ZOWIE has long been recognized as a premium brand specializing in monitors designed specifically for FPS games. Not every large monitor from ZOWIE caters to the “casual user,” as it is truly designed for “hardcore FPS gamers” – those who are always eager to achieve “more thirst” for high refresh rates to keep up with fast-paced action in gaming.
Previously, 144Hz monitors were the standard, while 240Hz and even 360Hz are now also in demand among FPS gamers. Especially for games that are ready to push the limits, building a powerful machine is essential. High-end graphics cards like the 4090 or 5000 series can indeed deliver much higher FPS, particularly in titles like FPS games such as CS2 or Valorant. Hence, the gaming monitor, ZOWIE’s Esports XL2586X+, was born.
What does ZOWIE’s XL2586X+ offer?
First, let’s go over some basic specifications of this monitor. The XL2586X+ has a size of 24.1 inches, an aspect ratio of 16:9, and a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080. At first glance, it may not seem particularly distinctive compared to other gaming monitors on the market; however, the specifications are especially tailored for FPS gamers to achieve the utmost performance in two aspects. One is the wide viewing angles, and the other is the incredibly high refresh rate.
The defining factor that makes the XL2586X+ a “monster” is its refresh rate, which can reach up to 600Hz, the highest currently available on the gaming monitor market. Not only does it not compromise on resolution, size, or aspect ratio, but the XL2586X+ adheres to the criteria set by ZOWIE, specifically designed for hardcore FPS gamers, ensuring that gameplay is not merely a form of “entertainment.”
Furthermore, as is customary for ZOWIE products, the XL2586X+ utilizes a TN panel with ZOWIE’s unique technology, known as Fast TN, which has been optimized specifically for Esports. ZOWIE’s Fast TN reduces motion blur thanks to a faster response time, enhancing the clarity of dynamic images and reducing ghosting effectively.
What technologies are integrated into the XL2586X+?
The XL2586X+ is designed with features that optimize performance for FPS games. One of the highlighted functionalities is the monitor’s ability to provide smooth motion clarity. Motion blur occurs when objects move quickly across the screen, causing them to become blurry. This can make it difficult for gamers to track targets and respond quickly in high-speed gameplay. The ZOWIE XL-X+ series, with its fast TN panel and DyAc2 technology, helps reduce motion blur, delivering clearer images and sharper colors.
Compared to other types of panels, the Fast TN panel combined with DyAc technology provides a clearer and sharper image quality for all moving images, helping players maintain focus and reduce distractions caused by unwanted motion blur during gameplay. In competitive environments, different resolutions are often utilized (1280×960 for CS2 and 1920×1080 for VALORANT), and the Fast TN panel with FHD resolution offers better image quality compared to other setups, allowing players to accurately perceive the dimensions of the gaming environment.
The XL2586X+ also employs the latest motion clarity technology (DyAc2) – a cutting-edge motion technology designed specifically for FPS games. Through ZOWIE’s proprietary panel design, DyAc/DyAc+/DyAc2 provides the clearest motion clarity along with an exceptional visual experience.
Real-world experience with three FPS titles
Before diving into three FPS titles that we selected: Valorant, CS2, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, we conducted a speed test comparing frame rates on the Test Ufo website. This test allowed us to gain a comprehensive view of the differences between 240Hz, 360Hz, and the “ultimate” XL2586X+ at 600Hz. These three refresh rates are currently considered the highest, with 240Hz and 360Hz showing considerable variance.
Just by looking at the numbers, one might think 240Hz and 360Hz are already sufficient, especially for casual users. However, when directly compared, the experience of 600Hz offers a distinctly different experience. According to Test Ufo, while 360FPS and 240FPS are already very fast, when compared with 500 – 600FPS, a noticeable “discrepancy” remains.
This isn’t just because 360Hz or 240Hz are lower, but rather because 600Hz (equivalent to 600FPS) is exceedingly fast. Naturally, the average human eye will find it challenging to differentiate, only when there is a direct comparison does one realize that as the refresh rate increases, the experience for FPS gamers becomes even better. The higher the refresh rate, the more responsive the visuals become, enhancing the clarity and quality of the image.
For users accustomed to IPS or OLED panels, transitioning to the XL2586X+ may feel slightly “off” at first. Many might think that TN panels present limitations such as narrow viewing angles and colors that “cannot compare” to IPS or OLED. However, with a TN panel priced above 30 million VND, it presents a different narrative. The XL2586X+ utilizes a color rendering layer that enhances color performance by up to 35%. This technology significantly improves color reproduction and reduces color fading typically found in standard TN panels.
The XL2586X+ still maintains true-to-life colors, ensuring accurate color reproduction and wider viewing angles. Naturally, with a 24.1-inch monitor, the player’s field of view is always in front of them, even when looking away from the corners of the screen, it does not exhibit any “burning” effects.
Through practical experiences, the XL2586X+ delivers high brightness, suitable for various environments, especially enhancing the FPS gaming experience for players significantly. Across our tests with the three FPS titles including Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, CS2, and Valorant, the XL2586X+ consistently brought an “outstanding” experience.
Despite its high refresh rate, the XL2586X+ does not exhibit the “blurry” image phenomenon when objects move quickly (Black Ops 6 is known for its high frame rate), ensuring everything is displayed clearly. Gamers can almost instantaneously respond and track targets as they should in FPS gameplay. Even with a fast-paced FPS title like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the capabilities of the XL2586X+ technology make it a challenge for any FPS title to match.
In the case of CS2 and Valorant, both FPS titles requiring strategic thinking and high frame rates, the XL2586X+ still demonstrates its powerful capabilities. If a player’s setup effectively supports a frame rate of 500 – 600 FPS, they are sure to experience significant advantages while using the XL2586X+, especially in intense matches where winning can sometimes depend on mere milliseconds.
Esports-specific ergonomic design
The monitor’s base is designed with the ergonomics of industrial-grade adjustments, allowing players to easily adjust the height of the monitor to suit their preferences comfortably.
Additionally, the XL2586X+ is equipped with S Switch, allowing gamers to swiftly switch between different settings tailored for specific titles, particularly beneficial for CS2 players.
What needs to be done to achieve a 600Hz refresh rate?
According to ZOWIE’s announcements, players need to use Windows 11 and update to the latest version. Previous versions released before November 1, 2023, will not support the 600Hz refresh rate (limited to a maximum of 500Hz).
In addition, ZOWIE recommends using NVIDIA RTX 40 series or AMD RX7000 series. For CPUs, it is advised to use Intel 14th generation or AMD Ryzen 7000 (or higher).
