ASRock is expanding its monitor lineup with two new additions: PG27FFT1A and PG27FFT1B. Each aims to give budget builders an affordable display that doesn’t skimp on key specs including refresh rate or size. As their name suggests, these monitors are similar to the point of being almost identical save for one feature.
Both PG27FFT1A and 1B are 27in in size and pack the same 1080p Fast IPS panel with a native refresh rate of 180Hz. The monitors also come with Adaptive Sync support in the form of AMD FreeSync, each achieving a 1ms MPRT (Motion Picture Reponse Time). Suffice to say, they’re sizeable and smooth screens, albeit on the softer side at 82 PPI (pixels per in).
PG27FFT1A and 1B boast welcome coverage of sRGB and DCI-P3 colour spaces, of 123% and 94%, respectively. As such, images will appear vibrant on these monitors but there’s no word on colour accuracy (as you’d expect from budget displays). Rounding things off, ASRock states these screens offer a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and 450nits peak brightness, as is typical of modern IPS panels.
With these specs, PG27FFT1A and 1B meet the criteria for VESA DisplayHDR 400 cerification. However, neither have any form of local dimming, so don’t expect spectacular HDR from either monitor. Nonetheless, both should still prove solid SDR screens.
For I/O, ASRock kits PG27FFT1A and 1B with a single DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI 2.0 ports, with a Headphone Out rounding things off. Conveniently, they’re all outward facing, too, making it easy to plug and unplug cables at will. The monitors also include a set of built-in 2W stereo speakers.
So, with all these similarities, you may wonder what the difference is between PG27FFT1A and 1B. Looking at the galleries above, the eagle-eyed among you may have spotted that each sports a different stand. The former features angular feet, with tilt (+23° to -5°) and 20° swivel adjustment while the latter has a flat base and can’t swivel. Even though their backs seem to have VESA mount holes, there is no mention in either specs page so don’t count on it.
ASRock didn’t include pricing with its press release, but the monitors are already available at some retailers. PG27FFT1A is naturally the more expensive of the two, at £139.99, but PG27FFT1B is only a few quid less, costing £134.99.