QNIX QX2710 27″ Evolution II 2560×1440 Monitor Review – Value Driven Korean Monitors Are a Purchase Alternative

THE DILEMMA

It wasn’t so long ago that an upgrade to a 27″ 2560×1440 pixel monitor couldn’t be done for under a $1000 and these were considered the highest of niche displays for the gamer and PC enthusiast.  Today, value priced Korean units can be found  at $319 or lower, realizing at least a 50% savings when compared to current brand name 2560×1440 display prices.  In our offices, we have no less than 7 Samsung monitors/TVs and would never had considered this option…but for one thing.  They contain Samsung’s own PLS panel.  It was time to visit our friends at RFD and investigate a bit further….159 pages of further as a matter of fact.

This sent us to a company called 2560×1440.Com, where we were able to do a bit of a background to help in our decision. The company is based out of Goyang, South Korea and sells just about every no-name brand monitor we could find.  The advantage we had was that, as we were conducting background for this report, we could get the answers that most would ask before considering such a purchase.

QX2710 Monitor x 2

PRE-PURCHASE Q& A’S

Clyde Choi  of 2560x1440monitor.com was able to assist and provided response to our quesations:

  • Does this Qnix display use Samsung PLS or LG IPS?  A1 – Panel is Samsung PLS;
  • Are the board factory seconds and is there anything wrong with them? A2 – Board is new and there is no problem;
  • Will they reach 120hz? A3 – We do not guarantee OC. But, many buyer try OC;
  • Are VESA mount screws included?  A4 – This support VESA. But screw is not included;
  • Is a mount easily installed or does the monitor require reinforcement?  A5 – Mount is installed with ease;
  • Is there excessive bleed?  A6 – Almost IPS(PLS) monitor including Apple has light bleeding. Light bleeding is very complicated problem. Because it is different from circumstance ( Natural or artificial light, view angle, color of back screen).  So, we have rule about light bleeding.  If light bleeding is shown in backscreen except black, we regard it as faulty and we always check monitor before shipping;
  • Dead pixels? A7 – Dead pixels on monitor is hot issue. We always check Dead pixel on monitor before shipping. We use Black, White, Yellow, Red, Green and Blue backscreen as test. Dead Pixel include Bright and Stuck Pixels. Rule may be different from manufactor and item. In this case, we will note it in description Page. And according to pcs of dead pixels, price of monitor may be different. All monitor do not have dead pixel on “center area (5 Area)”. Please check below image . If Max Guaranteed Deal Pixel is up to 5, Up to 5pcs x Dead pixel may be located in All Screen surface except Center zone( “5” Area). We also sell monitor with perfect pixel. In Monitor with perfect pixel, up to 1pcs of black dead pixel may be included. ( Any Bright dead pixel is not included in monitor with perfect pixel)In Center zone(“5” Area), there is no stuck and dead pixel;
  • Can a North American Plug be included? A8 – Yes, we include Plug adapter for North America;
  • What cables are included? A9 – DVI-D Cable is included;
  • How does warranty work? A10 – 1. D.O.A (Dead on Arrival) -We will check compatibility about computer and parts and request some step. If problem is in monitor, we will exchange monitor immediately. We also offer prepaid label or buyer just call Shipping service that we offer. This is very easy to proceed exchange. 2. Problem about monitor till 60 days from purchase.We also request some step about monitor. In worst case, we will exchange faulty monitor.3. Problem about monitor till 1 Year from 60days. We also request some step about monitor.We will repair monitor;
  • How long until shipped?  A11 – Generally, It takes 1~2 days to prepare shipment. Because, we do private quality test again before shipping. And to USA or Canada, we use UPS or DHL Express. It takes usually 2~4 business days to arrive after shipment.

5

In looking back at these questions, we only came up with two things that really concerned us.  The question as to whether the Samsung PLS board was of the same quality as that in Samsung systems could be taken both ways and the plug included not North American, but did include an adapter.

ORDERING, SHIPPING AND RECEIPT

Our investigation so far seemd to be positive and user reviews on the net were overwhelmingly positive so two 27″ QNIX QX2710 monitors were ordered directly from this link. We understood that the jump in price to get a ‘0 Dead Pixel’ monitor was an additional $40, 99% of the population could never even see dead pixels in most cases anyway, along with the fact that they already guaranteed no dead pixels in the screen center for the cheaper version, but the extra $40 seemed worth it.

Considering shipping was free, it seemed like an easy decision really.  Another thing that really impressed us was that EACH AND EVERY monitor went through vigorous testing before it even left the facility. The order was placed on a Wednesday, UPS tracking was received on Friday evening and the monitors were received on Monday….now that is unbelievable, especially since shipping was included. UPS only charged $40 for their services.

Packaging

In opening the parcel, the first thing we noticed was that there was some sort of writing and signature on the top of the exterior; we believe designating it passing inspection.  As well, we were happy to see ‘0Dead Pixel’ on the outside as well as the confirmation that ours was the Display Port version which had the addition of display port and HDMI in addition to the DVI port.

Exterior BoxExterior SideINCLUDED ACCESSORIES

On opening the exterior package, plenty of styrofoam was visible that protected the included monitor.  A user manual was also included aloing with a number of additonal accessories.

Components

As we had expected, the plug was Korean but an adapter was included for use.  Fortunately, we have plenty of North American adapters lying around. The inclusion of a Dual Link DVI-D cable is a nice touch as many may have a typical connection and pricing of the cable can get up there for those without that requisition ‘techy’ background.

THE DILEMMA It wasn't so long ago that an upgrade to a 27" 2560x1440 pixel monitor couldn't be done for under a $1000 and these were considered the highest of niche displays for the gamer and PC enthusiast.  Today, value priced Korean units can be found  at $319 or lower, realizing at least a 50% savings when compared to current brand name 2560x1440 display prices.  In our offices, we have no less than 7 Samsung monitors/TVs and would never had considered this option...but for one thing.  They contain Samsung's own PLS panel.  It was time to visit our friends at…

Review Overview

Purchase Assistance
Ease of Ordering
Price (incl free shipping)
Shipping Time
Price
Product Packaging
Exterior Quality
O Dead Pixels

Holy Smokes!

We found Clyde Choi and 2560x1440monitor.com a pleasure to work with and support purchases from their company completely. Our opinion of company and QX2710 is very high with the ONLY downfall being that the monitor stand couldn't be removed without product disassembly.

User Rating: 2.63 ( 115 votes)

37 comments

  1. Glad you let people know that even lower end graphics chipsets might be able to handle 2560×1440, despite the manufacturers warnings. Figured that out about a year ago, with my modest ThinkPad W520 with NVIDIA 1000M discreet graphics able to handle my 2560×1440 monitor just fine. Added 2 monitors later on as well, that’s 7.8 million pixels (using a USB 3.0 to DVI-D adapter)

    This project wasn’t without its issues. But oh so worthwhile, a huge bump up in productivity.

    Got it all working fine on Windows 8.1 recently just fine as well. Folks just need to remember to turn of VT-d in the BIOS if they don’t like BSODs on Lenovo W520 aptops (and likely W530s):
    https://TinkerTry.com/enjoy-windows-8-on-lenovo-thinkpad-w520-with-3-external-monitors

  2. You forgot to mention why this monitor is so popular amongst gamers, with a simple patch of your drivers, it enables you to overlock the QNIX to 120+hz

    • You are absolutely right. I forgot. I just tried it and the one monitor went to 120hz without difficulty but the second didn’t work and I am going to guess thats because the second is connected via HDMI. Will double up the DVI-D cables tonight to see if both will go to 120hz.

      • afaik HDMI doesn’t support enough bandwidth to support 2560×1440 @ 120hz

        couple tips for people that want to OC their QNIX, use the full patch if you run dual core 690 or something, when you successfully OC your QNIX, it will go darker, you’ll need to find a custom windows color profile on the net, you may need to use a few clicks on the brightness, also if you play games in fullscreen it will remain dark, so play in fullscreen windowed mode if the option is there, and be aware some older games dont support 120hz.

  3. “Will they reach 120mhz?” – Definitely Hz there, not megahertz.

  4. Great article!
    BTW, the “directly from this link” link on page 1 of the article is currently not working.

  5. Thanks for the links to be able to adjust to 120 hz! I was about to buy from ebay, but now I’m using your guy.

  6. Brilliant article, can I just ask if you got the matte screen version and if so what is the matte like compared to glossy even though my PC is facing a window I don’t mind the reflections on my glossy screen and I’d way rather go glossy if matte affects picture quality at all but 2560x1440monitor.com doesn’t have any glossy versions of this monitor at the moment, so I’m just wondering is it worth it to go matte?

  7. Yonathan Zarkovian

    Hey, I’d like to know if the monitor has OSD options, namely RGB control and brightness control?
    Also, did you try calibrating the monitor with some calibration device?

    Thanks!

    • Yes it has brightness, contrast and full RGB controls and , no, we did not calibrate the monitor at all. What you see is what you get. Actually these two monitors, running at 120, are my main monitors now and I am responding to this, as well as compiling an SSD review with them. They were NOT just test systems.

      • Yonathan Zarkovian

        Thanks. Not sure what you mean by “what you see is what you get”. I mean, did you mean that this screen is as good as it’s said to be?

        Thanks again.

  8. I bought the Yamakasi 27″ 10bit IPS from 2650x1440monitor.com. I wasn’t overly concerned with overclocking I just wanted a nice bright panel, and boy did I get it. I got the perfect pixel model and it’s flawless. Not one dead or stuck pixel. Ordered it on Sunday night, got an email Thursday monitor had shipped and it arrived Friday afternoon.
    Some light bleed around corners but not noticeable in my setting.
    I was Playing BF4 and wow is all I can say. It’s absolutely beautiful.
    FYI mine came with a US plug so that’s no longer an issue.
    I have a Asus Rampage IV Gene with a ATI R9 290x.
    Fortunately my system works in its bios with the monitor which was a great surprise.
    Running BF4 @ 100 deg Field of View, on Ultra setting and its amazing.
    I’ll post if I get the Import duty tax, and how much as a FYI.
    Emailed with Clyde Choi, he was very nice and answered all my questions and did exactly what he promised, as far as sending me one of his “Best”.

  9. Purchased on Ebay from green-sum on December 15, and got it 3 days later (Canada) on December 18. I was really impressed by that – 1 day sooner then the earliest expected date (Dec 19-31 was the “range” given). I decided to purchase the QNIX QX2710 LED EvolutionⅡ 27″ 2560×1440 monitor after much research (well, mainly decided to purchase one of the monitors from Korea in general – then narrowed it down to that). For just over $300 including shipping and a wave of great reviews there was no choice between spending over 2x to almost 3x for a major brand for this high resolution monitor.

    I chose the matte screen (I was not even aware of tempered glass screens until I researched the Korean monitors) and my “version” of this monitor in general is bare bones (just a dual link DVI-D connection at the back & power & audio). It arrived in several layers of bubble wrap neatly taped over the main cardboard box which fits all the contents. After taking the bubble wrap sheets off, there was no signs of any marks or damage on the box itself – it was well protected.

    Skipping to the unpacking, everything was as it should be… had all the contents (and a very handy adapter for converting the A/C male prongs to the North American standard. That saved the nuisance for having to source one out… but you can plug in your own standard power cable into the small transformer anyway. The screen itself was well protected with a heavy gauge plastic sheet covering it, and the bezels covered with easy peel-off wrapping. I was very impressed with the professional packaging – even slightly superior to the major brands in stores. The entire monitor was also additionally inside a clear plastic bag which was made to fit. I should also mention the screen rested snugly in styrofoam grips inside the box – I suppose that is expected however.

    Everything was set up without a hitch and I was treated with a gorgeous 27″ 2560×1440 display for the first time… it was just as good as I imagined it to be. I had it placed beside my 24″ Samsung monitor I purchased the year before – there was hardly any difference in the display. I did slightly increase the brightness & gamma setting in my graphics card to match the Samsung exactly… whether it was “better” or “worse” is hard to say objectively… but I did it anyway for no particular practical reason. It was neat just to see that I could match it as I never have adjusted any part of my graphics/monitors before.

    No dead pixels, No backlight bleed (well nothing that I could honestly point out anyway…) On the subject of dead pixels, due to increased DPI I would say that even if there were a few dead pixels it would have hardly mattered at all. It would be nearly undetectable even with solid colours (and I did have to go up quite close when I did my visual inspection to really check for any dead pixels). I would not have even cared if there were a few – under normal usage it would be invisible) I admit, I was very happy that were were none as a matter of principle.

    The overall finish was great (the stand/monitor as a whole) and the quality is top grade. Yes, the stand support is *slightly* more flimsy then some major brands but not enough to matter at the least. It doesn’t flex like a spring as one Phillips monitor stand did in a store. Compared to my 24″ Samsung, the monitor is “thicker” by about 2.5x. That is not because it is thick by any means, but just because the Samsung is extremely thin… again this doesn’t matter in the least – it actually looks really good from the side and back to be honest – a bit better then the pictures online portrayed it to be. AND it is still slim for screen standards (about 1″).

    I was considerably more impressed then expected (I was expected to be content)… to top if off the labels for the backlight brightness / volume / and power buttons were actually in English! (Which looking now you can just tell looking at the online pictures enlarged) This was good because they are visible from the front and I won’t lie – labeling from an unknown language is annoying if visible. That was a really nice touch for me.

    The way I see it, I saved myself around $500 to have a 2560×1440 monitor without an HDMI connection. (NOTE: you actually can get a version with extended inputs such as HDMI for a premium) I would not have gotten a monitor with this high resolution due to the exorbitantly high price. When I stumbled on the Korean market for these near the end of my research it provided a faint hope I might actually have one in reach – at least anytime soon. That truly did come to be and again (forgive the sentiments) I am almost blown away how well everything turned out. Excellent shipping (it was DHL which does seem to have overall negative reviews), excellent quality, no hassle, and beautiful price.

    2560×1440 is a blessing for certain things where you need/benefit from a lot of real estate, heck I was not aware of anything past 1920x1080p until recent months. The text and everything is a bit smaller because of the increased DPI, but I don’t see this as a disability – its all still very legible. I am off to give a 5 star rating to the seller on Ebay now and I thank everyone (in other forums as well) for giving great insight to the Korean market for monitors.

    On a final note, there is one problem with this monitor… I almost want to get another one! (Have to try and suppress the thought… 1920×1080 is plenty for the use on my 2nd computer) We’ll see in a few months. Then again that is the computer I play games on (although infrequent)… might not know what I’m missing.

    I’ll add in this last thing… at 27″ (sitting from typical distances of computer screens) that is about as close to the largest size screen without needing to move your head around to look at all sides of the screen… and at 2560×1440 that is just about the limit of reasonable viewing size… quite the perfect/ultimate combination.

    OVERALL RATING OF THIS MONITOR: 9/10
    OVERALL RATING FACTORING IN RELATIVE PRICE: 10/10

  10. Can it be used OC’d when on hdmi or displayport? Can’t find an answer to that.

  11. We’ve had this monitor for 4 months in our photography business and LOVED it! Then this morning it won’t power on. When you unplug and then plug back in the power, the screen flashes, and the power light stays red. Pressing the power button has zero effect.

    So, I know it’s getting power, but will not turn on. Have you heard of this? Is there a way to replace the power switch? I’ve been looking online and can’t find anything. =/

  12. I am very interested in purchasing this monitor which will be used primarily for gaming (mainly fast-action twitch games such as COD & BF4).
    I read several reviews that stated this monitor has a response time of anywhere between 6 & 8 ms (g2g). To the best of my knowledge, that would put the actual response time at (roughly) somewhere between 15 & 20 ms, which is not exactly ideal for twitch FPS games such as COD & BF4, but seems to be the standard in IPS / PLS monitors of this size. I’m not sure if this is true or not and I’m hoping someone could shed some light on this topic for me.
    I’ve also read many reviews stating that this monitor has a very low input lag and performs extremely well even OC’d @ 96 hz.
    My rig can easily handle 1440p and I would like to get the best out of my gaming experience by going with a bad-ass 27″ monitor @ 1440p (instead of say an Asus VG278HE @ 1080p + 144hz + 5.6 ms response time + lightboost which will virtually eliminate ghosting & motion blur but doesn’t have the visual benefit of 1440p @ 27″ . My only concern with this monitor is response time, which I haven’t been able to find a definitive enough spec for me to pull the trigger on this bad boy.
    There is an abundance of helpful information out there but I have not yet been able to find anything geared to my specific goal with choosing a monitor. After much research, I have already narrowed my choices down to 3 or 4 monitors, this one being on top of the list.
    To sum it up, my question is this: Does anyone know if this particular monitor (being a 27″ PLS Panel) is optimal for twitch FPS gaming on a rig that can easily put out 100 fps even on high settings in most games? Keep in mind, I will be overclocking to around 96 hz. Will I suffer from ghosting / motion blur to the point where I’m better off going down to 1080p even if that means dropping down to 24″ to save image quality? My top priority to get the best motion quality possible out of my monitor without sacrificing too much color quality / image quality. I do, however, like the increase in image quality you get with this monitor in particular compared to most TN panels that generally put out faster response times. I known its a trade-off but I’m having a hard time coming to a conclusion.
    Any input / feedback of any kind would be much appreciated. Thank you!

  13. The link you posted as the one you purchased from says that the panel is a-hva by au as opposed to a samsung pls. Is this the correct link?

  14. I’m trying to purchase the monitor(Yamakasi Catleap 2B overclock) from them but I need to contact them to add my country to the shipping section(or I can’t order it)because it is not currently in they automatic estimation. I sent them multiple mails but got no replies yet..:(
    It’s been days.

  15. I know this article is over a year and a half old, but I’m wondering if you’re still using the monitors. How has long term use at 120Hz been? I just bought one from Amazon for less than $320 and I’m crossing my fingers I can get the same performance you wrote about.

  16. Can you tell me what mount is that?

  17. George Costanza

    You cannot overclock this monitor or any Korean monitor with multiple inputs. It was say it is overclocked but really it is just frame skipping.

  18. Hi – How are your monitors doing?
    I have heard, as a guy also commented, that you can’t really overclock the ones with multi inputs… Have you done the tests to insure that its a real overclock and not just frame skipping?

    • I have all 3 that are all still in use, two on this new Z170 system with a PNY GTX 980, and the other on the X99 system. I haven’t tested them an further and the substance of the article was to provide a monitor value point to the consumer.

      • Thank you.
        I was just wondering about weather the overclock is real or not because I have been hearing mixed answers and was wondering if you did the proper tests to insure that your overclock is real and not just frame skipping?
        As for the article, it did provide a monitor value point, thanks! 🙂 🙂

  19. Too bad you don’t mention the shitty response time.

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