Acer Predator X34 OLED Review: 240Hz Ultra-Wide Gaming

For gamers seeking an immersive and exceptionally responsive experience, the Acer Predator X34 OLED stands out as a top-tier ultra-wide display. It combines a vibrant OLED panel with a blistering 240Hz refresh rate and a deeply curved 800R screen, creating a package that feels nearly flawless for both intense gameplay and multimedia enjoyment. While it navigates a competitive price point by omitting a Quantum Dot layer, its performance and feature set make a compelling argument for being one of the best values in its category.

OLED technology in monitors has matured significantly, with brightness being the most notable area of progress. Early models struggled to reach 300 nits, but modern panels like this one can achieve peak highlights exceeding 1,300 nits for HDR content. The core advantages of perfect blacks, instantaneous pixel response, and wide color gamuts have been present from the start, but they are now delivered with greater impact and versatility. Acer has consistently been at the forefront of this evolution, and the Predator X34 OLED is a strong continuation of that legacy.

This 34-inch monitor features a 21:9 aspect ratio with a WQHD (3440×1440) resolution, resulting in a sharp 109 pixels per inch. The ultra-tight 800R curve is a defining characteristic, wrapping the image around the viewer to maximize immersion, especially in first-person games and simulators. It supports Adaptive-Sync for smooth variable refresh rates, is certified for DisplayHDR True Black 400, and covers over 95% of the DCI-P3 color space. The inclusion of a USB-C port with 90 watts of power delivery, a KVM switch, and a fully adjustable stand rounds out a comprehensive feature list.

Gaming performance is where this monitor truly excels. The 240Hz refresh rate, combined with OLED’s inherent 0.01ms response time, delivers motion clarity that is effectively perfect at frame rates above 180fps. There is no perceptible blur or ghosting, making every movement and input feel instantaneous and precise. The high contrast ratio and rich color saturation enhance the perception of detail, making game worlds appear more vibrant and three-dimensional. For competitive play or immersive single-player adventures, the visual responsiveness is outstanding.

In practical use, the monitor produces a stunning image. In standard dynamic range (SDR) mode, it can sustain over 400 nits of brightness, while HDR content shines with measured peaks around 663 nits for a 25% window. Acer’s claim of 1,300-nit peaks for tiny highlights is believable based on the performance observed. The out-of-box color accuracy is good, but engaging the sRGB mode or making minor adjustments in the user-calibrated setting can achieve reference-grade results. The on-screen display (OSD) is robust, offering gamer aids like crosshairs and a refresh rate counter, along with essential picture adjustments.

A few minor convenience quirks exist within the OSD system. While HDR switching is automatic, the monitor does not maintain separate brightness settings for SDR and HDR modes. If you prefer a consistent brightness level across all content, you may need to manually adjust the setting when switching between formats. Additionally, the behavior of the Uniform Brightness function can require some familiarization to set preferences for different tasks. These are small compromises in an otherwise highly polished experience.

The build quality and design are premium. The stand is sturdy and offers a wide range of height, tilt, and swivel adjustments. The bezels are remarkably thin, presenting an all-screen front appearance. Connectivity is generous, featuring two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 input, and multiple USB ports, including conveniently located ones on the bottom edge of the panel. The integrated 5-watt speakers are surprisingly clear and loud, with the screen’s curve helping to direct sound toward the user for a more engaging audio stage.

For productivity and creative work, the extreme curve requires a brief period of adaptation, as straight lines near the edges can appear distorted. However, this same curve brings side windows closer to your natural field of view, which can be beneficial for multitasking. For color-critical work, the accurate sRGB mode and calibration options make it a viable tool, though keeping primary image editing in the center of the screen is advisable.

Ultimately, the Acer Predator X34 OLED delivers a spectacular blend of speed, image quality, and immersion. It isn’t the absolute cheapest 34-inch OLED available, but its combination of a 240Hz refresh rate, deep curve, and extensive features represents significant value. For gamers and enthusiasts who want one of the fastest and most visually captivating ultra-wide displays on the market, it is an exceptionally strong contender that makes very few sacrifices.

(Source: Tom’s Hardware)