Thermaltake TGM-V32CQ review

Two monitors. One brand. And a whole world of difference. Hopes were high for the new 32-inch Thermaltake TGM-V32CQ, after all, its smaller 27-inch sibling, the TGM-I27FQ, wowed us late last year. It doesn't break any records, but it does deliver a great all-round 1440p gaming experience at a very reasonable price.

If the TGM-V32CQ can do the same, Thermaltake is on to a winner, especially given the affordable sub-$250 pricing. But, at risk of giving away too much, too soon, it doesn't even come close.

The reason isn't this monitor's basic concept. Admittedly, we're not huge fans of 32-inch 1440p panels from a pure pixel density perspective. Likewise, the curved panel in a conventional 16:9 monitor like this won't be to everyone's taste. But those things are somewhat a matter of preference. For sure, you know exactly what you're getting even before you buy.

Instead, the problem with the monitor is the use of a VA panel. Now, VA panels have arguably become unfairly maligned from a PC gaming perspective. The assumption is that their pixel response is absolutely rubbish. But I just happen to be typing this review on a Samsung VA panel that would beg to differ. It has response that's right up there with the best IPS monitors.

Screen size: 32-inch
Resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
Brightness: 400 nits
Color coverage: 95% DCI-P3
Response time: 4ms GTG
Refresh rate: 170Hz
HDR: 400 nits, no local dimming
Features: VA panel, adaptive sync, 1x DisplayPort, 2x HDMI
Price: $244 

It's not just high-end Samsung VA panels that deliver playable response. The ASRock Phantom PG34WQ15R2B is eminently affordable and has decent response, albeit not quite as good as the best IPS.

However, what VA does come with in a general sense is a heightened risk of poor response, all other things being equal. Unfortunately, that risk has been borne out in pretty spectacular fashion with the Thermaltake TGM-V32CQ. It has the worst response we've seen for a very, very long time.

The blurry, smeary panel performance