If you prioritize a top-notch gaming experience with sharp image clarity and high peak brightness for HDR content, the CoolerMaster GP27U is an excellent choice, but it comes at a premium. Conversely, for general productivity and media consumption with satisfactory performance in these areas, the Dell S3221QS offers a larger screen size and better contrast, suitable for dark room viewing, at a lower cost. If print photo editing is a necessity, the CoolerMaster excels with its broader color gamut, whereas the Dell is sufficient for digital photo work. However, for competitive gaming, the Dell's slower response time and lower refresh rate make it less favorable compared to the CoolerMaster's superior metrics. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the CoolerMaster GP27U (IPS MiniLED)
Very good for casual gaming
Best in class for productivity
Very good for media consumption
Good refresh rate
Very good text clarity
Very good image clarity
Very good contrast
Very good brightness
Very good color volume
Very good response time
Advantages of the Dell S3221QS (VA)
The Dell S3221QS (VA) has no clear advantages over the CoolerMaster GP27U (IPS MiniLED).
Key differences
Casual Gaming
8.0/10
6.6/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
160Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
1072:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
3194:1
697 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
300 nits
1550 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
371 nits
N/A
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
90.6 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The CoolerMaster GP27U (IPS MiniLED) is very good for casual gaming, while the Dell S3221QS (VA) is only fair.
Competitive Gaming
5.9/10
3.8/10
160Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
6.2 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
20.9 ms
20 - 160 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
40 - 60 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
No
697 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
300 nits
The CoolerMaster GP27U (IPS MiniLED) and Dell S3221QS (VA) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the CoolerMaster GP27U (IPS MiniLED) is somewhat better.
Productivity
9.8/10
8.5/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
163 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
140 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The CoolerMaster GP27U (IPS MiniLED) is best in class for productivity, while the Dell S3221QS (VA) is very good.
Media Consumption
8.0/10
7.2/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
1072:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
3194:1
697 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
300 nits
1550 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
371 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The CoolerMaster GP27U (IPS MiniLED) is very good for media consumption, while the Dell S3221QS (VA) is good.
Cost
$770
$320
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The CoolerMaster GP27U (IPS MiniLED) has a price of $770 and the Dell S3221QS (VA) costs $320.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
Yes
No
The CoolerMaster GP27U (IPS MiniLED) is suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption while the Dell S3221QS (VA) is not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
No
Yes
The CoolerMaster GP27U (IPS MiniLED) is not suitable for digital photo editing while the Dell S3221QS (VA) is suitable for digital photo editing.
Print Photo Editing
Yes
No
The CoolerMaster GP27U (IPS MiniLED) is suitable for print photo editing while the Dell S3221QS (VA) is not suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the CoolerMaster GP27U (IPS MiniLED) and Dell S3221QS (VA) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
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How the CoolerMaster GP27U (IPS MiniLED) and the Dell S3221QS (VA) compare to other monitors
"The Cooler Master Tempest GP27U leaves little to complain about. It delivers a stunning picture with high contrast, brightness, and vivid color. Professional-grade video processing means a superlative gaming experience. And it’s a little less expensive than the competition."
"The Dell S3221QS offers a 4K, 32-inch panel that’s great for streaming videos and casual gaming, with an effective, gentle curve. But color accuracy and HDR performance leave much room for improvement."
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec monitors team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest monitor information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the monitor team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Monitors Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.