Are These Sub-$200 High-Refresh Monitors Worth It?
Budget gaming monitor deals now deliver 1440p resolution and high refresh rates that used to be reserved for expensive displays, making it possible for casual and competitive players to get smooth, responsive gameplay without paying premium prices. Based on the specs and current discounts, both featured monitors are worth considering if you want a 1440p gaming monitor with at least a 200Hz refresh rate at an affordable price. The ViewSonic XG2736-2K drops from USD 320 (approx. RM1,472) to USD 150 (approx. RM690), while the Gigabyte G27Q20 is available for USD 178.99 (approx. RM823). In short: these are strong value picks if your priority is a fast 1440p gaming display under USD 200 (approx. RM920).
| Spec | ViewSonic XG2736-2K | Gigabyte G27Q20 |
|---|---|---|
| Panel size | 27-inch IPS | 27-inch QHD |
| Resolution | 1440p | 2560 x 1440 (QHD) |
| Refresh rate | 240Hz | 200Hz, 210Hz OC |
| Response time | 0.5ms | 0.05ms GTG |
| Adaptive sync | G-Sync & FreeSync Premium | FreeSync Premium, G‑SYNC compatible |
ViewSonic XG2736-2K: 240Hz 1440p for USD 150
If you want a 240Hz gaming monitor on a tight budget, the ViewSonic XG2736-2K is the standout deal right now. It is a 27-inch IPS 1440p gaming monitor that combines a crisp QHD resolution with a rapid 240Hz refresh rate and 0.5ms response time, backed by support for both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium. According to one source, “ViewSonic XG2736-2K 27 Inch 1440p Gaming Monitor USD 150 (approx. RM690) USD 320 (approx. RM1,472) Save USD 170 (approx. RM781).” Despite the cut price, you still get height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustment, plus USB-C with up to 65W power delivery, HDMI, DisplayPort, and built-in stereo speakers. As budget gaming monitor deals go, this is a strong choice if you want a 240Hz gaming monitor that doubles as an affordable gaming display and general entertainment hub.
The practical upside is clear: with 1440p resolution and 240Hz, you can enjoy both sharp image quality and very smooth motion in fast-paced titles without stepping into premium pricing. For players upgrading from a 1080p 60Hz or 144Hz screen, this is a noticeable leap in clarity and responsiveness, especially in shooters and competitive online games. The extensive ergonomics and USB-C input also make it easier to use the monitor with laptops and consoles, turning it into a flexible centerpiece for your gaming setup at a price typically associated with entry-level displays.
Gigabyte G27Q20: 200Hz 1440p with 0.05ms Response
The Gigabyte G27Q20 pushes speed in a different way, offering a 27-inch QHD panel with a 200Hz refresh rate that can be overclocked to 210Hz and an extremely low 0.05ms GTG response time. Priced at USD 178.99 (approx. RM823), it sits comfortably under the USD 200 (approx. RM920) line while clearly targeting competitive gaming. One source notes that this spec sheet “paints a very clear picture that it is designed for competitive gaming,” thanks to high refresh, quick response, and 1440p resolution that is detailed but not overly demanding on a mid-range GPU. It also supports AMD FreeSync Premium and is G-SYNC compatible, with height and tilt adjustment and HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity.
Beyond games, the G27Q20’s 123% sRGB color coverage makes it appealing to creative users who want deeper and more saturated colors for editing or grading, though it benefits from calibration to avoid oversaturation. The combination of 1440p resolution, 200Hz refresh rate, and 0.05ms response time means motion clarity is excellent, helping you track enemies and keep fast action sharp frame by frame. As an affordable gaming display, this is a strong option if you value extremely fast response times and high refresh rates but still want the richer detail of a 1440p gaming monitor.

Which Budget High-Refresh Monitor Is Better Value?
Both monitors deliver competitive refresh rates and response times without premium pricing, but they cater to slightly different priorities. The ViewSonic XG2736-2K leans hard into being the best pure value play, with a deeper discount from its original USD 320 (approx. RM1,472) list price down to USD 150 (approx. RM690), plus 240Hz and flexible ergonomics. That makes it very appealing for players who want the highest refresh rate in this price range and a straightforward plug-and-play setup. The Gigabyte G27Q20, at USD 178.99 (approx. RM823), offers a lower maximum refresh but compensates with an ultra-low 0.05ms response time, overclockable 210Hz, and extended color coverage that helps in creative work. In practice, either will feel like a major upgrade over typical 60–144Hz screens, and your choice should hinge on whether you care more about 240Hz and USB-C or about response time and color performance.
Budget monitors now offer 1440p resolution and high refresh rates that were once reserved for far pricier models, so these deals are less about compromise and more about choosing the right strengths for your setup. If you play a lot of esports shooters, the higher refresh or faster response can give you a smoother, more precise experience; if you split time between gaming and content creation, the Gigabyte’s color coverage may swing it. Both are clearly positioned as affordable gaming monitor deals for players who want a fast 1440p gaming monitor without crossing into high-end pricing.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the ViewSonic XG2736-2K if you want the highest refresh rate in this roundup with a 240Hz 1440p gaming monitor at a deep discount.
- Skip the ViewSonic XG2736-2K if USB-C and built-in speakers are not important and you prefer to prioritize color coverage and response time over raw refresh.
- Buy the Gigabyte G27Q20 if you care most about ultra-fast 0.05ms response times, 200Hz–210Hz operation, and 123% sRGB coverage for mixed gaming and creative work.
- Skip the Gigabyte G27Q20 if you want the absolute lowest price under USD 200 (approx. RM920) and would rather save more by choosing the cheaper 240Hz option.
- Buy the ViewSonic XG2736-2K if your goal is an affordable gaming display that doubles as a flexible hub with ergonomic adjustments and multiple inputs at USD 150 (approx. RM690).
- Skip the Gigabyte G27Q20 if you are not interested in calibrating color settings and would prefer a more straightforward setup over 123% sRGB tuning.





