Summary: BenQ XL2430T is an amazing gaming LCD with the fastest refresh rate of 144 Hz and full HD resolutions to provide extremely smooth gaming performance. It is equipped with eQualizer technology that keeps the screen clear with sharp color points. Gamers can also customize the screen color to take full advantage of their games.
If you are looking to get an insight into the BenQ XL2430T gaming monitor, you are at the right place. I am going to be reviewing its picture quality, performance, build, and overall features with functionalities. Before digging deep into its details, Let’s first check out its features’ score.
Quick BenQ XL2430T Features’ Review
- Gaming Performance 9.6/10
- Screen Brightness 9.0/10
- Picture Quality 8.2/10
- Durability 8.6/10
- Value For Money 8.4/10
- Customizability 9.0/10
Let’s introduce you to BenQ XL2430T first.
BenQ XL2430T Introduction
The BenQ XL2430T took inspiration from the success of the XL2420T monitor and has been upgraded to provide a better gaming experience to its users. This high-quality monitor offers many added benefits such as high performance and built-in 144hz refresh rate, which happens to be the highest currently available in the market. This 144hz refresh rate is what enables BenQ XL2430T to provide precision, smoothness, and motion clarity. Not only that, but it also keeps input lag in check so users experience seamless video quality while gaming.
You need to know how BenQ XL2430T is different from other monitors in this range such as XL2720Z.
BenQ XL2430T Unboxing
BenQ XL2430T comes in a classic black box with several features listed on the front including 144 Hz refresh rate, 1ms GTG response time, Auto perform mode, USB settings, and equalizer.
On opening the box you will find well-packed and secured components that need to be assembled to make the BenQ XL2430T gaming monitor. The first thing you’ll see is a mounting base with fine finishing with a metal base. Then on the left, there is an S switch which is redesigned and has multiple buttons including an auto-mode button, a back button, and a red scroll wheel.
This S switch makes it extremely easy to use gaming monitors. Its small size fits perfectly on the mounting plate as well. There is also a DVI cable connector for full HD resolution. If you want to get a better connector cable then check out some of the quality DVI cables.
There are some more accessories including an AC power supply, USB 3 connector, a sturdy monitor carrying handle along selector switches on the side. Then, at last, you will get the BenQ XL2430T gaming monitor which is much lighter than anyone could expect. But, its stand is much heavier than the monitor itself.
The BenQ XL2430T is super slim and has various connecting ports including; two USB 3 headsets and a port for a microphone. Apart from this, there is also a red headphone stand so you could mount your headphones safely beside the monitor when they are not in use.
If you think it will be flimsy, then let me correct you. BenQ has made it of aluminum which is painted with red color so it will easily handle the weight of your gaming headsets without breaking. Also, it is spring-loaded so you can retract it back when you don’t need it.
On the bottom, there are several other connecting ports i.e. USB, two HDMI ports, two-link DVI port, VGA, play port, s switch port, and another microphone port. All these ports are enough for any gamer to have all the gaming accessories connected with the BenQ XL2430T gaming monitor.
BenQ XL2430T Features and Functionalities
If you are familiar with the gaming monitors RL2455HM and RL2460HT, BenQ XL2430T will be much easier to adapt because it has a modified version of OSD. Some of the many exciting modifications present in the first menu consist of Picture Mode, Display Mode, Blur Reduction, Menu, and Exit functions.
The BenQ gives its users the ability to change options to other quick presets such as volume control, or a quick key to access Low Blue Light.
The main menu has options like Game Settings, Picture, Display, and System. The game settings enable users to adjust for Blur reduction, Black eQualizer, Color Vibrance, Low Blue Light, Instant Mode, and Auto Game Mode.
The picture settings enable users to navigate through Brightness, Contrast, Sharpness, Gamma, Color Temperature, AMA, and Dynamic Contrast to best suit the users’ needs and preferences.
The display menu enables users to adjust for inputs, configure scaling options, set the RGB range, and configure overscan. And, the system menu gives users access to set headphone volume, assign custom keys, and view input source information.
Gaming Performance
I have been using this gaming monitor myself for over two months and I am quite amazed by the quality and its features. Its simulation setting is so handy because it allows users to add input lag to the game in 1-frame increments, which ultimately controls the monitor that features low input lag.
However, I had the best gaming experience even without engaging in this setting, as it was responsive and perfect for any high-definition video games.
During the testing, I have enabled “instant Mode” and “Blur reduction” combined to see if it will cause any issues with input lag. To my surprise, there was no input lag while playing Ultra Street Fighter IV. I was able to hit my opponents with precision and with the same timings as without the “Blur Reduction”.
BenQ offers users who prefer dark mode to enhance user experience, the strobing backlight in case LCD motion blur is not your preferred choice. However, the BenQ XL2430T is fast enough without it because it has a response time of 1ms.
Picture Quality
The best use-case for BenQ XL2430T is gaming hence its various picture modes serve that purpose. Let me walk you through the list of options available for pictures so you make the right choice for your gaming monitor needs.
Firstly, the monitor features include FPS1, FPS2, RTS, Gamer1, Gamer2, Gamer3, Movie, and Standard. Even though these picture modes do not comply with any specific picture standards, the adjustment options allow adjustment to cater to the user’s needs.
For BenQtesting, I opted for “Standard” picture mode because it allows customization to all available options.
That being said, I have changed one setting in BenQ XL2430T to experience an improved black level of the display. The default setting has a “Standard” picture enabled in which there is a setting called “Color Vibrance” where users are given the option to control the color saturation.
It is set to value 10 by default, which gives a marginally washed-out image after calibration. It is not an ideal setting if you would like to like to enjoy dark scenes. However, by adjusting the “Color Vibrance” level to 9, I was able to achieve a black level of 0.13cd/m², which dramatically enhances picture quality.
It is important to note that, with this setting, some of the darkest spots won’t be clearly visible. That being said, it is still a better option than experience washed-out blacks at the default value.
Also, black level perception is dependent on the viewing angle, and in most cases, users will have to make a choice between washed-out black levels or black crush.
The good news is that the black crush option in BenQ XL2430T is minimal compared to other monitors available in the market. I have not experienced any issues with it so do most of the users.
To test the color accuracy, I was able to create an ICC profile via OSD controls and it did not require much adjustment for that matter. What I did was, I simply adjusted red and blue values by one tick to 99, and left the green value at 100.
The advertised monitor ratio to be 1000:1, which can be achieved by making the change to the “Color Vibrance” setting.
Conclusion
The BenQ XL2430T is no doubt an amazing gaming monitor which a fast refreshes rate and pixel response. Also, its Full HD resolution will provide a decent gaming experience. The built-quality of BenQ XL2430T is also pretty durable with sturdy construction materials, especially aluminum.
This gaming monitor by BenQ has a wide range of connectivity ports including two ports for HDMI cables. Although it comes with a DVI cable, if you want to attach the best HDMI cables then there is an option available.
The ergonomic monitor stand is very classy which allows the users to move the BenQ 2430T according to their viewing angle or a comfortable position. BenQ has many other gaming monitors available in its XL line with plenty of options that every gamer would ever need.
Similarly, BenQ XL2430T has many gamer-friendly features like programable hot keys, smart scaling, special gaming presets, and blur reduction. Even this amazing gaming monitor has a place where you can hang your headphones during the break.
Gamers often spend thousands of dollars for these premium gaming features, but BenQ XL2430T could help you save all that money for investment in some other gaming accessories like gaming chairs, gaming desks, or poker sets.
