Introduction
The Viewedge CS24FK gaming monitor positions itself as an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers seeking a smooth and responsive experience. It boasts a 165Hz refresh rate, a 1ms response time, and FreeSync compatibility, all wrapped in a 24-inch Full HD (1080p) IPS panel. But with a crowded market of competitive offerings, how does the Viewedge CS24FK stack up? This review delves into the monitor’s pros, cons, and whether it delivers on its promises.
Table of Contents
Viewedge CS24FK Gaming Monitor Review Specifications:
- Panel Type: IPS
- Display Size: 24 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
- Refresh Rate: Up to 165Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Brightness: 250 nits
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- HDR Support: HDR 10 (limited)
- Connectivity: 2x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.2
- Features: FreeSync, Blue Light Filter, VESA Mount compatibility
Design and Build Quality
The Viewedge CS24FK gaming monitor boasts a minimalist design with a focus on functionality. The three-sided bezel-less display offers a clean and immersive viewing experience, perfect for multi-monitor setups. The stand is sturdy and allows for tilt adjustments, but lacks swivel or height adjustments, which might be a dealbreaker for some users. The overall build quality feels decent for the price point, with a mix of plastic and metal materials.
Display Performance
The core aspect of any gaming monitor is its performance, and the CS24FK delivers a mixed bag. The advertised 1ms response time, achieved through overdrive technology, helps minimize ghosting and blurring during fast-paced games. However, some users might experience slight overshoot artifacts, which can be noticeable in dark scenes.
The display’s refresh rate is its biggest selling point. The CS24FK supports up to 165Hz refresh rate when overclocked, offering a significant smoothness improvement over standard 60Hz monitors. This translates to butter-like visuals in fast-action games, especially competitive titles like shooters and MOBAs. However, keep in mind that achieving the full 165Hz refresh rate might require a powerful graphics card capable of pushing high frame rates.
The IPS panel offers good viewing angles and decent color accuracy, but it falls short of high-end monitors in terms of vibrancy and contrast. The 250 nits brightness is sufficient for most indoor environments, but HDR content appears lackluster due to the limited peak brightness. While the monitor supports HDR10, it’s a basic implementation with minimal impact on the visuals.
Color Accuracy and Calibration
Out of the box, the color accuracy of the Viewedge CS24FK gaming monitor is decent but not exceptional. Color calibration with a dedicated tool can significantly improve the accuracy, providing a more vibrant and natural viewing experience. For gamers who prioritize responsiveness over color fidelity, the default settings might suffice. However, content creators and those who value accurate color reproduction will benefit from calibration.
Connectivity and Features
The Viewedge CS24FK gaming monitor offers a basic selection of connectivity options. It includes two HDMI 1.4 ports, suitable for connecting consoles and secondary devices. The single DisplayPort 1.2 port allows for taking full advantage of the 165Hz refresh rate for PC gaming. The inclusion of FreeSync compatibility is a welcome addition for AMD graphics card users, as it helps eliminate screen tearing and stuttering during gameplay.
The monitor also features a built-in blue light filter, a common feature nowadays that helps reduce eye strain during extended gaming sessions. VESA mount compatibility allows for attaching the monitor to a third-party stand or arm, offering greater flexibility in setting up your gaming environment.
Value Proposition
The Viewedge CS24FK gaming monitor’s biggest strength lies in its affordability. It offers a combination of 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time (with overdrive), and a decent IPS panel at a competitive price point. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers who prioritize smooth gameplay over high-end features like superior color accuracy or G-Sync compatibility.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- 165Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals
- 1ms response time minimizes ghosting (with some caveats)
- FreeSync compatibility for AMD GPUs
- IPS panel with good viewing angles and decent color reproduction (out of the box for some users)
Cons:
- Build quality feels plasticky
- No built-in speakers
- Lacks HDMI 2.0 ports
- Minor overshoot artifacts with overdrive enabled
Who Should Consider the Viewedge CS24FK Gaming Monitor?
The Viewedge CS24FK gaming monitor is a good choice for:
- Budget-conscious gamers: If you’re looking for a good value for the price and prioritize performance over features, the CS24FK offers a compelling option.
- Competitive gamers: The 1ms response time and 165Hz refresh rate make the CS24FK suitable for competitive gamers who need a responsive display for fast-paced action.
- Casual gamers: For casual gamers who don’t require top-tier color accuracy or high resolution, the CS24FK provides a decent overall experience.
Conclusion
The Viewedge CS24FK is a competent budget gaming monitor that delivers on its core promises – smooth gameplay and fast response times. The 144Hz refresh rate (or overclocked 165Hz) makes a significant difference for a more immersive and responsive gaming experience. Ultimately, the Viewedge CS24FK succeeds in offering a good balance between price and performance for casual and competitive gamers on a budget.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Does the Viewedge CS24FK gaming monitor support HDR?
Yes, the monitor advertises support for HDR10. However, due to limitations in peak brightness and lack of local dimming, the HDR experience is not the strongest suit of this monitor.
Q: What is the refresh rate of the Viewedge CS24FK?
The refresh rate is advertised as 144Hz on some retailers but is actually 165Hz, allowing the display to show 165 frames per second for a smoother gaming experience.
Q: Does the Viewedge CS24FK gaming monitor have FreeSync?
Yes, the monitor supports AMD FreeSync technology to synchronize the refresh rate with the graphics card’s frame rate, reducing screen tearing and stuttering.
Q: What is the response time of the Viewedge CS24FK?
The monitor boasts a 1ms advertised response time, aiming to minimize ghosting and blurring effects. In practice, the response time is good, but some users might detect a slight difference compared to true 1ms TN panels.
Does the Viewedge CS24FK have built-in speakers?
No, the Viewedge CS24FK does not have built-in speakers. You will need to use external headphones or speakers for sound.
Q: What connectivity options does the Viewedge CS24FK offer?
The monitor includes two HDMI 1.4 ports and a single DisplayPort 1.2 for connecting devices like PCs, gaming consoles, or streaming services. It also has a headphone jack.
Q: Is 1080p resolution good enough for gaming?
1080p remains a popular choice for competitive gamers due to its ability to maintain high frame rates for a smooth experience. However, some users might prefer a sharper visual experience offered by higher resolutions like 1440p.pen_spark
Q: Is the stand of the Viewedge CS24FK adjustable?
The stand allows for tilt adjustments but lacks swivel or height adjustments, which might be a limitation for some users.