LG 45GX950A/B 45" OLED 5K2K 165hz/330hz 0.03ms G-Sync/FreeSync 21:9 Ultrawide Monitor

The short answer

The short answer: If you’re a PC gamer or creative professional who needs a monitor that delivers both blistering performance and cinematic immersion, the LG 45GX950A/B 45" OLED 5K2K 165Hz/330Hz 0.03ms G-Sync/FreeSync 21:9 Ultrawide Monitor is the one to beat — but it’s not for everyone. It’s a niche product with a price tag to match, and its ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio may not suit all workflows. For most, the LG UltraGear 27GR75Q and Gigabyte M27Q offer better value, depending on your needs.

The LG 45GX950A/B is the rare monitor that checks every box for high-end gaming and content creation. Its 45-inch OLED panel delivers 5K2K (5120x2160) resolution, which is more than double the pixel count of 4K monitors and far ahead of the 1440p (2560x1440) standard in the 27-inch category. This makes it ideal for 4K gaming, video editing, and multitasking — though it’s worth noting that 5K2K content is still relatively scarce. The 330Hz refresh rate is a standout feature, far surpassing the 165Hz and 170Hz rates of the LG and Gigabyte models, and the 0.03ms response time ensures minimal motion blur, even in fast-paced games.

The 21:9 ultrawide format is another key differentiator. It provides a more cinematic viewing experience, with more screen real estate for multitasking, and it’s particularly well-suited for productivity tasks like coding, video conferencing, and spreadsheet work. However, this format may not be compatible with all games or applications, and it’s not ideal for users who prefer the traditional 16:9 ratio for media consumption.

Adaptive sync is covered with both G-Sync and FreeSync support, making it compatible with a wide range of GPUs, though the LG UltraGear 27GR75Q and Gigabyte M27Q also offer solid adaptive sync options for a lower price. The LG 45GX950A/B’s OLED panel also supports HDR10, delivering deeper blacks and brighter highlights than the IPS panels in the 27-inch models, which is a significant advantage for media consumption and color-critical work.

That said, the LG 45GX950A/B is not without its drawbacks. At a price point that is likely over £1,000 (based on similar OLED ultrawide models), it’s a significant investment, especially when compared to the £257.97 LG UltraGear 27GR75Q and £249.00 Gigabyte M27Q. The 27-inch models are also more versatile, with their 1440p resolution and 165Hz/170Hz refresh rates being sufficient for most gaming and productivity tasks. The LG UltraGear 27GR75Q offers a slight edge in adaptive sync support, while the Gigabyte M27Q’s KVM switch and 92% DCI-P3 color gamut make it a better choice for users who need a monitor that doubles as a productivity tool.

Skip the LG 45GX950A/B if you’re on a budget or don’t need the ultrawide format. For most users, the LG UltraGear 27GR75Q and Gigabyte M27Q provide a better balance of price, performance, and versatility. But if you’re a power user who values the 21:9 format, 5K2K resolution, and top-tier performance, the LG 45GX950A/B is a compelling — if expensive — option.

Top picks

• LG UltraGear 27GR75Q 27" 1440p 165Hz IPS Gaming Monitor — £257.97
• Gigabyte M27Q 27" 1440p 170Hz KVM IPS Gaming Monitor — £249.00

How we chose

When evaluating monitors, especially high-end models like the LG 45GX950A/B, the key is to look beyond the flashy specs and focus on what truly matters to the user. Our process starts with identifying the core use cases: gaming, content creation, and productivity. From there, we compare models based on resolution, refresh rate, panel type, adaptive sync support, and how well they align with specific workflows.

Resolution is the first and most obvious factor. The LG 45GX950A/B’s 5K2K (5120x2160) resolution is a significant leap over the 1440p (2560x1440) offered by the LG UltraGear 27GR75Q and Gigabyte M27Q. This makes it ideal for users who need maximum detail, such as video editors or designers working with 4K content. However, 5K2K content is still relatively rare, so the practical benefit may be limited for some users.

Next, we look at refresh rate. The LG 45GX950A/B’s 330Hz refresh rate is far ahead of the 165Hz and 170Hz rates of the 27-inch models. This is a major advantage for gamers who want smooth, tear-free performance in fast-paced titles. However, the higher refresh rate comes with a trade-off in price — the LG 45GX950A/B is likely to cost over £1,000, which is more than double the price of the 27-inch models. For most users, the 165Hz and 170Hz rates of the 27-inch monitors are sufficient, especially when paired with high-performance GPUs.

Panel type is another important consideration. The LG 45GX950A/B uses an OLED panel, which offers deeper blacks and brighter highlights compared to the IPS panels in the 27-inch models. This is a significant advantage for media consumption and color-critical work. However, OLED panels can suffer from burn-in over time, especially if static images are displayed for long periods. The IPS panels in the 27-inch models are more durable in this regard, though they don’t match the OLED’s color accuracy and contrast.

Adaptive sync support is also a key factor. The LG 45GX950A/B supports both G-Sync and FreeSync, making it compatible with a wide range of GPUs. The LG UltraGear 27GR75Q offers a slight edge in this area, with G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync support, while the Gigabyte M27Q supports FreeSync Premium. Both 27-inch models are compatible with most modern GPUs, though they may not offer the same level of adaptive sync performance as the LG 45GX950A/B.

Finally, we consider the best use case for each model. The LG 45GX950A/B is ideal for power users who need the 21:9 ultrawide format, 5K2K resolution, and top-tier performance. However, it’s not for everyone — its price and niche format may not suit all workflows. The LG UltraGear 27GR75Q and Gigabyte M27Q offer better value for most users, depending on their needs. The LG UltraGear 27GR75Q is a better choice for 1440p high-refresh gaming, while the Gigabyte M27Q’s KVM switch and 92% DCI-P3 color gamut make it a better option for users who need a monitor that doubles as a productivity tool.

The top picks

The LG 45GX950A/B is the top pick for users who prioritize resolution, refresh rate, and adaptive sync performance in a 21:9 ultrawide format. With a 5K2K (5120x2160) resolution, it delivers four times the pixel density of a 1440p monitor, which is a massive advantage for video editors, 3D artists, and anyone working with high-resolution content. This level of detail is rare on other monitors, and it makes the LG 45GX950A/B stand out for professional workflows that demand precision. However, 5K2K content is still limited, so the practical benefit may depend on your specific needs. The 330Hz refresh rate is another standout feature, offering a significant boost over the 165Hz and 170Hz rates of the 27-inch models. This is a major win for gamers who want the smoothest possible experience in fast-paced titles, but it comes at a steep price — the LG 45GX950A/B is likely to cost over £1,000, which is more than double the price of the 27-inch models.

The OLED panel on the LG 45GX950A/B is a key differentiator, offering deeper blacks and brighter highlights compared to the IPS panels in the 27-inch models. This is a significant advantage for media consumption and color-critical work, where accurate color representation is essential. However, OLED panels are more susceptible to burn-in, especially if static images are displayed for extended periods. The IPS panels in the 27-inch models are more durable in this regard, though they don’t match the OLED’s color accuracy and contrast. If you’re concerned about burn-in, the LG UltraGear 27GR75Q and Gigabyte M27Q may be better options, as their IPS panels are more forgiving for long-term use.

Adaptive sync support is another area where the LG 45GX950A/B excels, with support for both G-Sync and FreeSync, making it compatible with a wide range of GPUs. The LG UltraGear 27GR75Q offers a slight edge in this area, with G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync support, while the Gigabyte M27Q supports FreeSync Premium. Both 27-inch models are compatible with most modern GPUs, but they may not offer the same level of adaptive sync performance as the LG 45GX950A/B.

The LG 45GX950A/B is ideal for power users who need the 21:9 ultrawide format, 5K2K resolution, and top-tier performance. However, it’s not for everyone — its price and niche format may not suit all workflows. The LG UltraGear 27GR75Q and Gigabyte M27Q offer better value for most users, depending on their needs. The LG UltraGear 27GR75Q is a better choice for 1440p high-refresh gaming, while the Gigabyte M27Q’s KVM switch and 92% DCI-P3 color gamut make it a better option for users who need a monitor that doubles as a productivity tool.

The verdict

The LG 45GX950A/B is the clear winner for users who need a 21:9 ultrawide monitor with 5K2K resolution, a 330Hz refresh rate, and support for both G-Sync and FreeSync. It’s a rare combination of technical specifications that few other monitors can match. If you're a professional video editor, 3D artist, or a competitive gamer looking for the smoothest possible experience, this monitor is the one to beat. However, its £1,000+ price tag means it's not for everyone — it’s a premium product that demands a premium budget.

For most users, the LG UltraGear 27GR75Q and Gigabyte M27Q offer better value for money. The LG UltraGear 27GR75Q is a solid choice for 1440p high-refresh gaming, with a 165Hz refresh rate, G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync support, and a £257.97 price point. It’s slightly slower than the Gigabyte M27Q but still delivers a smooth and responsive experience. The Gigabyte M27Q, on the other hand, offers a 170Hz refresh rate, a 0.5ms MPRT response time, and a KVM switch that allows you to control two devices with a single monitor. It also covers 92% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it a better fit for users who need a monitor that doubles as a productivity tool. At £249, it’s a more affordable option with some extra features that make it stand out.

If you're on a tight budget and don’t need 4K or 5K resolution, the Gigabyte M27Q is the best value. It’s faster than the LG UltraGear 27GR75Q, has a KVM switch, and offers better color accuracy. However, it lacks G-Sync support, which could be an issue if you’re using an NVIDIA GPU. The LG UltraGear 27GR75Q, while slightly more expensive, offers better compatibility with a wider range of GPUs, making it a better option for users who want the most flexibility.

The LG 45GX950A/B, while impressive in terms of resolution and refresh rate, has some drawbacks. Its OLED panel is more prone to burn-in, which could be a problem if you're using static images or screensavers for long periods. It’s also much more expensive than the 27-inch models, and the 21:9 ultrawide format may not be suitable for everyone. If you're not a power user who needs the extra screen space and resolution, it might not be worth the investment.

In summary, the LG 45GX950A/B is the top pick for users who need the best of both worlds — high resolution, high refresh rate, and adaptive sync support. However, for most users, the LG UltraGear 27GR75Q and Gigabyte M27Q offer a better balance of performance, features, and price. The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for the absolute best in terms of performance, the LG 45GX950A/B is the way to go. If you're looking for value, the 27-inch models are the better option.

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