Is Gigabyte’s New M28U The Cheapest HDMI 2.1 Monitor On The Market?

Console gamers have been longing for high-performance 4K 144Hz monitors that support HDMI 2.1 ever since the arrival of next-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. However, thanks to the global pandemic, HDMI 2.1 monitors got delayed exponentially.

Luckily, we’re finally starting to see a selection of HDMI 2.1 monitors finally hit shelves – with many offering the benefits of high refresh rates alongside the crystal clear clarity a UHD screen resolution provides.

The first monitors to support HDMI 2.1 hit shelves a few months ago and retailed for close to $1000, leaving many console (and PC) gamers left envious of what could have been. Thankfully, Gigabyte has decided to break the trend by releasing their very own HDMI 2.1 monitor that isn’t quite as ruthless on the back pocket – the M28U.

Gigabyte M28U Specifications

Like any new HDMI 2.1 monitor, the Gigabyte M28U has plenty to offer. At its heart, the M28U offers up a 28-inch 4K IPS panel that showcases a 144Hz refresh rate alongside an equally impressive 1ms GTG response time. The M28U also offers FreeSync premium VRR support, a wide color gamut that covers 94% of the DCI-P3 space, and VESA DisplayHDR400. That not only makes this monitor excellent for all kinds of gaming but also more than equipped for any light video/photo editing too. Worth noting is, when utilizing the HDMI 2.1 port, gamers will be limited to 120Hz @ 4K resolution. Whilst this isn’t a massive issue, it does mean users that want to push for 144Hz will have to opt for the DisplayPort 1.4 alternative.

Inputs for this monitor will include; 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.1, 3 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB Type-C – giving you more than enough versatility for multiple displays and peripheral inputs. Most impressive of all – aside from the HDMI 2.1 support – has to be the KVM functionality it comes equipped with. Gigabyte has coined the M28U the ‘world’s first KVM monitor’ – allowing users to physically control numerous computers with one set of peripherals (via the monitor itself). A pretty cool feature for those that like to have a selection of PCs hooked up to their main monitor.

As always, users can expect all the usual Gigabyte features from this monitor, including Black Equalizer, game preset, Over drive settings, and all color/picture modes. A fully versatile stand has been utilized with this monitor, alongside the ability to VESA mount it if you wish.

Where To Buy Gigabyte M28U HDMI 2.1 Monitor?

So, where can you buy this budget HDMI 2.1 monitor from? Well, it’s currently retailing at few vendors – one of which is Newegg. The price of the Gigabyte M28U is incredibly attractive, hitting shelves at $599 – almost $250 cheaper than its closest rival. When you consider the specifications this monitor comes equipped with, you’d have to say it’s an absolute steal at the current price.

Unfortunately, we haven’t had the chance to test the Gigabyte M28U in full yet – but that review will be on its way shortly. However, if you’re looking for a HDMI 2.1 monitor that won’t completely destroy your bank balance, the M28U might be exactly what you’re looking for.