So I was one of the early adopters and pre-ordered this monitor from that 'spicy tech shop' in the UK and it was delivered to me on the day of release (2nd September).
I am building a PC for video editing and gaming. I'm waiting on release of 3090 cards to compete it.
In addition, I have been a long term Mac user and my mid-2011 iMac is still going strong. So I had hoped to use the LG as a second display for that, especially since I edit photos in Lightroom.
First things first. Setup was relatively easy. Plugged in the mains power and mini-displayport to HDMI from iMac to LG. (obviously can't test PC performance yet but I was leaving the displayport free to hook up the PC later on).
Soon after switching on the problems began. Turns out my iMac is too old to output anything more than 1440p which would be fine but on the LG, it is configured to only display 1440p if connected by HDMI. So since I am going mini-displayport to HDMI I end up with 1080p maximum resolution which my eyes find to be shocking - especially sitting beside a really nice iMac display that is 1440p. So I tried a different cable: mini-displayport to displayport and still only get 1080p, proving it isn't a bandwidth problem of HDMI connection method but configuration by LG. Even if the second method worked, it would not have been preferable since when my PC is ready I would he constantly swapping cables into the displayport.
Unfortunately when I turned on my monitor on 3rd September I have a line of pixelation running top to bottom and another one running left to right across the screen. Where they intersect, there is a small blob of pixelation.
That 'spicy tech shop' are collecting the monitor and have offered a full refund or replacement. They currently have no stock.
I am in a predicament. I wasn't fully happy using it as a second monitor for my iMac as 1080p is just not acceptable for my needs. So having the iMac screen off centre with the preferred resolution makes for uncomfortable (swivel) viewing but having the LG in the centre which would be perfect for the PC means I see 1080p when using my iMac.
I have no doubt I have been unlucky to get a dodgy panel but I don't know what other options there are. LG seemed to tick all the boxes for what I am looking for:
- 4K
- 144hz
- low response
- excellent colour accuracy
- GSync compatible
I can't see any other monitors at any price that match what LG promised. I expected a raft of new 4K gaming monitors following Ampere release but I can't see any, unless I have missed them.
I am now going to move the iMac to a new desk and get a dedicated monitor for PC gaming and video editing. Thinking of going for LG CX 48 although it is on the large side for a monitor but would be great for gaming. I have put off by this LG monitor unfortunately.
