AOC C32G2AE review: Large 31.5-inch 165Hz curved gaming monitor

At a glance

Expert’s Rating

Pros

Good gaming performanceMaximum 165Hz refresh rateCurved monitorInexpensive

Cons

Lacks ergonomic adjustment optionsNo USB interfaces

Our Verdict

The AOC C32G2AE is a good mid-range gaming monitor that will interest all hobby gamers who want fast refresh rates on a large screen and can accept 1080p resolution. The gaming performance of the 31.5-inch display is impressive and shows flawless performance up to a maximum frame rate of 165Hz. The AOC C32G2AE costs an inexpensive $260, but you will have to make some compromises in terms of features—it’s missing crucial USB ports and lacks ergonomic adjustment options.

Price When Reviewed

240

Best Prices Today: AOC C32G2AE

RetailerPrice$189.99View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from Backmarket

The AOC C32G2AE is an affordable gaming monitor that will appeal to gamers who want a large screen and don’t mind the mediocre 1080p. The 31.5-inch display shows us what it can do in our detailed review.

Note: This review is part of our roundup of the best gaming monitors. Go there to learn about competing products, what to look for in a gaming monitor, and buying recommendations.

AOC C32G2AE: The specs

The AOC C32G2AE has a maximum refresh rate of 165Hz and a curved screen with a tight curvature of 1500R. The FreeSync Premium technology ensures FreeSync compatibility of the gaming monitor with an AMD graphics card. If you have an Nvidia card, however, G-Sync won’t be supported.

The AOC C32G2AE VA panel delivers a fast response time of just 1 millisecond. However, in order to keep the price below $300, AOC does without some important features, such as USB interfaces and height-adjustability.

AOC C32G2AE: Image quality

The AOC C32G2AE delivers flawless and responsive performance in our gaming test, making the 31.5-inch ideal for fast games such as racing simulations. Even when we maxed out the frame rate at 165Hz, the curved monitor showed no weaknesses and delivered smooth playback without image errors and visible input delays.

The general image quality is good, with high contrast and balanced illumination across the entire screen.

PC Welt

PC Welt

PC Welt

AOC C32G2AE: Ports

When it comes to the range of interfaces, the AOC C32G2AE is limited to two HDMI interfaces and one DisplayPort input, with the 165Hz refresh rate only available on the DP port. Two stereo speakers are integrated with the case but only deliver a thin sound with low bass.

In addition to the USB interfaces, the curved monitor also lacks LED light strips, often found in more expensive gaming monitors. On the other hand, HDMI and DisplayPort cables are included in the package.

PC Welt

PC Welt

PC Welt

AOC C32G2AE: Features and menu

The screen of the AOC C32G2AE can be tilted forwards and backward but not rotated on its base. As already mentioned, you can’t adjust the height, making it much more difficult to adjust it to the location optimally. 

The clear on-screen menu offers numerous gaming settings with six modes, including FPS, RTS, Racing, and two customizable presets. On the other hand, using the OSD isn’t particularly convenient because the five buttons on the bottom right of the panel frame are much too small.

PC Welt

PC Welt

PC Welt

AOC C32G2AE: Power consumption

With almost 40 watts at maximum brightness, the power consumption is fairly high, and accordingly, this only earns the 31.5-inch display an energy label of “F”. In standby mode, the requirement drops to a very low 0.3 watts.

Should you buy the AOC C32G2AE?

While the AOC C32G2AE monitor delivers outstanding performance, the power consumption is high, and there aren’t many adjustment options. The lack of ports is another concern, but you will likely end up using the HDMI or DisplayPort inputs anyways. Still, it’s a large curved display with a high refresh rate and it’s relatively inexpensive. The image quality is also above average for other budget monitors at this price point.

This review originally appeared on PC-Welt, PCWorld’s German sister site.

Best Prices Today: AOC C32G2AE

RetailerPrice$189.99View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from Backmarket

Author: Bernd Weeser-Krell

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