2022 was the year OLED finally hit the desktop in the awesome Alienware 34 AW3423DW QD-OLED. So, that's it, then? No need to nominate any other screens?
No so fast. At well over a thousand bucks, the Alienware 34 is hardly a mainstream choice. It also runs a pretty pedestrian 3,440 by 1,440 native resolution. And while OLED technology has many advantages, it arguably isn't quite the finished article. Not in the context of proper gaming monitors as opposed to fancied-up TVs.
So, this is not a foregone conclusion. One very serious contender is the Gigabyte M32UC. It's the real 32-inch, 4K, 144Hz deal. And speaking of deals, it got down to about $400 during Black Friday this year. OK, it's normally nearer $600. But even at that price this is one heck of an all-round gaming and computing tool that should see you right for several years.
And then there's the Dough Spectrum, updated this year with a glossy panel. At $1,099, it ain't exactly cheap, even for a high-end 27-inch 4K 144Hz monitor. But it is pretty special. Special enough to take the overall prize in 2022? Now that's a question.
Best gaming monitor 2022: the nominees
The winner of the PC Gamer Hardware Award for the best gaming monitor will be announced on New Year's Eve. It's all to play for, and any one of these three is completely deserving of the crown.
