BenQ GW2790QT review

The GW2790QT is a 27 inch monitor with a 2560x1440 native resolution, which works out at 109 PPI. The panel is IPS with a matte coating, 99% sRGB coverage, 1000:1 native contrast and 350 nits typical brightness. Viewing angles are listed at 178 degrees both ways, with 5 ms GtG response.

The main appeal is the connectivity. If you work from a laptop, that is where this monitor spends most of its effort.

The single USB-C input supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, data and 65W Power Delivery. One cable can carry the picture, connect peripherals and charge a laptop. Owners and reviewers single this out as a strength.

Downstream, there are three USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports with 4.5W charging and one USB-C downstream port with 7.5W charging. One review describes it as a four-port hub, which matches. A DisplayPort output with MST is also listed, which gives a route to a second display. BenQ lists one HDMI 1.4 and one DisplayPort 1.2 input as well. One review says DisplayPort 1.4, which conflicts with BenQ's figure, so treat 1.2 as the manufacturer-stated spec.

There are gaps. A reviewer says there is no built-in KVM, so you cannot share one keyboard and mouse across two computers from the monitor itself. No Ethernet is listed either. If your dock plan relies on wired networking through the display, this model does not list it.

The numbers describe a conventional IPS panel. With 99% sRGB coverage, it suits general office and development work. It does not target wide-gamut colour work, and BenQ lists no wider coverage figure.

Two caveats come from the reviews. One reviewer's test unit showed moderate backlight bleeding, and no dedicated uniformity measurement turned up, so uniformity from one unit to the next is unknown. HDR is not supported according to the Laptop Mag reviewer, and BenQ does not publish it on its spec pages. ITPro also mentions an ambient light sensor.

Built-in speakers draw mild complaints. Owners and reviewers call them average or slightly quiet, so headphones or separate speakers are the safer plan for audio.

The panel runs at 75 Hz. For spreadsheets, terminals, code and video calls, the spec sheet gives no reason for concern. If you play fast-paced games, a 75 Hz ceiling and 5 ms GtG response are the limits to weigh.

The stand offers tilt from -5 to 20 degrees, 20 degrees of swivel either way, 90 degree pivot and 110 mm of height adjustment. Reviewers describe it as sturdy and adjustable, and some prefer it to a monitor arm. A 100x100 VESA pattern is listed, so a wall mount or arm remains possible.

The trade-off is size. Owners report that the monitor is heavy and that the base takes up a lot of desk. On a shallow desk, that large footprint could matter, and an arm might then be worth a look.

BenQ lists typical power consumption of 20 W, with no stated operating state, and below 0.5 W in sleep. Firmware can be updated over USB. That is a capability, not a support commitment. Check both with the seller before buying.

With one USB-C cable carrying 65W of power, data and video, plus a four-port downstream hub, it suits a laptop-based desk. With a tilt, swivel, pivot and height-adjustable stand, it suits shared or changing desk layouts. With 75 Hz, no HDR and no listed KVM or Ethernet, it is less suited to gaming or to multi-computer switching.