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[Official] BenQ XL2730Z Owner's Club

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#1 ·
BenQ XL2730Z Owner's Club



Product Page
BenQ - XL2730Z Product Page

Anything and everything about the BenQ XL2730Z!

Google Form Application Here

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/174ITkMrXbU5RcSiG8WarJhLotWxpVgGWhLdtPsIqTCM/pubhtml?widget=true&headers=false

This is the first owner's club I have created, so please go easy on me! If you have any feedback or suggestions to add in here, please let me know in a post or by PM. I will do my best to keep important news or firmware updates posted!

Signature

BenQ XL2730Z Owner's Club


Code:

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[IMG alt=""]https://www.overclock.net/images/smilies/post-flame-small.gif[/IMG][URL=http://www.overclock.net/t/1572355/benq-xl2730z-owners-club] BenQ XL2730Z Owner's Club[/URL][IMG alt=""]https://www.overclock.net/images/smilies/post-flame-small.gif[/IMG]
 
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#2 ·
Ideal Basic Settings
Let me know if you have a better preset idea.
  • Black EQ - OFF
  • Preset Picture Mode - Standard
  • Brightness - 17 (adjust to preference of user)
  • Contrast - 50
  • Gamma - 3
  • Color - User-Define
  • RGB - 95, 99, 100
  • AMA - High
Important News
Quote:
Originally Posted by TFT Central
Update June 1, 2015

BenQ have confirmed that the FreeSync/AMA issue has now been fixed. A driver update from AMD is already available and should be downloaded from their website. In addition BenQ will be releasing a firmware update for the monitor itself to fix this issue. Current stocks in distribution are being recalled and updated with retailers so future purchases should already carry this new firmware. This is expected to apply for stock purchased AFTER 1st July, as V002 firmware screens should be shipped by BenQ to distributors in late June.

For those who already have an XL2730Z if you want to, you can return it to BenQ for them to carry out the firmware update for you. This only applies if the user is experiencing issues with the performance of the screen. There is no simple way for the end user to update the firmware themselves and it is not encouraged. Users should contact BenQ support through their relevant country website for more information on how to return their screen for the update.

This only applies in Europe and we do not have any information about how this update will be handled in other countries unfortunately. We would suggest contacting BenQ support for additional help if you need more information, now that a V002 firmware is in circulation. You should be able to identify the firmware version you have by accessing the factory OSD menu (hold menu button while powering the screen on, then press menu). The Firmware version (F/W) should start with V001 or V002 and then a date. You are looking for V002 for the updated firmware.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PC Perspective
The catch with the above (referencing TFT Central's statement) is that the statement came from BenQ PR for Europe, and we nor TFTCentral have been able to confirm any equivalent upgrade process in place for the USA. We did note in various online reviews that those receiving their BenQ XL2730Z in the last week of June confirmed having the new V002 firmware.
BenQ XL2730Z 40-144Hz FreeSync Display V002 Firmware Tested - Overdrive Fixed

Reviews


TFT Central - BenQ XL2730Z Great information on calibrating the monitor.

Tom's Hardware - BenQ XL2730Z 27-inch FreeSync Monitor Review

Tech Report - BenQ's XL2730Z 'FreeSync' monitor reviewed

DisplayLag - BenQ XL2730Z Review: 144hz AMD FreeSync Monitor

Overclock.net - KenjiS [Review] BenQ XL2730Z From an Nvidia Perspective...

Overclock.net User Review - Dargonplay

Purchasing
PC Part Picker - Compare Prices on BenQ XL2730Z

Fixes
Stuck at 60 Hz or 100 Hz bug.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HalongPort View Post

Can anyone please tell me how to get rid of the "stuck at 60 Hz or 100 Hz" bug?

I tried new DP cables, different DP ports, different driver versions and even a different GPU (R390, Fury).
As soon as the BenQ is turned off for some hours, the bug occurs.

In order to get rid of it I have to do a factory reset every time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dargonplay View Post

Oh man, I had this problem for so long and I was losing my mind with it, luckily for you I figured out how and why it happens.

Yes, the only way to get rid of the low refresh rate issue is to do a factory reset, what you can do is prevent this issue from happening in the first place.

How to do that you say? Plug it into a quality Active PFC UPS, that's it.

I saw this bug happen in front of my eyes, and it only happened when the house electricity cut off for a moment and came back, as frustrating as that is I had my PC connected to my CyberPower 950W UPS but my monitor was in the wall, after the electricity came back the bug was back as well.

I *Biological waste* you not, minutes after factory resetting the monitor and fixing the issue the electricity dropped down again, and the bug came back... Again.

This bug only happens when the monitor energy source is interrupted while the monitor is turned on, or when the monitor is asleep (Asleep = The screen is turned off but the LED light in the power button is orange).

You want this to stop happening? Don't unplug your monitor while on, don't let it be asleep overnight (In case of electricity drops), or connect it to an UPS, problem solved.
 
#3 ·
#4 ·
Add me ... just got mine TODAY
biggrin.gif




========================================

Steeps5 ... here's some good links for info on 1st post

OFFICIAL BENQ PRODUCT PAGE :
Features = http://gaming.benq.com/gaming-monitor/xl2730z
Specifications = http://gaming.benq.com/gaming-monitor/xl2730z/specification/#skip
Gallery = http://gaming.benq.com/gaming-monitor/xl2730z/gallery/#skip

REVIEWS :
- LinusTechTips YouTube Review "BenQ XL2730Z - The Best AMD FreeSync Gaming Monitor ?" = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHYKEsWlzRU

WHERE TO BUY :
- AMAZON.com $ 515.41 US = http://www.amazon.com/BenQ-XL2730Z-Screen-LED-Lit-Monitor/dp/B00TUK9D9K
- Shop.BENQ.us $ 569.99 US = http://shop.benq.us/benq-xl2730z-gaming-monitor.html
- NEWEGG.com $ 599.99 US = http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824014451
- NCIX.com $ 629.99 CAD = http://www.ncix.com/detail/benq-xl2730z-27in-wqhd-2560x1440-2d-105802-1613.htm
- REFURBISHED* @ Shop.BENQ.us $ 467.00 US = http://shop.benq.us/benq-outlet/refurbished-monitors/benq-xl2730z-gaming-monitor.html { GAMING MONITOR REFURBS: Save an ADDITIONAL $ 40 !! use Coupon code: 2015gamer$40 }

========================================
 
#5 ·
Fixed the spreadsheet not showing up, figured out I needed to publish the sheet!

Quote:
Originally Posted by KenjiS View Post

You should add my review from the forums to the list
wink.gif


http://www.overclock.net/t/1571693/review-benq-xl2730z-from-an-nvidia-perspective

Heres my current settings and an ICC Profile

Blur Reduction ON
Black Equalizer 0
Color Vibrance 13
Low Blue Light 0
Picture Mode Gamer 1
Brightness 45
Contrast 65
Sharpness 5
Gamma 5
Color Temperature: User Define R97 G100 B100
AMA High

Calibrated with Spyder 5, Heres my calibration profile for anyone interested:

BenQXL2730Z-21.zip 2k .zip file
I will add your review into the list!
 
#7 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scorpion49 View Post

Didn't know there was a club for this thing, I love mine. What does instant mode do?
I believe its the quick power on, ie, monitor only goes to standby, not fully off when turned "off"

uses more power but powers on faster

Also I cant imgur atm, but here is my proof
biggrin.gif


 
#8 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by KenjiS View Post

I believe its the quick power on, ie, monitor only goes to standby, not fully off when turned "off"
I might turn that on then, my PC boots up faster than the monitor right now. Also, yeah... not going to bother posting a picture of my screen, sorry OP.
tongue.gif
 
#10 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by KenjiS View Post

I believe its the quick power on, ie, monitor only goes to standby, not fully off when turned "off"

uses more power but powers on faster

Also I cant imgur atm, but here is my proof
biggrin.gif


wrong
smile.gif


instant mode is 'supposed' to bypass some of the scaler electronics to speed up the response time.
Response time/input lag with instant mode on is around 4-8 ms.
With instant mode off its 16-20 ms.

You can't tell in a normal testUFO ghosting test, but you can on the lagom.nl response time test.

I know that with Instant mdoe OFF on my XL2720Z, the vertical total tweaks don't work to lower the amount of the blur reduction "crosstalk" area, even though the strobe pulse widths still change.
But with instant mode on, using a Vertical Total 1500 tweak (default is 1125 VT) lowers crosstalk size by 25%.

No idea how this affects your screens though.

BTW can any of you guys explain this?



This is an XL2720Z, NOT an XL2730Z. A 1920x1080 screen....
 
#11 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Falkentyne View Post

wrong
smile.gif


instant mode is 'supposed' to bypass some of the scaler electronics to speed up the response time.
Response time/input lag with instant mode on is around 4-8 ms.
With instant mode off its 16-20 ms.

You can't tell in a normal testUFO ghosting test, but you can on the lagom.nl response time test.

I know that with Instant mdoe OFF on my XL2720Z, the vertical total tweaks don't work to lower the amount of the blur reduction "crosstalk" area, even though the strobe pulse widths still change.
But with instant mode on, using a Vertical Total 1500 tweak (default is 1125 VT) lowers crosstalk size by 25%.

No idea how this affects your screens though.

BTW can any of you guys explain this?



This is an XL2720Z, NOT an XL2730Z. A 1920x1080 screen....
Dang, that would have been guess number 2...

And i would guess that the 2720 can take a 1440p signal and downsample to 1080, like a few of the 1080p TVs can take a 4k input
 
#12 ·
This works on the XL2411Z also, over DVI (with the pixel clock patcher). No problems.
120hz shuts off the monitor completely over DVI. Doesn't even show Out of Range...just goes into power save mode. Pixel clock exceeds all limits.
120hz over displayport=478 MHz pixel clock. Shows an image but swimming pixels. Not stable.

I'll make a new post about it. This would work over Linux also...
 
#14 ·
Thinking of getting this monitor just because of the BenQ blur reduction. Catch is - I have SLI 980Tis. Never really experienced gsync, but with reading around, it will only be useful on lower fps. Is that correct?

The 2730z here are probably revision 1 with the freesync-AMA bug. Since i'm not going back to red anytime soon, will this be an issue? (Getting the firmware updated here is problematic).
 
#15 ·
Well, If you want this monitor ONLY because of the benq blur reduction, and not for the freesync capability, you're better off downgrading a bit to the XL2720Z. The XL2720Z with firmware V4 has much better blur reduction capability than the XL2730Z, despite it being only a 1080p panel. Someone above got the XL2730Z to work with the "AMA Low" setting, I think in this or the other xl2730z thread (this is a blur reduction toggle of AMA high) but then it didn't work anymore, he said; it's probably still available, but I don't have this monitor).

the XL2720Z however, with V4 firmware, has some big advantages over the XL2730Z if you can handle a 1080p 27" panel
1) AMA Low blur reduction (ONLY) toggle, enable MBR, then set AMA to high afterwards (or just highlight high and press back) recalibrates the AMA to low. Works best with a contrast lower than 15. This toggle (AMA low) did NOT exist in original release or V2 firmware. This was an undocumented 'feature' added.

2) Blur reduction capability from 60 hz to 129 hz in 1 hz increments, via custom resolutions, and single strobe option for 60hz-90hz, by enabling "Single strobe" in the service menu (this option is missing from XL2730Z).
3) Vertical total tweaks to improve the strobe crosstalk by changing the area the scaler works with for strobing (Changing the vertical total to 1502 (100hz and 125hz) or VT 1500 (@120hz; I found VT 1502 buggy at 120hz), can reduce strobe crosstalk by about 25%. VT tweaks don't lower strobe crosstalk on XL2730Z: see Bishi's tests in this thread:

http://forums.blurbusters.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=2222&start=20

XL2730Z strobe crosstalk at 120hz is equal to XL2720Z strobe crosstalk at 120hz without a VT Tweak.
(Note: XL2720Z running at a scaler downsampled resolution of 2560x1440--yes it can run at this resolution via an edid override and VT 1500 but only at 100hz) has identical strobe crosstalk as XL2730Z (at native 2560x1440).
 
#16 ·
Thanks Falkentyne,

While blur reduction is high on my list, better picture quality and higher resolution would be nice too. I came from a XL2420 before and have switched over to IPS. Not really happy with it in fps gaming. Thus making the switch back to TN.

I've read that the 2730z has picture quality than older TN tech. Is it the same with the 2720z? What about the brightness during strobing mode?

Regards,
Lanvin
 
#17 ·
Lanvin ...

The XL2730Z uses an 8-bit TN panel {AU Optronics TN Film (#M270DTN01.0)} so yeah its picture quality is MUCH better than most TN panels you've seen or used before, where as the xl2720z panel {AU Optronics TN Film (M270HTN01.0)} is the more conventional 6-bit TN panel, but with a Frame Rate Control that still produces 16.7 Mil colors, and looks almost as good. Both have brightness levels that are wickedly HIGH and TOO BRIGHT almost.

These are great monitors by every metric, you're Team Green ... so you may want to read this review = http://www.overclock.net/t/1571693/review-benq-xl2730z-from-an-nvidia-perspective

So far I'm really liking the BenQ XL2730Z ... but I'm still playing with the settings and my crossfire R9 290X set-up to see what gives me the best results.

The 2560 x 1440 resolution provides just a boat load of onscreen real estate, and at 144 Hz you almost don't need to worry about Free-sync or G-sync

Really the only downside to this Monitor is the PRICE, it's not cheap to say the least, but I will say once you get it, it does feel like and look like it's worth that money ... the build quality and overall picture quality and it's Spec's are above anything else in it's class.
thumb.gif
 
#18 ·
The XL2730Z is a great monitor, and Benq (apparently) switched the panel hardware itself in upgrades to V002 firmware, but the blur reduction with all the firmware bugs is a major step backwards. Other than the buggy blur reduction, it works great. And I agree the picture quality is like the ROG Swift...very nice for a TN panel
thumb.gif


I mean even the ULMB Gsync monitors can strobe at 85, 100 and 120hz. The xL2730Z can only strobe at 120hz. Yes I know it "can" strobe at 144hz. but if the strobe circuit works the same way as the XL2720Z, the crosstalk should cover literally -half- the screen at 144hz. Have you guys seen it? (i'll eat my foot if I'm wrong, but on the XL2720Z and the 24" brothers, it covered half the screen, making it almost useless in windows and any game without a giant sized bottom HUD).
 
#19 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lanvin View Post

Thinking of getting this monitor just because of the BenQ blur reduction. Catch is - I have SLI 980Tis. Never really experienced gsync, but with reading around, it will only be useful on lower fps. Is that correct?

The 2730z here are probably revision 1 with the freesync-AMA bug. Since i'm not going back to red anytime soon, will this be an issue? (Getting the firmware updated here is problematic).
You're missing out then, unless you need to play CS:GO at a billion fps Gsync/Freesync is the way to go. If you had bought a Gsync 1440p instead of a second 980ti you would probably have never felt the need for another card
wink.gif
 
#20 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scorpion49 View Post

You're missing out then, unless you need to play CS:GO at a billion fps Gsync/Freesync is the way to go. If you had bought a Gsync 1440p instead of a second 980ti you would probably have never felt the need for another card
wink.gif
The only 1440p Gsync here is just the ROG Swift and availability is very low too. Also, don't want to play the lottery(pixel inversion, dying issues) on that panel because the item return policy here is not very easy/convenient, especially for ASUS products. Also ROG Swift = 1000 USD here, 2730z = 550~600 USD.

Anyway, the second card is for my 4k panel when i'm playing RPGs @60hz. I'm looking at the 144hz panels for FPS gaming only.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LA_Kings_Fan View Post

Lanvin ...

The XL2730Z uses an 8-bit TN panel {AU Optronics TN Film (#M270DTN01.0)} so yeah its picture quality is MUCH better than most TN panels you've seen or used before, where as the xl2720z panel {AU Optronics TN Film (M270HTN01.0)} is the more conventional 6-bit TN panel, but with a Frame Rate Control that still produces 16.7 Mil colors, and looks almost as good. Both have brightness levels that are wickedly HIGH and TOO BRIGHT almost.

These are great monitors by every metric, you're Team Green ... so you may want to read this review = http://www.overclock.net/t/1571693/review-benq-xl2730z-from-an-nvidia-perspective

So far I'm really liking the BenQ XL2730Z ... but I'm still playing with the settings and my crossfire R9 290X set-up to see what gives me the best results.

The 2560 x 1440 resolution provides just a boat load of onscreen real estate, and at 144 Hz you almost don't need to worry about Free-sync or G-sync

Really the only downside to this Monitor is the PRICE, it's not cheap to say the least, but I will say once you get it, it does feel like and look like it's worth that money ... the build quality and overall picture quality and it's Spec's are above anything else in it's class.
thumb.gif
Quote:
Originally Posted by Falkentyne View Post

The XL2730Z is a great monitor, and Benq (apparently) switched the panel hardware itself in upgrades to V002 firmware, but the blur reduction with all the firmware bugs is a major step backwards. Other than the buggy blur reduction, it works great. And I agree the picture quality is like the ROG Swift...very nice for a TN panel
thumb.gif


I mean even the ULMB Gsync monitors can strobe at 85, 100 and 120hz. The xL2730Z can only strobe at 120hz. Yes I know it "can" strobe at 144hz. but if the strobe circuit works the same way as the XL2720Z, the crosstalk should cover literally -half- the screen at 144hz. Have you guys seen it? (i'll eat my foot if I'm wrong, but on the XL2720Z and the 24" brothers, it covered half the screen, making it almost useless in windows and any game without a giant sized bottom HUD).
Thanks for your insightful replies. Will decide in a few days which one to get.
smile.gif
 
#21 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scorpion49 View Post

You're missing out then, unless you need to play CS:GO at a billion fps Gsync/Freesync is the way to go. If you had bought a Gsync 1440p instead of a second 980ti you would probably have never felt the need for another card
wink.gif
I really disagree with this..

tried an RoG Swift, Really felt nothing from G-sync, if anything it made my experience worse, it stuttered and was -less- smooth than turning it all off at lower framerates.. higher framerates i saw a boost from it being a 144hz TN panel (in fact i saw a lovely improvement in smoothness just from that fact)

In fact its perplexed me enough I made a thread asking for theories about it, becuase i find it so hard something so hyped, so pushed on every person who mentioned "i play games" as adaptive sync tech that I found the experience at best no different and at worst well..worse..

As for the IQ on the 2730Z its really quite good, easily up there with most IPS panels due to the 8-bit color, and better in a dark room because, at least in my case, mine has less glow than an IPS panel.. I am quite happy with my 2730Z FWIW
 
#22 ·
It's because of this that I'm not giving up my XL2720Z. And until something comes out with equally adjustable blur reduction (meaning : strobing at 60hz/60 FPS) and a monitor with lower overdrive artifacts than a XL2720Z with V4 firmware, I'll probably end up buying a second XL2720Z. I would have snatched up the XL2730Z day one, if it didn't have the strobing issues
frown.gif


I was a CRT diehard until around 3 years ago. Then the CRT died and I moved on to a VG248QE. Great panel and then the lightboost hack put me right back in my CRT days, besides the limited refresh rates it could strobe at (100, 110 and 120 hz lightboost only). Then the XL2720Z...literally the CRT equivalent of an LCD.
smile.gif
 
#23 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by KenjiS View Post

I really disagree with this..

tried an RoG Swift, Really felt nothing from G-sync, if anything it made my experience worse, it stuttered and was -less- smooth than turning it all off at lower framerates.. higher framerates i saw a boost from it being a 144hz TN panel (in fact i saw a lovely improvement in smoothness just from that fact)

In fact its perplexed me enough I made a thread asking for theories about it, becuase i find it so hard something so hyped, so pushed on every person who mentioned "i play games" as adaptive sync tech that I found the experience at best no different and at worst well..worse..

As for the IQ on the 2730Z its really quite good, easily up there with most IPS panels due to the 8-bit color, and better in a dark room because, at least in my case, mine has less glow than an IPS panel.. I am quite happy with my 2730Z FWIW
Operator error or bad parts do not a bad technology make, can't really imagine what the issue was but there were a lot of driver problems when it first released. I've tried 4 Gsync and 3 Freesync screens and they have all been exceptionally good experiences. Even people that don't game and have no idea what they're looking at comment on how much better it is on vs off.
 
#24 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scorpion49 View Post

Operator error or bad parts do not a bad technology make, can't really imagine what the issue was but there were a lot of driver problems when it first released. I've tried 4 Gsync and 3 Freesync screens and they have all been exceptionally good experiences. Even people that don't game and have no idea what they're looking at comment on how much better it is on vs off.
This was a few weeks ago so im not sure about drivers playing an issue, I am likewise genuinely curious because everyone HAS said such things about the tech.. so im genuinely thinking there must have been something seriously wrong with more than just the panel in the Swift.. Maybe the GSync module was defective...
 
#25 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by KenjiS View Post

This was a few weeks ago so im not sure about drivers playing an issue, I am likewise genuinely curious because everyone HAS said such things about the tech.. so im genuinely thinking there must have been something seriously wrong with more than just the panel in the Swift.. Maybe the GSync module was defective...
There might be a similar thing as to this XL2730Z, this screen will allow you to force Blur Reduction on with Freesync and the results are... unpleasant. What kind of setup was it on? I noticed Gsync struggled a lot with game menus, I had noticed a lot of flickering in those when the frame rate went very high. I was able to forgive that because of the incredibly good in-game experience (still better than Freesync IMO).
 
#26 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scorpion49 View Post

There might be a similar thing as to this XL2730Z, this screen will allow you to force Blur Reduction on with Freesync and the results are... unpleasant. What kind of setup was it on? I noticed Gsync struggled a lot with game menus, I had noticed a lot of flickering in those when the frame rate went very high. I was able to forgive that because of the incredibly good in-game experience (still better than Freesync IMO).
GTX970 at the time running the Swift using the included Displayport cable, GSync on in the nVidia driver and the Monitor set to GSync mode, I dialed the monitor in with my Spyder and a few tweaks in the OSD. Im honestly not sure how I set it up improperly, the Gsync light came on on the screen, the mode/info said GSync was on, etc...

FWIW, the XL2730 is still a nicer monitor than the Swift, Im just picky and perhaps a bit nervous since I do not wish to end up regretting not getting Gsync or 4k 6 months from now..

And in the interest of transparency, I've noticed a slight oddity with my 2730Z lately, it seems its started having some weird things happening involving objects on the screen suddenly getting extremely blurry, it might be pixel inversion, might not, its very infrequent and ive yet to find a consistent way to reproduce the flaw so its entirely possible its nothing.
 
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