Acer Predator X32 FP Review, Specifications, Settings

The Acer Predator XB3’s downward-facing rear ports. Harry Rabinowitz

Acer Predator XB3 gaming monitor review: Not quite an apex Predator

Acer’s Predator XB3 offers incredible gaming and productivity performance, but is it worth the sky-high price tag?

By Harry Rabinowitz | Published Aug 13, 2022 9:00 AM EDT

The Predator XB3 makes games look incredible, but costs a pretty penny. Harry Rabinowitz

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The Acer Predator XB323QK NVbmiiphuzx—XB3, for short—tries to do it all. Its beautiful, fast 4K screen is an excellent match for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. Its robust connectivity and features offer plenty of support for all kinds of PC users. Solid ergonomics, built-in speakers, and HDR all go above and beyond what we would call “basic” gaming monitor utility. Trying to be everything for everyone, though, comes at a high cost. At $1,200, the XB3 prices itself out of consideration for most people—but not all people. For the right kind of player, one who both wants exceptional-looking games and professional-caliber color, the Predator XB3 may be worth the expense. Let’s take a closer look.

What is the Acer Predator XB3?

Even among Acer’s premium Predator line, which includes most of Acer’s best monitors, the XB3 is expensive. Two of our favorite 4K gaming monitors, the Gigabyte M32U and Asus Swift PG32UQ, offer very similar features for less than $1,000, so the XB3’s price invites some skepticism. It is an impressive display, though, with the color reproduction to serve as a highly accurate monitor for photography and design work.

Among Acer’s premium Predator brand, the XB3 offers excellent image quality, only outmatched by the massive 37-inch X38 and 43-inch CG7. The XB3 features a 31.5-inch IPS display running at 4K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and a DisplayHDR 400 rating. A 32-inch, 4K gaming monitor running 144Hz is among the most luxurious core specs you can get, typically costing upwards of $700 (and often more when paired with unique innovations).

Outside of the screen, the XB3 features a bevy of premium touches. The chassis is largely metal, with ample ergonomic adjustability, a sturdy build, and slim bezels. Built-in are two four-watt speakers that serve as a great backup when headset fatigue starts to set in. On the rear, the XB3 features ample connectivity, including the latest HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports. HDMI 2.1 is especially useful for console gamers seeking peak performance from their PS5 or Xbox Series X.

Setting up the Acer Predator XB3

Fully assembled, the XB3 weighs a hefty 29.7 pounds. That weight makes it incredibly sturdy when adjusting ergonomics but difficult to physically move around.

It’s important to know what you’re getting into buying a monitor this size. On my 47 x 30 inch desk, the screen felt a little too close to my face, no matter where I placed the monitor. The stand places the screen in front of the stand, so you need a very deep desk to position it well. Anyone with a larger desk shouldn’t have an issue, but tighter setups like mine are a bit tricky to perfect.

Aside from two USB-A ports on the left-hand side, the XB3 features a wall of downward-facing ports along the back of the display, including HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, USB-B, USB-A, and 3.5mm audio. Downward-facing ports are a double-edged sword: They reduce strain on your cables but are a pain to switch in and out. It’s realistically worth it for the primary video cables—HDMI and DisplayPort—but it can frustrate with ports used for connecting other devices, like USB-A and USB-C.

The Acer Predator XB3’s downward-facing rear ports. Harry Rabinowitz

Like most monitors, the onboard controls also leave something to be desired. You use a row of five square, downward-facing buttons on the right-hand side of the screen to navigate and make system-level display adjustments. The menus are intuitive, but controlling them isn’t, especially compared to monitors like Acer’s Predator X34 and X35, which feature a four-directional joystick.

Using the Acer Predator XB3

The Predator XB3 is a perfectly capable everyday monitor but it didn’t initially “wow” me with its performance. Digging into the settings, I discovered the XB3’s eight different picture modes: Standard, Eco, Graphics, HDR, Action, Racing, Sports, and User. Out of the box, Eco is the default, which turns off the XB3’s most impressive features—things like HDR, Super Sharpness, visual response boost (VRB), and Overdrive.

The Acer Predator XB3 features eight built-in picture settings. HDR offered the best color performance. Harry Rabinowitz

Out of all the preset picture modes, I found that HDR offers the best picture. If you really want to fine-tune the monitor to your liking, User mode lets you fully customize each and every setting.

The XB3 has a Vesa DisplayHDR 400 rating that makes everyday apps pop. Outside of everyday tasks, HDR400 isn’t really enough to fully display high-dynamic range effects in video games. Still, when I showed the XB3 to my friends and family who were used to 1080p and 1440p monitors, they were blown away watching 4K HDR TV shows and YouTube videos.

The Acer Predator XB3 as a gaming monitor

You don’t buy the Predator XB3 to work on spreadsheets, though. This is a gaming monitor, and you’ll only see what makes its full potential when playing games.

I tested a wide variety of PC games over the XB3’s HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 connections. Few monitors offer the newest HDMI 2.1 connectivity—being able to play games in 4K at 144Hz over HDMI, rather than DisplayPort, was a new experience for me. G-Sync, paired with my Nvidia RTX 3070, ensured buttery smooth performance in graphically intense titles like Elden Ring, which felt massive on the XB3’s 31.5-inch screen, with far-off vistas and gruesome monsters rendered in stunning detail. Frenetic action games like Hades looked seamless and felt smooth.

Frankly, the XB3 enables a higher frame rate and resolution than most gaming PCs can handle. Many AAA games, such as Elden Ring and Red Dead Redemption II, are capped at 60 frames per second in 4K, and even maintaining that resolution and frame rate requires a lot of horsepower. My system could hit 144Hz in 4K in some well-optimized first-person shooters like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and indies like Dead Cells that were easier on my graphics card. When I could manage it, though, playing games in 4K at 144Hz felt fantastic. Fast-moving objects and small details were rendered with incredible fidelity, so much so that I noticed new details in games I was already familiar with.

It takes a lot of GPU power to play games in 4K at 144Hz. My PC could only handle it with a few less-demanding games like Hades. Harry Rabinowitz

Although I only tested the XB3 with a PC, it’s also particularly well-suited for console gaming. With HDMI 2.1, it’s capable of playing games from a PS5 or Xbox Series X in 4K at 144Hz. Many monitors only offer HDMI 2.0, so they can only output one or the other from a console. The large 31.5-inch screen and built-in speakers allow for a self-contained TV-esque experience, as well.

The Acer Predator XB3 as a creative monitor

So, who should buy the Acer Predator XB3?

The Acer Predator XB3 is an incredible 4K 144Hz gaming monitor that can do a lot of things. It renders games in amazing detail, with fast action captured effortlessly thanks to a high refresh rate and G-Sync compatibility. It’s also well-rounded, bringing above-average color accuracy and pixel density to creative production, particularly for a monitor not designed to put color reproduction first.

Frankly, Its main drawback is its price. Since only the most powerful gaming rigs will be able to hit its maximum resolution and frame rate, the Acer Predator XB3’s $1,199.99 price may be a bitter pill to swallow, even for players with high-end systems. With options like the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQ or Samsung Odyssey G70A in the mix, it is an exceptional display that will only make sense for a very select group of creatives who love games.

Acer Predator X32 FP Review, Specifications, Settings

Are you a hardcore gamer in search of a gaming monitor that will enhance your gaming experience to the fullest? Look no further than the Acer Predator X32 FP. In this detailed review, we will explore all the features and specifications of this ultimate gaming monitor that will take your gaming experience to the next level.

Gaming monitors have come a long way from the early days of bulky, low-resolution displays. Today, gaming monitors are sleek, powerful, and feature-packed devices that are designed to give gamers an immersive experience. One such gaming monitor is the Acer Predator X32 FP.

The Acer Predator X32 FP is a top-of-the-line gaming monitor that offers a host of features and specifications that make it one of the best gaming monitors on the market. The monitor boasts a stunning 3840×2160 resolution, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology, AdobeRGB 99%, and a lightning-fast refresh rate of 160Hz. The monitor also features up to 0.5ms response time, 576-zone MiniLED local dimming, and 1 x USB 3.1 (Type-C), 1 x DP & 4 x HDMI 2.1 connectivity.

Acer Predator X32 FP Review

As a gaming monitor with advanced features, the Acer Predator X32 FP is compatible with a wide range of games. It supports games that run at 4K resolution and 160Hz refresh rate, which makes it ideal for fast-paced action games, racing games, and first-person shooters. Some of the popular games that are compatible with the Acer Predator X32 FP include:

1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
2. Doom Eternal
3. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
4. Cyberpunk 2077
5. Battlefield V
6. Forza Horizon 4
7. Rainbow Six Siege
8. Grand Theft Auto V
9. Resident Evil 3
10. Control

These are just a few examples of the many games that can be enjoyed on the Acer Predator X32 FP. With its high refresh rate, low input lag, and impressive color accuracy, it provides an immersive gaming experience for players of all types.

Design and Build

The Acer Predator X32 FP is designed to provide a premium gaming experience, and its design and build quality certainly reflect that. The monitor has a sleek and modern design that is sure to impress even the most discerning gamers. The monitor has a slim bezel that helps to minimize distractions, and the monitor’s sturdy stand can be adjusted to your liking. This allows you to adjust the height, tilt, and swivel of the monitor, making it easier to find the perfect viewing angle for your setup. Additionally, the monitor’s stand also has a built-in cable management system, which helps to keep your gaming setup looking clean and organized.

In comparison to the Acer Predator X32 FP, the Neo G8 gaming monitor has a more minimalist design. The monitor has a slim profile and a thin bezel, making it ideal for a multi-monitor setup. The monitor stand is also sturdy, but it is not as adjustable as the stand on the Acer Predator X32 FP. However, the Neo G8 gaming monitor is still a well-built monitor that is designed to provide a great gaming experience.

Overall, while both monitors have their own unique design and build quality, the Acer Predator X32 FP stands out with its adjustable stand, cable management system, and customizable ambient lighting. However, if you prefer a more minimalist design, the Neo G8 gaming monitor may be a better choice for you.

Display

The display of the Acer Predator X32 FP is truly outstanding, boasting a resolution of 3840×2160, which is four times the resolution of a Full HD display. This means that you get an ultra-sharp and crystal-clear image that is perfect for gaming, video editing, and content creation. The monitor also features a 160Hz refresh rate and up to 0.5ms response time, which means that you get a smooth and responsive gaming experience without any lag or stutter. The monitor’s peak brightness is rated at 1000 nits, which is perfect for HDR content.

In comparison, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX has a similar resolution of 3840×2160, providing a similarly stunning visual experience. The Asus monitor also features HDR support, with a peak brightness of 1400 nits. It has a slightly lower refresh rate of 144Hz, but it still offers a smooth and responsive gaming experience. The response time is also similar, with a 1ms response time.

Overall, both monitors offer exceptional display quality, with similar resolutions, high refresh rates, and impressive response times. However, the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX offers a higher peak brightness for HDR content.

Performance and Gaming Experience

The Acer Predator X32 FP offers an exceptional gaming experience with its 3840×2160 resolution, 160Hz refresh rate, and 0.5ms response time. These specs make for an ultra-smooth and responsive gaming experience without any lag or stutter. The monitor also features AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology, which ensures no screen tearing or input lag during gameplay. Additionally, the monitor’s color accuracy, thanks to its AdobeRGB 99% color gamut, makes it ideal for content creators, photographers, and designers.

Compared to the Viewsonic Elite XG341C-2K, the Acer Predator X32 FP offers better resolution, refresh rate, and response time. The Viewsonic Elite XG341C-2K has a 3440×1440 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and 4ms response time. However, it does feature HDR10 content support, which the Acer Predator X32 FP does not.

In comparison to the AOC Agon Pro AG274QZM, the Acer Predator X32 FP has a higher resolution, refresh rate, and response time. The AOC Agon Pro AG274QZM has a 2560×1440 resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, and 0.5ms response time. However, the AOC Agon Pro AG274QZM does feature HDR10 content support, which the Acer Predator X32 FP does not.

Overall, the Acer Predator X32 FP offers an outstanding gaming experience with its high resolution, refresh rate, and response time, as well as its AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology and AdobeRGB 99% color gamut. While it may not have HDR10 content support like some of its competitors, it more than makes up for it in other areas.

AMD FreeSync Premium Pro

The Acer Predator X32 FP takes your gaming experience to the next level with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology. This feature ensures that there is no screen tearing, stuttering, or input lag during gameplay. It synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with the graphics card’s frame rate, which eliminates any visual artifacts, giving you a smooth and seamless gaming experience that is free from any distractions.

AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology is a game-changer for gaming monitors, as it eliminates any tearing, stuttering, or input lag that can ruin your gaming experience. This technology ensures that you have a competitive advantage when playing games, as you can react faster to any in-game events, and your movements will be more fluid and responsive.

The Acer Predator X32 FP is the perfect monitor for gamers who demand the best in terms of image quality and performance. With AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology, you can experience games the way they were meant to be played, without any visual distractions or performance issues.

AdobeRGB 99%

The Acer Predator X32 FP’s impressive color gamut of AdobeRGB 99% means that it can display a broader range of colors than most gaming monitors. This is a significant advantage for content creators, photographers, and designers who need precise color representation.

With AdobeRGB 99%, the monitor can produce a vast range of colors that are rich, vivid, and true to life, making it the perfect choice for anyone who needs color accuracy for their work.

This feature allows users to create or edit content with confidence, knowing that the colors they see on the monitor are an accurate representation of what they will look like in print or on other devices. The color accuracy and vibrancy of the Acer Predator X32 FP make it stand out from other gaming monitors in the market.

The Acer Predator X32 FP also features 576-zone MiniLED local dimming, which is a technology that allows for deeper blacks and brighter whites. This technology enhances the contrast ratio and makes the image pop, giving you a more immersive gaming experience.

Price and Value

The Acer Predator X32 FP is a premium gaming monitor with cutting-edge features, and it is priced accordingly. The monitor is currently priced at around $3,000, which is a significant investment for most gamers. However, considering the monitor’s high-end specs and features, the price is justified for serious gamers, content creators, and professionals who demand the best performance and image quality.

When compared to other 3840×2160, 160 Hz 4K gaming monitors, the Acer Predator X32 FP is competitively priced. The ASUS ROG Swift PG32UQX, for example, is priced similarly to the Acer Predator X32 FP.. However, the ASUS model offers similar features and performance, with a slightly smaller screen size of 32 inches.

Overall, the Acer Predator X32 FP offers excellent value for the price, as it delivers top-of-the-line performance and features that justify the premium price tag. Gamers who demand the best image quality, color accuracy, and gaming performance will find the Acer Predator X32 FP to be an excellent investment.

Connectivity

The Acer Predator X32 FP offers multiple connectivity options to cater to all your gaming needs. With 1 x USB 3.1 (Type-C), 1 x DP, and 4 x HDMI 2.1 connectivity, you can easily connect your gaming devices to the monitor. The Type-C port is especially handy as it can be used for video and audio transfer, as well as charging your laptop or smartphone. Additionally, the monitor features a built-in USB hub, which allows you to connect your keyboard, mouse, and other peripherals directly to the monitor, making your gaming setup much more organized and clutter-free. Overall, the Acer Predator X32 FP provides a comprehensive range of connectivity options to ensure that you can enjoy your gaming experience to the fullest.

The Acer Predator X32 FP is compatible with a wide range of gaming consoles, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Steam Deck, and PC gaming. The monitor features HDMI 2.1 connectivity, which allows you to connect your gaming console to the monitor and enjoy a smooth and responsive gaming experience with no lag or stutter. Additionally, the AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology ensures that there is no screen tearing or stuttering during gameplay, making it a great choice for console gaming.

Comparison

1. Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX: The Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX is a direct competitor to the Acer Predator X32 FP, with similar specifications and features. The PG32UQX boasts a slightly higher brightness level at 1400 nits compared to the X32 FP’s 1000 nits, but also comes with a higher price tag.
2. Alienware AW2721D: The Dell Alienware AW2721D is another high-end 4K gaming monitor that offers a 240Hz refresh rate, which is higher than both the Acer Predator X32 FP and Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX. However, it comes with a smaller screen size of 27 inches and a slightly lower peak brightness level of 600 nits.
3. LG 27GN950-B: The LG 27GN950-B is a 27-inch 4K gaming monitor that offers a 144Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness level of 600 nits. It is more affordable than the Acer Predator X32 FP, but also offers fewer features and a smaller screen size.
4. ViewSonic XG3220: The ViewSonic XG3220 is a 32-inch 4K gaming monitor that offers a 60Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness level of 300 nits. It is significantly more affordable than the Acer Predator X32 FP, but also lacks the same level of performance and features.
5. BenQ PD3220U: The BenQ PD3220U is a 32-inch 4K monitor that offers a 60Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness level of 300 nits. It is not specifically designed for gaming but can still provide a decent gaming experience. It is also more affordable than the Acer Predator X32 FP but lacks the same level of gaming-focused features.

Overall, the Acer Predator X32 FP is a premium 4K gaming monitor that offers excellent performance and features, but also comes with a higher price tag. If you are looking for a more affordable option, there are other 4K gaming monitors available with fewer features and lower performance. However, if you are willing to invest in a high-end gaming monitor, the Acer Predator X32 FP is definitely worth considering.

Settings

The Acer Predator X32 monitor has various settings that can be adjusted to enhance your viewing experience. These settings include:

1. Picture mode: The monitor offers several picture modes such as Standard, ECO, Graphics, Movie, and User. Users can choose the picture mode that best suits their needs.
2. Color temperature: The color temperature can be adjusted to your preference. You can choose between warm, cool, and neutral color temperatures.
3. Adaptive Sync: The Adaptive Sync technology can be turned on or off, depending on your preference. This technology helps eliminate screen tearing, stuttering, and input lag during gaming.
4. Overdrive: The Overdrive feature enhances the monitor’s response time, making it ideal for gaming. It can be set to Off, Normal, or Extreme, depending on your preference.
5. Black Boost: This feature helps improve visibility in dark areas of the screen. It can be adjusted to different levels to enhance your gaming experience.
6. Ambient lighting: The ambient lighting on the back of the monitor can be customized to match your gaming setup. You can choose from different colors and effects to create the perfect ambiance.

Overall, the Acer Predator X32 offers a wide range of settings that can be customized to your liking, making it an excellent choice for gamers and content creators.

Specifications

Here are the specifications for the Acer Predator X32 FP gaming monitor:

• Display size: 32 inches
• Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K UHD)
• Panel type: IPS (In-Plane Switching)
• Refresh rate: 144Hz (overclockable to 160Hz)
• Response time: 1ms (GtG)
• Adaptive sync technology: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
• Color gamut: AdobeRGB 99%
• Brightness: 600 nits (peak)
• Contrast ratio: 1,000:1 (native)
• Viewing angle: 178° (H) / 178° (V)
• HDR: VESA Certified DisplayHDR 1400
• Ports: 1 x USB 3.1 (Type-C), 1 x DP 1.4, 4 x HDMI 2.1
• Audio: 2 x 4W speakers, headphone jack
• Stand: Height adjustable, tilt, swivel, pivot
• Dimensions (with stand): 28.8 x 24.76 x 13.23 inches
• Weight (with stand): 30.2 lbs

Pros and Cons

Here are some potential pros and cons of the Acer Predator X32:

Pros:

• Excellent image quality with 4K resolution and 1440 nits brightness
• Fast refresh rate and response time for smooth and responsive gaming
• Wide color gamut and accurate color representation for content creation
• AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology eliminates screen tearing and stuttering
• Customizable ambient lighting on the back adds a unique touch to your gaming setup
• Sturdy and adjustable stand for comfortable viewing

Cons:

• Expensive price point may be prohibitive for some gamers
• Large size may not be suitable for all desk setups
• Limited port selection may require additional adapters for some devices
• HDR performance could be improved
• No built-in speakers, requiring external speakers or headphones for audio playback.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Acer Predator X32 FP is a high-end gaming monitor that boasts impressive features and specifications. Its 3840×2160 resolution, 160Hz refresh rate, and up to 0.5ms response time provide an exceptional gaming experience with ultra-smooth graphics and fast response times. The monitor’s AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology ensures that there is no screen tearing, stuttering, or input lag during gameplay.

Compared to other monitors in its price range, the Acer Predator X32 FP stands out with its excellent color accuracy and wide AdobeRGB 99% color gamut, making it a great choice for content creators, photographers, and designers who require accurate color representation. Additionally, its connectivity options and built-in USB hub allow for easy connection to multiple gaming devices and peripherals.

However, the Acer Predator X32 FP does come with a hefty price tag, making it more expensive than other 3840×2160, 160Hz 4K gaming monitors on the market. Its large size and weight may also be a drawback for some users, as it may not fit in smaller spaces.

Overall, the Acer Predator X32 FP is a top-of-the-line gaming monitor that delivers outstanding performance and features, making it a great investment for serious gamers and content creators who demand the best.

FAQs

1. What is the resolution of the Acer Predator X32 FP?

The Acer Predator X32 FP boasts a stunning 3840×2160 resolution, which is four times the resolution of a Full HD display.

1. Does the Acer Predator X32 FP feature AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology?

Yes, the Acer Predator X32 FP features AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology, which ensures a smooth and seamless gaming experience.

1. What is the response time of the Acer Predator X32 FP?

The Acer Predator X32 FP has a response time of up to 0.5ms, which means that you get a smooth and responsive gaming experience without any lag or stutter.

1. Can the Acer Predator X32 FP be used for content creation?

Yes, the Acer Predator X32 FP boasts an impressive AdobeRGB 99% color gamut, making it the perfect monitor for content creators, photographers, and designers who need accurate color representation.

1. How many connectivity ports does the Acer Predator X32 FP have?

The Acer Predator X32 FP features 1 x USB 3.1 (Type-C), 1 x DP & 4 x HDMI 2.1 connectivity, which means that you can connect all your gaming devices to the monitor.