Acer Predator XB280HK Review

The XB280HK was the first ultra high definition monitor with G-sync compatibility to hit the market. There are a number to choose from now thought so thankfully you have more choice. The Acer offers a 28″ display and a 3,840 x 2,160 display backed by a TN panel.

Build Quality

The Predator XB280HK has a standard design that will look familiar if you’ve seen other Acer models of this generation. A bold and fairly chunky bezel surrounds the screen, given the slim edges of some of the modern monitors available right now I think it stands out. On the up side, there is a solid and highly adjustable stand that allows a large range of movements allowing you to set this one up just how you like it without having to resort to balancing on books or the like. You get swivel, tilt, a good range of height adjustment and portrait mode too should you require such an orientation.

There is only a single DisplayPort connector, which is fine if you are only ever planning to hook this up to your Nvidia card but if you were hoping to plug something else in or have two inputs then you’d be disappointed. Most competitors will have multiple inputs so this does let the side down a little. You do get a four port USB 3.0 hub so at least it’s got that going for it.

Performance

The XB280HK is built with gamers in mind buy you’re going to need a top flight Nvidia card to get the most out of this. A UHD screen has a lot of pixels that require pushing around and an entry level card won’t be able to keep up. If your PC is up to the challenge then switching on G-Sync will give you super smooth tear free gaming and minimal input lag.