LG's New 5K Monitors Bring AI Upscaling to Gaming Displays
LG has introduced two new gaming monitors, the 27-inch UltraGear evo GM9 and the 39-inch UltraGear evo GX9, featuring an industry-first AI upscaling feature that boosts lower-resolution game output to 5K directly on the monitor. This on-device upscaling allows gamers to enjoy higher visual fidelity without putting additional strain on their existing PC hardware. The 27-inch model also offers a Dual Mode that can hit 330fps at 1440p, while the 39-inch provides an ultrawide OLED experience.
The 27-inch model combines a 5K Hyper Mini LED panel with 2,304 dimming zones and 9,216 LEDs, hitting 1,250 nits peak brightness. Its built-in AI upscaling enhances lower-resolution game feeds to 5K on the monitor itself, avoiding extra load on the graphics card. The 39-inch variant offers a curved 5K2K OLED screen with a 0.03ms response time and HDR True Black 500.
Both displays support variable refresh rates such as G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium. The 27-inch model includes a Dual Mode switch, alternating between 165Hz at 5K and 330fps at 1440p, made possible by DisplayPort 2.1's UHBR20 bandwidth. These specifications target improved text sharpness, enemy visibility, and contrast, appealing to both cinematic and competitive players.
This technology could extend the lifespan of existing gaming PCs, as players may achieve higher visual fidelity without purchasing new graphics cards. It may also raise the baseline expectation for display quality, potentially pressuring other manufacturers to integrate similar on-device processing. For consumers, the trade-off between resolution and frame rate becomes more flexible, possibly influencing purchasing decisions in the high-end monitor market. Enthusiasts and competitive gamers are the primary beneficiaries, though the premium pricing might limit broader adoption.