Introduction
When putting together the ultimate gaming setup, one of the biggest items on the checklist has to be a gaming monitor. In a similar way to the components of a gaming PC or peripherals that go alongside it, you can’t play games without a monitor to display the image.
Because of this, it is important for gamers to choose a monitor setup that meets their demands. Whether that’s a multi-monitor battle station with various displays that each serve a purpose, or a single display that can do it all, there are plenty of ways to optimise visuals for gaming.
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One popular method that has received lots of attention from both consumers and manufacturers is ultrawide monitors, as they offer a wider field-of-view for increased immersion. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at one of iiyama’s ultrawide displays, the G-Master GB3467WQSU-B5, to see how gamers could utilise this monitor within their gaming setup, and whether it is worth considering at all.
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Are Ultrawide Monitors Good for Gaming?
Ultrawide monitors are certainly a welcomed addition to the gaming market, as they offer an alternative viewing experience from the traditional 16:9 gaming monitors. Whilst there are plenty of variants to the ultrawide format, most displays extend the aspect ratio to 21:9 and add some curvature, which provides an wider range of vision without making the height and width of an image too skewed.
In fact, it could be argued that the ultrawide layout does a better job at aligning the image with your natural line of sight, making it a better aspect ratio for media consumption. Paired with a curved panel, an ultrawide gaming monitor is a strong choice for gamers that want the most immersive experience whilst playing the latest titles.
Additionally, the increased screen real-estate makes them ideal as a standalone monitor within a setup, especially for those that want to multitask on their display. However, ultrawide can take up a lot of desk space and possess some technical restrictions, meaning gamers wanting 4K visuals with high refresh rates will be better off with a more traditional display.
So yes, ultrawide monitors are a good option to consider for a gaming setup. But their appeal will depend on your personal needs and how much your setup would benefit from a single monitor with increased real-estate.
G-Master GB3467WQSU-B5 Design & Aesthetics
If you have decided that an ultrawide gaming monitor would be a suitable addition to your setup, then it’s time to look at the iiyama G-master GB3467WQSU. As part of their Red Eagle series, this monitor looks to provide a competitive edge at an affordable price point.
This is reflected in the design, as the matte black finish throughout gives the G-master GB3467WQSU a look that will fit effortlessly into a gaming setup, whilst also remaining subtle enough for workspaces.
Front the front, the borders of the VA panel are very slim, allowing gamers to focus on the action without having to look at distracting bezels. This will help boost the immersion brought by the 1500R curvature, which also makes it easier to see all the details displayed on the 34-inch screen.
As an ultrawide monitor, the larger panel requires a big stand to support it. Whilst the u-shaped stand will take up a significant portion of desk space, iiyama have done well to keep the footprint of this stand to a minimum. Also, the stand allows users to tilt, rotate, and adjust the height of the display, and includes a clip to keep cables neat and tidy.
In terms of the out of the box eye test, there are no complaints here. It doesn’t do much to separate itself from the pack, but the smart look will appeal to gamers and non-gamers alike, and the stand provides the adjustability needed to move it around without having to sacrifice lots of real-estate.
G-Master GB3467WQSU-B5 Specs & Performance
So far, the design of the G-Master GB3467WQSU-B5 shows a lot of promise, but how does this monitor perform when it is switched on? Well, when you take into account the pricing and restricted 1440p resolution that comes with ultrawide gaming monitors, the specs on offer are generally positive.
With a 165Hz refresh rate and 1440p resolution, this monitor offers gamers with what is considered the ‘sweet-spot’ for PC gaming, providing a excellent combination of performance and visual fidelity. Plus, the 0.4ms response time is well below the 1ms standard, ensuring that gameplay remains snappy.
| Key Specs | IIYAMA G-Master GB3467WQSU-B5 |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 34″ |
| Max Resolution | 3440×1440 |
| Refresh Rate | 165Hz |
| Response Time | 0.4ms |
| Colour Gamut | 88% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB |
| Panel Type | VA LED |
| Display Inputs | 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Adaptive Sync | AMD FreeSync Premium |
The main downside of this particular monitor comes from the colour accuracy, which could be explained by the choice of a VA panel. Compared to other options such as IPS and OLED, VA panels offer less accurate colours but provide greater contrast.
In our calibration testing, the G-Master GB3467WQSU-B5 managed to cover 100% sRGB colour gamut, which is to be expected. However, the 88% coverage of DCI-P3 is significantly lower than other gaming monitors on the markets, which can typically reach 95% coverage or above.
On top of this, the default settings on this monitor looked very dim and lacked vibrancy, so it is definitely worth tweaking the image quality in the settings, as this led to a much better viewing experience. This is a real shame, as the issues with visual fidelity overshadows the strong gaming performance on offer with this monitor.
G-Master GB3467WQSU-B5 Features
Now that we’ve had a look at the design and performance included on iiyama’s ultrawide display, we want to highlight some of the key design choices on this monitor that helps differentiate it from the competition. Here are our favourite aspects of the G-Master GB3467WQSU-B5 that are worth taking note of.
34inch Ultrawide Display
Without a doubt, the main selling point of this monitor is the ultrawide display. We’ve already discussed some of the ways in which gamers can benefit from an ultrawide monitor, but the increased immersion possible with this 34-inch, 3440 x 1440 monitor is bound to raise some eyebrows. Plus, the additional real-estate this display provides makes it very convenient for gaming and workstation hybrids, as multi-tasking on a single display becomes a lot easier.
Curved VA Panel
In order to see all the details on-screen with ease, as well as to block out potential distractions, the G-Master GB3467WQSU-B5 features a VA panel with a 1500R curvature. Whilst there are plenty of debates over the impact of curved monitors on gaming, lots of gamers prefer these displays for their improved alignment with the human eye’s field-of-view, allowing them to focus on the action!
AMD FreeSync Premium
Adaptive sync is always a welcomed addition to any gaming monitor, as this technology helps to reduce latency by eliminating issues such as screen-tearing and frame stutters. AMD FreeSync Premium is very useful for monitors like this one with higher refresh rates, as the greater disparity between the outputs of a PC and monitor can make these issues a common problem.
Rear IO Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, this gaming monitor includes plenty of ports to make it easy to hook it up to your gaming PC, consoles, and any other media devices. More specifically, the two HDMI 2.0 ports and two DisplayPorts should provide the versatility required to use this monitor as an all-in-one for all your devices. However, it is important to note that the HDMI ports are limited to displaying 1440p at 100Hz, and won’t offer optimal connectivity to next-gen consoles.
OSD & Navigation
For image settings & customisation, the OSD on this monitor is fairly extensive, making it easy to alter the display to suit your viewing preferences. This came in very handy when tweaking the default settings, as it meant that I didn’t have to jump through too hoops to get the desired look. However, when compared to other OSDs, iiyama’s offering lacked the pre-sets that become common inclusions on gaming monitors. Also, the OSD joystick is very high up on the back of the monitor, making adjustments awkward and uncomfortable.
Alternatives
For those of you that are set on picking up an ultrawide gaming monitor, but are not quite convinced with what the G-Master GB3467WQSU-B5 has to offer, then we have some alternatives to consider.
Alienware AW3423DW
For those interested in the specs on offer with the iiyama G-Master GB3467WQSU-B5, but want a more eye-catching display, then the Alienware AW3423DW is worth considering for those willing to spend some more on their monitor. With an OLED panel instead of VA, this monitor offers improved visual fidelity whilst boasting a futuristic look.
Want to know more? Check out our Alienware AW3423DW review.
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Gigabyte G34WQC
If the Alienware monitor is too expensive for you, then the Gigabyte G34WQC is more of a direct competitor to iiyama’s offering, especially when it comes to price. Whilst the 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time is slightly less powerful than the G-Master, Gigabyte’s display possesses greater colour accuracy on the DCI-P3 colour gamut, resulting in a more vibrant image. As for the design, the wider stand provides more stability for the ultrawide panel.
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Philips 34E1C56
Philips also offer gamers with an affordable ultrawide design, but the 34E1C56 leans more towards productivity tasks, rather than focussing strictly on gaming performance. The standout feature on this display is the integrated Windows Hello Camera at the top of the display, making it easier to set up video calls or even livestreams.
Read our detailed analysis of the Philips 34E1C56.
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Conclusion
iiyama G-Master GB3467WQSU-B5 Monitor Review
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Features
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Design
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Versatility
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Value for Money
Summary
On the whole, iiyama’s G-Master GB3467WQSU-B5 is a well-rounded ultrawide gaming monitor that shows a lot of promise in every category, but fails to excel in any of these areas. This isn’t necessarily bad for a display that looks to provide great value to consumers, as it’s better for the consumer to have a monitor that gets the fundamentals right, rather than pack it with unnecessary design choices at the expense of performance and practicality. However, it does mean the G-Master GB3467WQSU-B5 struggles to stand out from the competition, as it lacks the selling point to get gamers excited and convince them to buy.
The ultrawide 1440p display with a 1500R curved panel is great for an immersive gaming experience, and is supported with a slender frame that makes it seem less intrusive within a gaming setup. However, the overall design is fairly simplistic, with a clear absence of a standout feature to grab the attention of potential customers. As for performance, the 165Hz refresh rate and 0.4ms response time is very impressive for a 1440p monitor, making it ideal for competitive gaming, but the weaker colour accuracy and general hiccups with image quality prevents this display from reaching a hidden gem status.
For gamers looking for an affordable ultrawide monitor that offers a well-balanced gaming experience, then the iiyama G-Master GB3467WQSU-B5 is worth picking up. However, gamers looking for an exceptional design or a top-tier viewing experience in the latest gaming blockbusters should consider the alternatives.
Pros
✅ 165Hz refresh rate & 0.4ms response time
✅ Curved ultrawide design increases immersion
✅ Stand takes up minimal desk space
Cons
❌ Fairly simplistic design
❌ Weak colour accuracy
❌ Requires some tweaks in settings
