When it comes to PC gaming setups, having a powerful PC is only one part of the equation. For PC gamers to really get the most out of their setup, they need to invest in a high quality monitor that is capable of taking full advantage of their PC's power to display games with the highest resolution and frame rate possible. PC gamers may be overwhelmed with the sheer number of options they have when it comes to PC gaming monitors, but the ViewSonic XG340C-2K 34" Curved Ultrawide Gaming Monitor is a safe bet for those that are willing to spend more to have the best gaming experience possible.

The ViewSonic XG340C-2K Curved Ultrawide Gaming Monitor is part of ViewSonic's ELITE series of products aimed specifically at gamers. It checks all the boxes when it comes to anything one would want from a PC gaming monitor, with HDMI 2.1 connections, an impressive 180Hz refresh rate, USB Type-C, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. Games look incredible on the ViewSonic XG340C-2K with virtually no lag or other issues.

When playing new games like the free-to-play Overwatch 2 on the ViewSonic XG340C-2K, gamers should notice an immediate upgrade if they have been gaming on an outdated monitor. Colors are incredibly vibrant, and the action is silky-smooth, which is especially impressive in a game like Overwatch 2 that is super fast-paced and colorful. Whereas weaker monitors may almost struggle to keep up with a game like Overwatch 2 at times, ViewSonic XG340C-2K users should have no issues and in fact, their experience should be enhanced when playing on it.

One big advantage the XG340C-2K has over other ViewSonic models, like the ViewSonic VX3218-PC-MHD Curved Gaming Monitor, is its audio quality. While it is advisable to purchase external speakers or stick to using a headset with the VX32180, the XG340C-2K audio quality is top-notch. Hardcore gamers will still want to use a headset for immersion purposes, but others can safely use the monitor's built-in speakers and still have an exceptional gaming experience.

The monitor's high-quality audio means that it's great for non-gaming uses as well, like watching Netflix or listening to music. But while the monitor is great for most everyday use, its huge size makes it a bit unwieldy for any word processing work. The default settings make everything stretched out, with small text that can make doing more traditional work less convenient than if it were done on a smaller monitor. Users can tinker with the display settings to make it more acceptable, but it's still something to keep in mind.

Most will be buying a monitor like this strictly for gaming purposes, though, and there's no denying the quality it brings to that arena, even beyond the PC gaming space. The ViewSonic XG340C-2K's great audio, high refresh rate, and HDMI 2.1 support means that it can take full advantage of modern gaming consoles for those who play more than PC. Gamers will want to adjust a few settings when they play on consoles as the Ultrawide display can make things look less than ideal, however. The default settings make console game colors look a little washed out, and everything is stretched because console games don't really support Ultrawide displays. After changing some settings and overcoming this mild inconvenience, gamers can use the ViewSOnic XG340C-2K to enjoy the PS5 and Xbox Series X games that support 120 fps.

Luckily, adjusting the settings on the ViewSonic XG340C-2K is a breeze. While the easiest and fastest way will always be adjusting one's display settings on their computer, there is a small knob on the bottom of the monitor that allows users to cycle through various pre-made setting options for different games genres (like FPS, battle royale, etc.) and make more minute adjustments as needed. The monitor itself has some other convenient features to note, like a gaming mouse anchor and a headset hook.

While these added bells and whistles may make it sound complicated compared to other gaming monitors, putting together the ViewSonic XG340C-2K is easy. The Ultrawide display may be a little awkward when first getting it attached to the base, but it's otherwise a simple and fast process. As a bonus, the base itself is adjustable, so users can change the height of their monitor as needed after it's put together. Some may be nervous doing this as they may feel like the sizable monitor is going to fall out of the base, but it's sturdy and can be regularly adjusted with little worry.

Transitioning from smaller, flat monitors to a 34-inch curved monitor can require some adjustment. Users may actually find it more difficult to play at first, especially fast-paced first-person shooter games. But after a few rounds, gamers will get used to the XG340C-2K's size, and they'll then be able to fully enjoy the monitor's various benefits. The only question that remains is if the ViewSonic XG340C-2K monitor's benefits are worth the hefty price of admission.

The ViewSonic XG340C-2K is a whopping $799.99, which makes it a great deal more expensive than curved gaming monitors of similar sizes. The cheaper monitors may not have the 180Hz refresh rate and other amenities, but consumers will really need to weigh their options. $799.99 is a lot to spend on a gaming monitor, especially when one can get a bigger, high-quality TV for around the same price if not cheaper. But if one has the cash handy, and they want to ensure that they are having a top-of-the-line PC gaming experience, they can't go wrong with the ViewSonic XG340C-2K.

The ViewSonic XG340C-2K is available now. Game ZXC was provided an evaluation unit for review.