LC-Power LC-M27-4K-UHD-144 – Gaming monitor with 4K & 144 Hz in test

LC-Power clearly breaks away from the almost identically named 27-inch model LC-M27-QHD-144 as well as the also 27-inch LC-M27-QHD-165 with the LC-M27-4K-UHD-144. The many noticeable differences between the previously offered monitors and the new device, as well as the fact that this is LC-Power’s first 4K UHD display, prompted us to take a closer look at the new model and ask the looming questions about its performance. You can find out what we found out and whether we recommend the device in our review.

Technical details

Design and finish

Already visually, the new monitor clearly stands out from its predecessor: while the LC-M27-QHD-144 (without 4K in the name and with QHD instead of UHD) was still a curved display, the new LC-M27-4K-UHD-144 comes without curvature. Furthermore, the new model features a slightly higher stand by default. The new monitor also sets itself apart from the 27-inch and also non-curved LC-M27-QHD-165 visually with its stand, although there are more similarities here. Typical for LC-Power is the design of the monitor’s back, which also features a light bar on the new model that starts glowing red when the device is turned on. In this case, the bar is laid out in a generous rectangle around the center of the back and not only encloses the anchoring of the stand, but also all the ports that the monitor offers. Red accents are also used at the top and bottom of the stand. Otherwise, the monitor impresses as a relatively restrained black model that doesn’t dare to experiment aesthetically. The screen measures 27 inches diagonally, which is average for a gaming monitor. The workmanship of the high-quality materials is impeccable in our opinion: The screen looks robust, we could not find any sharp edges, and the adjustable stand also seems stable. Overall, both the design and workmanship of the device are convincing and create a good first impression.

Features and functions

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At the heart of the device is an IPS panel in 16:9 format, which according to LC-Power should ensure particularly good color reproduction – more on that in the next section. In addition, the screen is equipped with the following ports:

• 2x DisplayPort 1.4
• 2x HDMI 2.0
• 1x USB-C (15 watts)
• 1x audio-out

The available connectivity options are average compared to other models in the corresponding price range. They should suffice for everyday use in any case.

Other features include the aforementioned stand, which is not only height-adjustable, but also offers a pivot function. We tested both functions as a matter of course and were able to adjust the screen to different sitting heights, body sizes and display preferences without any problems. The tilt angle can also be adjusted accordingly; the setting range here is between -5 and +15 degrees. So, from an ergonomic perspective, this is a high-quality device that has much more to offer than just a standard position. We would like to highlight this point as one of the central strengths of the LC-M27-4K-UHD-144, since the ergonomic properties of monitors are classified as relevant by more and more companies, but are still often not implemented in the best possible form in practice. The offered low-blue mode and the use of flicker-free technology also contribute to the positive classification here. Of course, a VESA mount can also be used.

Image quality

This brings us to the core of our test: what about the monitor’s picture quality? Can the previously good impression be confirmed here? The overall rating depends on this question – after all, even the most well-made and ergonomic monitor is no good if it delivers poor pictures. But first to the technical details. The LC-M27-4K-UHD-144 offers a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels at a diagonal of 27 inches, which corresponds to a pixel density of slightly more than 163 PPI. The especially color representation is reflected in the following values on paper: 99% sRGB coverage, 90% Adobe RGB coverage and 90% DCI-P3 coverage. Furthermore, the screen achieves a brightness of up to 350 candela per square meter. Meanwhile, the refresh rate is specified at 144 Hz, AdaptiveSync is supported.

But what does that mean in practice? In fact, the picture quality of the UHD device could convince us in our test. The color reproduction is exceedingly detailed, which is definitely a necessity for a gaming monitor: Those who roam through vast landscapes or decaying cities usually attach great importance to the finest differentiation of various green or gray tones, for example. We did not notice any pixel errors or similar weaknesses in the test, and the resolution was convincing.

Friends of fast games can also be happy: The given refresh rate of 144 Hz, which corresponds to the current market standard in the upper class, is, as expected, sufficient for a latency-free gaming experience. Movies can also be rendered in a correspondingly high quality without any problems. Overall, the picture quality is thus convincing and the good impression so far is confirmed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the LC-M27-4K-UHD-144 is a solid monitor that can convince with numerous ergonomic features, a sufficient range of ports and a high image quality with very good color reproduction. All this is offered by LC-Power at a price of currently Price not available * – which puts us in one of the higher price ranges. The price-performance ratio – when considered in relation to similarly strong competitor products – can be classified as acceptable: The tested monitor from LC-Power is currently the cheapest monitor with these specifications. Overall, we can thus recommend the device primarily to gamers who place value on high-quality workmanship, very good display and freedom from latency, and are willing to put a large wad of cash in their hands and consider the purchase an investment.