Gigasonic GS-21.5FHD500S8 Review: The New Budget King for 100Hz Gaming?

In the increasingly crowded budget monitor space, the line between an everyday display and a capable gaming screen is becoming delightfully blurred. Enter the Gigasonic GS-21.5FHD500S8, a monitor that packs three desirable features—an IPS panel, Full HD resolution, and a smooth 100Hz refresh rate—into a compact 21.5-inch frame.

But does this combination deliver on its promise of an affordable, yet excellent, entry-level gaming and everyday display? We put the GS-21.5FHD500S8 to the test to find out.

1. Design and Aesthetics: Sleek and Space-Saving

The first thing you’ll notice about the GS-21.5FHD500S8 is its commitment to modern aesthetics, despite its budget price tag. It features a “Borderless Slim Design,” meaning the bezels on three sides are minimal. This is a huge plus, making it look far more premium than its cost suggests and ideal for compact multi-monitor setups. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 14ABR8 Review: A Solid Performer on a Budget

The 21.5-inch size is perfect for users with limited desk space, such as students or those setting up a small home office. While the stand is functional, offering basic tilt adjustment, the overall build is lightweight and simple. It’s a monitor designed to blend into your setup quietly.

2. Display Quality: IPS for Vibrant Colors

The core strength of the Gigasonic GS-21.5FHD500S8 lies in its panel technology. It utilizes an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel, which is a significant win over the cheaper, often-used VA or TN panels in this price bracket.

• FHD Clarity: The 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) resolution is perfectly sharp and crisp on a 21.5-inch screen size.
• Color Accuracy: The IPS technology ensures wide viewing angles and significantly better color reproduction. Colors are punchy, making media consumption (movies, YouTube) much more enjoyable than on typical entry-level monitors.
• Brightness: With a rated brightness of 300 nits, the display is adequately bright for most indoor environments, and the Anti-Glare screen effectively minimizes reflections.

3. Gaming Performance: A Noticeable Leap from 60Hz

The “Gaming Monitor” tag is often overused, but the GS-21.5FHD500S8 does offer a substantial improvement for casual and entry-level PC gaming thanks to its 100Hz refresh rate.

For years, the standard has been 60Hz. Jumping to 100Hz means the image refreshes 40 times more per second, resulting in visibly smoother motion. This difference is immediately noticeable in fast-paced games and even when simply scrolling through web pages.

• Refresh Rate (100Hz): While competitive esports players look for 144Hz or higher, 100Hz provides an excellent balance for budget-conscious gamers who play titles like Apex Legends, Valorant, or Forza Horizon casually.
• Response Time (5ms): The 5ms response time (G-to-G) is standard for an IPS panel at this level. You might notice minimal ghosting in extreme competitive scenarios, but for the average gamer, it’s fast enough to provide a responsive and enjoyable experience.

4. Connectivity: Reliable and Versatile

In terms of ports, the Gigasonic GS-21.5FHD500S8 keeps it simple but effective:

• 1x HDMI: Essential for connecting modern PCs, laptops, and consoles.
• 1x VGA: A surprisingly useful inclusion that ensures compatibility with older or legacy systems, which is a big plus for office or educational settings.

5. Final Verdict: Who is this Monitor for?

The Gigasonic GS-21.5FHD500S8 is not trying to compete with premium 144Hz or 240Hz monitors. Instead, it carves out a niche as the ultimate budget-friendly hybrid display.

Pros:

• Excellent Value: Offers 100Hz and an IPS panel at a very competitive price point.
• IPS Colors: Far better color and viewing angles than competing TN or low-end VA panels.
• 100Hz Smoothness: Provides a noticeable performance upgrade from 60Hz for both desktop use and casual gaming.
• Slim Design: Modern, borderless aesthetics.

Cons:

• Compact Size: 21.5 inches may feel too small for power users or dedicated gamers.
• 5ms Response Time: Not ideal for professional esports tournaments.
• Basic Stand: Limited adjustability. Buy laptop at low prices

Recommendation:

The Gigasonic GS-21.5FHD500S8 is highly recommended for students, budget PC builders, and casual gamers who are looking for the absolute best feature set they can get at the lowest possible price. It’s a perfect entry point into the world of high-refresh-rate gaming without the premium cost.

Disclaimer: Monitor specifications and market availability may vary by region.

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