The Cooler Master GM32-FQ is a 31.5″ 165Hz IPS gaming monitor. Priced at RM 2,199, the GM32-FQ is basically the “big brother” of the GM27-FQ that released alongside it. The GM32-FQ packs similar features and specifications as the GM27, sans the ARGB stand. We have recently reviewed the GM27, and you can check it out here.
So how does the Cooler Master GM32-FQ feel like to work and game on? Does it justify the bump in price tag? Read on to find out.
Cooler Master GM32-FQ – Specifications
The Cooler Master GM32FQ uses a new type of IPS panel that is similar to Samsung’s PLS panels called Advanced Dimension Switch or ADS. This technology allows the monitor to have a higher output due to the liquid crystals are arranged in the same plane. Hence, the higher output of 400 nits and a slightly better contrast ratio of 1200:1 compared to the GM27.
Panel Type IPS Screen Size 31.5″ (16:9) Screen Resolution 2560 x 1440 Refresh Rate 165 Hz FreeSync / G-Sync FreeSync Premium / G-Sync Compatible Color Depth 10 Bit (8 Bit + FRC) Color Gamut DCI-P3 95% HDR HDR400 Compatible Response Time 5ms (GTG) Video Inputs 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
2 x HDMI 2.0
1 x USB-COther Inputs USB 3.0 x 3
What’s In The Box?
- Cooler Master GM32-FQ
- Height adjustable stand
- External power brick
- HDMI cable
- DisplayPort cable
- Screwdriver
- Cable management clip
Design
Similar to the 27 inch counterpart, the Cooler Master GM32-FQ has a minimalist design. The top half of the panel is only 7mm thick, while the bottom bulge that houses all the I/O and components measures only 18mm, still pretty thin by today’s standard. The rear of the monitor has VESA 100mm screw holes so mounting via monitor arm is an option.
The stand is made of metal and definitely feels premium and sturdy. However, the ARGB lighting found on the GM27 is absent here, but I do appreciate the sleek and minimalist aesthetic Cooler Master applied here. The stand is also height adjustable, with tilt and swivel, but no portrait mode.
The panel itself has 7mm top and side bezels, and an 18mm bottom bezel with a minimalist hexagon style Cooler Master logo in the middle. The OSD controls are placed at the rear but lacks a joystick. Unlike the GM27, the Cooler Master GM32-FQ has a set of speakers housed at the rear, which delivers decent sound and served me well in a pinch.
Display
The GM32-FQ has one of the most accurate displays in this price point. Right out of the box, I was amazed by the image quality and colour accuracy. If you want to set it on sRGB mode (why would you though?), there is the option to do so by setting the colour temperature to BT709. It covers 95% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, which is more than enough except for the most demanding of creative professionals. There is no need for any further calibration or fiddling with the colour temperature to get a good experience.
User Experience
One great plus point for larger monitor sizes is that it is great for productivity. I can easily run two applications side by side, working on spreadsheets while watching videos is a bliss. Thanks to the colour gamut, I did not have to worry about going overboard with punching in colour while editing photos and videos.
Watching movies on the larger screen feels way more immersive. With lights off, and using good speakers with subwoofers, I can transform my PC into a miniature theater.
Gaming
If I had to choose between an Ultra HD 144Hz monitor or a QHD 165Hz one, I would definitely prefer the latter. While I sacrifice visual clarity for speed, in reality it does not make much of a difference in terms of sharpness. However, the lower resolution helps make the monitor easier to run on lower end graphics cards. I could barely hit 100 fps on 4K monitors, but I could completely make use of the refresh rate of the GM32-FQ without sacrificing too much in visual clarity.
Input lag on the Cooler Master GM32-FQ is kept to a minimum as well, and sniping on Counter-Strike and Valorant feels snappy. Motion blur is almost non-existent once I turned on backlight strobing.
HDR on the other hand is a mixed bag. While it is definitely better then the GM27, but I had to crank up the brightness to the max to get a usable HDR experience.
Conclusion
The Cooler Master GM32-FQ is basically the larger version of the GM27, somewhat. You do lose out on the RGB stand base, but you are getting all the visual goodness from the GM27, but on a larger canvas. This will be great for those who prefer a larger and taller display.
Overall, I like the monitor, side bezels are really thin, colours look really impressive, and gaming performance on it is tip top. One thing that irks me though is the cable management feature, which is just a C holder thing on the back of the monitor stand. It gets the job done, but not that nicely because you’d still see the power and DisplayPort cable jutting out on the sides.
I would be hard-pressed to find a more compelling monitor in the same price bracket. I think Cooler Master knocked it out of the park with this one. To find out more, visit Cooler Master’s official site here.