Big CPU and GPU announcements at CES, like Nvidia's new RTX super GPU or AMD's new 7600 XT, are never brought as a big surprise by endless rumors and leaked information. However, screen technology at CES 2024 is no exception, and real news can come in the form of.

Things start with Samsung's new 4K 240Hz 4K OLED, the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED. This product has almost everything one could ask for in a gaming monitor. All pixels, Samsung's punch QD-OLED technology, and 240Hz.[The HP Omen Transcend 32 is almost identical in specs. Then there's the Alienware 32 AW3225QF. This is the same 32-inch 4K OLED, also running at 240Hz. But this may be the first of these monitors to actually be available for purchase; it goes on sale on January 11 for $1,199.

Next, Acer has a number of new panels available, including 34- and 39-inch OLED ultrawides. Most impressive, however, is the Acer Predator Z57, a 57-inch dual 4K monster with a VA-type LCD panel and mini LED backlighting. At $2,499, it's priced exactly the same as the very similar Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 G95NC, which is a shame, but the Samsung operates at 240 Hz, while the Acer chooses 120 Hz.

If speed is more important than huge pixel count, there is the ASRock Phantom Gaming PG27QFW2A. This is a 27-inch 1440p LCD model with an IPS panel. It runs at 400 Hz, which is a bit faster for a 1440p monitor.

Then there is the new Dell UltraSharp U4025QW. Dell's UltraSharp panel is not strictly for gaming. But it is a 40-inch ultrawide with 5,120 x 2,160 pixels, exactly the same density as a 32-inch 4K monitor. It is also HDR 600 certified, so it will have plenty of punch, unlike previous 40-inch 5K2K panels, which were up to 300 nits. [Additionally, it uses LG's IPS Black technology for superior contrast. Finally, it operates at 120Hz. This is not an ultra-high refresh, but given the very high resolution, 120Hz is certainly sufficient. In fact, it is the screen I am most excited about at this year's CES. For that reason, it is a shame that Dell's price is $2,399. Considering that there is no mini LED backlight, it is too expensive.

If these are the main contenders for monitor products to date, CES is arguably about new TV sets more than any other technology. A large TV set does not necessarily make a great PC gaming monitor. But new TV technology will inevitably migrate to PC monitors, which is doubly true now that OLEDs are so widely used in PC monitors. [Samsung's new S95D OLED has a novel anti-glare coating that exhibitors believe will significantly reduce reflections compared to glossy screens, with only a slight reduction in contrast and black levels. We're not a fan of beautiful glossy panels, but Samsung may have come up with something special.

Samsung is also showing off its latest microLED screens. In fact, these are not yet aimed at consumers, let alone gamers. However, Samsung is currently producing one as small as 76 inches, which is much more practical than the typical 100+ inch monster you get with microLED technology.

Anyway, it has absolutely no bezel, the brightness and contrast are out of this world, and it looks great. It will probably cost $20,000 or so. Except that it foreshadows the kind of display we will be buying in 10 or 15 years.

Samsung had another microLED trick up its sleeve with a new transparent panel. Transparent OLEDs and LCDs are already available. But the transparent microLED is more transparent and still completely bezel-less. Apparently, it is hard to tell that it is not just glass. If you want the ultimate in sci-fi screen technology, this is probably it.

Of course, the other big noise in screen technology is LG. LG's new B4, C4 G4, and M4 OLED TVs don't look super exciting for the most part. However, the G4 and M4 feature LG's new second-generation MLA (microlens array) technology.

LG says the new second-generation panels are much more powerful when it comes to illuminating small objects, with peak brightness in a 3% window up by a pretty staggering 150%.LG also says the full-screen brightness of the new panels has not changed at all .

That's unfortunate, because if there is a general weakness in LG's WOLED panel technology in the context of PC monitors, and if there is a weakness compared to Samusng's QD-OLED panels, it is full-screen brightness.

Overall, there are some very nice displays on display at this year's CES, but the killer new monitor to end all gaming monitors, at least until games are fed directly into our brains, is definitely not here yet.

We may have to wait until CES in 2025 for that. Rumor has it that LG is working on brighter OLED panels for 2025. Moreover, LG is said to be developing 5K2K panels in both 34-inch and 40-inch sizes. Imagine that. A 40" 5K2K OLED with real full screen pop. I would sell my house for that.

_____________________________________ PC Gamer's CES 2024 coverage is courtesy of Asus Republic of Gamers.