New Dark Matter gaming monitors deliver speedy specs for around $200
Monoprice's new gaming monitors aim to compete with pricier models without breaking the bank.
What you need to know
- Monoprice announced two new budget-friendly gaming monitors.
- The Dark Matter 27" 165Hz Monitor and the Dark Matter 24" 144Hz Monitor have specs that compete with more expensive competitors.
- Both new monitors are available starting today.
Monoprice announced two new gaming monitors today; the Dark Matter 27" 165Hz Monitor and the Dark Matter 24" 144Hz Monitor. Both deliver impressive specs at a low price point compared to the best gaming monitors that they compete with. Both new Dark Matter gaming monitors are available starting today.
They each have IPS displays, which helps bring down their prices. The 24-inch model has a refresh rate of 144Hz while the larger 27-inch model has a refresh rate of 165Hz. Monoprice doesn't give exact figures related to color accuracy, but states that the 24-inch monitor offers "near 100% sRGB."
The monitors share several specs, but there are some key differences. The 24-inch model has an HDMI 2.0 port but the 27-inch model has a higher refresh rate and is a bit brighter.
Dark Matter 24" 144Hz Monitor
| Category | Dark Matter 24" 144Hz Monitor |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 23.5" |
| Panel | IPS |
| Resolution | 1920x1080p |
| Refresh rate | 144Hz |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| Brightness | 300 cd/m2 |
| Color | "Near 100% sRGB" |
| Response time | 1ms |
| Adaptive Sync | Yes |
| Ports | HDMI 2.0, HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2 |
| Contrast ratio | 1000:1 |
| VESA compatible | Yes |
| Price | $200 |
Dark Matter 27" 165Hz Monitor
| Category | Dark Matter 27" 165Hz Monitor |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 27" |
| Panel | IPS |
| Resolution | 1920x1080p |
| Refresh rate | 165Hz |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| Brightness | 350 cd/m2 |
| Response time | 1ms |
| Adaptive Sync | Yes |
| Ports | 2x HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2 |
| Contrast ratio | 1000:1 |
| VESA compatible | Yes |
| Price | $230 |
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The spec sheets of these two new monitors aren't as impressive as the Dark Matter gaming monitor with an IGZO display that Monoprice announced last week. They are, however, more affordable while having respectable specs and features.
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Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.
Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.
