In this product review, we’ll be checking out the Scepter C34 Ultra Wide Curved Gaming Monitor. Before we dive into the details, I’d like to emphasize that the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, despite receiving this monitor as a sample from Scepter directly. If you’re interested in learning more about this gaming monitor or want to make a purchase, you can find the link in the video description.
Unboxing and Contents
Let’s start by taking a look at the retail box and packaging. Everything appears well-packaged, and you can find more information on the sides of the box, including what’s included inside. The tech specs on the back of the box match what’s displayed on the front, giving you an overview of what to expect.
Upon opening the box, you’ll find the monitor and several accessories. The package includes product literature, a one-year warranty, customer service and contact information, and a user guide and manual to help you set up and navigate your new monitor. Additionally, you’ll receive essential hardware like screws, a DisplayPort cable, a power supply, a wall mount adapter, and a metal stand.
Monitor Overview
Now, let’s take a closer look at the monitor itself. On the back, you’ll find the Scepter logo and branding in the center, along with two LED lights and mounting options. There are speaker grilles, a Kensington security lock, additional product info, and a variety of ports, including power, HDMI, DisplayPort, and an audio port.
Moving to the bottom, there’s a single control button to power on and navigate the monitor’s menu settings. The top of the monitor showcases its elegant curvature, giving you a sense of its aesthetics. On the front, you’ll find the Scepter logo and branding, along with HDMI and DisplayPort stickers. Don’t forget to remove the protective film on the screen before use.
Stand
The monitor is mounted on a stand that offers tilt adjustment, allowing you to find your preferred viewing angle. However, it doesn’t provide height adjustment or rotation, so keep that in mind if those features are crucial for your setup.
Menu Settings
Accessing the menu settings is simple; you can press the power button. The menu allows you to navigate various options, including sources, image presets, volume, and more. It’s comprehensive and well-organized, making it easy to adjust settings to your liking. You can customize settings based on your specific preferences, content, or gaming needs.
Picture Settings
The monitor comes with different picture presets, allowing you to fine-tune the display to your liking. These presets can enhance your gaming or viewing experience depending on the content you’re consuming. The choice of which preset to use can be subjective and might vary depending on the type of content you’re enjoying.
UFO Tests
The UFO tests demonstrate the monitor’s impressive performance at different FPS values, showcasing its smoothness at the advertised 165Hz refresh rate. This high refresh rate is a significant advantage for gamers, providing a smoother and more immersive gaming experience.
Backlight Bleed / IPS Glow
Like many ultra-wide monitors, this one exhibits some backlight bleeding, particularly in the corners. However, this is generally common among monitors of this category and isn’t a significant issue during regular usage.
Color Accuracy
The monitor’s color accuracy results, while not exceptional, are suitable for most general use cases, including gaming, web browsing, content consumption, and office work. It might not be the best choice for professional color grading, but for everyday tasks, it performs well.
Web Browsing
The monitor excels in web browsing, providing clear and crisp text and images. Whether you’re browsing websites, watching videos, or reading articles, the display quality is excellent.
Speaker Test
The built-in speakers are functional but have a flat sound quality. While they may be sufficient for occasional use, serious gamers or those who demand high-quality audio will likely want to invest in external speakers or headphones.
RGB Lighting
The monitor features customizable RGB lighting on the back, allowing you to personalize your setup. It offers various lighting modes and color options to match your preferences or gaming ambiance.
Input Lag
The input lag of the monitor is impressively low, making it ideal for gaming. With input lag ranging from 1.3 to 16 milliseconds, you’ll experience minimal delays between your actions and on-screen responses.
Gaming
Gaming on this monitor is a delightful experience, thanks to its high refresh rate and low input lag. The gameplay appears smooth and responsive, enhancing your gaming sessions.
Console Gaming (PS5 and Xbox Series X)
For console gamers, it’s essential to note that the monitor supports 1440p resolution at 60Hz for PS5 and 1080p at 120Hz for Xbox Series X. While this might not offer the full potential of these consoles, it still provides a satisfying gaming experience.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Scepter C34 Ultra Wide Curved Gaming Monitor offers a compelling package for its price point. It delivers high refresh rates, low input lag, and a decent color display, making it suitable for gaming and everyday tasks. While it might have some limitations, such as the stand and minor ghosting, it provides excellent value for those seeking an immersive gaming experience without breaking the bank. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific needs and budget, but this monitor serves as a solid baseline for what you can expect from a 34-inch ultra-wide gaming display.
