG 45GX950A-B 45-inch Ultragear 5K2K WUHD (5120 x Review

The LG 45GX950A-B is a breathtaking and demanding monitor. Its 45-inch 5K2K OLED screen offers incredible immersion, and the dual-mode feature lets you switch between cinematic visuals and competitive high refresh rates. You'll need a top-end GPU to run it, and the stand is basic for the price. It's a fantastic, niche pick for well-equipped enthusiasts who want the ultimate wide-screen experience.

Let's talk about the LG 45GX950A-B, because it's not just another big monitor. It's the first 45-inch 5K2K OLED gaming panel ever made, and that's a big deal. You're getting a 5120 x 2160 resolution on a super-wide 21:9 curved screen, which is basically like having two 27-inch 4K monitors side-by-side without the bezel in the middle. It's a statement piece for your desk, and it's aimed squarely at the gamer who wants the ultimate cinematic experience without sacrificing high refresh rates.

Who is this for? Honestly, it's for the enthusiast with deep pockets and a powerful PC to match. The 5K2K resolution is incredibly demanding—you'll need a top-tier GPU just to drive it. But if you're the type who plays sprawling single-player adventures like Cyberpunk or Horizon and wants to be completely enveloped, this monitor is built for you. It's also surprisingly interesting for productivity, thanks to that sharp 125 PPI text clarity, which is a nice bonus.

What makes it stand out is LG's Dual Mode feature. You can run it at its native, breathtaking 5K2K resolution at 165Hz for those gorgeous, detailed worlds. Or, with a hotkey press, it'll drop down to a 2560 x 1080 resolution and crank the refresh rate up to a blistering 330Hz for competitive shooters. It's like having two premium monitors in one, which is a clever trick you don't see anywhere else.

The numbers tell a clear story. Our database puts its display quality in the 98th percentile, which is about as good as it gets. That 0.03ms response time is an OLED party trick—motion looks unbelievably clean with virtually no ghosting. The 165Hz refresh rate at 5K2K is smooth, and switching to 330Hz in the lower resolution mode is genuinely responsive. It feels fast when you need it to be.

Now, about that 'performance' percentile of 69. That might seem low for such a high-end screen, and here's why: raw pixel pushing power. This monitor demands a beast of a graphics card. To actually enjoy 5K2K gaming at high settings, you're looking at an RTX 4090 or its next-gen equivalent. The performance score reflects the reality that this is a luxury item that requires other luxury components to shine. The HDR performance, with its 1300-nit peak brightness and deep blacks, is stunning, landing it in the 65th percentile for color. It's fantastic, but the very best HDR monitors can get a bit brighter.

At $1,487, the LG 45GX950A-B sits in a weird spot. It's expensive, but you're paying for a unique combination of features that literally no other monitor has: a 5K2K OLED panel with a high refresh rate and a dual-mode toggle. Compared to a standard 4K OLED gaming monitor, you're getting a much wider field of view and that clever resolution switching.

The value really depends on what you're comparing it to. A 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 gives you more horizontal space but at a lower 5120x1440 resolution. A 42-inch 4K OLED TV might be cheaper and brighter, but it lacks the high refresh rate and ultrawide aspect ratio for gaming. This LG carves out its own niche, and if that niche is exactly what you want, the price starts to make a kind of sense.

You've got a few strong competitors here. The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 (the 57-inch model) is the main rival. It's bigger, has a higher 7680x2160 resolution, and uses a Mini-LED backlight for extreme brightness. However, it's not OLED, so you won't get the same perfect blacks and instant pixel response. It's also significantly more expensive and even more demanding to drive.

Then there are more traditional 4K OLED options, like the 32-inch ASUS ROG Swift or the 42-inch LG C3 TV. These will give you similar stunning contrast and response times, often at a lower price. What you give up is the super-ultrawide immersion and the dual-mode feature. If you mostly play cinematic games and want the widest possible view, the LG 45GX950A-B wins. If you prioritize sheer HDR pop or play a lot of 16:9 content, a large 4K OLED might be a better fit.

Skip this monitor if you have a mid-range or budget gaming PC. Pairing a $700 GPU with a $1500 monitor that it can't drive is just setting money on fire. Also, give it a hard pass if you have a small desk—it's huge and heavy, with a deep curve that needs space.

If you're primarily a competitive esports player who lives and dies by frame rates, the 330Hz mode is cool, but you'd be better off with a dedicated 360Hz or 480Hz 1080p monitor for pure speed. Finally, if you need a monitor for color-critical professional work, the OLED panel is gorgeous, but the lack of hardware calibration tools and the potential for burn-in make dedicated professional displays a safer choice.

If you have a powerhouse PC (think RTX 4080 or 4090), a deep desire for the most immersive single-player gaming experience possible, and you value the flexibility to switch to a super-high refresh rate for competitive titles, this monitor is a dream come true. It's a specialized tool that excels at making games feel epic.

However, we can't recommend it for everyone. If your desk is small, if you need a monitor with height and swivel adjustment for all-day work, or if your GPU is anything less than top-tier, this monitor will feel like overkill. In those cases, a high-refresh 4K OLED or a more affordable ultrawide will serve you much better and save you a lot of money and frustration.