BenQ XL2420T: A True FPS Monitor
An overview of the BenQ XL2420T monitor made with FPS gamers and eSports at the forefront.
The XL2420T is a high-performance monitor designed with FPS gamers in mind. Designed in cooperation with Counter-Strike legends, boasting 120Hz, 24” W, 3D-ready LED monitor with features like the Black eQualizer, S Switch, FPS Mode, Display Mode, Smart Scaling, 2ms GTG and 12M:1 DCR.
Inspired by Counter-Strike legends
There are a lot of companies out there that work with pro-gamers to design competitive products; many of them fall far short of the mark. This product really is inspired by the Counter-Strike legends, you can see their critical input through the unique features designed with gamers in mind. For once this does not come off as a gimmick, unlike most brands, you can truly see the pros input in designing this monitor.
Black eQualizer
Even the most skilful of gamers get fragged by somebody camping in the dark sometimes, not with the Black eQualizer. The Black eQualizer gives you total visibility, designed to offer an unprecedented level of control and visibility. The Black eQualizer colour engine technology brightens dark areas without over-exposing the bright areas leaving your opponent in plain sight, this is especially helpful in FPS games and seeing further in the fog in Starcraft II. It even reduces the time you are flashed more than any other monitor, giving you a competitive edge. This feature alone puts this product miles ahead of the competition.
The S Switch for Swift Control and Navigation
The XL2420T comes with a polished and stylish S Switch, a unique remote controller with three preset buttons allowing you to change your display settings on the fly. The S Switch combined with touch screen buttons on the front of the monitor mean no more playing with awkward buttons to change your settings.
The Game Mode Loader
The Game Mode Loader gives you access to special gaming presets used by professional gamers. They can also be saved to each of the S Switch buttons giving quick easy access during gameplay. It is a nice idea but not sure on how much use it will actually get.
Exclusive FPS Mode
Two FPS Modes co-developed with gaming legends to help you get the same optimal brightness, contrast, sharpness and colour tint as the pros themselves. The first of these FPS Modes is FPS1 designed to configure and optimized the display for Counter-Strike 1.6 and the second, FPS2 is designed for Counter-Strike Source. An excellent feature giving hassle-free perfect display settings straight out of the box.
Customize your Viewing Preferences
The Display Mode and Smart Scaling features allow you to change the monitor view to suit your liking and to simulate any in-game experience. Interchange instantly between different screen sizes, from 17" (4:3), 19" (4:3), 19"W (16:10), 21.5"W (16:9), 22"W (16:10), 23"W (16:9) to 24"W (16:9), using the Display Mode or take advantage of the Smart Scaling feature and enjoy the flexibility to freely scale the screen content to any custom size. A nice little thought by BenQ that makes this monitor even better. Very helpful if you are used to playing older games on lower resolutions, such as Counter-Strike 1.6 or Starcraft: Brood War, not making the game look over stretched on a beastly 24" monitor.
120Hz Refresh Rate
120Hz offers a no-lag experience with smoothly rendered graphics. With such a high refresh rate you have no excuses, there is less lag allowing you to track you enemy seamlessly. It has taken a while to get true 120Hz monitors that are not CRT's but BenQ has finally been able to deliver what all FPS gamers want and have done so flawlessly.
2MS GTG Response Time
With a fast response time of 2MS GTG there is no more ghosting or smearing, often seen in fast paced games. This allows you to get the most out of your game with enhanced graphics not limited by a slow display, in competitive play this can mean the difference between seeing the enemy first or being seen first.
NVIDIA 3D Vision
As if this monitor was feature-full enough it comes 3D ready, hook up your NVIDIA 3D Vision kit and you can get the full 3D experience. This feature is proof that BenQ go all the way when making products.
Highly Adjustable Stand
The stand completes this product, a true marvel. You can adjust the height of the monitor effortlessly with one hand, raising it the full length of the monitor. It can also be adjusted vertically or horizontally with a handy headphone hook on the back for when you’re done. The only downside to the adjustable stand is that there is no lock button so it is easily moved from the position you want.
Conclusion
The XL2420T is an expression of BenQ’s true belief, "Gaming is in the details". This monitor delivers nothing short of the best, both through its intuitive design and exceptional functionality. Using this monitor feels like a breath of fresh air, nothing to hold you back just perfection allowing you to play your best every game. It’s really hard to fault this product to be honest, there is a reason it’s the official display of so many professional gaming tournaments.
I would give the BenQ XL2420T monitor a 9/10, it is the perfect all round gaming, the only things I personally do not like about the monitor is the adjustable stand not locking and the touch sensitive buttons are over sensitive and hard to manage but the S switch makes up for that.
James ‘Banks’ Banks