Skip to main content

Acer unleashes a new Predator monitor packing a WQHD resolution on PC gamers

acer predator xb241yu monitor nvidia g sync wqhd
Image used with permission by copyright holder
On Thursday, Acer announced an addition to its Predator gaming monitor family in the United States — the Predator XB1 (XB241YU). This monitor provides a 23.8-inch flat panel enhanced by the company’s ZeroFrame design, which cuts down on the overall bezel thickness to provide more screen and less frame. It is available for $500 in the U.S. at participating retailers.

Here are the specs:

Recommended Videos
Screen size: 23.8 inches
Panel type: Twisted Nematic (TN)
Native resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
Brightness: 350 nits
Response time: One millisecond
Standard refresh rate: 144Hz
Overclock refresh rate: 180Hz
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Backlit technology: LED
Colors supported: 16.7 million
G-Sync technology: Yes
Speakers: 2x 2-watt
Title angle: -5 to 35 degrees
Swivel angle: 30 degrees
Max adjustable height: 5.91 inches
Ports: 1x HDMI
1x DisplayPort
5x USB 3.0 (one up, four down)
Get your weekly teardown of the tech behind PC gaming
Check your inbox!

Note the use of a TN panel. This is old technology compared to IPS and OLED panels, but is still ideal for PC gaming. TN technology provides fast response times, meaning the panel is quick in receiving image data and throwing it on the screen. It is also capable of very bright screens, which we see here in the specs. As a comparison, the newer IPS panel technology is better suited for video watching and digital art production given it provides better colors and wider viewing angles.

As shown above, the panel includes Nvidia’s G-Sync technology. This is to help prevent image tearing, stuttering, and input lag associated with frequent drops in the graphics card’s output. Games and video generate a number of images per second. In turn, displays flash those images each second. If the two numbers do not match, then the screen seemingly tears horizontally. G-Sync synchronizes the display’s image draw rate (refresh rate) with the output of a compatible Geforce graphics card.

Other notable features offered with the new Predator monitor is GameView, which enables owners to switch between three customizable display profiles in-game without having to access the built-in display menu settings. The adjustable options include changing the level of darkness, the aim-point assistance, and the on-screen refresh rate.

The panel also includes Nvidia’s ULMB technology to reduce motion blur along with EyeProtect, which provides a flicker-less, blue-light filter and low-dimming technologies to protect those precious eyeballs and melatonin levels. If you are up all night after spending all day in front of a screen, chances are that your melatonin was burned out thanks to blue light. Owners of the Predator XB241YU may not have that problem.

“We believe this powerful WQHD monitor in a ZeroFrame design and Nvidia G-Sync offers a compelling feature set for gamers, including those competing in eSports,” Acer America Director of Stationary Computing Ronald Lau said in a statement. “The ZeroFrame design makes it a perfect choice for those wanting to create an immersive multi-monitor setup, while the fast refresh rate and support for changing settings in-game, gives gamers a competitive edge.”

Acer’s new monitor can be purchased through Amazon, CDW, Fry’s Electronics, Insight, Newegg, Staples, and TigerDirect.

Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
Acer’s new Predator Orion X is an RTX 4090 desktop I might actually buy
Acer Orion X desktop.

Even when it comes to the best gaming desktops, I've never been tempted to buy a prebuilt machine over building my own gaming PC. Acer is challenging my stance with its new Predator Orion X, though. It's a small form factor PC that can pack in up to an RTX 4090, and for the first time ever, I'm considering buying prebuilt.

Size is what sets this machine apart. It comes with a unique 15.4-liter chassis, which is tiny. There are smaller cases if you go the DIY route -- my Lian Li A4-H20 is 11 liters -- but the Predator Orion X is still remarkably small given the hardware inside. It can pack up to an RTX 4090, which as you can read in my RTX 4090 review, is a graphics card that can barely fit in cases that are 30 liters and larger.
More than a gaming PC

Read more
CES 2023: Asus’ new 27-inch OLED monitor hits the sweet spot for gamers
Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27 gaming monitor announced at CES 2023.

During CES 2023, Asus debuted a brand-new gaming monitor: the ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM. This display seems to be one of the gems among Asus' other releases, which include a slew of gaming laptops, monitors, peripherals, and more.

Asus' new gaming monitor serves up an OLED display in an accessible form. If you're not a fan of gaming on the enormous OLED monitors that have been available in the past but want high refresh rates and the visuals of OLED, this might be what you've been waiting for.

Read more
Acer has a massive 45-inch OLED Predator gaming monitor for CES 2023
Acer Predator X45 OLED gaming monitor.

Acer is debuting a new 45-inch OLED monitor at CES 2023. The Predator X45 is an ultrawide gaming monitor that leverages an OLED panel, and Acer says its capable of insane brightness and contrast that could go up against the best gaming monitors.

For specs, the Predator X45 uses a 45-inch, 21:9 panel. It fits in the same class as a monitor like the Alienware 34 QD-OLED that's wider than a traditional 16:9 display. It also comes with an aggressive 800R curve, which is very similar to the LG UltraGear 45-inch OLED we saw last December.

Read more