The Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K aims to be the goldilocks of gaming monitors: high-end resolution, fast refresh rate, rich color support, and gamer-friendly features without pushing into the premium pricing tier. With its 27-inch IPS panel running at 4K and 144Hz, it clearly targets enthusiasts looking for a crisp and responsive display. But how does it perform in the real world, several years after its release?
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Let’s break it down.
🔍 Key Specs at a Glance
- Panel Size: 27-inch IPS
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD)
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz (120Hz with HDR + FreeSync)
- Color Gamut: 95% DCI-P3, 130% sRGB
- Response Time: 1ms VRB
- Brightness: 350 nits typical, 400 nits peak (DisplayHDR 400)
- Ports: 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.0, USB hub
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync, NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible
- VESA Mount: Yes
🖥️ Display Quality – ★★★★☆
The standout feature here is its 4K resolution with an IPS panel, delivering sharp visuals and wide viewing angles. Whether you’re exploring open-world environments or editing high-resolution content, the image quality is vivid and detailed. Color accuracy is excellent out of the box, with wide gamut coverage (130% sRGB / 95% DCI-P3), making this a solid pick for creators as well.
However, HDR implementation is limited. While DisplayHDR 400 is supported, it lacks local dimming and the high peak brightness that makes HDR truly shine. It’s nice to have, but don’t expect a jaw-dropping HDR experience.
🎮 Gaming Performance – ★★★★☆
Gaming at 4K and 144Hz is what gives the XV273K its edge—literally. Combined with AMD FreeSync (and unofficial NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility), the monitor ensures smooth, tear-free visuals. The 1ms VRB (Visual Response Boost) does help reduce motion blur, though some ghosting can still appear in high-contrast scenes.
One important detail: to hit the full 144Hz at 4K, you need to use DisplayPort with two cables and disable some features like HDR and adaptive sync. If you want adaptive sync with HDR, the refresh rate caps at 120Hz—a compromise that might disappoint competitive gamers.
🎨 Color Accuracy – ★★★★★
Acer nailed the color reproduction. Out of the box, the XV273K covers nearly the entire DCI-P3 color space, which is rare in monitors in this price bracket. That makes it an excellent monitor for photo/video editors and those who appreciate lifelike visuals in their games. It’s also factory-calibrated, which reduces the need for fiddling with color profiles.
⚙️ Build Quality & Design – ★★★☆☆
The design is minimalistic but practical, with an adjustable stand that offers tilt, height, pivot, and swivel. The bezels are relatively thin, and the rear has a clean aesthetic.
However, build quality is where the XV273K starts to show its age. The plastics feel less premium than competitors like LG’s UltraGear or ASUS’s ROG Swift series, and some users report issues like backlight bleed and panel uniformity inconsistencies—especially at lower brightness levels.
🔌 Connectivity – ★★★☆☆
Connectivity is decent but not forward-looking. You’ll find HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4, but no HDMI 2.1, which limits full compatibility with newer consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X if you want 4K at high frame rates. The included USB 3.0 hub is useful but basic.
The dual DisplayPort setup to unlock 4K/144Hz is also clunky and not user-friendly.
🔈 Audio & Extras – ★★☆☆☆
There are built-in speakers, but like most monitors, they’re tinny and best left as a backup option. There’s also no RGB lighting or high-end features like a KVM switch, but that’s expected in this price range.
🔄 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Gorgeous 4K IPS display with high color accuracy
- 144Hz refresh rate is excellent for gaming
- FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible
- Solid ergonomic stand and VESA mountable
- Great value for a 4K 144Hz monitor
Cons
- No HDMI 2.1 support
- Limited HDR experience
- Requires dual DisplayPort setup for full 4K 144Hz
- Some panel uniformity issues and backlight bleed
- Not the most modern design or build materials
🎯 Final Verdict
| Category | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | ★★★★☆ |
| Gaming Performance | ★★★★☆ |
| Color Accuracy | ★★★★★ |
| Build & Ergonomics | ★★★☆☆ |
| Connectivity & Features | ★★★☆☆ |
| Value for Money | ★★★★☆ |
Overall Score: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
If you’re looking for a 4K gaming monitor that doesn’t break the bank, the Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K remains a fantastic contender. It may be a few years old, but it still holds its own thanks to its great panel, color fidelity, and high refresh rate. Just be ready for a bit of setup tinkering to get the best out of it—and don’t expect next-gen console optimization.
Key Takeaways
- The XV273K combines 4K resolution with 144Hz refresh rate and excellent color accuracy in a 27-inch IPS display.
- AMD FreeSync technology and 1ms response time provide tear-free, smooth gaming performance.
- The monitor offers good value for a 4K gaming display despite lacking HDMI 2.1 connectivity.
Overview of the Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K
The Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K gaming monitor delivers 4K resolution, high refresh rates, and IPS panel technology at a breakthrough price point of $899.99, making premium gaming features more accessible to average gamers.
Design and Build Quality
The Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K features a sleek and modern design that balances functionality with aesthetics. Its 27-inch screen is housed in a sturdy frame with relatively thin bezels, making it suitable for multi-monitor setups.
The monitor includes an adjustable stand that offers height, tilt, and swivel adjustments, allowing users to find their optimal viewing angle. This ergonomic design helps reduce neck strain during long gaming sessions.
Port selection is comprehensive, with the monitor requiring two DisplayPort 1.4 connections to achieve full 4K resolution at 144Hz with 10-bit color depth and full RGB color space. Additional connectivity options include HDMI ports and USB hubs for peripherals.
Panel Technology and Display Characteristics
The XV273K utilizes In-plane Switching (IPS) technology, providing excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles of 178° both horizontally and vertically. The 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) delivers crisp image quality and fine details.
Color performance is impressive with low Delta E<1, supporting 130% of the sRGB color gamut and covering 95% of the DCI-P3 color space used in the film industry. This makes the monitor suitable not only for gaming but also for content creation and color-critical work.
The refresh rate ranges from 40Hz to 144Hz, with adaptive sync technology to eliminate screen tearing. To achieve the maximum 144Hz at 4K resolution with full color depth, users must connect both DisplayPort cables to their graphics card.
HDR Capabilities and Brightness
The Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K is DisplayHDR 400 certified, offering entry-level HDR performance. Standard brightness levels reach around 350 cd/m², with peak brightness hitting the required 400 nits in HDR mode.
While not as bright as higher-tier HDR monitors, the XV273K still provides a noticeable improvement in contrast and color vibrancy when viewing HDR content. The static contrast ratio of 1000:1 is typical for IPS panels but helps maintain good black levels.
HDR content appears with enhanced highlights and more detailed shadows compared to standard content. The monitor includes several HDR presets that users can customize for different types of media, from games to movies, allowing for a tailored visual experience.
Performance Features
The Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K delivers exceptional performance capabilities designed for serious gamers and content creators. Its technical specifications combine speed, color precision, and visual clarity to create an immersive viewing experience.
Refresh Rate and Response Times
The XV273K features an impressive 144Hz refresh rate when connected via DisplayPort, enabling ultra-smooth gameplay. This high refresh rate significantly reduces motion blur and screen tearing during fast-paced action scenes. Users need to activate the 4K 144Hz mode in the on-screen display menu to achieve maximum performance.
The monitor boasts a 1ms Visual Response Boost (VRB) response time, which minimizes ghosting and blurring during rapid transitions. This quick response is particularly valuable in competitive gaming where milliseconds can determine outcomes.
AMD FreeSync technology prevents screen tearing by synchronizing the monitor’s refresh rate with the graphics card’s output. The monitor is also compatible with Nvidia’s G-Sync technology, functioning from 40Hz up to its maximum refresh rate for consistent smoothness across different frame rates.
Color Accuracy and Gamut
Color performance is a standout feature of the XV273K with its IPS panel delivering 1.07 billion colors and excellent viewing angles. The monitor covers a wide color gamut, making it suitable for both gaming and professional content creation.
The display provides strong DCI-P3 coverage, allowing it to reproduce a broader spectrum of colors than standard sRGB monitors. This expanded range creates more vibrant and lifelike images, particularly noticeable in games with rich visual environments.
Color accuracy is enhanced through factory calibration, reducing the need for extensive adjustment out of the box. The 10-bit color depth (achievable through 8-bit+FRC technology) enables smoother color gradients and more realistic shading. This reduces banding effects commonly seen in gaming scenes with gradual color transitions like skies and shadows.
Contrast Ratios and Black Levels
The XV273K features a native contrast ratio of 1,000:1, typical for IPS panel technology. This provides good distinction between light and dark areas of the screen without sacrificing viewing angles.
Dynamic contrast is rated at an impressive 100,000,000:1, though this measurement represents the maximum difference between the brightest whites and darkest blacks the monitor can produce through backlight adjustment rather than simultaneous contrast.
The monitor’s VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification ensures it can achieve peak brightness of 400 nits, enhancing highlight details in HDR content. Black levels, while not as deep as those found on OLED panels, are respectable for an IPS display. The monitor performs best in rooms with controlled lighting where its moderate black levels won’t be as noticeable.
The panel’s brightness of 350 nits (native) ensures good visibility even in well-lit environments, making it versatile for different gaming setups.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Acer Nitro XV273K offers robust connectivity options that support its high-performance capabilities. This monitor delivers seamless compatibility with both AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards through adaptive sync technologies.
Ports and Interfaces
The Acer Nitro XV273K comes equipped with multiple connection options to handle its impressive 4K 144Hz capabilities. It features two DisplayPort connections, which are essential for achieving the maximum refresh rate at 4K resolution.
Users need to utilize both DisplayPort cables simultaneously when running at full 4K 144Hz mode. Search results indicate that there’s a specific procedure for dual-cable setup:
- Connect with one cable first
- Disable 4K 144Hz mode and FreeSync
- Connect the second cable
- Reactivate 4K 144Hz mode
The monitor also includes HDMI ports for connecting to gaming consoles and other devices, though these won’t support the maximum refresh rate. A USB 3.0 cable is included in the package for connecting the built-in USB hub.
Adaptive Sync Technology
The Nitro XV273K offers excellent compatibility with both major graphics card manufacturers through its adaptive sync support. It works with AMD Radeon FreeSync and is NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible certified.
These technologies synchronize the monitor’s refresh rate with the graphics card’s frame rate output, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering during gameplay. This creates a smoother visual experience, especially important when gaming at high frame rates.
The monitor’s adaptive sync capabilities make it versatile for gamers regardless of whether they use AMD or NVIDIA graphics cards. This dual compatibility eliminates the need to choose a monitor based solely on GPU brand preference.
When properly configured, these features work alongside the monitor’s 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time to deliver responsive, tear-free gaming at 4K resolution.
Ergonomics and Installation
The Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K offers several ergonomic features designed to enhance user comfort during long gaming sessions. Its flexible design allows for various mounting options and position adjustments to create an optimal viewing experience.
Mounting Options
The Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K is designed with versatility in mind when it comes to installation. The monitor is wall mountable and VESA compatible, allowing users to save desk space and create a cleaner setup.
Standard VESA mounting holes are provided on the back of the display, making it compatible with most third-party monitor arms and wall mounts. This feature is particularly useful for gamers who prefer a multi-monitor setup where desk space might be limited.
For traditional desk placement, the monitor comes with a sturdy stand that provides a solid foundation. The base is designed to minimize the monitor’s footprint while maintaining stability during use.
Adjustment Features
The Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K excels in ergonomic adjustments, featuring a height-adjustable stand (HAS) that offers 120mm (±5mm) of vertical movement. This significant range allows users to position the screen at eye level to reduce neck strain.
The monitor also provides a tilt range from -5° to 15°, enabling users to find the perfect viewing angle. This adjustment is crucial for minimizing glare and maintaining proper posture during extended gaming sessions.
While not explicitly mentioned in the search results, many monitors in this class typically offer swivel and pivot functions for additional positioning flexibility. These features would further enhance the ergonomic capabilities of the display.
Included Accessories
The Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K comes with several essential accessories that complement its installation and ergonomic features. In the package, users will find the necessary cables for immediate setup, including power and display connection options.
The monitor likely includes DisplayPort cables, which are essential for achieving the full 144Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution. This ensures gamers can immediately experience the monitor’s high performance capabilities without purchasing additional cables.
Documentation such as a user manual is also included, providing detailed instructions for assembly, adjustment, and optimal configuration settings. The manual spans 34 pages and covers all aspects of the monitor’s features and functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Users frequently ask about the Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K monitor’s specifications, performance, and value. Below are answers to common questions about this 27-inch gaming display.
What is the price range for the Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K monitor?
The Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K typically ranges from $700 to $900 depending on retailer promotions and regional availability. Prices may fluctuate based on seasonal sales events and current market conditions.
Special editions or bundles might command higher prices, while refurbished or open-box units could be found at lower price points.
What are the specifications of the Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K monitor?
The Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K features a 27-inch IPS display with 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160). It offers a brightness of 350 nits (typical) with peak brightness up to 400 nits.
The monitor provides excellent color coverage with 130% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 color gamut. It delivers a Delta E<1 for accurate color reproduction, making it suitable for color-critical work.
Additional specifications include AMD FreeSync technology and a 1ms VRB (Visual Response Boost) response time to reduce motion blur during fast-paced gaming.
How do user reviews rate the Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K?
User reviews generally praise the Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K for its exceptional color accuracy and 4K resolution. Many users appreciate the monitor’s color performance for both gaming and professional work.
Some users have reported positive experiences with the high refresh rate capabilities, though a few mentioned needing specific graphics card setups to achieve maximum refresh rates. The monitor receives favorable ratings for its build quality and feature set.
When was the Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K monitor released?
The Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K was released in late 2019. It was positioned as part of Acer’s gaming monitor lineup, targeting users who wanted high resolution combined with gaming-friendly features.
Since its initial release, Acer has continued to support the monitor with driver updates and compatibility improvements for newer graphics cards.
Can the Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K be considered a suitable monitor for professional gaming?
Yes, the Acer Nitro XV3 XV273K is suitable for professional gaming due to its combination of high resolution and gaming-focused features. The 4K display provides detailed visuals while the high refresh rate enables smooth gameplay.
The monitor’s AMD FreeSync technology helps eliminate screen tearing during intense gaming sessions. The 1ms VRB response time reduces motion blur, which is crucial for competitive gamers.
Its color accuracy also makes it versatile for content creators who game professionally and need to switch between gaming and creative work.
What is the refresh rate and resolution of the Acer Nitro XV273K?
The Acer Nitro XV273K features a 4K UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. It supports refresh rates up to 160Hz in some models, though achieving maximum refresh rates may depend on the specific configuration.
According to user reports, getting the full refresh rate performance may require specific hardware setups. Some users mentioned that with a 3080 graphics card, they were able to achieve 120Hz, while the full 160Hz might require additional configuration or hardware capabilities.
