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The ASRock Phantom Gaming PG34WQ15R2B combines a 34-inch curved 3440 × 1440 screen with a 165Hz maximum refresh rate, making it an appealing budget-oriented ultrawide for PC gaming. The trade-offs matter: its full refresh rate requires DisplayPort, its VA-panel response is not especially suited to demanding esports, and DisplayHDR 400 does not make it a premium HDR display.
ASRock PG34WQ15R2B specifications
ASRock’s product page and user guide identify this as a 34-inch, 21:9 VA monitor with a 1500R curve. The listed figures describe the manufacturer’s specifications, not independent measurements.
| Specification | PG34WQ15R2B |
|---|---|
| Panel and shape | 34-inch anti-glare VA; 1500R curve |
| Resolution and aspect ratio | 3440 × 1440; 21:9 |
| Maximum refresh rate | 165Hz over DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Brightness and contrast | 550 cd/m² typical brightness; 3000:1 typical contrast |
| Color coverage | 91% DCI-P3 / 115% sRGB, as listed by ASRock |
| Response-time labels | 1ms MPRT; 6ms GTG, as listed by ASRock |
| Video inputs | Two HDMI 2.0 ports; one DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Other connections and features | Speakers, 3.5mm earphone output, and a built-in 7dBi Wi-Fi antenna intended to connect to the PC |
| Stand and mounting | Height adjustment 0–100mm; swivel ±20°; tilt −7° to +20°; VESA 100 × 100mm |
Can it run at 165Hz over HDMI?
No. ASRock specifies a maximum vertical signal frequency of 100Hz over HDMI at 3440 × 1440; DisplayPort 1.4 is the connection that supports the monitor’s specified 165Hz maximum. If 165Hz is a priority, check that the computer has DisplayPort and use a suitable DisplayPort cable. Do not assume that an HDMI 2.0 label means these HDMI inputs can drive this model at 165Hz. The limits are in ASRock’s signal specifications.
That distinction is particularly important if you are considering a console or a PC that you normally connect by HDMI. The monitor’s input limits do not establish a particular console’s supported resolution-and-refresh combinations. Confirm the output modes of your device as well as the monitor’s limits before buying; the presence of HDMI ports alone does not establish that a console can use the full 3440 × 1440 ultrawide format or the monitor’s highest refresh rate.
#1 Best Overall
- 34" WQHD (3440x1440) 1500R VA Display
- 180Hz High Refresh Rate
- 1ms (MPRT) Response Time
- 94% DCI-P3 / 123% sRGB Color Space
- Wide 178-Degree Viewing Angles
How good is it for gaming?
The wide, curved 3440 × 1440 screen and high refresh ceiling are the central gaming attractions. They offer more horizontal workspace and a more immersive view than a typical 16:9 monitor, while the 165Hz specification allows smooth high-refresh PC play when the graphics card and connection can deliver it. Driving games and other titles that support ultrawide aspect ratios can make good use of the width; support and presentation vary by game.
That resolution also asks more of a graphics card than 2560 × 1440. A 165Hz panel does not guarantee that a particular PC can render a game at 3440 × 1440 and maintain 165 frames per second. Performance depends on the graphics card, game, and settings, so buyers should weigh the desired image quality against their system’s ability to produce high frame rates.
Response time: what do 1ms MPRT and 6ms GTG mean?
The 1ms MPRT and 6ms GTG figures are different response-time measures, not interchangeable promises that every pixel transition will complete in 1ms. ASRock lists both in its user guide. PC Gamer reports that the monitor’s fastest MPRT mode reduces brightness substantially; the review describes ordinary response as adequate for many players but not ideal for extreme esports play (PC Gamer, 22 February 2023).
Tom’s Hardware likewise noted weak overdrive alongside a decent gaming experience in its review (Christian Eberle, 17 February 2023). In practical terms, this is a more convincing fit for immersive and general gaming than for a competitive player whose top priority is exceptionally fast, clean motion. Treat the 1ms label as a mode-specific specification, not evidence that the monitor behaves like the fastest gaming panels in every setting.
Rank #2
- 90LXA0D0-A0E1A0V
Is DisplayHDR 400 worthwhile on this monitor?
The PG34WQ15R2B is VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified, but that is an entry-level HDR class rather than a guarantee of dramatic highlights or deep, locally controlled contrast. PC Gamer notes that the panel lacks local dimming and calls its HDR result modest, while still describing it as better than many low-end HDR experiences (review, 22 February 2023). Tom’s Hardware praised the HDR image quality but also observed light gamma (review, 17 February 2023).
So HDR is a useful feature to have, but it should not be the main reason to choose this display if you expect a premium HDR presentation. Certification alone does not describe local dimming, highlight control, or the result in a particular game or scene.
Stand, mounting, and setup
The included stand has meaningful adjustment: 0–100mm of height, ±20° swivel, and −7° to +20° tilt. If you prefer a monitor arm, the display supports a 100 × 100mm VESA mount according to the official guide. Check that the arm is rated for the monitor’s weight and size before installation; VESA compatibility alone does not establish an arm’s load capacity.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesASRock also lists a built-in 7dBi Wi-Fi antenna intended to connect to the PC and help avoid the desk masking the Wi-Fi signal. This may be a convenient placement option, but the feature specification is not evidence of a measured wireless-performance improvement.
Rank #3
- 34" WQHD (3440x1440) 1500R VA Display
- 180Hz High Refresh Rate
- 1ms (MPRT) Response Time
- 94% DCI-P3 / 123% sRGB Color Space
- Wide 178-Degree Viewing Angles
What reviewers found
In his 17 February 2023 review, Tom’s Hardware’s Christian Eberle described a decent gaming experience and strong HDR image quality, while flagging light gamma and weak overdrive. The review also listed low input lag, solid color accuracy, and straightforward operation among the positives, and the absence of a USB 3.0 port among the negatives (Tom’s Hardware).
Jeremy Laird’s 22 February 2023 PC Gamer review praised the overall package and ultrawide immersion, with the caveats around MPRT brightness, response behavior, and modest HDR noted above (PC Gamer). PC Gamer’s buying guide accessed on 4 October 2026 still listed the model as a budget ultrawide pick, praising its feature set and stand while warning that response is merely decent and setup needs adjustment (PC Gamer’s ultrawide guide). These are reviewer assessments, not a hands-on test by this publication.
Who should consider the PG34WQ15R2B?
- A good match: PC gamers who want a large 21:9 screen, 3440 × 1440 resolution, and high refresh capability, and who can connect over DisplayPort.
- Consider another priority: Competitive players who put top-tier motion clarity ahead of screen size, or buyers seeking a premium HDR display.
- Check your setup first: Anyone relying on HDMI for high refresh, planning console use, or expecting their graphics card to sustain high frame rates at native resolution.
- For desk ergonomics: The adjustable stand may be enough; a 100 × 100mm VESA arm is also an option if it supports the monitor’s load.
Before purchase, compare the exact model and warranty offered in your region. ASRock cautions that the monitor may not be sold worldwide, and current price and stock have not been verified. The less-than-$500 framing in Tom’s Hardware’s 2023 review is historical, not a current price claim.
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