I couldn't find much info online about my new Z-Edge UG40 monitor I'm using now so I wanted to share some insight.

I didn't know much about the monitor market but I wanted to downsize from my dual 27" setup from 2019 without losing too much screen and have good text quality (IPS panel), but enough visual quality and response for the occasional gaming (1ms response or lower and 120hz+ refresh). I wanted to stay under $600. I tried the MSI 40" MAG401QR but didn't like the flat screen as the edges were difficult for text, a little dim and require me to lean which defeated the purpose. It was decent for gaming but not good enough for work. Plus the screen didn't handle reflections very well. I decided I wanted to go up in resolution.

I took a flyer on the z-edge UG40 since it seems like a new product offering. They're a budget brand but reputable enough that I was able to get one from Target for $550 and they had the easiest in-store return option for me. So far it's been a good monitor for both work and gaming. I like that the curve isn't too aggressive so text and app screens aren't wrapped.

For context, my PC runs with a 9800x3d + 9070XT. Playing Forza Horizon 6 it does a great job running max resolution on ultra and gets around 80fps so still under the native 120hz. Less optimized games like Expedition 33 struggle a bit and I had to throttle down to a medium setting level to avoid frame lag during certain scenes. I'm good with this performance to get 5k and will upgrade my GPU in a couple of years so my monitor is a little future proofed for the price point which is great.

My bezel did come with some damage and a minor blemish so I have an exchange in the works but the panel. Also, the vesa mount area is tight so aftermarket mounts like mine might not fit cleanly so I had to improvise a little with the mounting which isn't ideal.

Overall it's been a good monitor that fits my use case and budget. I'd love to hear from others if I've overlooked a better alternative or consideration.

https://www.z-edge.com/products/ug40

New to Ultrawides 80% work / 20% gaming monitor