My old monitor can't keep up with new PC games anymore — so it's time to upgrade with this 240Hz, 1440p monitor that won't break the bank

Image of the HP OMEN 27qs gaming monitor in use. — Budget-conscious PC players will want to take heed of the HP OMEN 27qs. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

Budget-conscious PC players will want to take heed of the HP OMEN 27qs. (Image credit: Windows Central | Zachary Boddy)

My HP 24x monitor has served me for many years, but it's starting to show its age as it's having trouble rendering newer PC gaming titles at high resolutions and framerates.

Fortunately, I didn't have to look long for a suitable replacement, as the well-regarded HP OMEN 27qs gaming monitor is on sale for $349.99 at HP.

Why buy the HP OMEN 27qs?

The HP OMEN 27qs is a well-balanced gaming monitor that can help you achieve high resolutions and framerates for PC gaming without making you spend over $500 (provided you don't care for 4K visuals).

It's capable of achieving 240Hz refresh rates and 1440p resolutions with 1ms response times and V-Sync support. With these specs, you can expect to have your games play at absurdly high, smooth framerates of nearly 240fps with little to no latency holding your inputs back from decimating enemies in Crimson Desert or sniping the competition in Overwatch.

Plus, the 1440p resolution will make your games pretty to look at without sacrificing those precious, gameplay-enhancing framerates.

Other notable features include a simple design that makes it easy to set up, anti-glare coating, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility, and an intuitive on-screen display with built-in controls.

However, it's not entirely perfect. The HP OMEN 27qs' built-in speakers are lackluster, its HDR support is barely noticeable, and its color contrast is average at best. Yet, those are all minor quibbles in the face of HP OMEN 27qs' overwhelming positive selling points.

So, if you're looking to achieve higher framerates while preserving your budget, then the HP OMEN 27qs is a fantastic option (especially now that it's $349.99 at HP), as it forgoes price-hiking features to deliver a solid gameplay experience.

FAQ

How do I achieve 240Hz at 1440p?

It is recommended that you plug your computer into the HP OMEN 27qs using a DisplayPort 1.4 cable instead of an HDMI cable to obtain 240Hz refresh rates.

Is it compatible with Xbox and PlayStation consoles?

The HP OMEN 27qs is compatible with Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5. However, due to HDMI 2.0 limitations, this monitor won't be able to achieve 4K resolutions with 120Hz with these consoles.

Is it compatible with VESA mounts?

Yes, the HP OMEN 27qs can have 100x100mm VESA mounts attached to it. However, the monitor's stand does support VESA mounts, meaning you won't be able to attach it to another monitor.

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Alexander Cope is a gaming veteran of 30-plus years, primarily covering PC and Xbox games here on Windows Central. Gaming since the 8-bit era, Alexander's expertise revolves around gaming guides and news, with a particular focus on Japanese titles from the likes of Elden Ring to Final Fantasy. Alexander is always on deck to help our readers conquer the industry's most difficult games — when he can pry himself away from Monster Hunter that is!

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