BenQ BenQ GW2790 Computer Monitor 27" FHD 1920x1080p | Review
The BenQ GW2790 offers a fluid 100Hz refresh rate for office work, but stretches a 1080p image across 27 inches. The result? Noticeably soft pixels that might not be worth the trade-off.
The 30-Second Version
It's a decent office monitor hamstrung by low resolution. The 100Hz refresh is nice, but 1080p on a 27-inch screen looks soft. Go for 1440p if you can.
Overview
The BenQ GW2790 is a perfectly fine 27-inch office monitor that doesn't do anything special, and that's kind of the point. It's a basic, no-fuss screen for getting work done, with a 100Hz refresh rate that's a nice step up from the standard 60Hz for smoother scrolling. The one thing to know is this: it's a 1080p panel stretched to 27 inches, so if you're used to sharper pixel density, you'll notice it's a bit soft.
Performance
The 100Hz refresh rate is the standout here. It's not a gaming monitor, but scrolling through spreadsheets and web pages feels noticeably smoother than on a typical 60Hz office screen. The 5ms response time is fine for general use, but don't expect it to keep up with fast-paced gaming. The 250-nit brightness is just okay—it's fine for a room with controlled lighting, but you might struggle with glare in a bright, sunny office.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The 100Hz refresh rate makes everyday desktop use feel surprisingly fluid. 87th
- BenQ's eye-care tech and adaptive brightness are genuinely useful for long work sessions. 75th
- The cable management system in the stand is a small touch that makes a big difference in keeping a clean desk. 67th
- Connectivity is solid for the price, with two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort. 66th
Cons
- 27 inches at 1080p looks pixelated if you sit close. You can see individual pixels. 31th
- The built-in speakers are basically a checkbox feature. They sound tinny and weak.
- The stand only tilts. No height, swivel, or pivot adjustment is a bummer for ergonomics.
- At 250 nits, it's not the brightest screen out there. Don't put it opposite a window.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 27" |
| Resolution | 1920 (Full HD) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Curved | No |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 100 Hz |
| Response Time | 5 |
Color & HDR
| Brightness | 250 nits |
| Color Gamut | sRGB 99% |
Connectivity
| HDMI Ports | 2 |
| Speakers | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
Ergonomics
| Height Adjustable | No |
| Tilt | Yes |
| Swivel | No |
| Pivot | No |
| VESA Mount | 100x100 |
Features
| Touchscreen | No |
| Power | 25 |
| Weight | 5.0 kg / 11.0 lbs |
Value & Pricing
For around $130, it's a fair deal. You're paying for the BenQ name, decent build quality, and that smooth 100Hz refresh. But you're absolutely sacrificing pixel density. If a sharp image is your top priority, this isn't it.
vs Competition
Stacked against other 27-inch monitors, the GW2790's 1080p resolution is its biggest weakness. A 27-inch 1440p monitor, like many from Dell's UltraSharp line, will give you a massively sharper image for not much more money, though you'll often drop back to 60Hz. Compared to budget gaming monitors in this price range, you'll get faster response times and higher refresh rates, but you'll lose the office-friendly features like the better stand and eye-care tech. It sits in an awkward middle ground.
| Spec | BenQ BenQ GW2790 Computer Monitor 27" FHD 1920x1080p | | Samsung Odyssey Samsung - 57" Odyssey Neo G9 Dual 4K UHD Quantum | LG UltraGear LG UltraGear 45" WUHD DUAL MODE 4K 165Hz FHD 330Hz | ASUS ROG Swift ASUS Republic of Gamers Swift OLED PG27UCDM 26.5" | MSI MPG MSI 32" UHD 4K 240Hz G-Sync Compatible 0.03ms | Dell UltraSharp Dell UltraSharp 27" 4K HDR 120 Hz Monitor (2-Pack) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27 | 57 | 45 | 27 | 32 | 27 |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 7680 x 2160 | 5120 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Type | IPS | VA | OLED | OLED | OLED | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 100 | 240 | 165 | 240 | 240 | 120 |
| Response Time Ms | 5 | 1 | - | - | 0 | 5 |
| Adaptive Sync | - | FreeSync Premium Pro | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | - |
| Hdr | - | HDR10+ | HDR10 | HDR400 | HDR400 | HDR |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
Common Questions
Q: Is the pixel density really that bad on a 27-inch 1080p screen?
Yes, if you sit within normal desk distance (2-3 feet). The pixels are large enough to be noticeable on text and fine details. It's not unusable, but it's the single biggest drawback.
Q: Can I use this for casual gaming?
Sort of. The 100Hz helps, but the 5ms response time isn't great for fast-paced games. It's fine for slower strategy or casual titles, but serious gamers should look elsewhere.
Q: Does the stand adjust?
It only tilts back and forth. There's no height adjustment, swivel, or pivot to portrait mode. If you need ergonomic flexibility, you'll need to mount it on a VESA arm.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a designer, photo editor, or anyone who cares about crisp text and image clarity, this isn't it. The pixelated 1080p image will drive you nuts. Go get a 27-inch 1440p monitor instead, even if it means a slightly lower refresh rate.
Verdict
We can only recommend the BenQ GW2790 if your top priority is reducing eye strain during long workdays and you really value that 100Hz smoothness for non-gaming tasks. For everyone else, the low pixel density at this screen size is a hard compromise. Spend a bit more for a 1440p monitor, or look at a 24-inch model if you're stuck at 1080p.