High refresh rate gaming monitors usually come at a premium, but TCL’s FFALCON sub-brand challenges that norm with the Thunderobot Q5AD YYDS Edition. Priced around $88 in China, this 24.5-inch 1080p display offers a top refresh rate of 300Hz, a spec generally found in much pricier models.
- 24.5-inch 1080p Fast IPS panel with native 280Hz, max 300Hz over DisplayPort
- 1ms gray-to-gray response time with overdrive and motion blur reduction
- 99% sRGB and 93% DCI-P3 coverage, HDR400 certified
- Simple stand with tilt only; limited connectivity ports
The 300Hz Refresh Rate Depends on Your Connection
The Thunderobot Q5AD boasts a native 280Hz refresh rate, but to reach 300Hz, you must use the DisplayPort 1.4 input. The HDMI 2.0 port caps at 240Hz, which is still solid for fast-paced gaming but not the full potential. This makes it critical to have a compatible graphics card and cable to unlock the top speed.
Fast IPS Panel with Practical Color and Brightness
FFALCON uses a CSOT Fast IPS panel that delivers a 1ms gray-to-gray response time. The display is factory calibrated for good color accuracy, covering 99% of sRGB and 93% of DCI-P3, with support for 10-bit color (8-bit + FRC). A peak brightness of 400 nits and HDR400 certification add decent HDR capability for the price.
Minimalist Stand and Controls Reflect Budget Focus
The stand features a small hexagonal base to free up desk space, which is useful for gamers needing broad mouse movement. However, it only offers tilt adjustment (-5 to 15 degrees) without height or pivot options, which might limit ergonomic comfort for some users. Controls are managed via a five-way joystick on the rear, streamlining menu navigation.
Adaptive Sync and Extra Gaming Features Included
The monitor supports AMD FreeSync Premium and is also compatible with Nvidia G-Sync, helping reduce screen tearing. Additional features like a dark scene booster improve visibility in shadow-heavy scenes, and a dynamic crosshair overlay can assist in aiming during gameplay.
The Thunderobot Q5AD’s simplicity and focus on core gaming features come with trade-offs. The limited connectivity—just one DisplayPort, one HDMI, and a headphone jack—may be restrictive for multi-device setups. Also, the lack of advanced ergonomic adjustments means users must accept its fixed height and limited tilt.
Pricing at about $88 makes it an attractive option for gamers on a budget who prioritize high refresh rates and color accuracy over premium design and extra ports. Availability outside China remains unclear, so international buyers should monitor import options and pricing fluctuations.
Consider the Thunderobot Q5AD if you want a fast 1080p gaming monitor without breaking the bank and can work with its limited ergonomics and connectivity. Skip it if you need more flexible setup options or multiple inputs for a complex desktop environment.
(Via)
