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The LG 27GX790A-B is an excellent 27-inch 1440p OLED monitor for competitive PC gaming, thanks to its 480Hz refresh rate, extremely fast response, low input lag, and deep blacks. Buy it when heavily discounted and your PC can sustain very high frame rates; skip it for bright-room HDR, productivity, console-only use, or general-purpose value.
The 27GX790A-B is a specialist monitor rather than an all-rounder. LG’s MLA+ OLED panel combines the motion clarity competitive players want with the contrast OLED provides, but the older panel is not as bright as newer tandem-OLED designs and the 480Hz capability has limited value outside fast esports games.
RTINGS now identifies the LG 27GX790B-B as the replacement model. That does not make the 27GX790A-B obsolete, but it does mean the A-B model needs a meaningful price advantage before it becomes the better purchase.
Key takeaways
- The LG 27GX790A-B combines 2560 × 1440 resolution, an OLED panel, and a maximum 480Hz refresh rate for competitive PC gaming.
- Refresh intervals are 4.17ms at 240Hz, 2.78ms at 360Hz, and 2.08ms at 480Hz, so the jump to 480Hz is real but increasingly specialized.
- OLED gives the 27GX790A-B excellent black levels and strong gaming image quality, but sustained brightness and bright-room HDR are weaker than on newer tandem-OLED or Mini LED displays.
- RTINGS found very fast response, low input lag, broad VRR compatibility, and excellent console performance above 60Hz, while also noting noticeable VRR flicker and brightness limitations.
- The 27GX790A-B is attractive around $500–$600, defensible around $700–$750 for a serious competitive gamer, and generally poor value near $1,000.
What is the LG 27GX790A-B?
The LG 27GX790A-B is a 27-inch-class UltraGear gaming monitor with a 2560 × 1440 resolution, LG MLA+ OLED technology, and a maximum refresh rate of 480Hz. The tested panel measures approximately 26.5 inches diagonally. LG advertises a 0.03ms gray-to-gray response time, but that figure describes pixel response rather than total system latency or guaranteed motion performance.
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- Ascend your game with the speed of UltraGear - Experience next-level FHD gaming performance.
- 180Hz Refresh Rate & 1ms MBR - Gear up for smooth gameplay at up to 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms MBR. The faster speed and smoother action lets you respond quickly to opponents and stay a step ahead of the competition.
- AMD FreeSync - AMD FreeSync equips gamers with a fluid, virtually tear-free gaming experience. With up to a 180Hz refresh rate at Full HD resolution and low latency gameplay, you'll never miss a frame of the action as you play at peak performance.
- Gamer-Centric Design - Lose yourself in the game with a three-side virtually borderless, ultra-thin design that optimizes space on your battlestation. With two HMDI ports and DisplayPort connectivity on a tilt adjustable display, game to your specs.
- HDR10 Color - Immerse yourself in a world of brilliant and dramatic color and contrast with HDR10 support.
The monitor supports NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, along with the common VRR formats reported by RTINGS. Connectivity includes two HDMI inputs, DisplayPort 2.1, USB connectivity, and a headphone output. The stand supports height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustment. LG lists up to 98.5% DCI-P3 coverage and HDR10/VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 positioning on its official product page.
The 480Hz mode is principally a PC feature. A PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series console can benefit from OLED contrast, fast response, and 120Hz-class operation where supported, but consoles cannot use the monitor’s full 480Hz capability.
LG 27GX790A-B specifications
| Specification | LG 27GX790A-B | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 27-inch class; approximately 26.5 inches tested | A familiar size for competitive gaming and desk use |
| Resolution | 2560 × 1440 | Less demanding than 4K and well suited to high frame rates |
| Panel | OLED with LG MLA+ technology | Near-perfect dark-room blacks and near-instantaneous pixel response |
| Maximum refresh rate | 480Hz | Useful mainly when the PC can produce very high frame rates |
| Advertised response time | 0.03ms gray-to-gray | LG’s specification; not a complete measure of input latency |
| VRR | NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro | Adaptive synchronization for compatible PCs and consoles |
| Video inputs | Two HDMI inputs and DisplayPort 2.1 | DisplayPort is the important connection for high-refresh PC use |
| HDR and color | HDR10, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 positioning, up to 98.5% DCI-P3 advertised | Strong blacks and color, but not class-leading sustained brightness |
| Ergonomics | Height, tilt, swivel, and pivot | Suitable for a single monitor or vertical secondary-display setup |
LG’s advertised specifications should not be confused with independent measurements. Best Buy also notes that actual refresh rates depend on computer graphics hardware and configuration, so a DisplayPort 2.1 connection alone does not guarantee 480Hz.
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480Hz can look clearer and feel more immediate than 240Hz or 360Hz, but the improvement is most meaningful in fast competitive games running at correspondingly high frame rates. The improvement is measurable in refresh timing, but it is not equivalent to a fixed 2.08ms reduction in total input lag.
| Refresh rate | Time between refreshes | Practical audience |
|---|---|---|
| 240Hz | 4.17ms | Already excellent for most high-refresh gaming |
| 360Hz | 2.78ms | A strong choice for competitive players seeking lower persistence and latency |
| 480Hz | 2.08ms | Best for esports players with very high and stable frame rates |
The intervals are calculated as 1000 divided by the refresh rate. The change from 240Hz to 480Hz reduces the time between refreshes by about 2.08ms, while the change from 360Hz to 480Hz reduces it by about 0.69ms. Those calculations describe refresh timing, not measured monitor input lag.
OLED’s near-instantaneous pixel response is equally important. A high refresh rate cannot fully deliver clear motion if pixels transition slowly, while a fast panel cannot display new frames as frequently as a 480Hz panel. The LG brings both characteristics together.
For Counter-Strike-style shooters, Valorant, Overwatch, and other esports titles, the 27GX790A-B makes a stronger case than it does for turn-based games, cinematic RPGs, or ordinary desktop use. Players moving from 240Hz may notice smoother tracking and reduced persistence blur, but the difference is more subtle than the jump from 60Hz to 144Hz.
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How good is the LG 27GX790A-B for gaming?
The LG 27GX790A-B is outstanding for competitive 1440p PC gaming. RTINGS’ review found an extremely fast response time, low input lag, deep OLED blacks, strong overall picture quality, and broad VRR compatibility. RTINGS’ tested unit was manufactured in November 2024; the review was updated to Test Bench 2.1.2 on March 17, 2026, with monitor-side testing references including firmware 3.03 and 3.04. Those results describe the tested unit and firmware, not every retail sample.
Motion clarity is the monitor’s central strength. At 480Hz, moving targets remain easier to follow, and OLED response avoids the obvious smearing associated with slower LCD panels. The benefit depends on the complete system: the GPU, CPU, game engine, settings, frame-rate stability, connection, and player sensitivity all matter.
A monitor set to 480Hz is not necessarily displaying 480 unique frames per second. If a game produces 220 frames per second, the monitor cannot show 480 distinct game frames during that second. A sufficiently powerful PC and suitably optimized game are therefore prerequisites for exploiting the panel.
How does VRR perform?
Variable refresh rate helps the monitor synchronize its refresh timing with changing frame rates, but RTINGS reports noticeable VRR flicker on the 27GX790A-B. Brightness fluctuations can be particularly visible in dark scenes when frame rates change substantially.
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Potential mitigations include capping the frame rate below the monitor’s maximum, stabilizing game settings, testing fixed-refresh operation, keeping GPU drivers and monitor firmware current, and comparing NVIDIA G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync, and no-VRR modes. These steps may reduce the visibility of flicker, but they cannot guarantee that every unit or game will be flicker-free.
What should you do if 480Hz is unavailable?
- Use DisplayPort rather than an unsuitable HDMI configuration for the PC.
- Try the included cable or a certified cable with an appropriate specification.
- Confirm that the GPU supports the required DisplayPort capability and has a current driver.
- Open Windows Settings > System > Display > Advanced display and select the highest available refresh rate.
- Check the GPU control panel’s resolution and refresh-rate settings.
- Inspect the monitor’s input and refresh-rate menu, including any applicable overclock or high-refresh option.
- Check whether the game itself is frame-rate limited.
If 480Hz remains unavailable after those checks, the limitation may come from the GPU, cable, operating mode, or game rather than a defective monitor.
How good is the image quality?
The LG 27GX790A-B has excellent gaming image quality in a dim or controlled room. Each OLED pixel can turn off independently, producing effectively perfect or near-perfect black levels in dark-room conditions. Dark scenes have far stronger contrast than they typically do on an IPS display, and vivid colors combine with strong highlight separation for attractive game and movie images.
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- 180Hz Refresh Rate & 1ms GtG - Gear up for smooth gameplay at up to 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms GtG. The faster speed and smoother action lets you respond quickly to stay a step ahead of the competition.
- 1000R Curved Screen - This UltraGear monitor's dramatic and steep 1000R curve draws you in with game play by extending the periphery to feel like you're surround by the action.
- AMD FreeSync - AMD FreeSync equips gamers with a fluid, virtually tear-free gaming experience. With up to a 180Hz refresh rate at Full HD resolution and low latency gameplay, you'll never miss a frame of the action as you play at peak performance.
- Gamer-Centric Design - Lose yourself in the game with a three-side virtually borderless, ultra-thin design that optimizes space on your battlestation. With two HMDI ports and DisplayPort connectivity on a tilt adjustable display, game to your specs.
Small HDR highlights can look impressive because OLED places bright detail directly beside deep black. The result is especially convincing in dark games and video content. The monitor is not, however, a replacement for a high-brightness Mini LED monitor when the room is bright or when content contains large, sustained bright areas.
RTINGS reports limitations involving brightness, reflections, ambient black-level behavior, and gray uniformity. A matte OLED coating can reduce distracting reflections, but some viewers may find the image less clean or crisp than a glossy OLED panel. Ambient light can also make OLED blacks appear less deep than they do in a dark room.
Is the LG 27GX790A-B good for HDR?
The LG 27GX790A-B offers good OLED-style HDR contrast, not a full HDR showcase. HDR scenes benefit from black pixels that remain dark and highlights that stand out, but peak brightness is concentrated more effectively in smaller highlights than across a large portion of the screen.
Newer tandem-OLED panels are designed to improve brightness and color volume. RTINGS’ comparison says the newer LG 27GX790B-B gets brighter and produces more vivid colors than the 27GX790A-B. Buyers who prioritize bright-room visibility or sustained HDR should also consider Mini LED displays rather than assuming OLED is automatically superior.
Is the LG 27GX790A-B suitable for productivity?
The LG 27GX790A-B is acceptable for productivity, but it is not the best productivity-first monitor. The 27-inch 1440p workspace is sharp enough for ordinary office work, OLED contrast suits dark interfaces, and 480Hz makes scrolling and cursor movement exceptionally smooth.
OLED text rendering can be less ideal than text on a comparable IPS or 4K LCD, depending on the subpixel layout, viewing distance, application, and operating-system scaling. Text quality is not a universal defect, so prospective buyers should inspect the monitor in person or purchase from a retailer with a straightforward return policy.
Static desktop elements also change the ownership calculation. A Windows taskbar, browser interface, spreadsheet, or application toolbar displayed for many hours every day creates a more demanding pattern than varied gaming content. A 27-inch 4K monitor provides more pixel density and workspace, while a cheaper 144Hz–240Hz display usually delivers nearly all the practical benefit needed for office work.
What are the OLED burn-in risks?
OLED panels can develop uneven pixel wear or image retention after prolonged exposure to static content. Burn-in is not inevitable, and varied gaming is generally a different risk pattern from displaying an unchanged desktop or spreadsheet all day, but the risk should be part of the buying decision.
Use the monitor’s OLED Care features, pixel-shifting or screen-movement functions, automatic dimming, and screen-off behavior where appropriate. Do not manually force pixel-cleaning cycles more frequently than LG recommends. Keep the monitor powered in the manner specified by LG so automatic maintenance can run when needed.
Warranty coverage varies by country, seller, policy revision, and purchase type. Best Buy’s listing describes a two-year OLED limited warranty for the display panel, but buyers should verify the current regional LG warranty and retailer terms, including whether burn-in is covered or whether coverage is limited to functional panel failures.
Before buying, confirm whether the monitor is new, open-box, refurbished, or marketplace-sold. Keep the original invoice, photograph the panel during the return period, and test for dead pixels, visible uniformity problems, text clarity, and unwanted artifacts before the return deadline expires.
How should you test a new unit?
- Display a near-black or dark-gray test image in a dim room and inspect for obvious vertical bands or uneven areas.
- Check white, red, green, and blue screens for dead or stuck pixels.
- Read ordinary browser and operating-system text at your normal viewing distance.
- Test 240Hz, 360Hz, and 480Hz modes through the intended PC connection.
- Run a game with VRR enabled and watch dark scenes for distracting brightness fluctuations.
- Verify that the stand, ports, cables, and USB functions work before the return window closes.
RTINGS added an additional 15% gray-uniformity photograph in its November 2025 changelog. Gray uniformity and vertical banding can vary by panel sample; phone cameras can also exaggerate or misrepresent what the eye sees, so evaluate the screen visually as well as through photographs.
Does the LG 27GX790A-B work with PS5 and Xbox?
The LG 27GX790A-B is very good for console gaming above 60Hz, according to RTINGS, with VRR support reported for both major current consoles. Console owners benefit from OLED contrast, fast response, and 120Hz-class gaming where the console and game support it.
Console buyers should not pay a premium for the monitor’s 480Hz capability because PS5 and Xbox consoles cannot use 480Hz. A less expensive OLED or a display with a more console-oriented resolution and feature set may provide better value if a console is the primary gaming device.
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- Vivid Color That Puts You in the Action - Step onto the battlefield with HDR10 visuals and up to 99% sRGB color gamut coverage. The IPS display delivers rich, vivid tones, so every explosion, shadow, and landscape appears exactly as the developers intended.
- 120Hz Native Speed (144Hz Overclock) - Enjoy fluid, crystal-clear gameplay with a 120Hz native refresh rate, boosted to 144Hz when overclocked. Minimized motion blur keeps every frame sharp, so you can stay locked in on the action.
- 1ms MBR: Fast-Paced Speed to Victory - 1ms Motion Blur Reduction (MBR) keeps gameplay smooth and sharp, cutting blur and ghosting so fast-moving action stays clear—helping you stay competitive when every millisecond counts.
- NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible & AMD FreeSync - NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync deliver smooth, tear-free, low-latency gaming with high refresh rates—so every frame stays sharp.
Does the LG 27GX790A-B need DisplayPort 2.1?
DisplayPort is the relevant connection for PC users seeking the monitor’s maximum refresh rate, but DisplayPort 2.1 by itself does not guarantee 480Hz. The GPU, cable, selected display mode, driver, and game configuration must all support the required operating conditions.
HDMI remains useful for consoles and secondary devices. The exact maximum refresh rate available through each input should be checked in the current regional manual or specification sheet rather than assumed from the monitor’s general DisplayPort 2.1 label. Best Buy specifically cautions that actual refresh rates vary according to graphics hardware and configuration.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does the LG 27GX790A-B compare with alternatives?
| Alternative | Why choose it | Why choose the LG 27GX790A-B instead |
|---|---|---|
| LG 27GX790B-B | Newer RGB Tandem OLED panel, higher brightness and more vivid color, plus a dual-mode 720Hz at 720p option. | The A-B model may be better value when substantially cheaper and native 1440p/480Hz is the goal. |
| LG 27GX700A-B | Newer, brighter OLED technology for buyers who do not need 480Hz. | The A-B model is the better fit for esports players who specifically want 480Hz at 1440p. |
| ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDP | Another 27-inch 1440p 480Hz WOLED option; RTINGS identifies it as preferable for brighter rooms and notes its black-frame-insertion feature. | RTINGS says the LG has fewer bugs and may suit buyers prioritizing fewer issues. |
| Sony INZONE M10S | Very similar 1440p 480Hz WOLED positioning. | Choose the LG or Sony primarily by price, availability, warranty, design, and preferred monitor controls. |
| 360Hz QD-OLED | Often cheaper, with strong color volume and vivid HDR color; 360Hz is sufficient for most competitive players. | Choose the LG when you can exploit 480Hz and prefer its motion behavior, connectivity, ergonomics, or discounted price. |
| 4K/240Hz monitor | More detailed desktop work and single-player gaming for owners with powerful GPUs. | Choose the LG when esports performance and frame rate matter more than pixel density. |
The LG 27GX790B-B is the most important comparison because RTINGS identifies it as the replacement model. The newer monitor is the more persuasive choice when its price is close to the 27GX790A-B, while the older monitor remains compelling when a substantial discount buys essentially the desired 1440p/480Hz experience.
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How much should you pay for the LG 27GX790A-B?
The right price depends on the date, retailer, seller, inventory condition, warranty, and competing models. Best Buy listings crawled during the August 2026 research window showed both $699.99 and $749.99, with a stated $999.99 comparable value on the respective page variants. Those figures conflict and should be treated as volatile price signals rather than a guaranteed current price.
| Observed purchase band | Buying verdict | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| About $500–$600 | Strong value | Buy new from an authorized seller with clear OLED warranty and returns. |
| About $700–$750 | Reasonable but compare first | Make sure the competitive 480Hz benefit matters and check the price of newer tandem-OLED models. |
| Near $1,000 | Generally poor value | Only consider it if 480Hz at 1440p is specifically required and newer alternatives do not offer better value. |
| Open-box, refurbished, or marketplace pricing | Conditional | Verify panel hours, seller authorization, dead-pixel rules, burn-in coverage, return shipping, and restocking fees. |
The most useful shopping rule is simple: the LG 27GX790A-B should be meaningfully cheaper than the newer 27GX790B-B or another brighter premium OLED. A generic retailer listing is not automatically the cheapest or safest option, and a low price can be misleading if the unit is open-box or marketplace-sold.
Who should buy the LG 27GX790A-B?
Buy it if:
- You play competitive PC shooters and your hardware can sustain very high frame rates.
- You specifically want 1440p rather than 4K.
- You value motion clarity and OLED response more than maximum HDR brightness.
- You can see or value the difference between 240Hz, 360Hz, and 480Hz.
- The monitor is substantially discounted below newer premium OLED models.
- You have a reliable retailer return process and are willing to inspect the panel.
Skip it if:
- You mainly play on PS5 or Xbox and cannot use 480Hz.
- Your GPU cannot sustain high frame rates in your main games.
- You need a productivity-first display with maximum text clarity and static desktop use.
- You work in a very bright room or want the strongest sustained HDR brightness.
- You prefer 4K detail for single-player games, creative work, or a high-resolution desktop.
- You are uncomfortable with OLED maintenance or the possibility of uneven pixel wear.
Choose the 27GX790B-B instead if:
Choose the LG 27GX790B-B when the price premium is modest and you want the newer, brighter RGB Tandem OLED panel, more vivid color, and optional 720Hz/720p mode. Choose the 27GX790A-B when the older model is heavily discounted and native 1440p at 480Hz is all you need.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteChoose a 360Hz QD-OLED instead if:
Choose a 360Hz QD-OLED when you want lower cost, strong color volume, and vivid HDR while accepting that most players will receive enough competitive benefit from 360Hz. The LG’s additional refresh-rate advantage is most worthwhile to players with unusually high frame rates and a strong preference for maximum motion clarity.
Choose 4K/240Hz instead if:
Choose a 4K/240Hz monitor when detailed single-player games, desktop sharpness, and creative work matter more than esports-level motion performance. Choose the LG when high frame rates and competitive shooters are the primary purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the LG 27GX790A-B worth buying in 2026?
The LG 27GX790A-B is worth buying in 2026 when it is substantially discounted and your priority is competitive 1440p PC gaming at 480Hz. The newer LG 27GX790B-B is a better choice when its price is close because its tandem-OLED panel is brighter and more vivid.
Can the LG 27GX790A-B run at 480Hz on PS5 or Xbox?
No. PS5 and Xbox consoles cannot use the LG 27GX790A-B’s full 480Hz capability; console owners benefit primarily from OLED contrast, fast response, and supported 120Hz-class operation.
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Does the LG 27GX790A-B have burn-in?
The LG 27GX790A-B uses an OLED panel, so prolonged static content can cause uneven pixel wear or image retention. Burn-in is not inevitable, but owners should use OLED Care features and verify the current regional warranty’s burn-in coverage.
Is 480Hz noticeably better than 360Hz?
480Hz can provide clearer, more immediate motion than 360Hz, but the improvement is specialized. The refresh interval falls from 2.78ms at 360Hz to 2.08ms at 480Hz, and the benefit depends on stable frame rates, game type, hardware, and the player’s sensitivity.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: The LG 27GX790A-B is a superb competitive 1440p OLED monitor, but it is not a universal best buy. Purchase it at roughly $500–$600 if you want the strongest value, consider it around $700–$750 only after comparing newer OLEDs, and avoid paying close to $1,000 for an older panel with weaker brightness. The 27GX790A-B earns its place through 480Hz motion clarity—not through productivity, bright-room HDR, or console compatibility.
